How Much Does a Typical Plumbing Repair Cost?
Frequently Asked Questions
It varies depending on the job and the location of the issue. It also varies based on where the customer is contacting us from in terms of location.
What is a Typical Repair?
Plumbing is unique to each house. Many of the plumbing lines for incoming water may be similar in size but they can differ in age, material, installation, and assembly. Drain pipes also differ depending on what they are connected to.
The type of fixtures, taps, pumps, softeners, water heaters, and more also differ depending on the choice of homeowners. A home that is located in the country or city will differ because of the type of dwelling. Cottages, houses, condos, townhomes, and apartments, have different plumbing needs depending on the water source (lake or river, well, or municipal). Wastewater may be disposed of through a septic system or municipal services. As each plumbing job is different there is no real typical price.
Costs
The cost of a job depends on several factors. Is it an emergency? Or a planned job? A plumbing emergency that occurs at night, on the weekend, or during a holiday will have an extra charge. Some repair work requires more than one person. There is the time involved in travelling to and from the homeowner’s residence. In addition to the length of time to assess the situation, and determine what materials are needed, if they are readily available, there is also the time it takes to do the repair work/job not including any additional issues the plumber may run into.
Calls for Repair
Most of the calls Plumbtech Plumbing receives are for repair work which is generally the result of wear and tear. Age is one of the biggest factors in breakdowns and in many cases, replacement is the better option. Electric hot water tanks, for example, will only last for so long before they need to be replaced.
Sometimes it’s more cost-effective to replace an older style two-handle faucet than to fix it because of the labour cost. Hard water will also affect the life of your fixtures. Anything that needs maintenance can break down or wear out. That means water heaters and pumps – all kinds of pumps from sewage to sump pumps as well as saniflow pumps and water pumps for wells and cottages.
Sometimes it’s the plumbing lines and fittings that become worn and prone to leaks which can range from a minor drip to a burst pipe resulting in extensive damage from flooding. One example is Poly-B plastic pipes which are still in use in many older residences. Other much older pipes, made of lead or galvanized metal, need to be replaced because they are hazardous to your health.
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Most Common Repair
One of the most frequent repair calls Plumbtech receives is for plugged drains. If the drain is isolated to one fixture such as the kitchen sink, it is likely the result of cumulated bits of food coagulated into a gooey mess by cooking fats and grease. If it is the bathroom sink drain, a mixture of hair, soap, and toothpaste and slow down drainage until it plugs up completely. If it is the toilet, the blockage could be the result of objects that have been flushed, such as toys from a child or dog, needles and syringes, dental floss, wipes, sanitary products, and more.
Drains can also stop functioning under freezing temperatures and wind chill, particularly if located on an exterior wall or in a crawl space. If all the drains in the house are blocked, extensive intervention is required to find where it is located in the pipe. It may be inside the home, in the main drain line, or outside the house if an obstruction has blocked the main drain line leading to the municipal sewer line or septic system. If the problem is determined to be outside the house, the likely cause is roots growing into the sewer line in search of water. However, there could be other causes that Plumbtech can diagnose and fix with equipment that ranges from snakes or augers to cameras.
Rates
Plumbtech bills for time, an hourly rate, and materials for two reasons. The first is it’s fairer than a flat rate in that the customer is paying only for what is needed, no more, no less. Sometimes, once into a job, a previously unknown and unanticipated problem will crop up that may cost more. Still, a time and materials rate will more than likely be less than a flat rate. This could occur whether it is an emergency or a planned job.
Hourly rates range in price depending on whether it is a one-man or two-man job. Night calls and weekends are higher than daytime and weekday rates. There is also a truck charge which takes into account the location, how far it is to travel to and from the repair job as well as any additional materials that may not be onboard.
Materials Cost
Plumbtech trucks are fully stocked so that most repair jobs, issues, and problems can be fixed immediately.
Estimates
Plumbtech can give a ballpark cost for some repairs. The ballpark price would be based on time and material and would not include any unexpected issues or problems encountered during the repair. Time and materials are less expensive than a flat rate. If it’s a planned job such as replacing a faucet or a fixture, or a more extensive renovation of a bathroom or kitchen or a new build, Plumbtech can provide a written quote detailing what is required.
Homeowners may wish to supply their own fixtures and faucets. Whether it is new or used, Plumbtech does not provide a warranty for customer-supplied fixtures and faucets. In addition, if the customer-supplied fixtures and faucets require replacing or repair, additional labour charges will apply. Fixtures supplied by Plumbtech have a warranty. However, if the fixtures are changed after ordering, they may be subject to a restocking fee plus delivery charge.
All supplied and purchased fixtures must be inspected by both Plumbtech and the homeowner. The packaging must be opened and its contents, such as the fixture, need to be inspected for any damages that may have occurred during shipping or delivery. Fixtures, faucets, and valve spec sheets showing the locations as well as the millwork drawings are required before the start of work.
Photos
If you’re calling Plumbtech Plumbing about an issue please take a photo and send it. The photo will illustrate the problem/part to be replaced and allow Plumbtech to give more accurate information about its repair.
