Replacement
Replacing a water heater costs, on average, about $1,200. A typical 50-gallon water heater itself costs about $400 to $900, and a licensed plumber takes two to three hours to replace it. Factor in disposal fees for the old water heater and markups, and you’re right around $1,200.
Keep in mind that gas water heaters are more expensive than electric water heaters. Plus, larger water heaters will cost more than smaller ones.
Element Replacement
The water heater elements heat the water in an electric water heater and are a common repair item. Replacing water heater elements costs around $200 to $300. The elements themselves are around $50.
Thermocouple Replacement
Thermocouple replacements on gas water heaters often go bad. They stop gas flow to the water heater if the pilot light goes out. Replacing a water heater thermocouple costs around $200 to $300.
Leaks
Leaks are probably the most common plumbing repair needed. Simple leaks from a fixture such as a toilet or a kitchen sink cost about $275 to repair. Similarly, leaks from an accessible pipe, such as a burst pipe in the crawlspace, cost about $275 to repair. However, concealed pipes, such as a leaky pipe in a wall, are more expensive to repair. The additional price accounts for cosmetic work such as drywall repair and paint. Expect to pay around $600 for these repairs. However, significant water damage increases this price.
Sometimes, the main water line underground, supplying your house with water, leaks. The extra labor and equipment involved in digging to the pipe add up to about $1,000 for these repairs. However, the depth and condition of the soil affect the final price.
The most expensive plumbing leak is a pipe leaking in a concrete slab. It takes a plumber extra time to carefully detect the location of the leak. Then, the floor needs to be broken up to gain access to the pipe. After the damaged pipe is repaired, new concrete is poured, and the finished flooring is replaced. If you’re lucky and there is no flooring, this repair can cost as little as around $600. However, a hard-to-find leak and expensive flooring, such as hardwood floors, can quickly bring the total to over $2,000.
Clogs
Plumbing clogs are also a frequent problem for homeowners. Toilets are prone to clogging as homeowners often flush items that should not be flushed. Plus, small children love to throw stuff in the toilet. Fortunately, most toilet clogs are quickly cleared with a toilet auger. Expect to pay around $175 for a plumber to unclog your toilet. However, if the toilet needs to be removed, add another $100.
Unclogging an interior drain is similar to a toilet, but slightly more complicated and may cost a little more. Most toilet clogs just need to be pushed through the toilet since the drain line is larger than the toilet drain. On the other hand, an interior drain clog may be several or dozens of feet from the fixture. The national average for unclogging an interior drain is around $220.
A main sewer line clog is the most severe type of clog. It can cause sewer water to back up into your home, causing tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage. Hydro jetting, forcing high-pressure water into the drain to break up clogs, costs $440.
However, if the clog is from a tree root or other damage, expect to pay around $800 to $1,200. Like main water line repairs, a main sewer line repair requires extra equipment and digging.
First, the plumber must insert a camera into the drain line to find the clog and damage. Then, a special locating device is used outside to locate the underground camera head and clog. Once found, the plumbing crew can begin digging and repairing the clogged drain. The labor costs are the biggest line item for this type of repair.
Gas Leaks
Gas leaks are particularly dangerous. They can start fires or make you sick. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave the area and call 911. Gas leak repair costs are similar to water leak repair costs. If the gas pipe is accessible, the repair is simple, and you should expect to pay between $120 and $250.
However, if the gas leak is from a pipe in a wall, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the drywall and paint repair. Plan to pay around $600 for these repairs.
Miscellaneous Repairs
Plumbing Inspection Costs
The cost of a plumbing inspection is typically $200 on average. Despite the cost, it is a worthwhile investment as it can help identify potential issues before they become costly repairs and may be required for some real estate transactions. Before hiring a plumbing inspector, getting a detailed estimate and understanding the services included in the inspection is important.
www.forbes.com
https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/plumbing/plumbing-repair-cost/
