Plumber hourly rates in 2026 average $85-$155 nationally, with emergency after-hours calls at $175-$300 per hour plus trip charges. Most plumbers also charge flat-rate book pricing for common jobs — swapping a toilet is $200-$450, installing a water heater $1,500-$4,000, and running a new gas line $600-$1,800 for a typical range.
Whole-house re-pipe — when and why
If your home has polybutylene (PB pipe), galvanized steel, or failing copper from 1970s-80s aggressive water territories, re-piping is inevitable. 2026 pricing: PEX re-pipe $4,000-$9,000 for a typical 1,500 sq ft home, copper re-pipe $8,000-$15,000 for the same house. PEX is now accepted in virtually every jurisdiction and outperforms copper in freeze resistance, water quality, and install speed. Don't let anyone talk you into copper unless local water chemistry genuinely requires it.
Water heater replacement — tank vs tankless
Standard 40-50 gallon tank water heater: $1,500-$2,800 installed in 2026. Heat pump water heater: $2,800-$4,500 installed (qualifies for 30% federal 25C credit up to $2,000). Tankless gas water heater: $3,500-$6,500 installed with potentially new gas line and venting. Heat pump water heaters have the fastest payback at 4-7 years in most markets because of the federal credit plus electricity vs gas cost math.
Plumber vetting
Verify: state plumbing license (separate from general contractor license in all 50 states), master plumber on staff for anything beyond fixture swaps, $1M general liability and workers comp, and upfront flat-rate pricing on common jobs. Avoid any plumber who won't provide written estimates before starting work, who requires cash payment, or who says permits aren't needed for work that clearly requires them (water heater replacement, gas line work, re-pipes).