Q & A
Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.
How much do plumbers charge per hour?
Depending on the service you need (unclogging a drain, fixing a pipe, installing new pipes, etc.), plumbers charge anywhere from $45-$165 per hour. Plumbers often operate on afixed rate model, too. Some won’t charge hourly rates because the variables involved in their work makes it less practical to do so.
Plumbers will scope out the work, calculate the cost of parts, and roll it together with other fees to give you an estimate for the job. They may even offer standard flat rates for things like installing a toilet or a sink. Reach out toplumbers near youto get an accurate cost estimate for your project or repair.
How long is a water heater supposed to last?
Your water heater is an essential part of your home, heating water for showers, dishwashing, laundry and more. On average, a traditional water heater will last 8-12 years. The general consensus is that it’s better to replace your water heater with a new one than to repair one that’s 10 years old or more. Older models are less energy-efficient and thus more costly to run than newer models with better technology. Here are some indicators of when it may be time to replace an old water heater instead of repairing it:
- Leaks: If leaking is not caused by loose connections, the water may be seeping out through slight fractures in the metal of the tank that have formed over time.
- Strange noises: Clanking, rumbling and other noises can mean that sediment has formed on the base of your tank, contributing to fissures leaks, and inefficiency.
- Age: If it’s more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to replace.
- Discolored or rusty water: Have a pro check it out; if the problem isn’t resolved by draining and cleaning, you’ll want to replace the heater.
- Lack of hot water: Inconsistent heating and hot water supply that runs out too quickly likely means it’s time for a new unit.
What happens when a water pipe bursts?
When a pipe bursts, the water can cause indoor flooding and damage your home. If the pipe is in an accessible location, you will likely notice puddles of water right away. However, if the pipe is underground or behind a wall, it may cause reduced water pressure, a sulfur smell or discolored water. All of this can cause significant (and expensive) damage, which is why you should always contact a plumber near you if you suspect your pipes are leaking.
Can a leaking pipe burst?
Yes. A leak in your pipe can build up pressure and wear through the material. Left unchecked, this pressure can cause the pipe to burst. This is why it’s so important to fix your pipes and contact a plumber as soon as you notice a leak — no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
Smaller leaks are easier and inexpensive to fix, saving you time and money in the long run. In addition, many insurance policies will not cover water damage for pipes that burst due to gradual leaks.
What do you do if you have a burst pipe?
First, switch off the water supply to reduce the water damage. You should also turn off the electricity for the part of your home that has sustained the leak, as it can be extremely dangerous if the water comes into contact with an electrical socket. Next, drain the remaining water from your faucets so it doesn’t freeze inside the pipes.
Once you’ve done all of this, search for qualified plumbers in your area and ask them to provide you with a quote.
What are the signs of a burst pipe?
If your water pressure has suddenly dropped or your sink and toilet have unexpectedly started clogging, you may have a burst pipe. Other tell-tale signs include watermarks on the wall of your bathroom or laundry room, drips or puddles in your home or basement, or water from your faucets that have suddenly turned brown. You may also notice a strange rotten-egg smell or the sound of gurgling water in your home.
If you notice any of these signs, contact a plumber near you to fix your pipes immediately.
Does insurance cover a broken pipe?
Sudden water damage may be included under most homeowners’ insurance policies, but it’s typically not covered if the damage could have been avoided with proper maintenance.
For example, if a pipe in your laundry room suddenly bursts and causes damage to the flooring and walls, that is usually covered by insurance. But if a pipe under your sink has been leaking for months and causes your wood floors to rot, your policy won’t cover that damage.
Always double-check with your insurance agent (or another expert) to see what your policy covers.
How much does it cost to repair a broken pipe?
The national average cost to repair broken pipes ranges from $120 to $170. Prices can vary depending on the type of damage, whether the pipe is easily accessible, the materials needed and where the pipe is located. For example, an exposed pipe under the sink will likely cost much less than a pipeline in your yard that requires digging.
Your overall cost will also depend on the hourly rate of the contractor. Most plumbers charge between $60 and $65 per hour for standard pipe repair, and up to $95 per hour for complex plumbing work.
Contact the best pipe repairers in your area to find out how much it will cost to fix your pipe(s).
To learn more about pricing factors, read “How much does pipe repair cost?”
Do plumbers offer remote or virtual services?
If you see a profile that states the plumber is offering remote services,contact the plumberbefore hiring them to see what those services include. Although plumbing is a job that has to be done in-person, you can ask them if they offer virtual consultations or an online walk-through.
Why is the water in my house not getting hot?
