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Plumbing Estimate Guide
Fixture pricing, labor rates, and standard line items for plumbing estimates.
How to Estimate Plumbing Costs
Plumbing estimates are based on "fixture count" — each toilet, sink, shower, or appliance connection is one fixture unit used for sizing and pricing.
- Toilet install: $250–$500 (fixture) + $200–$400 (labor)
- Sink install (kitchen/bath): $200–$600 (fixture) + $200–$400 (labor)
- Shower/tub rough-in: $500–$1,500 (new rough-in from scratch)
- Water heater replacement: $1,200–$3,500 (tank), $3,000–$6,000 (tankless)
- Whole-house repipe: $4,000–$15,000 (PEX), $6,000–$20,000 (copper)
Key Takeaways
- Toilet supply + install: $450–$900 total
- Water heater replacement: $1,200–$3,500 (tank)
- Whole-house repipe: $4,000–$15,000 (PEX)
Plumbing Labor Rates in 2026
Licensed plumbers charge $75–$130 per hour in 2026, making them one of the highest-paid construction trades.
- Apprentice plumber: $30–$50/hr
- Journeyman plumber: $50–$85/hr
- Master plumber: $75–$130/hr
- Emergency/after-hours: $150–$250/hr (1.5–2× standard rates)
- Service call fee: $75–$200 just to show up (often applied to work)
Plumbing in open walls (new construction) costs 40–60% less than fishing pipes through finished walls in a remodel.
Key Takeaways
- Licensed plumber: $75–$130/hr
- Emergency rates: $150–$250/hr
- Remodel plumbing: 40–60% more than new construction
Common Plumbing Estimate Line Items
Break plumbing estimates into 4 categories: rough-in, fixtures, water heater, and specialty items.
- Rough-in (per fixture): $500–$1,500 for supply + drain lines to each fixture location
- Fixture allowances: Budget $200–$600 per fixture (toilet, sink, faucet)
- Water heater: $1,200–$6,000 depending on type (tank vs. tankless)
- Gas line: $500–$2,000 per run for gas appliances
- Permits: $100–$500 (required for any new plumbing work in most jurisdictions)
Key Takeaways
- Rough-in: $500–$1,500 per fixture
- Fixture allowance: $200–$600 per fixture
- Permits required for most plumbing work
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Your Company Info
Fill in your plumbing company name, address, phone, email, and license number so the estimate is branded to your business.
Add Fixtures and Quantities
Select fixture types from the dropdown (toilets, sinks, water heaters, etc.), enter quantities, material costs per unit, labor hours, and your hourly rate.
Add Pipe Runs
Enter pipe run descriptions with linear footage and cost per foot. Include supply lines, drain lines, gas lines, and vent piping.
Preview and Print
Click Preview to see a professionally formatted plumbing estimate. Use the Print button to save as PDF or print a hard copy to send to your client.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you estimate a plumbing job?
Start by listing every fixture the job requires (toilets, sinks, faucets, etc.) and the pipe runs needed to connect them. For each fixture, estimate material cost and labor hours. Multiply labor hours by your hourly rate, add materials and pipe costs, then include a 10-20% markup for overhead and profit. Always account for fittings, hangers, and miscellaneous supplies.
What is a typical plumber hourly rate?
Licensed plumbers typically charge $75 to $130 per hour, depending on location, experience, and job complexity. Apprentice rates are lower at $45-$65/hr, while master plumbers or emergency calls can run $150+/hr. Your estimate should reflect your actual labor burden including wages, insurance, and benefits.
What should a plumbing estimate include?
A complete plumbing estimate should include: company and license info, client and project details, an itemized fixture list with material and labor costs, pipe runs with footage, payment terms, a project timeline, and exclusions (such as drywall repair, permit fees, or fixture supply). The more detail you provide, the fewer disputes you will have later.
How much does it cost to rough-in plumbing?
Rough-in plumbing for a new bathroom typically costs $1,500 to $4,000 depending on complexity. A full house rough-in runs $8,000 to $15,000+. Costs vary based on the number of fixtures, pipe material (PEX vs copper), accessibility, and local code requirements. Always include vent piping and drain lines in your estimate.
Should I include permit costs in my plumbing estimate?
Yes, you should clearly address permits. Plumbing permits typically cost $50 to $500 depending on the scope and jurisdiction. You can either include the permit cost as a line item or note it as an exclusion. Either way, make it clear to the client who is responsible for pulling and paying for the permit.
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Turn this job into a full, priced estimate for your client.
Snap photos, talk through the scope, drop in your notes. The AI prices every line item with labor and material rates adjusted for your region, and checks the math.