| Project | Time | Typical cost | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard service call (diagnosis + minor repair) | 1–2 hours | $169 | $139 – $203 |
| Drain cleaning (sink, tub, or floor drain) | 30–90 min | $99 | $81 – $118 |
| Single-fixture leak repair (faucet, supply line) | 1–2 hours | $179 | $147 – $214 |
| Toilet replacement (you supply fixture) | 2–3 hours | $207 | $169 – $248 |
| Water heater replacement (40–50 gal tank) | 4–6 hours | $1,202 | $986 – $1,443 |
| Sewer line repair (spot repair, not full replace) | 1–2 days | $1,929 | $1,582 – $2,315 |
| Whole-house re-pipe (1500 sq ft, PEX) | 3–5 days | $5,434 | $4,456 – $6,521 |
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.
These pros are based in Milwaukee and routinely serve ZIP 53203. Sorted by proximity to the ZCTA centroid (43.0381°N, -87.9145°W).
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.