How much does a plumber cost in Philadelphia? Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data and RSMeans 2024 construction costs, here are real numbers — not the "$99–$975" ranges you get from lead-gen sites.
Philly row houses have stacked plumbing in shared walls. Lead service lines still active in many neighborhoods. DLI handles permits.
Every price below is adjusted to Philadelphia's labor market using a 1.28× city index applied to RSMeans 2024 national data. Labor hours assume standard conditions — add 15–40% for older homes, difficult access, or code catch-up.
| Job | Price Range | Hours | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
P-Trap Replacement
PVC P-traps are DIY-accessible. Metal traps require slip-joint wrenches.
|
$96–$320 | 0.5h | No |
|
Toilet Rebuild (tank internals)
Fill valve + flapper + flush valve = complete rebuild. $25-60 in parts. DIY-accessible.
|
$115–$358 | 0.5h | No |
|
Drain Cleaning - Machine Snake
Machine snake for main line. Hydrojetting ($350-900) if snaking doesn't hold.
|
$128–$448 | 1h | No |
|
Faucet Install - Bathroom
Widespread vs centerset vs single-hole - must match existing hole configuration.
|
$128–$448 | 1h | No |
|
Faucet Repair/Replace (kitchen)
Shutoffs under sink: gate valves seize. Replace with quarter-turn ball valves while there.
|
$192–$576 | 1.5h | No |
|
Bathtub Drain Assembly Replace
Trip-lever vs push-pull vs toe-touch - each different repair. Overflow plate gasket often cracked.
|
$192–$512 | 2h | No |
|
Expansion Tank Install (water heater)
Required by IPC in closed systems (backflow preventer or PRV present). Usually 2-gallon tank.
|
$192–$512 | 1h | No |
|
CPVC Pipe Repair (section)
CPVC becomes brittle with age. Impact from tools can shatter pipe. Purple cleaner/cement required.
|
$256–$1,024 | 2h | No |
|
Toilet Flange Repair/Replace
Cast iron flange in concrete = hardest repair. Use repair ring or full replacement.
|
$256–$768 | 2h | No |
|
Backflow Preventer Install/Test
Annual testing required in most jurisdictions. RPZ valve vs double check - application-dependent.
|
$256–$1,024 | 2h | Required |
|
Gas Line Repair (leak)
Snoop or electronic detector confirms leak. Never delay on gas - leave structure if strong odor.
|
$256–$1,024 | 2h | Required |
|
Shower Valve Replacement (pressure-balance)
Pressure-balance required by IPC 424.3 to prevent scalding. Thermostatic valve = premium option.
|
$320–$1,024 | 3h | No |
|
Garbage Disposal Replace
Requires dedicated 20A circuit (NEC 210.11). Most disposals come with cord - confirm outlet present.
|
$320–$768 | 1h | No |
|
Gas Line Run (new appliance)
Black iron pipe still standard in most jurisdictions. CSST requires bonding per NFPA 54.
|
$320–$1,536 | 4h | Required |
|
Toilet Full Replacement
Floor flange condition = wildcard. Rotted flange adds $200-500. Always inspect before quoting.
|
$358–$1,152 | 1.5h | No |
|
Plumbing Vent Stack Repair
Blocked vents cause gurgling drains and sewer gas entry. Camera scope confirms.
|
$384–$1,536 | 4h | Required |
|
Pressure Reducing Valve Install
IPC requires PRV when street pressure exceeds 80 PSI. Set to 60-80 PSI for fixtures.
|
$384–$1,152 | 2h | No |
|
Hydrojetting - Main Line
4,000+ PSI breaks up grease, scale, roots. Required after snaking fails to clear.
|
$448–$1,152 | 2h | No |
|
Galvanized Pipe Repair (section)
Galvanized corrodes inside-out. Partial repair is often false economy - adjacent sections at same age.
|
$512–$1,536 | 4h | No |
|
Sump Pump Replace
Primary + battery backup system = best practice. Float switch type matters (tethered vs vertical).
|
$512–$1,536 | 2h | No |
|
Cast Iron DWV Repair/Replace
75-100 year lifespan. Internal corrosion and scale. Coupling repair vs section replacement.
|
$640–$5,120 | 10h | Required |
|
Water Softener Install
Bypass valve required. Drain line to floor drain. Salt-based vs salt-free = different maintenance.
|
$1,024–$3,200 | 4h | No |
|
Water Heater - 40/50 gal Tank
Expansion tank code-required in closed systems. TPR valve and drain pan required. Age from serial number.
|
$1,088–$2,560 | 3h | Required |
|
PEX Supply Install - New Construction
PEX-A expands for fittings (fewer leaks). Use PEX-specific nail plates where within 1.25" of framing.
|
$1,920–$6,400 | 15h | Required |
|
Tankless Water Heater
Gas: needs 3/4"+ gas line (existing 1/2" usually inadequate). Electric: needs 200A panel + 40-60A circuit.
|
$2,304–$6,400 | 5h | Required |
|
Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
Gray PB pipe with gray/blue fittings. Class action ended 2009. Chlorine destroys pipe from inside. Insurance increasingly refusing coverage.
|
$2,560–$10,240 | 20h | Required |
|
Lead Supply Pipe Replacement
Lead pipes still present in homes built before 1986. EPA mandates replacement for drinking water safety.
|
$2,560–$10,240 | 20h | Required |
|
Whole Home Repipe - Copper→PEX
Pinhole leaks in copper indicate aggressive water chemistry. Test pH and TDS.
|
$4,480–$12,800 | 30h | Required |
|
Sewer Lining - Trenchless CIPP
Cured-in-place pipe = no dig. Works on cast iron and clay. Not suitable for collapsed pipe.
|
$4,480–$15,360 | 10h | Required |
|
Whole Home Repipe - Galvanized→PEX
PEX-A (Uponor) is fastest, freeze-resistant. 1-2 day job for 2-person crew. Water test for lead before and after.
|
$5,120–$15,360 | 35h | Required |
|
Sewer Line Replacement
Camera inspection first ($150-300). Root infiltration, Orangeburg, cast iron collapse - different costs.
|
$5,760–$23,040 | 20h | Required |
|
Orangeburg Sewer Pipe Replacement
Compressed wood-fiber/asphalt pipe, 1940s-1970s. Collapses into egg shape. Must be replaced.
|
$6,400–$25,600 | 25h | Required |
Prices: RSMeans 2024 × 1.28 (Philadelphia index). Labor: BLS OEWS May 2024. Code: IPC 2021 (International Plumbing Code). Required for water heater replacement, repiping, sewer work, and any work touching the water main.
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