Plumbing costs can be a huge part of determining what service company you choose to hire to work in your home.
Of course, you don't want to hire a company that is going to overcharge you for a simple repair or gives you a dishonest recommendation, but you also don't want to compromise on the quality of the job by going with a company that under-charges for their services.
We have compiled some information about the average prices to repair a few common plumbing issues, to help you understand how much plumbing services should cost.
The Average Cost of a Pipe Leak Repair
Depending on the severity of the leak, and its location within your system, a broken pipe repair should cost somewhere between $150 to $350.
There are other additional expenses that often go along with repairing a pipe leak, such as location detection (which can add up to $100 to the total cost) and drywall repair if a hole had to be put into your wall to get to the leaking pipe.
Fixing drywall can cost as much as $800, depending on the size of the hole made and where it is on the wall.
How Much Should You Pay to Unclog a Drain?
Clogged drain repair can be a trickier service to price because, in many cases, a clog can be removed without ever having to call a plumber by using a plunger or snake you buy at the hardware store.
When it comes to more severe clogs or recurring clogs, however, a plunger may not be able to help, and you'll need to seek professional help.
Usually around $200 is a safe estimate of how much it should cost to unclog a drain professionally, but the actual price depends on the severity of the clog and where it is located within the line. In some cases, video camera inspection may be necessary to identify the clog in your pipes, which can also add to the total cost substantially (as much as $300).
You May be Paying Too Much For That Dripping Faucet
If you need to repair a dripping faucet, it’s usually a pretty easy fix. The most common reason faucets drip is because the washer, o-ring, or some other component has worn out.
It may also be that the small screw that holds your faucet together has come loose and needs to be tightened. In any case, repairing a dripping faucet shouldn’t cost more than $200 or $250. The price is also dependent on how much work actually needs to be done on the faucet, and the condition your faucet is in, as a whole.
Again, these estimates are all based on national averages and may not necessarily reflect the average costs in your particular area. For the best estimate of plumbing costs near you, call a local plumbing company (like Magic Plumbing in the San Francisco area) to discuss your specific needs. Most plumbing companies offer free quotes on many of their repair services.