The first thing you’ll usually want to know when you need any plumbing work done is how much it’s going to cost. Hiring a plumber typically costs anywhere from around $150 to over $1,000, depending on what type of work you need done and which company you choose.
Many plumbing companies charge an hourly rate for each plumber, with rates typically ranging between $50 and $200 per hour. Some companies also charge a separate service call or dispatch fee, in addition to the hourly rate and the cost of any materials. Others may just charge a flat rate for specific services, which may or may not be a better deal than paying by the hour.
Factors That Can Influence Plumbing Costs
When trying to estimate how much you may have to pay for plumbing work, there are a few different factors that can come into play. One of the biggest factors is, obviously, how easy or complex the work is and how long it takes. Some plumbing work is relatively simple and usually doesn’t take an experienced plumber that much time. This can include things like fixing a running toilet or a leaky faucet. Other jobs, like detecting and repairing a leak, can be more complex and take more time, resulting in the cost potentially being quite a bit higher.
You also need to factor in the cost of the required materials or equipment. For instance, if you need to replace your water heater, the bulk of the cost will be for the new water heater itself. Another factor to consider is whether you’re having the work performed during the plumbing company’s normal operating hours. If you’re dealing with an emergency and need service after hours, many companies will require you to pay an extra emergency service fee or bill you at a higher hourly rate.
This is partly why preventative maintenance is so important, as it can go a long way toward avoiding major issues that require an emergency service call. In terms of emergencies, we mean things like your water heater developing a major leak and starting to flood your house, a clogged toilet that won’t stop running and is overflowing, a burst pipe, your sewer backing up, etc.
DIY vs. Professional Plumbing
If you’re somewhat handy and have the right tools, you may be able to fix something like a running toilet or leaky faucet yourself. Otherwise, it’s always a good idea to hire a licensed professional plumber for the majority of plumbing projects. One reason is that you can pretty much be certain that the plumber will do everything correctly, so you avoid other issues arising. The biggest risk when trying to do certain tasks yourself is that you could cause your plumbing to leak, creating the potential for extensive water damage.
If a plumber does something that causes a leak, they or their insurance will be responsible for paying to repair the damage. If you do the work yourself and cause a leak, you’ll almost certainly have to pay for everything out of pocket. That’s because homeowners’ insurance companies will almost always deny a claim if the issue arose as a result of DIY work.
Even trying to do something like clean a clogged drain yourself can be a bad idea. Using a plunger to try and unclog a drain is no issue, but any professional plumber will tell you never to use drain cleaner. That’s because the chemicals in drain cleaner are so harsh and corrosive that they can do major damage to your pipes, creating the potential for a major leak and a steep repair bill.
Trusted Plumbing Services in Seattle
South West Plumbing is the company to call when you need reliable plumbing services in Seattle. We’ve been serving our community for more than 45 years and have a team of certified plumbers ready to take on any repair or installation. We offer 24/7 emergency services and will promptly respond to your call, day or night. We also don’t charge anything extra for service calls in the evenings or on the weekends.
If you’re looking to save money on future plumbing services, signing up for our Bill’s Comfort Club is the way to go. Plan members receive three to four yearly visits, focused on preventative plumbing, electrical, and HVAC maintenance. You’ll also receive other great perks, including a 20% discount on plumbing repairs, free diagnostic services, waived dispatch fees, and priority scheduling.
To schedule a service call or learn more about our maintenance membership, contact us today.
