Find Plumbing Pros Near You

Most plumbers charge between $75 and $200 per hour depending on your location and the complexity of the work. Many also charge a service call or trip fee of $50–$150 just to come out and diagnose the issue. For larger jobs like water heater replacements or re-piping, plumbers often provide flat-rate project pricing instead of hourly rates.

Simple tasks like replacing a faucet aerator, plunging a clogged toilet, or tightening a loose showerhead are safe DIY projects. Call a professional for anything involving gas lines, water heater issues, sewer line problems, persistent clogs that a plunger cannot clear, or any job requiring soldering or permits. Attempting complex plumbing work without proper knowledge can cause water damage costing thousands.

A standard tank water heater replacement typically takes 2–4 hours and costs $1,000–$2,500 including the unit and labor. Switching from a tank to a tankless water heater takes longer (6–10 hours) and costs $2,500–$4,500 because it often requires upgrading gas lines, venting, or electrical connections.

Call a plumber right away if you notice a sudden drop in water pressure throughout your home, sewage smell coming from drains, water pooling around the base of your water heater, visible pipe corrosion or green staining on copper pipes, or any signs of a slab leak such as warm spots on floors or unexplained increases in your water bill.