FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Cost of plumbing repair

Joe Sullivan | Posted in General Discussion on December 22, 2006 08:55am

Some of you may recall that we are struggling with a leak in the slab and secondary floor damage.  It ihas not been easy to deal with the insurance or to get response from the plumbers, but I finally have one estimate. WOuld be grateful for your thoughts on the price.

The situation is that there is an underslab leak in the hot water line feeding two full baths and one half-bath.  Everything it feeds is within a 14×14 footprint.The heater itself is on the 2nd floor.  The hot line drops down, goes under the slab, and pops up to feed the lavs and showers.  We have decided to cut off the leaky copper line and run a new one above the slab.  We will also replace one shower/tub valve set (and we already own the replacement parts).

The quote is $1,800, which does not include replacing the sheetrock. 

Does that sound reasonable?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. segundo | Dec 22, 2006 09:09pm | #1

    it sounds kind of high to me in that the actual plumbing work to be done will be accomplished in two days of labor and very little in the way of materials.

    that is not including the labor for demo and clean up from said demo which may be another two days labor and plumbers hate to do that.

    if the 1800 includes demo, clean up, and a trip to the dump, and all the work does actually take around 32 man hours its not bad, two men, two days, plus extra for variables, it is a repair!

    you could probably get it for less if you did the demo, clean up, and trip to the dump. just remember to give him plenty of room to work when you demo, if he has to take off more sheetrock (plumbers dont like demo) thats strike one.

    also what area are you in? that affects price a lot, if you are a connecticut yankee or city of san fran its a bargain!

    1. Joe Sullivan | Dec 22, 2006 09:17pm | #2

      I am in Dallas.

      1. brownbagg | Dec 22, 2006 09:27pm | #3

        its really pretty cheap

  2. BobKovacs | Dec 22, 2006 10:16pm | #4

    Sounds reasonable to me, or even a little low, though we don't have all the facts.  I don't know where segundo lives, but in the rest of the world, plumbers don't work for the $50/hour +/- that his $1800/32 hours works out to.  In most major metros its more like $90/hour plus, so assuming the work can be done in one day with two guys, the number sounds about right.  I'm thinking it's might be more than a day's work for the two guys with the demo and all, so that's why I say it's reasonable or even a little low.

    Bob

    1. segundo | Dec 23, 2006 12:22am | #7

      i was thinking plumber and helper, and figured 32 man hours as a max for the job, with a trip to the dump and said it might be high if it was only the pipe and valve (supplied) repair with demo and clean not included, and did mention it was a bargain for some areas.

      i freely admit to not being an expert on pricing and estimating, was just suggesting the different scenarios, if i can get $90 per hour to plumb, with nothing more than a van, my garage, and a cell phone, even more with a helper thats what i need to be doing! that works out to $180,000 per year with 2000 billable hours!

      1. allaround | Dec 23, 2006 12:30am | #8

        $1800 is low - go for it.Segundo - in that scenario you'll work more than 2000 hrs/year, but you won't get 2000 billable.

      2. jayzog | Dec 23, 2006 12:34am | #9

        If you really think there is 2000 billable hours in a year you are either, 1) not in the buisiness, or  2) you do it and have no life.

        1. segundo | Dec 23, 2006 01:08am | #11

          well i did mention a helper, i didn't say all the hours are mine,

          i am not in the "business" rather a licensed general contractor that bought a job, did ok, then went back to being a more regular employee until the next opportunity to really be "in the business"

          in other words a failed contractor, failing in that i am not a gazillionaire, despite actully making a small profit, and going back to being an employee

          that being said one of my problems is that i am not specialzed enough, i do both residential work when that is booming, trained as a framer in the tracts of so cal mid 70's, and heavy industrial/class "A" construction

          i held journeyman cards in carpenters(1062, 1622, 713), piledrivers (bridgebuilding local 34), millwrights(102), and ironworkers(433,317). extensively certified welder gets me in with all the pipe trades, my resume gets me in as superintendent jobs for govt contractors, as well as in nuke plants as a craft worker.

          i really like framing, my first love, but there is just no money in it. i am an excellent plumber, and should focus my energies on that, i can probably make more as a plumbing contractor than i can as an employee, trouble is if i get a chance to frame a house at the beach, or work on the rebuilding of the world trade center i am tempted. 

  3. Piffin | Dec 22, 2006 11:32pm | #5

    sounds cheap!

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. brownbagg | Dec 23, 2006 12:10am | #6

      its like HVAC. how much can you afford to be cool. How much can you afford t take a hot shower

      1. Piffin | Dec 23, 2006 01:13am | #12

        or the cost of sand fill;) 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  4. junkhound | Dec 23, 2006 12:56am | #10

    Another reason to learn to DIY, esp. since you already have the parts. 

    Remember your labor is TAX FREE!

    Sounds like only a 1 day job for 1 person to me.

    However, for hiring something out, $1800 is about right, in the time/cost same ballpark as other repair tasks. E.g., to repair an automatic transmission (once you know how and have the tools) only takes about 1 day also, and the minimum there is usually $2000.

    Look at what the dentist and the docs charge, but DIY minor surgery (stitches, etc) and dental work (fileing or pulling teeth) was a whole 'nother thread<G> .

    You probably already spent a few days dealing with insurance and plumbers, by now you could have done it and no increase next year in insurance rates either.

    Let's say this is your first time at this type plumbing task, it will probably take you 1 day learning and 2 days doing, after that you will know how (lots easier and fewer tools than transmission repair).    That's $1800/3 = $600 per day tax free for DIY. 

    Also, when you DIY, think of the good excuses to buy more tools!!!!!!

    Example: We had a big windstorm here last week.  A few years ago, DW wanted to know why I REALLY needed a backhoe (dont do anything constructin for hire).  Just clearing some trees up about made it pay for itself in a few days.  One neighbor just brought by a couple sixpacks of Henry's Dark for clearing a few big branches for him (gratis for neighbors of course).

    Buy tools, buy more tools, buy another house to store the tools, RAH RAH DIY.

     

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fast, Accurate Wall Framing

A rear addition provides a small-scale example of how to frame efficiently.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data