If you’re a homeowner that needs to hire a professional plumber in your area, one of the most important things to understand is that the price you pay will ultimately be dictated by a wide range of different factors. While there isn’t an easy answer to the question “how much does a plumber cost?”, understanding why those prices fluctuate can help you make the most informed decisions possible moving forward.
Breaking Down the Cost of a Plumber
According to research conducted by Angi (formerly known as Angie’s List), if you need to bring in a professional to snake a drain in your home, you may pay a flat fee or an hourly rate depending on which company you call. Average prices for cleaning a toilet drain, for example, range from $110 to $275 in some areas. Snaking a kitchen sink could easily run you between $110 to $215, while a bathtub or shower could be as much as $225.
If you’re experiencing a problem with your main sewer line, things can quickly get more expensive. Here, snaking likely won’t be the appropriate solution — a plumber will need to use a technique called hydro jetting to eliminate any greasy buildup that has developed in the line over time. The price for this usually begins around $400, though it also includes a video inspection so that the plumber can understand the true condition of the line and to verify the exact spot where they need to make the repair.
Even a small plumbing leak can lead to mold if left unchecked. According to Angi estimates, it can cost upwards of $400 to replace 100 square feet of drywall, while mold remediation can cost anywhere between $500 to $3,000 in some areas.
Of course, you may not be experiencing a problem at all. Many Angi users are looking to have routine work performed in their home, like the installation of a new toilet. In addition to the cost of the toilet itself, it usually costs between $225 and $530 to have this work performed. Toilets themselves can range in cost from $90 to $1,500 or more, depending on the brand and what type you choose to go with.
In the end, it should be clear by now that the answer to the question “how much does a plumber cost?” is a resounding “it depends.” Not only will the price be dictated by the type of work you need to have completed, but it will also be influenced by the severity of certain issues and even the area of the country where you live.
