Trade hub
Plumber
Install and repair the water supply, drainage, gas and fixture systems that keep buildings habitable.
- Median pay
- $61,550/yr
- Entry path
- 4–5 years
- Job outlook
- +6%
Direct answer
A licensed plumber installs and repairs the pipes, fixtures and appliances that bring clean water in and carry waste out — plus gas piping where your state includes it under the plumbing licence. Call one for leaks, no hot water, sewer backups, water heater failure, repiping, new bathrooms, gas lines to ranges and dryers, and any work that requires a plumbing permit. Common jobs range from $150–$400 for a simple drain clearing or fixture swap to $900–$3,400 for water heater replacement and $3,000–$15,000+ for sewer line work depending on access. Drain-opening-only companies handle clogs in the line they can reach; they are not the same as a plumber who will open walls, replace piping and pull permits.
What plumbers fix and install
- Repair or replace leaking supply lines and shutoff valves
- Clear drains, snake main lines and camera-inspect sewer laterals
- Install and service tank and tankless water heaters
- Replace toilets, faucets, showers and tubs — including valve upgrades
- Repipe galvanized or polybutylene with copper or PEX
- Repair or replace sewer lines, cleanouts and ejector pumps
- Install gas lines for ranges, dryers, fireplaces and pool heaters where licensed
- Sump pumps, backflow preventers and hose bib frost protection
- Water softeners, filtration and recirculation pumps
- Rough-in plumbing for remodels, ADUs and additions
This trade vs the one you might confuse it with
| Often confused with | Plumber does | The other trade does |
|---|---|---|
| Drain cleaning / rooter-only company | Diagnoses the system, repairs or replaces pipe, pulls plumbing permits and coordinates inspection. | Clears blockages with a snake or jet — may not repair collapsed pipe or illegal connections. |
| HVAC technician | Installs gas piping to equipment, water lines to humidifiers and condensate drains to safe locations. | Services furnaces and AC — does not replace main sewer or repipe your home. |
| Handyman | Handles pressurized water and gas with code-compliant materials and permits. | May swap a faucet on existing shutoffs — should not alter venting or move waste stacks. |
| Septic service company | Repairs house-side plumbing, pumps and lines up to the septic tank or municipal tap. | Pumps and maintains the tank and drain field — not interior repipes. |
Typical job prices
National planning ranges — not quotes. Open a cost guide for drivers, permits and regional pages where published.
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Water Heater ReplacementReplacing a standard tank water heater with a like-for-like unit, installed and hauled away. | $900–$3,400 |
| Sewer Line Repair & ReplacementRepairing or replacing the sewer lateral between a home and the municipal main. | $1,500–$30,000 |
| Whole-House RepipingReplacing all water supply lines in a home — typically galvanized steel or polybutylene with copper or PEX. | $4,000–$18,000 |
| Water Softener InstallationInstalling a whole-house ion-exchange water softener on the main supply line with a drain and brine connection. | $800–$3,500 |
| Well Pump ReplacementPulling and replacing a submersible or jet well pump, including electrical connection and system restart. | $800–$4,000 |
| Toilet ReplacementRemoving an old toilet and installing a new one, including wax ring, supply line, and disposal. | $200–$700 |
| Shower Valve & Cartridge ReplacementReplacing a failed shower valve cartridge or the entire valve body behind the shower wall. | $200–$1,500 |
| Slab Leak RepairLocating and repairing a water supply line leak beneath a concrete slab foundation. | $1,500–$8,000 |
| Sump Pump InstallationInstalling a sump pump and pit in a basement or crawlspace to manage groundwater and prevent flooding. | $1,000–$4,500 |
| Tankless Water Heater ConversionConverting from a tank water heater to a tankless gas or electric unit, including venting, gas line, or electrical upgrades. | $3,500–$9,000 |
| Drain CleaningClearing a clogged sink, tub, shower, or branch drain with a snake or auger. | $100–$450 |
| Hydro-JettingHigh-pressure water jetting to remove grease, scale, and roots from drain and sewer lines. | $350–$1,300 |
| Sewer Camera InspectionVideo inspection of drain and sewer lines to locate blockages, roots, and pipe failure. | $200–$800 |
