Plumbing problems rarely wait for a good time. A leak under the sink, a drain that will not empty or a water heater that stops working can disrupt a whole household, and some problems cause serious water damage if they are left alone.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent local plumbing provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
When a plumbing problem is an emergency
Some plumbing problems can wait for a normal appointment. These cannot.
If you smell gas near a gas water heater or any appliance, leave the home right away and call 911 or your gas company from outside. Do not switch lights or appliances on or off.
- A burst pipe or water you cannot stop
- Sewage coming up through a drain or toilet
- No water at all to the home
- A water heater leaking from the tank
- Water leaking near electrical outlets or the panel
What we can connect you with
Plumbing covers everything from a dripping tap to a new sewer line. When you call, describe what is happening and where.
Leak repair
Finding and fixing leaks in supply pipes, drain pipes and fixtures, including hidden leaks inside walls and under slabs.
Drain cleaning
Clearing clogged sinks, tubs, showers and main lines, often with a snake or water jetting.
Water heaters
Repairing and replacing tank and tankless water heaters, gas or electric.
Sewer lines
Camera inspection, repair and replacement of the pipe that carries waste from the home to the city sewer.
Fixtures
Installing and repairing taps, toilets, sinks, showers and garbage disposals.
Repiping
Replacing old or failing pipes throughout the home.
Signs you need a plumber
Catching plumbing problems early saves water, money and damage.
- Water bills that rise with no change in use
- Low water pressure in one or more taps
- Slow drains or gurgling sounds
- Water stains on walls, ceilings or floors
- Rusty or discolored water
- A toilet that keeps running
Common kinds of pipe
The pipes in your home affect how problems are fixed and whether repiping is worth considering.
Copper
Long lasting and common in many homes. It can develop pinhole leaks over time, especially with aggressive water.
PEX and plastic
Flexible PEX and rigid CPVC or PVC are common in newer homes and repairs. They resist corrosion and are quicker to install.
Galvanized steel
Found in many older homes. It rusts from the inside, which reduces water flow and often leads to repiping.
What affects the cost
There is no single price for plumbing work, because every job is different. These are the things that change the size of the job.
- Whether it is an emergency or can wait
- How easy the pipe or fixture is to reach
- Whether walls, floors or slabs must be opened
- The type and size of water heater
- The length and depth of any sewer line work
- Parts and fixtures you choose
- Permits required in your area
- Whether water damage needs repair afterwards
Ask every provider for a written quote that lists the work, the materials and what is not included, and get any change in writing before extra work starts.
Handle it yourself or call a pro
Usually fine to do yourself
- Clear a slow sink or tub drain with a plunger
- Replace a toilet flapper
- Tighten a loose tap handle
- Shut off the water at a fixture or the main valve
Time to call a professional
- Anything involving gas lines or gas water heaters
- Leaks inside walls, ceilings or under the slab
- Sewer backups or several slow drains at once
- Water heater replacement
- Any work that needs a permit
Avoid pouring strong chemical drain cleaners into a blocked drain. They can damage pipes and are dangerous if a plumber later has to open the line.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed as a plumber in my state? Ask for the license number.
- Are you insured? Ask to see the certificate.
- Is the price for the whole job, or by the hour?
- Do you charge extra for nights, weekends or emergencies?
- Do you pull the permit, and is it in the price?
- What warranty do you give on parts and labor?
Frequently asked questions
Do plumbers need a license?
Most states license plumbers. Ask for the license number and check it on your state licensing board website before work starts.
Why is emergency plumbing more expensive?
Calls at night, on weekends and on holidays often cost more because providers pay staff to be on call. Ask about the charge before the plumber comes out.
How do I find my main water shut off valve?
It is usually where the water line enters the home, often in a basement, garage, utility closet or near the water heater. Some homes also have a valve in a box near the street.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe?
They can damage older pipes and cause burns. For a stubborn clog, a plunger or a plumber’s snake is safer.
How long does a water heater last?
Many tank water heaters last around 10 to 15 years. Tankless models often last longer with regular maintenance.
Does insurance cover plumbing leaks?
Sudden water damage from a burst pipe is commonly covered. The repair to the pipe itself, and damage from slow leaks, often is not.
Does Sifixit do the plumbing work?
No. Sifixit is a referral service. The work is done by independent local businesses, who are responsible for their own work, pricing, licensing and insurance.
Is calling free?
Yes. Calling and being connected costs you nothing. If you hire a provider, you pay that provider directly for the work.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.