Why Do Plumbers Charge So Much? (2024)

Understanding Why Plumbers Charge A Lot

Whether you have a burst pipe, sludge backing up into your shower, a toilet that won’t quit running, or a broken pipe filling the room with water, you need a plumber – and fast. That sort of puts you in a vulnerable place. After all, there is no time to research and interview plumbers for a fair price quote. Unfortunately, that panic leaves homeowners asking why plumbers charge so much.

On the other hand, let’s take a moment to consider the view of the plumber. Your plumber has been called out for an emergency from whatever they were doing. And then, upon arrival, they find a panicked homeowner wanting answers. Unfortunately, once they have completed the repair, they often get questions on the pricing.

The most important thing to know is that plumbers offer competitive pricing for their valuable services.

Why Plumbers Are Worth the High Prices

Yes, you could go out and get some plumbers tape and put a temporary fix on the leak. But then you have a repair that won’t last and may do further damage when it breaks. Not to mention, your plumber will look for additional issues and root causes while they are there. Many times, this saves you a whole lot of money and headache in the near future.

So, let’s break it down for you by looking at why plumbers are worth it as well as why those plumbers charge so much.

Plumbers are Highly Skilled

Not everyone has what it takes to be a plumber. These professionals need a specific set of skills and extensive knowledge on many ways to solve issues. So, in essence, you are paying for their expertise. To be a successful plumber, you need the following:

Training Costs Money

Whether your plumber trained as an apprentice or attended a technical school, the training and certifications they need to acquire are pricey. And your plumbers must periodically renew the training and certificates. Each plumber is responsible for knowing the following and more.

State and county codes
Best practice techniques
The latest equipment and techniques

Most Plumbers Have to Purchase Their Tools

Plumbing requires specialized tools, which can only be purchased from a professional plumbing supplier. Sure, you can run to the local hardware store and find the same type of tool. However, those tools are generally made with cheaper parts and a one-size-fits-all approach. They are not made for the all-day use and wear and tear of the plumbing profession.

And let’s not forget the high-tech equipment that requires special training to use. These machines cost thousands of dollars to purchase and operate, such as full-color sewer cameras, high-pressure sewer jetters, and backflow testing equipment.

Their Services are in High Demand

It is a fact; the demand for plumbers is higher than the supply. When you think about it, every home and building needs a plumber from time to time. And the plumbing in those buildings is used every day, all day. So, while it may seem hard to comprehend, it is the law of supply and demand.

Plumbers are Always on Duty

If you have a pipe break in the evening, there is no way you want to hear the plumbing company’s office hours on a recording. Plumbing is one of the emergency services we all count on to make our lives run smoothly and keep our home and family safe. And that means your local plumber may work around the clock.

Travel Expenses Rack Up

Of course, you know that vehicles cost money. But gas, insurance, and a truck large enough to hold every possible fitting your home may require is a whole other kind of expense. Then there are maintenance fees and oil changes for these trucks and vans that may travel 100 miles or more in one day. Since plumbers have mobile warehouses and offices, the business becomes pricey to run.

They Have to Pay Office Staff

Without the office staff, calls go missed, and homes go without plumbing for a time. Employing someone to answer phones, schedule calls, and distribute routes to the plumbers, is essential.

Plumbing Can Be Quite Dangerous

Did you ever stop to think how dangerous a plumber’s job can be? Regularly, they come in contact with hazardous substances like sewage, mold, gases, bacteria, toxic chemicals, wild animals and insects, and more. And honestly, it is a very unpleasant job at times. Plumbers deserve credit for their willingness to do the things we don’t ever want to do.

Years of Plumbing is Hard on the Body

Have you ever looked at a plumber’s hands? They are rugged and worn, and often they have scars from cuts and scratches over the years. Their hands are their most valuable tools. But without solid legs and backs, they may not be able to move that water heater or pull that tub. Plumbing certainly takes its toll on the body.

Therefore, if you want plumbing done right and on time, you may have to pay what a plumber is worth.

Flow Pros Plumbers Can Help You Save Money

To offset the cost of our services, there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to save money each month. We get it. Plumbing is expensive. That is whyFlow Pros Plumbinghas put together a list of environmentally conscious ways to help save money on your plumbing and water bill. Here is what we found.

Low-flow and energy-efficient plumbing fixtures help.
If you see a sudden spike in your water bill, for no apparent reason, call us. What looks like a tiny drip can be a much larger issue when a plumber goes to inspect.
When you hear gurgling or a constant running from your toilet, check to be sure something in the tank is not simply stuck. If that doesn’t work, call for a plumber to come out and fix it.
Shorten those showers. The average shower takes over 17 gallons of water; that is a lot of water. So, make a long shower or a luxurious bath soak a treat rather than the norm.
Try not to overwater your lawn. A professional lawn company can help you decide your lawn needs. Or you can learn when and how you can water your lawn, consult theWater Departmentin your area.
Run full loads of laundry in the washer. This saves money as well as wear and tear on your washing machine.
Instead of washing one dish at a time with running water, try filling your sink with hot water and soap. Then you can clean each plate and rinse them all together, saving much water.
Try your best to run the dishwasher only with a full load. And use the light load setting if your load is not as heavy or dirty.
Don’t run the water while brushing your teeth.
Never use the toilet as a trash can. Only human waste and toilet paper go down that drain.
Check the settings on your water heater. Keep the water temperature set at no higher than 120 degrees.
Clean your home drains annually or have your plumber come out to clean them all at once.

Flow Pros Plumbers Offer Plumbing Service Agreements

Identifying minor issues before they become big problems is the number one reason to obtain a service agreement with a local plumbing company. Here are just a few we know of that are standard practice ways to make the service agreement work for you.

Service agreements allow for preferential service scheduling in emergencies and maintenance scheduling.
Bumping regulars to the front of the list is how the plumbing companies appreciate customer loyalty.
Premier plumbing companies may offer discounts on parts and labor to their service agreement members.
Having your own plumbing company provides you with a familiar routine and often the same technician for years.
The detailed records they keep will stay in your file, helping the plumbers keep track of former repairs and needed services.

Your trusted plumber will know your plumbing like you know your home. That is how a service agreement with a premier plumbing company likeFlow Pros Plumbingtakes your plumbing headaches away.

Let the professional technicians atFlow Proshandle all your plumbing needs on time by investing in a service agreement.

Call today for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your service agreement set up and first maintenance appointment.

Plumbers Save You Money on Your Plumbing

We don’t doubt your ability to DIY just about anything, but let’s face it, plumbing has some exceptional needs. When you hire us, you know the job will be done right!

Your home deserves the absolute best care, and we know we can deliver the attention your house needs.

And after all, our number one goal isyoursatisfaction withourwork.