| Leak DetectionElectronic or acoustic location of hidden water leaks in walls, slabs, and underground lines. | $150–$900 |
| Faucet ReplacementRemoving an old kitchen or bathroom faucet and installing a new unit on existing supply stops. | $175–$650 |
| Garbage Disposal ReplacementSwapping a failed kitchen garbage disposal and reconnecting drain and dishwasher hose. | $200–$600 |
| Main Shutoff Valve ReplacementReplacing the main water shutoff valve where service enters the home. | $150–$600 |
| Pressure Regulator ReplacementInstalling or replacing a PRV to reduce high municipal water pressure entering the home. | $200–$750 |
| Water Line ReplacementReplacing the buried or slab water service line from the meter or curb to the home. | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Sewer Line ReplacementFull replacement of the sewer lateral from the home to the municipal main. | $8,000–$30,000 |
| Gas Line InstallationRunning new natural gas or propane piping to appliances, fireplaces, or outdoor equipment. | $500–$3,500 |
| Bathtub ReplacementRemoving an old tub and installing a new alcove, drop-in, or freestanding unit. | $1,500–$8,000 |
| Shower Pan ReplacementRemoving a failed shower base and installing a new pan or liner with waterproofing. | $1,000–$5,500 |
| Water Heater RepairRepairing thermostats, elements, gas valves, thermocouples, and anode rods on tank water heaters. | $150–$750 |
| Frozen Pipe RepairThawing frozen pipes and repairing splits or burst sections after freeze damage. | $200–$2,500 |
| Outdoor Spigot ReplacementReplacing a hose bib or frost-free sillcock on an exterior wall. | $150–$500 |
| Septic Tank PumpingPumping solids from a septic tank and inspecting baffles and inlet/outlet tees. | $250–$700 |
| Septic System ReplacementReplacing failed septic tank, distribution, and drain field per health department design. | $10,000–$35,000 |
| Water Filtration InstallationInstalling under-sink, whole-house, or reverse-osmosis filtration and softening systems. | $500–$4,000 |
| Well Pressure Tank ReplacementReplacing a failed bladder tank and tuning pressure switch settings on a well system. | $400–$1,400 |
| Backflow Preventer InstallationInstalling or replacing a backflow prevention device on irrigation or municipal supply lines. | $200–$900 |
| Bidet InstallationInstalling a bidet seat, standalone bidet, or washlet with water supply and electrical if needed. | $250–$1,200 |
| Washing Machine HookupInstalling or relocating washing machine supply boxes, drains, and standpipes. | $150–$800 |
| Pipe InsulationInsulating exposed water pipes in crawlspaces, attics, and exterior walls for freeze protection and efficiency. | $200–$1,200 |
| Bathroom RemodelRenovating a residential bathroom including fixtures, tile, vanity, and plumbing. | $6,000–$40,000 |
| Basement WaterproofingStopping water intrusion into a basement through interior or exterior waterproofing systems. | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Sprinkler System InstallationInstalling an in-ground irrigation system with controller, valves, and heads. | $2,800–$11,000 |
| French Drain InstallationInstalling a perforated drain line in gravel with filter fabric to intercept groundwater. | $2,200–$16,000 |
| Yard Drainage CorrectionRegrading, swales, catch basins, and drain lines to move surface water away from structures. | $1,800–$14,000 |
| Dishwasher InstallationConnecting water supply, drain, and electrical for a built-in dishwasher. | $200–$950 |
| Washer and Dryer InstallationInstalling washer boxes, valves, drains, and dryer vent for laundry appliances. | $175–$1,250 |
| Crawlspace EncapsulationSealing crawlspace walls and floor with vapor barrier, dehumidification, and drainage review. | $5,500–$26,000 |
| Water Damage RestorationExtracting water, structural drying, demolition, and antimicrobial treatment after a leak or flood. | $2,200–$26,000 |
| Radon MitigationInstalling sub-slab depressurization piping and fan to lower indoor radon levels. | $900–$4,200 |
| Crawl Space Vapor BarrierInstalling heavy polyethylene on crawlspace ground with sealed seams and pier wraps. | $1,600–$8,500 |
| Sewage CleanupRemoving black-water contamination, disinfecting, and drying after a sewer backup. | $2,200–$17,000 |
Common problems
Start with symptoms when you are not sure what failed — then hire the right trade.
