Do you have a toilet that won’t flush? Or a pipe is dripping water. Sometimes, things in our homes, like showers, toilets, and sinks, must be fixed. When this happens, it’s a good idea to call a plumber. They are experts who know how to fix all kinds of problems with house water and gas systems.
Some plumbers are good at small jobs, like fixing a faucet or installing new valves. Other plumbers work on big projects, like changing the whole setup in a bathroom or kitchen. Sometimes, a single plumber can only do small jobs, while a big company can handle bigger tasks.
What Kinds of Problems Do Plumbers Fix?
Most of the time, plumbers are called to fix things inside the house. They often fix leaky pipes, unblock drains and toilets, and repair water heaters. Here are some common jobs plumbers do:
- Replacing or fixing things like faucets, showerheads, sinks, and toilets
- Taking care of the water lines and sewers
- Connecting water supplies to different appliances in your house, like the dishwasher, fridge, or washing machine
- Setting up new appliances, like washing machines or ice-makers
How Much Does a Plumber Charge?
The cost of hiring a plumber can change based on different things. Sometimes, they have a minimum fee to come to your house and check the problem. This can be between $175 and $250. Their hourly rates might be around $128 to $148, especially if they still determine how long the job will take. Some plumbers have a fixed price for specific jobs, like cleaning a drain for $175 or installing a toilet for $500.
Sometimes, the price can change based on different factors. These can include the hard work, the kind of tools and materials they need, how far they travel, and even the time of day or week. For instance, weekends might be more expensive. One plumber mentioned that prices might also change based on how busy they are then.
What Makes Plumbing Services Expensive?
Some jobs are more expensive than others. Remodeling bathrooms and kitchens can be very pricey. Fixing certain water heaters or installing heating systems can also cost a lot. For example, setting up a new water heater might cost $1,800, and redoing a bathroom or kitchen might range from $5,000 to $10,000.
How to Save Money on Plumbing
It’s best to call a plumber when you notice a problem to save money. Take action when a small problem, like a dripping faucet, becomes big and costly. You can also have a plumber check your home’s plumbing system yearly to ensure everything is okay.
One plumber compared this to taking care of your teeth. If you have a small cavity, you should fix it before it becomes a big problem, like a root canal. The same goes for plumbing problems. Fix them early to save money in the long run.
Tips to Avoid Calling a Plumber
To avoid needing a plumber, keep some basic plumbing tools at home, like a plunger or extra valves. Learn how to turn off the water supply in case of emergencies. Also, remember to turn off the water to outside faucets in winter to prevent the pipes from bursting. One company even suggested hugging your plumber to show appreciation for their hard work.