How much does a plumber cost in Phoenix?

We have not found a published, Phoenix-specific survey of plumbing prices from an official source, so this page uses national cost guides and says so. HomeGuide's 2026 plumber cost guide says most plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour, with an average around $75 per hour before trip fees and materials. Its other figures:

HomeGuide notes that weekend, after-hours and holiday work may be billed at double or triple time, and weekday nights at time and a half or more. If a problem can wait until a weekday morning once the water is shut off, waiting usually costs less.

National ranges from HomeGuide's guides:

One local data point: the City of Peoria's Water Quality page says unclogging a private sewer line typically costs $75 to $350, not counting cleanup. The water heater installation guide and slab leak repair guide explain what drives the higher end of those ranges.

Because the repair method varies. HomeGuide's slab leak guide lists $500 to $3,000 to break the slab or trench to a damaged pipe, $700 to $5,000 on average to dig into the foundation and replace the pipe, $500 to $3,500 for pipe lining instead of replacement, and $3,900 to $7,500 to reroute plumbing around the slab. If two quotes use different methods, ask each contractor why they chose theirs, and how they located the leak.

• Access. Many Phoenix-area homes sit on concrete slabs. A leak under the slab costs far more to reach than one under a sink. See our slab leak guide.
• Hard water. Scale-seized valves, clogged aerators and short-lived water heaters are common. Our hard water guide explains why.
• Permits. Some cities require permits that others do not. Scottsdale requires one even for water heater replacement; Mesa requires one to switch a gas storage heater to gas tankless. A quote should say whether the permit fee is included.
• Timing. Night, weekend and holiday calls carry premiums, as noted above.
• Equipment choices. Tankless units cost more up front; see our tank vs tankless comparison.

Get at least two written estimates for anything beyond a simple service call. The BBB's tips for hiring a plumber recommend detailed written estimates, checking whether materials are included or billed separately, and asking for clarification when an estimate is unusually low or high. Arizona's A.R.S. 32-1158 requires contracts over $1,000 to state the total price including taxes, any advance deposit and when progress payments are due. Compare like with like: one quote may include permit fees, haul-away of the old water heater or drywall patching, and another may not.

Do not pay the full amount up front, and hold the final payment until the work is done and has passed any required inspection. Be wary of a large repair recommended without evidence, such as a sewer replacement without camera footage or a slab repair without a located leak. Check the contractor's license with the Registrar of Contractors before you pay a deposit; our hiring guide walks through it.

We are an independent guide, not a contractor; we do not price, schedule or perform work. To reach a plumber, call one of the licensed contractors listed on this page or see all listed contractors. Questions about this guide: email us. We do not take service requests.