- DiagnoseNo Hot WaterFind out why a water heater has stopped producing hot water, for both gas and electric units.
- DiagnoseDrain Keeps CloggingTell the difference between a local fixture clog and a main line problem before you spend money on the wrong fix.
- DiagnoseWater Heater LeakingWater pooling around your water heater — identify where the leak is coming from and whether you can wait or need same-day replacement.
- DiagnoseToilet Running ConstantlyA toilet that will not stop running wastes 200 gallons or more per day — find the cause and fix it in minutes or know when to call a plumber.
- DiagnoseLow Water PressureWeak water pressure at one fixture or throughout the house — narrow down whether it is a local clog, a supply problem, or aging pipes.
- DiagnoseSewer Smell in HouseA sewage odor inside your home — track it to a dry trap, a vent problem, or a failing sewer line before it becomes a health hazard.
- DiagnoseWater HammerLoud banging in your pipes when you shut off a faucet or valve — what causes it and how to stop it before it damages fittings.
- DiagnoseBrown Water from TapsRusty or brown water from your faucets — determine whether it is a municipal issue, a water heater problem, or corroding pipes in your home.
- DiagnoseBanging PipesPipes that rattle, knock, or bang in the walls — distinguish water hammer from thermal expansion and loose pipes.
- DiagnoseHot Water Runs Out FastYou run out of hot water after one shower or a few minutes — find out if it is a failing element, sediment, or a tank that is simply too small.
- DiagnoseGarbage Disposal HummingA garbage disposal that hums but does not spin — usually a jam, not a motor failure. Here is how to tell the difference.
- DiagnoseIce Maker Not WorkingYour refrigerator ice maker stopped producing ice — work through the supply, temperature, and mechanical causes.
- DiagnoseDishwasher Not DrainingStanding water in the bottom of your dishwasher after a cycle — most causes are local and fixable without a service call.
- DiagnoseWasher Won't DrainA washing machine full of water that will not drain — check these causes before paying for a repair visit.
- DiagnoseToilet Won't FlushWhen the handle moves but nothing flushes — or the bowl does not drain — work through chain, flapper, clog, and supply issues before calling a plumber.
- DiagnoseToilet Leaking at BaseWater pooling at the floor around the toilet — usually a failed wax ring, loose bolts, or a cracked flange, not a tank leak.
- DiagnoseShower Has No PressureWeak shower spray at one head or the whole house — separate a clogged fixture from supply, valve, or pipe problems.
- DiagnoseShower Won't Get HotLukewarm or cold shower while sinks run hot — often a mixing valve, anti-scald limit, or cross-connected pipes.
- DiagnoseFaucet DrippingA dripping faucet wastes thousands of gallons per year — identify compression, cartridge, or ceramic-disk type and replace the worn part.
- DiagnoseKitchen Sink Backing UpWater rising in the kitchen sink — usually grease and food in the trap or drain line, not the main sewer unless multiple fixtures fail together.
- DiagnoseGurgling DrainGurgling from a sink, tub, or toilet when water runs elsewhere — air is being pulled through the trap because the vent or drain is restricted.
- DiagnoseSlow Tub DrainStanding water in the tub after showers — hair and soap in the trap and shoe are the usual culprits before a deeper line clog.
- DiagnoseSewage BackupRaw sewage in tubs, toilets, or floor drains is an emergency — stop using water, protect health, and clear the main line or municipal blockage.
