What Is An Emergency Plumber’s Cost Per Hour?

When an emergency strikes, it’s time to call a plumber. But just what constitutes a plumbing emergency, and what can you expect in the situation? We’ll break that down for you in this guide.

Let’s face it – getting emergency plumbing services is a challenge. You don’t know who to call, and you’re in such a difficult situation – you don’t even have time to compare rates and see if you’re being charged fairly. Plumber rates for emergency calls can vary a lot, based on when the emergency strikes and whether it’s a drain or a toilet, whether you need a master plumber, etc. And the truth is, there’s no set “emergency plumber cost per hour” rate that all plumbers abide by. 

But, how much do plumbers charge for emergency calls, roughly? As a rough rule of thumb, you can expect to pay 1.5 – 3 times as much for a plumbing emergency than you would for an average plumbing job. But again – emergency plumbers cost different amounts based on where you live, the problem, and the urgency of fixing the issue.

So Just What Is Considered A Plumbing Emergency?

Plumbing emergencies are urgent plumbing issues that have the potential to cause water damage or harm to the occupants. 

Plumbing emergencies usually pose a threat to occupants when the heating systems are affected. 

Other emergencies that necessitate fast response plumbers can include pipe leaks, clogged drains, and more. 

Pipe Break

Pipe breaks are very common in northern latitude winters, but they can happen anywhere. They’re caused by clogged pipes that lead to a pressure buildup.

Don’t wait to call in the event of a burst pipe!

Here’s what to do in the event of a pipe break:

  1. Shut the water off via the master shutoff valve
  2. Open the faucet affected by the burst pipe (this makes repair easier by relieving any remaining pressure left in the pipes).
  3. Call a plumber fast. They’ll be able to advise you whether or not you have a plumbing emergency on your hands.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are common in bathrooms and kitchens. You may be able to handle shallow drain clogs using a mix of hot water, vinegar and baking soda. But if that doesn’t do the trick, consider giving a plumber a call before the clogged drain wreaks more havoc on your house.

Gas Leaks

A gas leak almost always constitutes a plumbing emergency, and if you start to smell sulfurous/eggy smells, do not attempt to locate the source yourself. It can be extremely dangerous, and in this instance, you should call a fast response plumber immediately.

Sewer Leak

Sewer leaks are particularly difficult to identify, as your home’s sewer system often snakes through the entire house and through the walls.

This can lead to prolonged leaks and more costly work, and the difference between a quick fix and a big bill is identifying the sewer leak early. If you’re experiencing damp floors (caused by leaks under the floor), unexplained foul odors (caused by mildew in the walls) or an unexpected high water bill (caused by pipe leaks), it may be time to call a fast response plumber.

What Does An Emergency Plumber Cost?

So just how much does an emergency plumber cost? Again, there’s no hard and fast rule, but you can expect it to cost anywhere from $150 – $700, depending on what the emergency is, the plumbing call out fee and when it happens.

The Plumbing Callout Fee

Whether it’s an on call plumber or a routine job, you’ll always pay what’s called a plumbing callout fee. This essentially covers the cost of driving to/from the job, gas, vehicle maintenance and other overhead. 

Think of the callout fee like a flag drop rate for a cab. After paying the necessary fee, you’ll then be responsible for parts and labor for the job.

Hourly Vs Flat Rate

We often hear people ask, “how much are plumbers per hour?”

The truth is that plumbers charge per hour, and others have a flat rate. Each pricing model has its advantages and disadvantages, and you’ll need to find the plumber that’s right for you.

Calling a plumber at the first sign of trouble could save your home!

Do Plumbers Charge More On Weekends?

If you need an urgent plumber on a weekend, it more likely than not constitutes an emergency call. In this case, yes – plumbers will charge more on weekends. You can refer to the typical, “1.5x – 3x” rule above.

Choose Indigo Home & Facility Services

Indigo Home & Facility Services is the company you can trust to help you fix your plumbing issues in the greater Austin area fast.

Give us a call today, and let’s get started!

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