Get instant estimates for any plumbing job — faucets, toilets, water heaters, repipes, drain clearing, sewer repairs, and more. Select your job type and we calculate everything.
Number of faucets to install/repair
Plumbing estimates combine fixture costs, labor hours, and access complexity. Unlike painting or roofing where you price by square foot, plumbing is priced per fixture or per job — and difficulty of access is the single biggest labor variable.
Fixture costs vary wildly by grade. A builder-grade toilet runs $100-150, while a Toto Washlet is $800+. Same install labor — the fixture cost is what changes the total. Always quote specific fixtures, not vague "toilet install" pricing.
Access difficulty is where you make or lose money. A faucet swap with easy under-sink access takes 45 minutes. The same faucet behind a wall with corroded galvanized supply lines takes 4 hours. Price accordingly — our calculator adjusts labor by access difficulty.
Don't forget the hidden costs. Permits ($150-400 for water heaters, repipes), drywall repair after wall access ($200-500), disposal of old fixtures ($50-100), and code-required upgrades (expansion tanks, earthquake straps, shutoff valves). These add up fast and catch contractors off-guard.
Multi-unit jobs deserve discounts. If you're replacing 3 toilets in one trip, the per-unit cost should be lower — you only mobilize once. Our calculator applies automatic multi-unit discounts (5-20% depending on quantity).
Licensed plumbers charge $75–$150 per hour for standard work, or $150–$250/hour for emergency and after-hours calls. Most plumbers also charge a service call fee ($50–$100) just to show up. Many jobs are quoted flat-rate rather than hourly — especially fixture installs and water heaters.
A standard 40-50 gallon tank water heater runs $1,200–$2,200 installed. Tankless water heaters cost $2,000–$4,500 installed. The price difference is mainly in the unit itself and the additional gas/electrical work tankless systems require. Always include permit fees ($100–$300).
PEX costs 40–60% less ($4,000–$8,000 vs $6,000–$12,000), installs faster (fewer connections), resists freezing, and works for most residential applications. Copper lasts 50+ years, has a proven track record, and may add more resale value. Most modern plumbers recommend PEX unless you have a strong preference for copper.
Permits are required for water heaters, repipes, new gas lines, sewer work, and new bathroom rough-ins in most cities. Simple fixture swaps (faucet, toilet, disposal) typically don't require permits. Cost: $100–$400 including inspection. Skipping permits can void insurance and create legal problems when selling your home.
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