- DiagnoseBasement FloodingWater in the basement may be groundwater, foundation seepage, plumbing leaks, or sewer backup — identify the source before pumping and drying.
- DiagnoseSump Pump Not WorkingA silent sump pump during rain risks basement flooding — check power, float switch, and discharge before replacing the unit.
- DiagnoseWater Meter Spinning With Everything OffA moving meter dial with all fixtures off means a hidden leak — toilet, irrigation, or supply line — costing money and risking structural damage.
- DiagnoseOutdoor Faucet LeakingA dripping hose bib wastes water and can freeze-damage pipes — replace washers, packing, or the frost-free stem before winter.
- DiagnoseWhistling PipesWhistling or squealing in pipes when water runs — high velocity, worn valves, or water heater scale — can stress fittings over time.
- DiagnosePipe SweatingCondensation on cold water pipes in humid basements is usually not a leak — insulation and dehumidification stop drips and rust.
- DiagnoseToilet SweatingA sweating toilet tank drips onto the floor in humid weather — cold refill water condenses on the porcelain unless you insulate or mix tempering water.
- DiagnoseYellow WaterYellow or brown tap water often means rust from galvanized pipes, disturbed sediment after main work, or iron in well water — run cold and test before drinking.
- DiagnoseWater Tastes MetallicMetallic taste usually comes from iron, manganese, low pH corroding pipes, or new plumbing — test water and check whether hot-only or all taps.
- DiagnoseCloudy WaterMilky tap water that clears in a glass is often trapped air — persistent cloudiness needs testing for sediment or microorganisms.
- DiagnoseWater Smells Like ChlorineChlorine odor at the tap is common after municipal treatment spikes — carbon filtration reduces smell; bleach-like odor only on hot may be anode-related.
- DiagnoseWell Water SputteringAir sputtering from well taps points to low water table, failing pump, cracked drop pipe, or gas in the well — diagnose before the pump burns out.
- DiagnoseWater Softener Not RegeneratingHard water returning, salt not dropping, or error codes — timer, motor, resin, or brine line issues stop regeneration and scale builds in pipes.
- DiagnoseWhite Residue on FixturesWhite crust on faucets and glass is usually hard-water mineral — vinegar cleans it, but a softener or RO may be needed if it returns weekly.
- DiagnosePink Stains in ShowerPink or orange slimy stains in showers are usually Serratia bacteria in moist areas — not rust — and need cleaning and better ventilation, not repiping.
- DiagnoseDishwasher Not CleaningDishes still dirty after a cycle usually mean blocked spray arms, wrong detergent, or cold water at the start.
- DiagnoseFridge Leaking WaterWater on the floor from a fridge is usually a clogged defrost drain or cracked drain pan.
- DiagnoseWasher Shaking ViolentlyViolent washer shake means unbalanced load, shipping bolts left in, or worn suspension.
- DiagnoseMold on Bathroom CeilingBathroom ceiling mold means chronic humidity — exhaust fan and air flow fix the cause, bleach only treats symptom.
- DiagnoseWater in CrawlspaceStanding water in a crawlspace damages structure and invites mold — find whether it is groundwater, drainage, or plumbing.
- DiagnoseMusty Basement SmellMusty basement air is high humidity and poor air exchange — find water source before deodorizing.
- DiagnoseWet Spot in YardA persistent wet yard patch may be irrigation, sewer, spring, or broken water line.
- DiagnoseGas Smell OutsideOutdoor gas odor may be meter leak, service line, or neighbor source — call the utility from away from the smell.
- DiagnoseWater Heater Making Popping NoisePopping from a water heater is sediment boiling on the bottom element — flush or replace before leak.
Licence and insurance expectations
Nearly every state licenses journeyman and master plumbers; gas fitting is often a separate endorsement. For work at your home, expect proof of general liability and workers compensation on larger jobs. Rules vary by state and city — verify the licence class covers residential work before you sign.
How to verify one in two minutes
- Collect the plumber's licence number and verify it on your state plumbing board site via /licensing.
