Quick answer
Angi puts plumber labor at $45–$200 per hour, about $100 on average, and after-hours visits at about $150 per hour, often with a flat trip fee of $100–$350. Many companies quote common jobs at a flat price instead: HomeServe puts drain cleaning at $100–$275, and HomeAdvisor puts typical toilet repairs at $150–$391. Ask whether the price is hourly or flat, what the trip fee covers, and whether parts are extra before work starts. Call (888) 217-6781 to reach a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
Plumbing prices vary more by how a company charges than by the job itself. Some bill by the hour plus parts, many quote common jobs at a flat price, and almost all charge more after hours. Knowing the structure before the visit is the easiest way to avoid a surprise.
Typical Rates
| What | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber labor, regular hours | $45–$200 per hour (about $100 average) | Angi |
| Emergency or after-hours rate | about $150 per hour | Angi |
| Emergency trip fee | $100–$350, flat | Angi |
Typical Job Prices
| Job | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Drain cleaning | $100–$275 | HomeServe |
| Main-line clog | $150–$500 | HomeServe |
| Toilet repair | $150–$391 (average $271) | HomeAdvisor |
| Kitchen faucet replacement, installed | $162–$364 | HomeAdvisor |
| Main water line leak repair | $354–$1,696 | HomeAdvisor |
| Tankless water heater repair | $75–$1,300 | HomeAdvisor |
Talk to a plumber about this
One call reaches a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
What Changes the Price
- Time of day. Evenings, weekends and holidays cost more. If you can stop the water with a shutoff valve, waiting for a weekday visit can save money. See is it a plumbing emergency.
- Access. A pipe behind tile, under a slab or in a crawl space takes longer.
- Parts. A cartridge is inexpensive; a water heater is not.
- Diagnosis. A clear description on the phone ("the kitchen sink and dishwasher back up, nothing else") lets a company quote more accurately.
Questions to Ask Before Work Starts
- 1Is this hourly or a flat price for the job?
- 2Is there a trip or diagnostic fee, and does it count toward the repair?
- 3Are parts included?
- 4Is there an after-hours premium?
- 5Is the plumber licensed where your state requires it?
Get the price in writing before work begins, and compare at least two quotes on any large job such as a water heater replacement or a sewer line.
The Call
Call with the fixture, what it is doing and how long it has been happening, and ask how the company charges. (888) 217-6781 connects you to a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more, because the companies taking calls change minute to minute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a plumber charge per hour?
Angi puts plumber labor at $45–$200 per hour, about $100 on average, and emergency rates at about $150 per hour.
What is a plumber's trip fee?
A flat charge for coming out, which Angi puts at $100–$350 for emergency visits. Some companies apply it to the repair; ask before booking.
How much does it cost to unclog a drain?
HomeServe puts drain cleaning at $100–$275 and a main-line clog at $150–$500.
Why do plumbers charge more at night?
After-hours, weekend and holiday visits carry a premium. If the problem can be stopped with a shutoff valve, a weekday booking usually costs less.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.