Get matched with top sink repair pros in Exeter, CA

The average cost to hire a plumber is typically between $45 and $200 per hour, with a common average rate around $125 per hour. This cost can vary based on your location, the plumber's experience, and the complexity of the job. Rates are often broken down by experience level: an apprentice may charge $45 to $90 an hour, a journeyman $60 to $110 an hour, and a master plumber $80 to $200 an hour. While hourly rates are standard, some plumbers may charge a flat fee for routine projects or offer project-based pricing. It's also common for plumbers to charge a minimum service or trip fee. For reference, some typical flat-rate costs for common jobs include: drain unclogging ($220), leaky faucet repair ($270), burst pipe repair ($400), toilet repair ($300), and water heater repair ($600). Note that these rates are for standard service hours; emergency, holiday, and after-hours calls will cost significantly more.

Emergency plumbers charge a significantly higher rate than for standard service, typically 1.5 to 3 times the normal hourly cost. You can expect to pay between $100 and $500 per hour, with an average of around $200 per hour. In addition to the higher hourly rate, many plumbers charge a flat emergency service or trip fee, which can be between $150 and $300. The final cost depends on the timing of the call; prices are highest for major holidays, followed by weekends and after-hours service on weekdays. For a complex job on a major holiday, a master plumber's rate could reach as high as $600 per hour.

Refinishing a bathtub is a project you can do at the same time as refinishing a porcelain sink. If your tub is the same age as your sink, consider getting a quote. Most homeowners spend about $480 on the cost of refinishing a bathtub, but it ranges between $335 and $630, depending on the size, style, and material of the tub.

No, you don’t need to use plumber’s putty to install a sink drain. Other options are available, such as silicone putty or silicone caulk. Plumber’s putty is the traditional method and it’s easier to work with and easier to remove. It doesn’t need to dry before using. Silicone putty should dry before you use the drain.