- Confirm the licence covers residential plumbing and gas fitting if your job includes gas.
- Ask whether they pull the plumbing permit — get the permit number before rough-in is covered.
- For water heater or gas work, confirm inspection is included in the quote.
- Request proof of liability insurance and workers comp for crew on your property.
- Check whether the business name on the quote matches the licence holder — not only a franchise dispatch brand.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is this repair or a full replacement — and what triggers the higher option?
- Will you pull the plumbing permit and meet the inspector?
- What is your service call minimum and how do you bill after that?
- For drain work, is camera inspection included or extra?
- What warranty do you offer on parts versus labor?
- How do you protect finished floors and drywall during water heater or sewer work?
- If you open a slab or yard for sewer work, who restores concrete or landscaping?
- Do you accept payment on completion for standard replacements?
Red flags
- Will not pull a permit for water heater, gas line or sewer replacement
- Quotes sewer replacement without a camera or locate
- Uses open flame on pipe near combustibles without proper procedure
- Demands full payment before ordering a standard water heater
- Licence number does not match the technician on site
- Suggests tying sump pump discharge into sanitary sewer
- No written scope for "flat rate drain" that excludes main line access
Find a licensed pro
We only show businesses where we have consent or a documented public-record match. If none are listed in your metro yet, use the state board lookup and the hiring checklist below.
No paid placement
Rankings are never sold. Order reflects verification depth and relevance, not payment.
Verify any licence yourself before signing: state licensing hub.
Tools for homeowners
Decision support before you call — free in the browser.
- ComparisonDIY vs. ProWeigh cost, time, tools, permits, risk and consequences before you take on a job yourself.
- DiagnosticQuote AnalyzerBreak down a contractor's quote and see whether the price and the terms are reasonable.
- CalculatorWater Heater SizingFind the tank capacity or tankless flow rate a household actually needs from peak-hour demand.
- ComparisonRepair vs. ReplaceCompare the economics of repairing a failing system against replacing it outright.
For trade owners
Pricing this job as a contractor?
Homeowners see national ranges on this page. If you are building the estimate, use the same scope assumptions — then price to burdened labor, overhead recovery and a real margin.
We never sell leads. Read the promise.
For owners of plumbers
Field calculators and pricing tools this trade uses on the job.
- CalculatorPipe SizingSize water supply piping from fixture unit counts, pressure and developed length.
- CalculatorJob PricingBuild a defensible price from labor, materials, overhead and your target profit margin.
- CalculatorShop RateDetermine the shop rate you must charge per billable hour to cover overhead and hit your income target.
- CalculatorDrain SizingSize drain, waste and vent piping from drainage fixture unit loads and slope.
Common questions
How much do plumbers charge per hour in 2026?
Residential plumbers often charge $90–$160 per hour for service work, with trip fees of $75–$225. Water heaters, sewer lines and repipes are usually flat bids. Emergency nights and weekends add premiums. Compare fixed quotes with the same equipment model, permit fees and haul-away included.
When should I call a plumber instead of using a drain snake myself?
Single slow drains may respond to a plunger or hand auger. Multiple fixtures backing up, sewage smells, gurgling when you flush or repeat clogs in a week mean a main line or vent problem — call a licensed plumber with camera capability. Chemical drain openers can damage pipes and hide the real issue.
How much does water heater replacement cost with a licensed plumber?
Like-for-like tank replacement commonly runs $900–$3,400 installed nationally in 2026, with most homeowners near $1,200–$2,400. Attic installs, gas venting changes, heat pump tanks and panel work push higher. The quote should list the exact model, permit, expansion tank and disposal.
Does a plumber need a licence to replace a toilet or faucet?
Many states allow homeowner or handyman swap on existing shutoffs for simple fixtures; new locations, valve upgrades and anything affecting venting require a licensed plumber and often a permit. Gas supply changes always need a licensed tradesperson. When resale or insurance is involved, licensed work with a permit is safer documentation.
What is the difference between a plumber and a pipefitter for my home?
