Comprehensive pricing for every plumbing service from drain cleaning to whole-house repiping
Last Updated: March 2025
Quick Reference: What You'll Pay
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service call | $75 | $125 | $200 |
| Hourly rate | $75 | $95 | $150+ |
| Drain cleaning | $120 | $185 | $350 |
| Water heater install | $1,200 | $2,500 | $4,500 |
| Whole-house repipe | $4,200 | $8,500 | $15,000+ |
Regional Price Variations
Washington State has significant cost differences by region. Seattle metro commands the highest rates, while Eastern Washington and rural areas tend to be more affordable.
| Region | Price Multiplier | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle / Eastside | 1.25-1.40x | $100-$150/hr |
| Tacoma / South Sound | 1.10-1.20x | $85-$120/hr |
| Olympia | 1.00-1.10x | $75-$100/hr |
| Bellingham | 1.05-1.15x | $80-$110/hr |
| Spokane Metro | 0.85-0.95x | $65-$90/hr |
| Tri-Cities | 0.90-1.00x | $70-$95/hr |
| Rural WA | 0.80-0.95x | $60-$85/hr + travel |
Important: Rural areas may have lower hourly rates, but expect $50-$150 travel fees for contractors driving more than 30 minutes.
Drain & Sewer Services
Drain Cleaning
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple clog (snake) | $120 | $175 | $275 |
| Camera inspection | $100 | $250 | $500 |
| Hydro-jetting | $300 | $550 | $900 |
| Main line cleaning | $200 | $400 | $700 |
| Floor drain cleaning | $100 | $175 | $300 |
Sewer Line Services
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sewer line repair (per linear foot) | $55 | $70 | $95 |
| Sewer line replacement (traditional) | $3,000 | $7,500 | $15,000 |
| Trenchless sewer repair | $4,500 | $9,000 | $18,000 |
| Sewer cleanout installation | $500 | $1,200 | $2,000 |
Seattle Note: Older Seattle neighborhoods (Capitol Hill, Ballard, Queen Anne) often have clay or cast iron pipes from the early 1900s. Budget 20-30% more for complications.
Water Heater Services
Tank Water Heaters
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-gallon gas install | $1,200 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| 50-gallon gas install | $1,400 | $2,100 | $3,000 |
| 40-gallon electric install | $1,000 | $1,500 | $2,200 |
| 50-gallon electric install | $1,200 | $1,800 | $2,600 |
| Water heater repair | $150 | $350 | $700 |
Tankless Water Heaters
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas tankless install | $2,500 | $4,000 | $6,500 |
| Electric tankless install | $1,500 | $2,800 | $4,500 |
| Tankless conversion (from tank) | $3,500 | $5,500 | $8,000 |
Heat Pump Water Heaters
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat pump water heater install | $2,500 | $4,200 | $6,000 |
WA Rebate Alert: Washington utilities offer $500-$1,000 rebates for heat pump water heaters. Check with PSE, Seattle City Light, or your local utility.
Fixture Installation & Repair
Toilets
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard toilet install | $150 | $300 | $500 |
| High-efficiency toilet install | $250 | $450 | $750 |
| Toilet repair | $75 | $175 | $350 |
| Toilet replacement (with fixture) | $350 | $600 | $1,200 |
Faucets & Sinks
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faucet install (labor only) | $100 | $175 | $300 |
| Faucet repair | $75 | $150 | $275 |
| Kitchen sink install | $200 | $400 | $700 |
| Bathroom sink install | $175 | $325 | $550 |
| Garbage disposal install | $150 | $300 | $500 |
Bathtubs & Showers
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathtub install (acrylic) | $1,800 | $2,500 | $4,000 |
| Bathtub install (cast iron) | $2,500 | $4,000 | $6,500 |
| Shower valve replacement | $250 | $450 | $750 |
| Shower stall install (acrylic) | $3,000 | $4,500 | $7,000 |
| Tile shower install | $5,000 | $7,500 | $12,000 |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | $3,500 | $6,000 | $10,000 |
Pipe Services
Pipe Repair
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe leak repair | $150 | $350 | $700 |
| Frozen pipe thaw | $100 | $250 | $500 |
| Burst pipe repair | $200 | $500 | $1,200 |
| Pipe insulation (per linear ft) | $2 | $5 | $10 |
Repiping
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repipe 1,000 sq ft home (PEX) | $3,000 | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Repipe 1,500 sq ft home (PEX) | $4,200 | $7,000 | $11,000 |
| Repipe 2,000 sq ft home (PEX) | $5,500 | $9,500 | $15,000 |
| Copper repipe (add 40-60%) | +40% | +50% | +60% |
Why PEX? PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) has become the Washington standard for repiping. It's freeze-resistant, flexible, and costs 30-40% less than copper. Most WA plumbers now recommend PEX over copper for residential work.
