How much will your plumbing drain repair cost?

Columbus, OH 43215

Plumbers on Thumbtack cost$81 - $148

National average hourly price

  • Lowest price:$
  • Most common low price:$81
  • Most common high price:$148
  • Highest price:$

How much does a plumber charge per hour?

By Thumbtack Staff

Last updated Tue, Nov 12

In the U.S., plumber hourly rates range from $81-$148, depending on the project. According to Thumbtack data, plumbers charge an average of $95-$133 per hour for pipe repairs and $81-$148 per hour for toilet repairs. It's also important to note that hourly rates vary by location. Generally, plumbers in cities with higher costs of living will charge more than those who live in more affordable areas.

Plumber hourly rates

ServiceLow-end ratesAverage rateHigh-end rates
Pipe repairs$50-$60/hour$95-$133/hour$189-$225/hour
Drain repairs$55-$63/hour$95-$148/hour$189-$225/hour
Pipe installation or replacement$55-$63/hour$98-$148/hour$220-$279/hour
Emergency plumbing$50-$51/hour$90-$147/hour$185-$225/hour
Toilet repair$55-$60/hour$81-$148/hour$220-$225/hour
The pricing in the table above reflects national average pricing.
If you're thinking about hiring a plumber for your next project, keep reading this guide to learn how pricing typically works.

What's in this cost guide?

Plumber service call fees.

During a service call, the plumber will visit home and inspect the plumbing issue to determine how much the repair or replacement will cost. It's important to note that some plumbers may offer free service calls or waive the fee if you hire them for the job.
National average plumber service call fees range from $64-$275, depending on the plumbing issue you're experiencing.
Plumbing issueLow-end costAverage costHigh-end cost
Clogged drain$79$215$250
Leaky pipes$64$217$250
Burst pipes$64$234$275
Gurgling sounds$75$253$259
Unpleasant odor$69$231$250
Emergency plumbing$79$204$250
All pricing in the table above reflect national average costs.

How much does it cost to unclog a drain?

Depending on the project, the national average cost to unclog a drain is $331, according to Thumbtack data. However, some jobs may cost as little as $191, and larger jobs cost $672.

How much does a plumber cost to fix a pipe?

On average, pipe repairs cost $405 in the U.S. Pipe repairs can range from small fixes to replacing frozen or burst pipes. For example, repairing a burst pipe costs anywhere from $232-$764.

Emergency plumbing repair cost.

Plumbing nightmares don’t always happen between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Customers will pay a premium for plumbing repair service calls after hours, on holidays and over the weekend. The national average hourly cost for emergency plumbing repairs is $90-$147/per hour. Typically, midnight jobs and holiday calls for Celtic Plumbing & Heating start at $500 and can go higher if there are extensive plumbing repairs or sewer line repairs.
Compare prices from Plumbers near you.

How to save money on plumbing services.

Sometimes a customer can save by having materials on hand before the plumber arrives. It’s a good idea to clear any purchases with the plumbing contractor beforehand to make sure you have the proper materials. For example, if you want a new toilet or new sink installed, or sump pump installation, you can save time and money by purchasing those items ahead of time.

How to find a plumber.

  • Always include photos of what you need fixed or repaired to get a more accurate quote.
  • Give them as much information as possible when you first call. Tell them what the trouble is, let them know if it's been a problem before, tell them if you have a septic tank, a tankless water heater, or anything else that may not be standard to help them assess your plumbing problem.
  • Ask if they offer free estimates
  • Keep in mind that if a plumber needs to open walls to access pipes, you may have to budget for and hire a handyman or contractor to patch things up after the plumbing job is complete.
*A note about project costs featured in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.
How do we know these prices?

Millions of people ask Thumbtack for help with their projects every year. We track the estimates they get from local professionals, conduct our own research and then we share those prices with you. The prices reflected in the article above are for informational purposes only and are subject to change at any time. Contact a professional near you to receive a personalized cost estimate for your project.

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