How Much Does Plumbing Cost?

When plumbing issues arise, quick action can prevent costly water damage. The cost of hiring a plumber in Canada typically ranges from $60 to $270 per hour, with pros averaging $105 to $175 per hour. Rates vary based on the type of job, timing, and location. This guide outlines what you can expect to pay for common plumbing projects.

Average Costs of Plumbers

On average, plumbers in Canada charge $60 to $270 per hour, with licensed pros typically costing $105 to $175 per hour. For simpler tasks, a handyman may charge around $60 per hour.

Plumbers may also include travel or service fees in different ways:

• Minimum hours for service calls.

• Trip fees ranging from $65 to $390.

• Service fees averaging $195.

• Flat rate for the first hour ($130 to $460) with a lower rate thereafter.

• Flat rates for common jobs.

This approach helps you understand what to expect when budgeting for plumbing work.

HomeStars Tip: A general rule for all plumbing projects that require labour, is that the more difficult, complex and/or inaccessible the job is, the longer it will take to complete and the more it will cost.

Good to Know: The largest cost considerations are your location, the materials needed, and the complexity of the job. Remember to get all of this in writing during the quote process so you know the price break down before you agree to have the plumber start working.

Average Master Plumber Hourly Rates

A master plumber usually costs $30 to $100 more per hour than a standard plumber. They are often involved in supervising apprentices or journeymen and handling complex or code-regulated work.

Average Pay Per Hour for a Journeyman or Apprentice

A journeyman plumber typically earns $25 $50 per hour, with an average wage around $35 per hour. Apprentices generally earn about 50% of a journeyman’s rate, depending on their level of experience. These figures reflect wages only. Your final invoice will also include business overhead such as insurance, tools, equipment, vehicle costs, licensing, and administrative expenses.

Plumber Service Call Costs

Service calls typically cover common plumbing issues such as clogged drains, leaking pipes, and minor fixture repairs. In Canada, service call fees generally range from $140 to $475, and this cost usually includes the first hour of labour. Additional time or materials are billed separately.

Plumber Trip or Call Out Fees

Trip fees depend on location and the distance a plumber must travel. In Canada, these fees generally range from $70 to $400, and are in addition to labour charges. Minimum fees and trip charges cover travel time, materials, and pickups from supply stores. Many plumbers spend a significant portion of their day traveling between job sites and suppliers. Common approaches include:

• Flat fee within a set radius, with additional mileage charges beyond that.

• Hourly minimums (1–2 hours), so even if a job takes only 15 minutes, you pay the minimum time.

The Cost of Common Plumbing Services

The below list comprises the most common projects and the price ranges for the plumbing costs.

Service	Price Range
Fix a Leak	$200 to $950
Water Heater Installation	$1,000 to $1,850
Unclogging a Drain	$165 to $400
Drain Line Repair	$330 to $1,350
Water Main Repair	$400 to $1,650
Water Main Installation	$800 to $3,150
New Plumbing Pipes	$460 to $2,300
Sewer Line Cleaning	$230 to $590
Sewer Main Installation	$1,850 to $6,000
Sewer Main Line Repair	$1,310 to $5,250
Sewer Camera Inspection	$400 to $660
Septic Tank Repair	$800 to $3,300
Septic Tank Cleaning	$400 to $660
Install Water Purification System	$1,120 to $3,500
Fix a Toilet	$200 to $400
Faucet Installation	$200 to $460
Shower Installation	$1,580 to $7,200
Bathtub Install	$1,320 to $6,650
Water Heater Repair	$265 to $1,180
Tankless Water Heater	$1,320 to $3,700
Sump Pump Installation	$850 to $2,350
Sump Pump Repair	$400 to $920
Well Pump Repair	$460 to $1,770
Gas Lines Installation and Repair	$330 to $980

Other Plumbing Cost Factors

Plumbing issues can cause secondary damage. You may need water damage repair, new carpeting, drywall, or electrical work. Consider these additional services and costs when planning your project and budget.

Service	Price Range
Electrician Rates	$195 to $650
Sod Installation Costs	$1,301 to $3,384
Landscaping Prices	$1,822 to $6,898
Carpet Installation Rates	$260 to $3,254
Drywall Repair Pricing	$390 to $1,041
Water Restoration Costs	$1,301 to $5,206

Breaking Down Plumbing Replacement Costs

Plumbing replacement costs typically range from $455 to $2,603+, depending on project size and complexity. Below is a breakdown of common plumbing replacement projects and their costs.

Plumbing Prices per Fixture

The most common fixtures to replace include sinks, faucets and toilets.

• New sink installation: $260 to $683, depending on style and whether it’s for a kitchen or bathroom.

• Toilet installation: $260 to $683, varying by brand, type, and replacement complexity.

• New faucets: $195 to $455; costs may be lower if installed alongside a sink during a remodel or renovation.

Bathtub & Shower Prices

• Bathtub replacement: $1,300 to $6,500, depending on the tub type and surrounding materials.

• Shower installation: $1,560 to $7,158, with options in fiberglass, acrylic, tile, glass, or combinations.

• Tub or shower liners: $1,952 to $5,336; consider discussing acrylic liners with your contractor.

Replacing the Water Pressure Regulator Cost

Replacing a water pressure regulator typically costs $325 to $455. The part usually runs around $65, with the remainder covering labour. Installation generally takes about three hours and helps protect your home’s pipes from pressure surges.

P-Trap Replacement Prices

A p‑trap replacement (the curved pipe under a sink that prevents sewer gases from entering your home) typically costs $150 to $300 in Canada. This range reflects labour and parts, though prices can be higher in urban areas due to higher service rates.

Main Water Shut Off Valve Cost

A main water shut-off valve is required by code and essential for most plumbing repairs. Replacing it typically costs $225 to $325, with labour making up most of the cost. The valve itself usually costs less than $30.

Plumbing Stack Replacement

Well‑maintained cast iron or steel stacks can last many decades, while PVC stacks are easier to work with but generally have a shorter service life. Depending on the stack’s accessibility and length, stack replacement costs typically range from about $2,000 to $5,500, with variations based on materials, labour, and local pricing.

Explore Plumbing Rates in Other Areas

HomeStars has prepare other in depth cost guides for you to know how much plumbing services costs per city. Check it out: Plumbing Costs in Toronto, Plumbing Rates in Calgary, Plumbing Quotes in Edmonton, Plumbing Pricing in Ottawa, Plumbing Costs in Vancouver, Plumbing Costs in Hamilton, Plumbing Costs in Barrie, and Plumbing Quotes in Oshawa.

Hire a Plumber Near You with HomeStars

Issues with plumbing can go from minor to very serious quickly. When you notice a problem, it’s important to get it taken care of as soon as possible so further damage isn’t done to your home. When you need a plumber, be sure to post your requirements on HomeStars to find the right company for your project.