Illustration of a house with plumbing pipes and a water drop under a protection shield
Original illustration — ServiCover
📌 Key Takeaway: Most plumbers charge $75-$150 per hour, with master plumbers at $100-$200 and emergency calls at $150-$300 per hour. Many also add a $50-$150 trip fee. Common jobs like drain cleaning run $100-$350, while a new tank water heater typically costs $800-$2,500 installed.

National Plumbing Brands vs. Local Plumbers

Plumbing is served by a mix of national franchise brands and independent local shops. Franchises offer standardized pricing and 24/7 availability; independents often offer lower rates and more flexibility. Licensing and insurance matter more than the logo.

Roto-Rooter
Availability: 24/7 in most markets  |  Known for: Drain and sewer cleaning
One of the largest US plumbing and drain service providers, with company-owned and franchise locations. A familiar option for urgent clogs and sewer backups, though pricing is often above local independents.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Model: Franchise network  |  Known for: Upfront, flat-rate pricing
Quotes a price before work begins rather than billing purely by the hour — helpful for budgeting, as long as you compare the flat rate against other quotes.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Model: Franchise network  |  Known for: Punctuality guarantee
Markets an on-time guarantee and upfront pricing. Service quality varies by local franchise owner, so check reviews for your specific location.
Independent Licensed Plumbers
Best for: Remodels, repiping, ongoing relationships  |  Watch for: After-hours availability
Local shops often charge less for scheduled work and give more personal service. Confirm state licensing, insurance and whether they offer a warranty on labor.

2026 Plumbing Price Snapshot

ServiceTypical Cost
Hourly rate (licensed plumber)$75-$150/hr
Master plumber$100-$200/hr
Emergency / after-hours$150-$300/hr
Trip / service call fee$50-$150
Drain cleaning (snake)$100-$350
Hydro jetting$250-$800
Toilet repair$100-$400
Faucet repair$75-$250
Tank water heater install$800-$2,500
Tankless water heater install$1,500-$4,500
Burst pipe repair$500-$2,000
Whole-house repipe$2,000-$15,000
Sewer line replacement$3,000-$25,000

Flat-Rate vs. Hourly Billing

Hourly billing is transparent for quick jobs but can run up on complex problems. Flat-rate pricing gives certainty but builds in a margin for the unexpected. For a simple fix, ask for both — and always ask whether the trip fee is credited toward the repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licensed plumber?

Most states require licensing for plumbing work beyond minor repairs, and permitted jobs like water heater replacement usually require a licensed plumber. Licensing also affects insurance coverage if something goes wrong.

Does a home warranty cover plumbing?

Many home warranty plans cover interior plumbing lines, stoppages and water heaters, subject to limits and service fees. See our home warranty comparison.

How can I avoid emergency rates?

Know where your main shut-off valve is, fix slow leaks early, and schedule non-urgent work during regular business hours.