Seattle price guide
How much does a plumber cost in Seattle?
Use these illustrative ranges to plan questions, not as a guaranteed Seattle price. They are not verified local market averages or confirmed provider rates. The actual condition, access and written scope determine your quote.
Hourly planning allowance
$125 – $250
Example diagnostic allowance
$75 – $150
Example after-hours allowance
$150 – $350
Emergency Plumber prices in Seattle
| Job | Planning range |
|---|---|
| After-hours emergency call-out | $150 – $350 |
| Burst pipe repair (accessible) | $400 – $1,200 |
| Emergency main shutoff valve replacement | $450 – $900 |
| Emergency sewer backup clearing | $350 – $850 |
Drain Cleaning prices in Seattle
| Job | Planning range |
|---|---|
| Sink, tub or shower drain clearing | $150 – $350 |
| Toilet auger / pull and reset | $200 – $450 |
| Main line clearing through cleanout | $250 – $600 |
| Hydro jetting a grease-packed line | $450 – $1,100 |
| Sewer camera inspection | $0 – $350 |
Water Heaters prices in Seattle
| Job | Planning range |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic / minor repair | $150 – $450 |
| Thermostat or heating element | $200 – $500 |
| 40–50 gal gas tank replacement | $1,800 – $3,200 |
| 50 gal electric tank replacement | $1,600 – $2,800 |
| Tankless install (gas) | $4,000 – $7,500 |
| Heat pump water heater | $3,200 – $5,500 |
Sewer Repair prices in Seattle
| Job | Planning range |
|---|---|
| Camera inspection and locate | $250 – $500 |
| Spot repair (single failure point) | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Trenchless CIPP lining | $120 – $250 per ft |
| Pipe bursting replacement | $8,000 – $25,000 |
| Open-cut side sewer replacement | $10,000 – $30,000+ |
Leak Detection prices in Seattle
| Job | Planning range |
|---|---|
| Leak detection visit | $250 – $600 |
| Pinhole copper repair | $350 – $900 |
| Under-slab leak repair | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Reroute a failed line | $900 – $3,500 |
Repiping prices in Seattle
| Job | Planning range |
|---|---|
| Partial repipe (one bathroom / kitchen) | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Whole-home PEX repipe (1,500 sq ft) | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Whole-home copper repipe | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Water service line replacement (meter to house) | $3,500 – $9,000 |
What pushes a Seattle job to the top of its range
- Restricted crawlspace, stair or utility-room access at the actual property
- Cast iron or galvanized pipe that has to be cut rather than unthreaded
- Permit and inspection requirements on water heaters, repipes and side sewers
- Night, weekend and holiday dispatch
- Depth and length of a side sewer run, especially under a driveway or the street
- Surface restoration after excavation
Compare the scope—not just the final number
A drain-clearing quote may cover only one fixture, while another includes a main-line camera inspection. A water-heater quote may retain existing venting and electrical connections or include changes that a different model needs. A sewer proposal can range from a short spot repair to an entire connection replacement. Those are not interchangeable services.
Ask each provider to identify the diagnosis, repair length or equipment model, materials, access work and testing. For a Belltown condo or downtown building, confirm whether the estimate assumes a building shutdown or additional access arrangements. For a sloped Queen Anne or Madrona property, ask what excavation and surface restoration are included rather than applying a generic neighborhood surcharge.
Questions for a written Seattle plumbing quote
- Is the visit or diagnostic charge separate, and is any part credited toward the repair?
- Which failed component or pipe section is being repaired, and what evidence supports the scope?
- Are equipment removal, disposal, access openings and final testing included?
- Which permits and inspections apply, who obtains them and are their fees included?
- Does restoration include backfill, paving, drywall, texture and paint—or only some of those?
- What exclusions, possible change orders and warranty terms are stated?
Seattle permits and shared-system costs
Since October 1, 2025, Seattle Public Utilities has handled side-sewer permits and inspections. Applications still go through the Seattle Services Portal. Interior plumbing is regulated by Public Health – Seattle & King County, and equipment work may also involve electrical or mechanical requirements. The applicable approval depends on the job—not just the page's price category.
For a private side sewer, ask about work in the right-of-way, utility coordination, access and restoration. Shared connections can also require coordination with another owner. Do not confuse a new sewer connection's fees with an ordinary clearing or repair. Check the applicable requirements for the actual scope before using a budget allowance.
Source: Seattle Public Utilities: current side-sewer application process.
Cost questions we get every week
- How much does a plumber cost per hour in Seattle?
- The $125 to $250 range shown here is an illustrative planning allowance, not a verified Seattle market average. Ask whether a provider bills hourly or by the job, whether there is a minimum and whether diagnosis is separate from repair.
- Is there a call-out fee?
- Some providers charge separately for a diagnostic visit or after-hours dispatch. Ask for the current amount before booking and whether it is credited toward approved work. The example ranges on this page are not this site's confirmed rates.
- Why can two Seattle plumbing quotes differ so much?
- The quotes may cover different diagnostic work, repair lengths, equipment, access openings, permits or restoration. Compare the written scope and exclusions before treating the lower total as the better value.
- How can I keep the bill down?
- For non-urgent work, ask about a scheduled visit and clear safe access to the fixture or utility room. Bring earlier repair records to avoid unnecessary repeat investigation. Do not delay an active leak or sewage backup simply to seek a lower call-out fee.