Plumbing emergencies can occur anytime. From a burst pipe, a backed-up toilet, or a gas leak, all of these situations require the immediate attention of a plumber. But just as when you’re about to dial your trusty plumber for ‘rescue’, you’ve stopped in your tracks with one question in mind: how much would a plumber cost during off-hours emergencies?
Overall, calling a plumber like Pacific Plumbing Team comes with a certain cost. But if you’re wondering how much a plumber charges for emergencies, you’re at the right post. Below, we discussed average plumber call-out charges, factors affecting the cost, and where you can find an affordable service. So, keep reading!
How much do plumbers charge per hour during emergencies?
In general, a plumber’s cost per hour in Los Angeles varies widely. It depends on the type of work needed to be done, your location, and other factors we’ve discussed in a separate section below.
After hours plumber cost could range from $100 to $170 per hour. Some plumbers also charge an emergency fee, which could be anywhere from $100 to $350, especially if you’re calling on a weekend, a busy holiday, or a stormy day.
On the other hand, you can also find emergency plumbers that charge a fixed rate for small jobs. Some would not charge by the hour, but instead provide a quote based on the type of work needed to be done.
Factors affecting emergency plumber rates
An emergency plumber cost isn’t set in stone. You should keep in mind that the following factors will impact your final bill when you call an emergency plumber like us:
1. Your location
The first thing that impacts the emergency plumber price is your exact location. If your place is hard to reach or is located far from our headquarters, we may charge an extra fee during emergencies.
Also, if you’re calling a national company, they may impose a hefty logistics fee to respond to your location. This is why you should always consider hiring a local plumber instead to save money and receive faster service.
2. The type of emergency
Aside from location, your emergency plumbing cost is also affected by the actual type of problem you have. For example, fixing a sewer backup is more complicated than having no hot water. Imagine having an overflowing toilet at 2 AM – the higher cost of service is surely reasonable.
Regardless of the time of emergency, complicated plumbing work will surely set you back more than basic maintenance. Also, you have to factor in additional expenses like water damage repair or drywall replacement, among others.
3. Parts and materials
A plumber call out cost is also influenced by the materials and parts needed for the job. For example, you may need a new faucet, pipes, thermostat, water heater, and whatnot. All these will add up to the total cost of your emergency plumbing.
4. Timing of your emergency
So, how much do plumbers charge for emergency calls? On average, emergency plumbing during holidays often cost up to 3x more than a regular weekday.
On the other hand, emergency plumbing on weekends usually cost twice more. And of all emergency calls, those at night on a weekday cost the lowest by about 1.5x the usual rate during business hours.
5. Your chosen plumber
Lastly, your choice of plumber can also affect the cost of your emergency call. While an amateur handyman’s service is cheap, they don’t have the license and training for bigger jobs. For most plumbing emergencies, you’ll need master plumbers who know the ins and outs of various plumbing systems.
If you want to save some bucks from hiring a professional plumber, you should always hire local. This way, you can still get quality plumbing without having to dip into your savings.
Common plumbing emergencies and their plumber rates
The cost of emergency plumber services varies widely based on the problem you have. Below are some of the most common calls we get and the average costs you can expect in general.
IMPORTANT: Take note that this pricing is inconclusive and you should contact us at Pacific Plumbing Team if you want to get an accurate estimate.
- Burst pipes. In Los Angeles, repairs for your burst pipe could cost around $500 to $850. However, if the damage is extensive or there’s been flooding and water damage, your final bill may be as high as $1,400. It’s because the plumbers may need to remediate the other damages present.
- Sewer backups. If you have a backed-up sewer, snaking it may cost about $400 to $650, depending on how long the pipeline is. And if the blockages won’t budge, you’ll need hydrojetting, which could cost around $600 to $1,000. In some cases, you may have to shell out a few grands if you have the worst sewer problem.
- Clogged drains. A simple clogged sink or shower drain doesn’t usually cost much to fix. You may be charged about $300 to $400. However, the cost can still climb up to $1,000+, depending on the intensity of the clogging.
- Gas leaks. A gas leak may set you back by about $400 to $1,200 – or more if you have extensive damage on your gas lines.
- Water heater problems. Most of our emergency service calls for water heaters are for simple replacements or repairs. It usually costs our customers about $150 to $1,200 for complete replacements.
How to avoid a plumbing emergency
Aside from the cost associated with emergency plumbing, it also brings inconvenience to you and your family. So, instead of waiting for another emergency to occur in the middle of the night, you should start practicing these preventive measures:
1. Mind what you flush
Many cases of overflowing toilets and blocked sewer lines we’ve fixed are due to a buildup of toiletries and sanitary items. All these can cause a nasty blockage, but the good news is that it’s easily avoidable.
Take note that you should never flush paper towels, sanitary pads, tampons, dental floss, and diapers down your toilet or drains. All these will just get caught on your pipes and give you an expensive problem to fix.
2. Don’t use exposed pipes as a clothesline
If you have exposed pipes at home, you should never hang anything on it. Never use it to hang clothes, tools, or even decorations. These items put unnecessary weight on the pipes, which can cause it to break or burst.
3. Know the location of your shut-off valve
While knowing where your main shut off valve is won’t stop plumbing problems from happening, it will at least let you minimize the damage it could bring.
For example, when a burst pipe happens, you can easily shut off the water supply, so it won’t cause major water damage on your home.
4. Schedule regular plumbing inspections
You should never wait for plumbing emergencies to happen before you call a professional plumber. Instead, you should schedule at least an annual inspection to look for weak points that can cause problems later on.
Also, it’s best to schedule the inspections before winter so you can ‘winterize’ your plumbing system and prevent frozen pipes.
5. Don’t let minor leaks sit
We always tell our customers to address leaks as they happen – no matter how small. In our experience, many homeowners ignore small leaks only to discover that it already caused extensive water damage in their property.
Aside from that, small leaks can be ticking time bombs. In some cases, a small leak can be a warning sign for an impending pipe burst.
6. Install a root barrier
If you have trees around your home, we highly suggest that you invest in root barriers for your sewer line. It’s because tree roots can enter your plumbing system and cause a major blockage that could require an expensive hydrojetting session.
7. Watch over your utility bills
Any sudden changes on your utility bill can be a sign of a hidden plumbing issue. There might be a leak that you haven’t seen yet and causing more and more damage to your home by the day.
If you notice that your water bill is unusually high without changing your usage, it’s best to call us for a thorough inspection.
Are you looking for an affordable emergency plumber in Los Angeles?
When a plumbing emergency strikes, call us at Pacific Plumbing Team, and our professional plumbers will be at your service. We are available for emergency and same-day repairs, so you’ll have an expert fix for all your plumbing issues.
As a family-owned and locally-operated company, we’ve helped 8,000+ customers with every plumbing problem imaginable. We’re also fully licensed and insured, so your property will be on good hands.
Call us today for emergency plumber services anywhere in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. We can reach your place in as fast as 1 hour, depending on your exact location and our team’s availability. Contact us, and let’s restore the comfort of your home or business!
Your Partners in Plumbing Solutions
Don't let a clogged sink disrupt your daily routine. Contact Pacific Plumbing Company today for efficient and reliable solutions. Our experienced team is ready to tackle any plumbing challenge, providing prompt service and peace of mind. Let us handle the clogs so you can get back to what matters most.