Residential plumbers handle supply, waste, vents and typical gas piping in homes. Pipefitters and steamfitters more often work industrial and commercial process piping. For a house repipe or sewer repair, hire a residential plumbing contractor licence class.
How do I know if I have a sewer line problem versus a clogged drain?
If every drain on the lowest floor gurgles or backs up together, the main line or lateral is suspect. One fixture only points to a branch drain. A plumber can camera the line and locate breaks, bellies or root intrusion before quoting repair or replacement.
How much does trenchless sewer line replacement cost?
Trenchless pipe bursting or lining often runs $4,000–$15,000 depending on length, access and municipal connection rules — sometimes comparable to open trench but with less yard damage. Not every line qualifies. Get two methods priced: open cut versus trenchless with the same warranty.
Can plumbers install gas lines for a stove or dryer?
In many states gas piping is a plumber or gas fitter licence endorsement. HVAC techs may connect appliance flex lines to an existing shutoff. New branches from the manifold or meter require the correct licence and pressure test. Always permit and inspect per local code.
Why is my water bill high after a plumber visit?
If the visit was only diagnostic, the leak may still be running — check toilets, irrigation and outdoor bibs. If new work was done, confirm shutoffs are fully open and no bypass is leaking. A follow-up pressure test or meter check can isolate hidden supply leaks.
How long does a whole-house repipe take?
Many PEX or copper repipes finish in two to five days for an average home with attic or crawl access, with water off in sections daily. Finished walls add patch and paint time. Permits and inspections may schedule across the week.
What should I ask before hiring a plumber for an emergency leak?
Ask for the licence number, emergency rate, whether they can shut down the leak same visit and if they stock common valves on the truck. Get a written follow-up quote for permanent repair if the first trip is temporary stabilization.
Are plumber estimates free?
Simple phone quotes for standard water heaters are common; sewer, repipe and slab leaks usually need a site visit. Diagnostic or camera fees of $150–$350 are normal and may credit toward repair. Clarify before booking.
Pay and outlook figures on this page: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2023 national wage estimates. Cost ranges: National averages for standard access and mid-grade materials. Reviewed September 2026 / September 2026.
Career overview
Pay, training path and day-to-day work if you are exploring plumber as a trade — or want context on who you are hiring.
What plumbers do
Plumbers install and service the piping systems that deliver potable water, remove waste and carry fuel gas. The classification covers plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, which diverge significantly once you pass the apprenticeship: residential service work looks nothing like process piping in a refinery. Licensing is state-administered and almost always requires documented apprenticeship hours.
- Median annual pay
- $61,550
- $29.59 per hour
- Typical range
- $38,650–$101,190
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Projected growth
- +6%
- 2023–2033 projections
- Annual openings
- 42,600
- Growth plus replacement
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2023 national wage estimates. Local pay varies substantially with union scale, prevailing wage projects and regional demand. Estimate pay for your area.
The work itself
A typical day
- Diagnose leaks, clogs, pressure and drainage complaints
- Cut, thread, solder, press and solvent-weld pipe
- Set fixtures, water heaters and recirculation systems
- Camera and clear sewer laterals
- Size supply and DWV systems from fixture unit counts
Where you work
- Occupied homes, often under sinks and in crawlspaces
- Commercial mechanical rooms
- New construction before walls close
- Industrial plants and refineries
Physical demands
Extended kneeling, crawling and overhead work in tight spaces. Lifting water heaters and cast iron is routine. Exposure to sewage requires strict hygiene practice.
The honest tradeoffs
What works in your favor
- Service work is recession-resistant — water leaks regardless of the economy
- Emergency and after-hours work carries premium rates
- Very strong path to self-employment
- Licensed plumbers are in short supply in most metros
What to go in knowing
- Unpleasant conditions are part of the job, not an exception
- On-call rotations interrupt evenings and weekends
- Hard on knees, shoulders and back over a long career
- Licensing rules vary sharply between states
Getting in
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Training route
- 4–5 year paid apprenticeship through a union local or a licensed contractor
- Apprenticeship length
- 4–5 years (roughly 8,000 on-the-job hours)
- Licensing
- Nearly every state licenses journeyman and master plumbers; gas fitting is often a separate endorsement.
