How much does a plumber cost?

Hourly rate: $75-$200 (varies by region and experience). Service call fee: $50-$100 (trip charge). Emergency/after-hours: $150-$400/hour. Common jobs: leaky faucet repair: $100-$250. Toilet repair: $100-$200. Clogged drain: $100-$300. Faucet replacement: $150-$400. Toilet replacement: $200-$500. Water heater installation: $800-$2,000. Getting multiple quotes is always recommended for jobs over $500.

Should I repipe my house?

Repipe if: you have galvanized steel pipes (likely corroded, causing low water pressure and rusty water). You have polybutylene pipes (prone to sudden failure). You experience frequent leaks. Your water pressure has gradually decreased. Your water is discolored. Cost: PEX repipe: $4,000-$10,000 (most common, best value). Copper repipe: $8,000-$20,000 (premium). Time: 2-5 days for a whole house. PEX is now the standard choice for repiping due to lower cost, faster installation, and freeze resistance.

PEX vs copper: which is better for plumbing?

PEX: better for most homeowners. Lower cost (50-70% less than copper), faster installation (flexible, fewer joints), freeze-resistant (expands slightly before bursting), quiet (no water hammer), and proven reliable over 30+ years of use. Copper: better for exposed runs (more attractive), outdoor use (UV resistant), and perceived premium value. The industry has shifted heavily toward PEX. Over 60% of new homes use PEX for supply lines. Unless you have a specific reason to use copper, PEX is the better value.

How do I know if my pipes need replacing?

Warning signs: discolored water (brown or rusty), low water pressure (gradually decreasing), frequent leaks, visible corrosion on exposed pipes, and water with a metallic taste. Age-based: galvanized steel over 50 years: replace. Polybutylene (any age): replace. Copper over 50 years: inspect for pinhole leaks. PEX: unlikely to need replacement for 40+ years. If you have galvanized or polybutylene pipes: schedule a plumbing inspection. These materials are known failure points and should be proactively replaced.

Article

Home Improvement

Plumbing Guide: Systems, Repairs & Cost

Lumberama Editorial Team, Plumbing & Home Systems Specialists Sep 19, 2026 12 min read

Home Plumbing Basics

Your home's plumbing has two systems: the supply system (brings clean water in under pressure) and the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system (removes wastewater by gravity). Supply pipes are smaller (1/2 to 1 inch) and carry water at 40-80 PSI. Drain pipes are larger (1.5 to 4 inches) and rely on gravity and proper slope (1/4 inch per foot).

Pipe Materials

Copper: The gold standard for supply lines. Durable, reliable, and long-lasting. Lifespan: 50-70 years. Cost: $3-$8/linear foot (installed). Pros: proven track record, does not leach chemicals, and resists bacteria. Cons: expensive, can corrode in acidic water, and noisy (water hammer).

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene): The modern standard. Flexible plastic tubing. Lifespan: 40-50 years. Cost: $1-$3/linear foot (installed). Pros: affordable, flexible (fewer fittings), freeze-resistant (expands slightly), quiet, and fast to install. Cons: cannot be used outdoors (UV damage) and relatively new (less track record).

PVC: Standard for drain and waste lines. Lifespan: 50-100 years. Cost: $0.50-$2/linear foot. White plastic. Cannot be used for hot water supply.

ABS: Similar to PVC but black. Used for drain lines. Common in older homes.

Galvanized steel: Common in homes built before 1960. Corrodes from the inside out, restricting flow. Lifespan: 40-50 years. Should be replaced if present (likely corroded).

Polybutylene: Gray plastic used 1978-1995. Prone to failure. Should be replaced. Insurance companies may refuse coverage.

Common Repairs

Leaky faucet: Usually a worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge. DIY fix: $5-$20 in parts. Plumber: $100-$250.

Running toilet: Worn flapper or fill valve. DIY: $10-$30 in parts. Plumber: $100-$200.

Clogged drain: DIY (plunger or drain snake): $0-$30. Plumber: $100-$300. Hydro-jetting (severe clogs): $300-$600.

Water heater repair: $150-$600 depending on the issue.

Pipe leak repair: Minor: $150-$400. Major (in-wall): $500-$2,000.

Sewer line repair: Spot repair: $1,000-$4,000. Full replacement: $3,000-$15,000. Trenchless relining: $4,000-$15,000 (no digging).

Costs

Plumber hourly rate: $75-$200/hour (varies by region). Emergency/after-hours: $150-$400/hour.

Common projects: Faucet replacement: $150-$400. Toilet replacement: $200-$500. Garbage disposal: $200-$500. Whole-house repipe (PEX): $4,000-$10,000. Whole-house repipe (copper): $8,000-$20,000. Water main replacement: $1,500-$5,000. Sewer line replacement: $3,000-$15,000.

Maintenance: Annual inspection: $100-$300. Drain cleaning: $100-$300 per drain. Water heater flush: $100-$200.