Gas Line Services
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas line install (per linear ft) | $25 | $36 | $50 |
| Gas appliance hookup | $150 | $300 | $500 |
| Gas leak detection & repair | $150 | $350 | $700 |
| Gas meter to appliance run | $300 | $600 | $1,200 |
Water Treatment & Filtration
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water softener install | $800 | $1,200 | $2,000 |
| Whole-house filter install | $600 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Reverse osmosis system | $400 | $800 | $1,500 |
| Well pump replacement | $700 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
Septic Systems
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Septic tank pumping | $300 | $450 | $700 |
| Septic system install (conventional) | $6,000 | $8,000 | $12,000 |
| Septic system install (advanced) | $12,000 | $20,000 | $35,000 |
| Drainfield repair | $2,500 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
Eastern WA Note: Many rural properties rely on septic systems. King and Snohomish County have stricter regulations that can add $2,000-$5,000 to installation costs.
Labor vs. Materials Breakdown
Understanding the cost split helps you evaluate quotes:
| Project Type | Labor % | Materials % |
|---|---|---|
| Drain cleaning | 90% | 10% |
| Fixture install | 60% | 40% |
| Water heater | 35% | 65% |
| Repiping | 55% | 45% |
| Sewer line | 70% | 30% |
Factors That Increase Costs
Expect to Pay More When:
- Emergency service - After-hours calls add 50-100% to standard rates
- Old homes - Pre-1960 homes often have galvanized steel or cast iron pipes requiring special handling
- Access issues - Crawl space work, multi-story homes, or hard-to-reach pipes
- Permit requirements - Water heaters, gas lines, and major repiping require permits ($75-$300)
- Code upgrades - Older systems may need updating to meet current code
- Hazardous materials - Lead pipes or asbestos insulation require certified remediation
Seattle-Specific Cost Factors:
- Parking permits - Many Seattle neighborhoods require parking permits, adding $20-$50/day
- High-rise work - Condo plumbing jobs often cost 20-30% more due to access and building rules
- Historic homes - Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and Ballard have many homes with original 100+ year-old plumbing
Money-Saving Tips
- Bundle projects - Multiple repairs in one visit saves service call fees
- Off-peak scheduling - Tuesday through Thursday appointments may offer better rates
- Supply your own fixtures - Buy the toilet or faucet yourself (but know some plumbers won't warranty your materials)
- Get 3 quotes minimum - Prices can vary 30-50% between contractors
- Ask about senior/military discounts - Many WA plumbers offer 5-15% off
- Check utility rebates - Water-efficient fixtures and heat pump water heaters often qualify
- Preventive maintenance - Annual inspections ($100-$200) prevent expensive emergencies
Red Flags: Too Cheap or Too Expensive
Signs of a Scam (Too Cheap):
- Quote is 40%+ below competitors
- No license number provided (check at lni.wa.gov)
- Demands cash payment only
- Won't provide written estimate
- No insurance certificate available
Signs of Price Gouging (Too Expensive):
- Quote is 50%+ above competitors without explanation
- Pressure tactics ("this must be done today")
- Vague line items or "miscellaneous" charges
- Won't itemize labor vs. materials
- Refuses to explain pricing differences from competitors
Healthy Price Range:
If you get 3 quotes, they should typically fall within 20-30% of each other. A quote that's wildly different in either direction deserves scrutiny.
How to Compare Bids
When evaluating plumbing quotes, ensure each bid includes:
- Itemized costs - Labor, materials, and permits broken out separately
- Scope of work - Exactly what will be done (and what won't)
- Timeline - Start date, expected completion, working hours
- Warranty - Labor warranty (typically 1 year) and parts warranty (varies)
- License & insurance - Washington contractor license (verify at lni.wa.gov)
- Payment terms - Deposit amount, progress payments, final payment
Questions to Ask Every Plumber:
- "Is this a flat-rate or time-and-materials quote?"
- "What's included if you find unexpected problems?"
- "Who will do the actual work—you or a subcontractor?"
- "What permits will you pull, and are permit fees included?"
- "How long is your labor warranty?"
When to Call a Plumber vs. DIY
DIY-Friendly:
- Replacing toilet flapper or fill valve
- Unclogging drains with a plunger
- Replacing showerheads
- Installing new faucet aerators
Always Hire a Pro:
- Any gas line work (legally required)
- Water heater installation
- Main line clogs or sewer issues
- Repiping or major fixture installation
- Any work requiring permits
Prices reflect Washington State averages as of March 2025. Always get multiple quotes for your specific project and location.