How much should a plumber charge per hour?

Find the best plumbing professionals in your area. We help homeowners make reliable decisions through our reliable, up-to-date, and unbiased information and average project costs. All of our content is thoroughly reviewed and verified by our team of home improvement experts. Learn more about how we maintain these values.

Modernize connects homeowners with trusted local plumbers who are experts in handling a wide range of plumbing needs. Whether it's routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or a major installation, our network includes highly selected professionals committed to the highest quality service. Check out our detailed guide on how to hire the right plumber to ensure that your project is completed efficiently and to the highest standards. Most plumbers offer a fixed rate within a certain radius of their workshop, with additional prices for mileage beyond of that.

When creating your cost estimate, your plumber will need to consider the wear and tear your project places on the tools. Plumbers charge more for their labor (and supplies and tools are more expensive) in areas with a higher cost of living. If a plumber charges for the amount of time the budget takes, he will often deduct this cost from your final bill, if hired. If you decide to upgrade your stock plumbing materials, your plumber will charge you the difference for the different types of plastic and copper pipes.

While plumbing jobs that require more time will cost you more because of the cumulative hourly rate, most plumbers will also charge more depending on the complexity and location of the pipes. Skilled plumbers are usually plumbing business owners and have the knowledge and experience to solve any problems that may arise. When it comes to hiring a plumber, you can hire a general plumber to handle basic repairs or a plumbing contractor who specializes in new construction and remodeling projects. Many plumbers offer free estimates and some may even visit your home for a free consultation, especially if you are a new customer.

Commercial plumbers must comply with strict building codes and are not likely to do any residential work. In addition to charging for time, plumbers also charge for any new installation or pipe needed to repair or improve a space. A master plumber can own his own business and is qualified to supervise novice plumbers and teach apprentice plumbers. In fact, more than 1/3 of Angi's requests to hire a plumber are for fixture installation or replacement projects, while the second most common request is to fix a pipe or a dripping faucet.

Be sure to describe your expectations to confirm that your plumber is able to manage the entire project.

Hillary Edelmann
Hillary Edelmann

Proud coffee fanatic. Music ninja. Proud travel geek. Extreme beer practitioner. Infuriatingly humble sushi aficionado.