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If you notice your main water shut-off valve is leaking, try tightening the valve slightly to see if it stops the leak. If the leak persists or worsens, it’s best to contact a licensed plumber to assess and repair the valve. Using too much force or attempting a DIY repair can further damage the valve.

It’s safe to carry out minor repairs on small cracks and leaks on copper pipes by yourself. Since copper melts under heat, you can solder a copper pipe to repair what’s broken. Note that it’s better to solder two couplings and a copper pipe together to fix minor leaks. This gives you some additional material for a stronger repair.

A journeyman plumber is a licensed plumber with a state-issued permit who installs and repairs piping for water and heating systems under the supervision of a master plumber. Also known as a plumbing contractor, a master plumber is considered the highest level in this profession. In addition to passing all state-level requirements, master plumbers have several years of experience. They are allowed to lead teams, create blueprints, and design and install plumbing systems.

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.