Where the trade splits
Pay and working conditions diverge sharply by specialization. These are the paths most plumbers end up choosing between.
- Residential service and repair
- New construction rough-in
- Commercial plumbing
- Pipefitter (process and mechanical)
- Steamfitter (high-pressure steam)
- Medical gas installer
- Backflow prevention tester
- Drain and sewer specialist
Credentials that matter
- Journeyman Plumber LicenseState licensing board
- Master Plumber LicenseState licensing board
- Backflow Prevention Assembly TesterASSE International
- Medical Gas Installer (ASSE 6010)ASSE International
- OSHA 30-Hour ConstructionOSHA-authorized trainer
Plumber field tools
The calculators this trade uses on the job. Everything runs in the browser.
- CalculatorPipe SizingSize water supply piping from fixture unit counts, pressure and developed length.
- CalculatorDrain SizingSize drain, waste and vent piping from drainage fixture unit loads and slope.
- CalculatorWater Heater SizingFind the tank capacity or tankless flow rate a household actually needs from peak-hour demand.
- CalculatorPipe VolumeCalculate the water volume, weight and fill time of a pipe run for flushing and testing.
- CalculatorJob PricingBuild a defensible price from labor, materials, overhead and your target profit margin.
- CalculatorShop RateDetermine the shop rate you must charge per billable hour to cover overhead and hit your income target.
- CalculatorJob ProfitabilityCompare quoted price against actual hours and material to see what a job really earned.
- CalculatorBreak-EvenFind the revenue and billable hours required to cover fixed and variable costs.
- CalculatorMarkup / MarginConvert between markup and gross margin so you stop pricing below your intended profit.
- PlannerStarter Tool KitBuild a first-year tool list for your trade and see what it costs at three quality tiers.
- ComparisonRent vs. BuyCompare renting against buying a tool across the number of times you will actually use it.
- CalculatorEstimated TaxFigure quarterly estimated tax for 1099 contractors — federal income tax, self-employment tax, and what to set aside from each check.
- CalculatorEffective RateSee what you actually earn per hour worked — field time, admin, sales, and drive time included.
- CalculatorEmployee vs. SubCompare the true loaded cost of a W-2 employee against a 1099 subcontractor at your actual utilization.
- CalculatorVehicle CostCalculate the true hourly and per-mile cost of your work truck — payment, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation.
- CalculatorEquipment ROIDecide whether to buy or rent trade equipment — payback period, cost per use, and annual return on investment.
- CalculatorLead ValueFind what a lead is worth, your max affordable cost per lead, and whether your marketing spend actually pays.
- CalculatorPrice IncreaseModel what happens to revenue and profit when you raise prices — and how many customers you can afford to lose.
- CalculatorCash RunwaySee how many months of cash you have at current burn — and what revenue change keeps you solvent.
- CalculatorPlumber RateCalculate the hourly rate and service call minimum your plumbing business needs — with plumber-specific defaults and U.S. market benchmarks.
- CalculatorShould I Take This Job?Quote price, hours, travel and materials against your margin floor — go or no-go before you schedule.
- CalculatorLabor Burden CalculatorWage to true employer cost per hour — taxes, workers comp, benefits, vehicle, and non-billable time.
- CalculatorOverhead Recovery CalculatorAnnual overhead divided by billable hours — the hourly overhead adder your rate must carry.
- CalculatorRevenue Target CalculatorOwner pay plus overhead and margin → revenue needed, jobs to sell, and quotes to send at your close rate.
- ChecklistService Report GeneratorFindings, readings and recommendations → printable PDF for the customer.
Find plumbers near you
Consent-based listings ranked by distance, relevance and verification date — never by payment.
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Trades that share skills, tools or career adjacency.
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