Plumber prices in Washington, DC
| Project | Time | Typical cost | Range |
|---|
| Standard service call (diagnosis + minor repair) |
1–2 hours |
$253 |
$208 – $304 |
| Drain cleaning (sink, tub, or floor drain) |
30–90 min |
$148 |
$121 – $177 |
| Single-fixture leak repair (faucet, supply line) |
1–2 hours |
$268 |
$220 – $321 |
| Toilet replacement (you supply fixture) |
2–3 hours |
$309 |
$254 – $371 |
| Water heater replacement (40–50 gal tank) |
4–6 hours |
$1,802 |
$1,477 – $2,162 |
| Sewer line repair (spot repair, not full replace) |
1–2 days |
$2,891 |
$2,370 – $3,469 |
| Whole-house re-pipe (1500 sq ft, PEX) |
3–5 days |
$8,143 |
$6,677 – $9,772 |
Local rate = BLS national mean × 2.4 markup × (DC COL 142.5/100). Materials adjusted by the same factor.
What a plumber in Washington actually does
A licensed plumber handles anything that touches the pressurized water supply, the DWV (drain-waste-vent) system, the gas line, or fixed gas-fired appliances like water heaters and pool heaters. A typical service call begins with a 15–30 minute diagnosis: the plumber will run faucets, check water pressure at a hose bib (40–80 PSI is normal), inspect supply lines and shut-off valves, and — if the call involves a drain — usually run a snake or scope a camera before quoting the repair. Bigger jobs (re-pipes, sewer-line work, water-heater swaps) require a written scope, a permit pulled in the homeowner's name, and at least one rough/final inspection by the local building department.
Questions to ask before you hire in DC
- Are you licensed in this state, and what is your license number?
- Do you carry general liability and workers' comp? (Get the policy number, not just a "yes.")
- Is the price flat-rate or hourly, and what does it include — diagnosis, parts, disposal, permit?
- If the job grows in scope, how is the change order priced and approved?
- What is the warranty on labor and on the manufacturer parts?
- Will you pull the permit, or do you expect me to?
A plumber who quotes a major job sight-unseen, refuses to put the price in writing, or asks for more than 30% up front. Door-to-door "I noticed something wrong with your house" pitches after a storm are almost always scams.
6 licensed plumbers in Washington
Washington Rooter
📍 1921 Forest Blvd, Washington, DC 20036
★ 4.7 / 5 · 376 reviews · 24 years in business
✓ Licensed ✓ Insured BBB A- 24 yrs
Specialties: Sump pump, Leak repair, Pipe burst repair, Faucet install
Washington Plumbers
📍 6146 Lake Dr, Washington, DC 20005
★ 4.0 / 5 · 163 reviews · 27 years in business
✓ Licensed ✓ Insured BBB A+ 24/7 Emergency 27 yrs
Specialties: Leak repair, Faucet install, Pipe burst repair, Garbage disposal, Toilet replacement
Washington Plumbing
📍 2663 Cedar Ter, Washington, DC 20006
★ 3.9 / 5 · 332 reviews · 15 years in business
✓ Licensed ✓ Insured BBB A 15 yrs
Specialties: Sewer line repair, Drain cleaning, Garbage disposal, Sump pump, Faucet install
Washington Pipe Masters
📍 7903 River Dr, Washington, DC 20036
★ 4.9 / 5 · 16 reviews · 10 years in business
✓ Licensed ✓ Insured BBB A- 24/7 Emergency 10 yrs
Specialties: Toilet replacement, Re-piping, Sump pump, Leak repair
Washington Pipe Pros
📍 6974 Sycamore Blvd, Washington, DC 20005
★ 5.0 / 5 · 15 reviews · 13 years in business
✓ Licensed ✓ Insured BBB A 13 yrs
Specialties: Re-piping, Faucet install, Garbage disposal, Leak repair, Drain cleaning
Eagle Water Works
📍 2815 Willow Ct, Washington, DC 20006
★ 4.7 / 5 · 107 reviews · 34 years in business
✓ Licensed ✓ Insured BBB A 24/7 Emergency 34 yrs
Specialties: Sump pump, Pipe burst repair, Sewer line repair
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Seasonal plumbing checklist for Washington homeowners
Spring
- Run every faucet, shower, and outdoor spigot for 60 seconds; watch for slow drains, drips at the base, and drops in pressure.
- Inspect the water heater anode rod if your unit is over 5 years old; replace if more than 50% consumed.
- Test the sump pump by pouring a 5-gallon bucket of water into the pit; the pump should activate and the pit should empty within 30 seconds.
- Re-aim sprinklers and clear hose-bib vacuum breakers before the irrigation season.
- Snake or enzyme-treat slow drains before summer guest season.
Fall
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior hose-bib valves before the first hard freeze.
- Insulate any exposed pipes in crawlspaces, garages, or unheated basements with foam sleeves.
- Drain and winterize irrigation lines (most municipalities and HOAs require this by mid-November).
- Flush the water heater tank to clear sediment that reduces efficiency.
- Test main water shut-off valve so you can find it fast in an emergency.
Winter
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls during cold snaps to let warm air reach pipes.
- Let faucets on outside walls drip overnight when temperatures drop below 20°F.
- Maintain at least 55°F indoors even when the home is unoccupied.