Home Services
Plumbing
Plumbing problems compound fast — a slow drain today becomes a flooded basement tomorrow. Use this guide to budget for repairs and re-pipes, and to know which calls are emergencies.
Plumbing costs depend heavily on access. The same fixture swap can be $400 in an open basement and $1,500 inside a finished wall. The numbers below assume standard access unless noted.
Regional cost comparison
Figures are widely cited industry averages compiled from contractor surveys, trade publications, and consumer-reporting databases. Your real quote will vary by home size, materials, accessibility, permits, and local labor rates.
| Service | Northeast | South | Midwest | West | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tank water heater replacement (50 gal gas) | $1,800–$3,400 | $1,400–$2,600 | $1,500–$2,800 | $1,900–$3,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Tankless water heater (gas, installed) | $4,200–$7,500 | $3,200–$6,000 | $3,500–$6,400 | $4,200–$7,800 | $3,500–$6,800 |
| Whole-home repipe (PEX, 1,800 sq ft) | $5,800–$11,500 | $4,200–$8,500 | $4,600–$9,000 | $5,500–$11,000 | $4,500–$10,000 |
| Main sewer line replacement (50 ft) | $5,500–$13,000 | $3,800–$9,500 | $4,200–$10,500 | $5,200–$12,500 | $4,000–$12,000 |
| Toilet install (mid-grade) | $380–$720 | $280–$540 | $300–$580 | $380–$760 | $300–$650 |
When to hire a pro
- Any work behind walls or under slabs
- Water heater replacement (especially gas)
- Sewer line camera inspection or repair
- Re-piping galvanized or polybutylene supply lines
- Gas line work of any kind
When DIY is OK
- Replacing toilet flappers and fill valves
- Snaking a clogged sink trap
- Swapping faucet aerators and shower heads
- Installing dishwasher and washing machine hoses (with shutoff)
Plumbing guides
Water Heater Replacement Cost Guide: Tank vs. Tankless
What you'll pay to replace a 50-gallon tank, when tankless makes financial sense, and the venting upgrades that catch homeowners off guard.
Read guideMain Sewer Line Replacement: What You'll Pay and Why
Trenchless vs. open-trench pricing, what causes most main line failures, and how to read a sewer camera inspection.
Read guideHow to Find a Water Leak Before It Costs You Thousands
Meter tests, common hidden-leak locations, and the moisture meters and leak detectors worth owning.
Read guideClogged Drains: Real Costs and What Prevents Them
Hydro-jetting vs. snaking, enzyme treatments that work, and the products that destroy your pipes.
Coming soonPEX vs. Copper Re-piping: Cost, Lifespan, and Code
How the two materials compare on install cost, longevity, and resale value.
Coming soonSump Pump Replacement: What to Buy and What to Pay
Pedestal vs. submersible, battery backups, and average replacement costs by region.
Coming soonGarbage Disposal Buying and Install Guide
Horsepower ratings, sound insulation, and what install really costs.
Coming soonLow Water Pressure: Causes, Fixes, and What It Costs
From clogged aerators to failed pressure regulators — diagnose before you call.
Coming soonHow to Choose a Licensed Plumber Without Getting Burned
License verification, insurance, and the questions that filter out drain-cleaning truck rollers.
Coming soonFrozen Pipes: Prevention, Thawing, and Repair Costs
What to do when pipes freeze, what insurance covers, and how to prevent a repeat next winter.
Coming soon