Plumbing Repair and Replacement Costs 2026
Common plumbing repair costs — from fixing a leaky faucet to pipe replacement — with DIY guidance and when to call a plumber.
Plumber Hourly Rates 2026
- Plumber hourly rate: $75–200/hour (varies significantly by market)
- Service call/trip fee: $50–150 on top of hourly rate
- Emergency/after-hours rate: 1.5–2× standard rate
Common Repair Costs
- Leaky faucet repair: $100–300
- Toilet repair (flapper, fill valve): $100–250 (DIY parts: $15–50)
- Toilet replacement: $300–800 installed
- Drain cleaning (snake): $150–400
- Water heater replacement (tank): $800–2,000 installed
- Pipe leak repair: $200–1,000 depending on access
- Full repipe (copper or PEX): $5,000–15,000 for average home
- Sewer line replacement: $3,000–25,000 depending on length and method
DIY vs. Professional
Good DIY plumbing tasks: replacing faucet cartridges, swapping toilet fill valves/flappers, clearing simple drain clogs with a hand snake, replacing under-sink supply lines. Leave to professionals: anything requiring permits (new lines, water heater), working on main lines, gas line work, and anything involving cast iron or galvanized pipes (specialized tools and knowledge required).
The Cost of Ignoring Leaks
A slow drip (10 drops/minute) wastes 500 gallons/month — roughly $5–15/month in water cost. More importantly, even small leaks cause wood rot, mold, and structural damage costing $2,000–50,000+ if ignored long enough. Fix leaks immediately when discovered.