How Much Does an Emergency Plumber Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $100 - $500
On average, hiring an emergency plumber costs $170, but prices may range from $60 to $600 per hour, depending on the timing and type of emergency.
Hiring an emergency plumber costs between $100 and $500 for most emergencies, with an average cost of $170 per hour. On the low end, you might spend as little as $60 an hour, but in extreme cases, emergency plumbers might charge upward of $600 an hour.
The type and timing of the emergency are the two largest factors impacting the price of emergency plumbers, but local rates can also influence costs.
- Average
- $170
- Low end
- $60
- high end
- $600
Emergency Plumbing Cost Factors
On average, plumbers cost from $40 to $200 an hour, depending on their level of experience, where you live, and the type of plumbing problem they’re addressing. Emergency plumbers cost anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times as much, depending on the timing of the emergency and the type of work required. Local labor rates also influence the cost of emergency plumbers.
Timing of Emergency
The timing of the emergency can influence what emergency plumbers charge. For instance, an after-hours weekday emergency might result in time and a half, while a plumber might charge three times their normal rate during a holiday.
Local plumbers may also charge more during regular business hours if you need them to prioritize coming to your home and fixing a problem immediately, as it may cause them to adjust their schedule and put other clients on the back burner.
So how much more expensive does this make emergency plumbing? Knowing that the average cost of a plumber is $40 to $200 an hour, here’s how the timing of emergencies can impact hourly costs:
| Timing of Emergency | Typical Hourly Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Evening | $60–$300 |
| Weekend | $80–$400 |
| Holiday | $120–$600 |
Type of Emergency
How much you spend on an emergency plumber also depends on the type of plumbing emergency. Common plumbing emergencies include:
Burst pipes
Sewer backups
Gas leaks
No hot water
Overflowing toilet
The amount of labor and type of tools and materials needed to address these issues can vary. Here’s a look at what each of these may cost to fix:
Burst pipe repair cost: $150–$5,000
Main sewer line clog repair cost: $1,325–$5,000
Gas line repair: $120–$1,350
Water heater repair cost: $225–$975
Toilet repair cost: $150–$375
Depending on the issue, you may have additional costs to budget for as well, such as drywall repair costs and water damage restoration costs.
Local Plumbing Rates
Where you live impacts how much plumbers charge on average—and that extends to their emergency rates. The table below shows estimated emergency plumber costs in several major U.S. cities. Note that rural areas with fewer plumbers available may be even more expensive since you have fewer options for immediate repairs.
| City | Estimated Emergency Plumbing Costs |
|---|---|
| Austin, Texas | $265–$1,350 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $300–$1,650 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $300–$1,575 |
| Cincinnati, Ohio | $265–$1,350 |
| Denver, Colorado | $300–$1,575 |
| Los Angeles, California | $300–$1,800 |
| Las Vegas, Nevada | $265–$1,500 |
| Minneapolis, Minnesota | $265–$1,500 |
| New Orleans, Louisiana | $265–$1,425 |
| New York, New York | $300–$1,575 |
| Orlando, Florida | $225–$1,125 |
| San Francisco, California | $300–$1,800 |
| Seattle, Washington | $415–$2,250 |
| Washington, D.C. | $300–$1,575 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
When plumbing emergencies arise, it’s easy to panic and feel like you need to take action immediately. However, we highly recommend hiring a professional plumber to handle major plumbing issues like burst pipes and gas leaks. Tackling the work yourself can make the problem worse and can even be dangerous.
Though they’re expensive, you should be able to find a trusted emergency plumber near you who can come out quickly and start to fix the problem.
Questions to Ask an Emergency Plumber
When hiring a plumber, it’s a good idea to chat with multiple contractors and get multiple quotes. In an emergency situation, you may not have as much time to do your due diligence and ask your plumber all your questions—especially if you’re dealing with flooding or a gas leak.
However, it’s still important to ask a few questions before the emergency plumber begins work, such as:
What is your emergency rate, and how long do you think the problem will take to fix?
Is there anything I can do now to mitigate damage from the problem?
Is there a short-term fix we can move forward with before we discuss longer-term solutions?
Are you licensed and insured to perform this service?
Does the work you’re doing require any kind of permit?
What can I do to avoid issues like this in the future?
How to Keep Emergency Plumber Costs Down
At 1.5 to 3 times the normal cost of plumbing repair, emergency plumbing can be expensive. Here are a few tips to cut costs:
Develop a good working relationship with a plumber: Try to use the same plumber for routine plumbing maintenance and the occasional plumbing repair that pops up, assuming you like their work. If you’re a loyal customer, the plumber may be more willing to cut you a deal in an emergency situation.
Ask for a short-term fix: If you don’t have the time to get multiple quotes from plumbers, ask your emergency plumber to do the bare minimum to resolve the issue temporarily. This will give you more time to review multiple quotes from plumbers to perform a long-term fix—and during normal business hours, when rates are more affordable.
Turn off the water and gas: If you’re dealing with a burst pipe or any other pipe leak, turn off the water to mitigate water damage until the plumber arrives. If you suspect a gas leak, shut off the gas to your house and evacuate as quickly as possible, including all family and pets.
Review your home warranty and homeowners insurance: If an appliance malfunctions (or is damaged during the plumbing emergency), check your home warranty to see if it’s covered. Some home warranties even cover water heaters. In addition, depending on the cause of the plumbing emergency, your homeowner's insurance may cover the repair. Review your policy and submit a claim for reimbursement if you think the issue is covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, plumbers charge between $40 and $200 an hour. What they charge depends on their skill level and where you live. Emergency plumbers typically charge 1.5 to 3 times as much as a typical plumber.
Emergency plumbers cost between $60 and $600 per hour, or an average of $170 per hour. The timing of the emergency impacts the rate. For instance, evening rates are usually 1.5 times as much as the standard plumbing rate, while plumbers may charge 3 times as much during a holiday.
Plumbing emergencies might include burst pipes or major pipe leaks, major drain clogs, lack of hot water, a gas leak, or a sewer line backup. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if a plumbing problem constitutes an emergency. If leaving the issue alone until regular business hours means your home will incur more damage or put your family at risk, then it’s typically considered a plumbing emergency—and worth calling up an emergency plumber to come fix the issue as soon as possible.