Plumbers

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Plumber Job Description

Typical costs:
  • Plumbers’ rates vary significantly by location. In some areas plumbers charge $45 -$75 an hour; in other regions the hourly rate can be $75 -$150. Most plumbers charge a two-hour minimum or a service call fee of $75 -$150, and some plumbers bill a flat fee per job instead of an hourly rate. Either away, exact costs will depend on the complexity and type of work done. For example, it can cost $50 -$200 to have a plumber repair a toilet by replacing the tank mechanism, wax ring (underneath the toilet) or flange (under the wax ring). Replacing a toilet typically costs $150-$600for standard installation of a basic toilet.
  • Unclogging a toilet can cost $65-$250 or more for a simple obstruction in just the toilet andunclogging a drain can cost $50-$450 or more for a simple obstruction. If a plumber needs to “snake” the main sewer line with a cable and cutting head to remove debris and tree roots it can cost $100-$800 or more, depending on the distance snaked. If the pipes are damaged, sewer line replacement can cost $1,000-$25,000 or more, depending on the length and depth of existing pipes, replacement method used and complexity of the project, with a typical cost of$3,000-$6,000 for the traditional dig-up-and-replace sewer technique for an average family home.
  • If a kitchen isn’t already set up for a garbage disposal, running the pipes to add one can cost$100 -$450; the disposal itself can be another $50 -$2,500. A plumber typically charges $200-$500 to install a standard utility sink if the basic hook-ups and vents are already in place, or$500-$1,300 or more to add he basic hook-ups; the utility sink itself can cost another $50-$900or more.
  • Having a plumber install a water heater can cost $300-$3,500 or more for a traditional tank water heater, depending on capacity, quality of materials, length of warranty and any repairs needed to bring the installation up to current building codes. A central, whole-house tankless water heatertypically costs $800-$3,000, or $1,800-$5,000 with installation.
  • If water in a crawlspace or basement is a problem, expect to pay $250-$600 parts and labor to have a plumber install a basic sump pump.
  • Plumbing for new house construction can cost $200 -$800 per fixture in low-cost, rural areas or$800-$1,100 or more per fixture in high-cost urban areas, with a toilet sink and bathtub each considered an individual fixture; a house with 10 fixtures could cost $2,000 -$11,000. Tearing out old pipes and installing copper pipes in a two-bedroom, 1,500-square-foot home can cost$2,000-$15,000 or more, depending on location, the size and condition of the crawlspace under the home, the amount of wall to be torn out and other factors.

About Bob

Father, grandfather ( 4 grandsons ), Entrepreneur '77, ECU '76, Single, Windsurfer, Mnt biker, hiker, camping, gardening

One Response to “Plumbers”

  1. Shawn H.

    Great article Bob! The list of services and prices are right in line with the average costs for basic plumbing services. There are some projects that will require additional work, specially when it comes to pipe repairs. As a professional plumber, I also have to say that, when searching for a plumber near you, be sure to read online reviews and testimonials. Also look for companies that are licensed and insured.

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