If the water in your house is not getting hot, it may be time for water heater repair. Nationally, the average water heater repair cost ranges between $120 and $200, although prices can range up to $400, depending on the problem and materials. Competent homeowners may also be able to try DIY fixes, whether they have a traditional gas or electric water heater or a tankless gas or electric heater. Troubleshooting the different issues that can arise with each of the styles requires some knowledge of how they operate and what red flags to look out for. For a natural gas water heater, the first step is to check whether the pilot light has gone out. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions if you want to relight it yourself. If you smell gas, stop everything and call your gas company — the smell could signal a dangerous gas leak. If your household’s water is not getting hot enough, you can try increasing the temperature on the water heater’s front dial above the standard setting of 120 degrees; for safety, always turn off electricity to the unit before adjusting temperatures. If you keep running out of hot water, your household may simply need a higher-capacity water heater, so consider upgrading. Quick professional fixes include replacing the thermostat or heating elements and cleaning and repairing the thermocouple.
Reviews for Philadelphia plumbers
Ileana J.
Auto Plumbing was available that day for my plumbing emergency.
Sahana R.
They did a great job on our plumbing and would recommend them to anyone who needs plumbing work done.
Patrick A.
Real plumbing professionals. 5 out of 5 stars, they came in replaced a leaking valve at a fair price and answered all my other plumbing questions I had around the house. I will be using them as my main plumbing contact
Syd R.
I will have all of my plumbing work done by fairfax plumbing! My wife and I were very pleased with the work. Highly recommended!
Max C.
Fairfax Plumbing was great - he came same day, got the work done quickly and respectfully, and charged a very fair price. Will be going back for any future plumbing needs.
Kenny P.
Came in no time and fixed our plumbing issue. Recommended!
Jaime C.
would 10/10 recommend New Age Plumbing!
Angela B.
Kevin from Egan’s Plumbing did a very good job installing my new toilet. He was very professional and he got the job done quickly and efficiently. Customer service was exceptional. Any questions that I had were answered quickly. I would highly recommend Eagan’s Plumbing for all plumbing needs.
Season C.
Great experience! At Plumbing star, they were prompt and easy to book
Srini R.
Extremely glad to have hired Egan Plumbing. They were in site at the apoo
Edward S.
Kevin Egan is now the go to guy for all my plumbing needs.
Kayla R.
Highly recommend! I sent a message on Wednesday, and Mohamed came the next day and fixed two plumbing issues I had. Mohamed was professional and on time. I will hire him again if I have any plumbing issues in the future.
Linda B.
I am so pleased with my experience with Fairfax Plumbing. I was able to get my issue resolved within 3 days after contacting them. He explained the issues and how it would be resolved. This will be my “ go to” plumbing company.
Christopher M.
Kevin is an excellent plumber and I will be using him for all my future plumbing needs!
Ed h.
Kevin is a professional through and through, he was upfront, punctual and very knowledgeable about his craft. My plumbing needs were met quickly. The quality of his work is second to none. I would highly recommend Egan’s Plumbing to family and friends.
Karen C.
very accommodating and worked with me to come up with a solution for our plumbing issue quickly.
Eugene J.
I highly recommend Mohamed for your diverse plumbing needs. Kind regards. Dr. Jacquescoley
Tessa J.
Great, friendly and fast service! Will definitely be our new go to for all our plumbing needs.
Laura H.
We've hired Mohamed twice now and will continue to hire him for any future plumbing jobs. He responded in minutes to an emergency plumbing issue and arrived the next morning and fixed the problem within 30 minutes. He is friendly and works quickly. Don't hesitate to hire him!
Carolynne K.
Our experience with New Age plumbing was fantastic! Sam reached out immediately upon my inquiry, provided a reasonable quote and was fixing our issue the next day. He did a wonderful job installing our bidet and fixing our botched plumbing work... (always go with the professional first...). He was quick, courteous and wore a mask the entire time which we appreciated.We will definitely reach out again for any plumbing issues in the future. Thank you!
Kathleen C.
They responded quickly and was efficient. I have stored their number. I will be using them for my plumbing needs.
Nicole G.
Excellent service provided Plumbing & Heating. Affordable, prompt and excellent customer service. Would definitely recommend!
John E.
Sam was very responsive, and easy to work with when scheduling the plumbing job. He was here within 24 hours. Upon arrival, Sam did an in depth analysis of the issue, and was able to resolve it within 30 minutes. I will definitely utilize the New Age team for all future plumbing issues.
Ryan L.
Both guys did a great job troubleshooting the plumbing issue. Great work, friendly and quality of work was excellent
Steve D.
These folks are awesome. Tiny was very responsive and punctual. Also stuck to the estimated price! Highly recommend for plumbing work.
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