For general plumbing
It's an emergency if: The wetness is quickly accumulating or escalating but you cannot visibly see the source of the water. This could mean you have a burst pipe in the wall or under the floor.
Not all water leaks are an emergency. But, the moment you see some signs of extensive leakage, call an emergency plumber right away. Water leaks can affect the integrity of your home.
For general plumbing services, most homeowners typically pay around $315, but costs can range between $180 and $850 for different projects. For example, a simple faucet replacement or unclogging a sink can cost as little as $100 to $300, while fixing a leak will cost closer to $300 to $850.
Personal loans, home equity loans/HELOCs, and renovation loans are all options to fund repairs. If you take out a loan, be sure to research and compare loan options to secure the best deal.
Plumbing Requires Parts
Unless you're calling us over to simply unclog a drain, we'll need some “stuff” to fix your plumbing problem: pipe, fittings, hardware, appliances (like a garbage disposal), putty, valves, and so on. The costs of parts and materials get factored in to your bill.
Galvanized piping tends to last anywhere from 40 to 50 years, while copper pipes have been known to survive for 70 years or more. Plastic or PVC piping has a rough life expectancy of 50 to 75 years. Waste pipes: Plastic waste pipes have a 50-80 year life span; cast iron versions tend to age out at 60 years.
Anticipating Plumbing Costs per Hour: What to Expect
In 2025, homeowners in the U.S. can expect to pay an average of $90 per hour for plumbing services, though rates generally span from $45 to $200 based on service type and complexity.
Average service call pricing can range from $100 to $300 or more per trip. Be sure to ask ahead of time to avoid any sticker shock. A service call fee is charged for the electrician(s) to come out and diagnose the issue.
What should a plumber charge? Service rate per hour as given by industry is R450 to R850/hour or part thereof. The vast majority of plumbers charge a standard call out fee of R450 to R650. * these rates exclude VAT and can be subject to volume discounts.
Some specialists recommend setting aside 1% to 2% of the purchase price of your home each year for routine maintenance projects such as roofing repairs, sewer updates, or new appliances — each of which can cost several thousand dollars. If 2% seems too much, consider starting with less and working your way up.
Bottom line. Before you take on costly home improvements, make sure your emergency fund is stable and you've paid off any high-interest debt. If you've got the wiggle room in your budget, save up to pay for home improvements in cash, or use a revolving HELOC if you need some flexibility.
The process might take hours to a day for straightforward repairs like fixing minor cracks or small blockages. However, the replacement could take days to complete (one to three days) if extensive damage has occurred , such as a collapsed line, a significant root intrusion or another plumbing emergency.
If the problem is major enough that it'll cause notable damage to your plumbing fixtures, flooring, walls, or other parts of your home, it's a plumbing emergency. A persistently leaking pipe can create significant water damage, while a clogged sink won't cause damage overnight.
If there is no excessive water pressure, there is no burst pipe, even if the water inside the pipe freezes. A dripping faucet wastes some water, so only pipes vulnerable to freezing (ones that run through an unheated or unprotect- ed space) should be left with the water flowing.