Get matched with top toilet pros in Hays, MT

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.

To avoid the high costs of plumbing repairs, watch for potential problems. If you see any signs of a leak, consider hiring a professional plumber. A pro can assess the level of damage and make the appropriate repairs.

Plumbing leaks are always better tackled immediately. You can also fix any minor repairs yourself or ask the plumber if they can use less expensive materials.

Snaking a toilet is similar to clearing sinks and bathtubs, but there are unique circumstances where you’d have to drain, disassemble, and remove the toilet to fix the clog. For stubborn clogs in the toilet trap, a toilet auger—designed with a shorter cable and a protective plastic encasing—can navigate the tight bends and clear the clog without risking damage to the porcelain. 

Your toilet handle might not come back up if the nut is loose or the bolt threads are stripped. Try to tighten the mounting nut and wrap plumber’s tape around the handle bolt to fix stripped threads. It’s possible the handle was improperly installed. If that’s the case, you can use the instructions above to correct the handle’s position.