How much does a plumber cost in Modesto?
By Our research team · Last verified · Methodology
Plumbers in Modesto charge $75–$160 an hour for standard daytime work, with $95/hr the going rate. Most quotes add a $70–$260 service call, and weeknight after-hours work runs $120–$290/hr.
How we get this data- Typical
- $95/hr
- Low end
- $45/hr
- High end
- $430/hr
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Modesto's price band
Modesto is pricier than 44% of the 195 US metros we price for plumber work.
Expect $70–$260 just to get a plumber to the door in Modesto, often credited to the repair. From there, a faucet fix is $95–$380, a snaked drain $95–$340, and a burst pipe $240–$2,400 before any water damage.
At $95/hr typical, Modesto is a market close to the US average. The cheapest calls tend to be in Riverbank, Oakdale & Manteca; the dearest are in Downtown Modesto & McHenry, where access and building rules add time.
Rates here are weekday daytime rates for licensed plumbers. The service call ($70–$260 in Modesto) is the fee most people don't expect; ask whether it is credited to the job.
Comparing cities, or after the US-wide picture? See the national guide: Plumber cost in the USA.
$75–$160/hr for a plumber in Modesto — typically $95/hr. A service call is $70–$260, a clogged drain $95–$340, and a gas water heater $945–$2,650 installed. Verified November 2026. Get free Modesto quotes →
- Hourly rate: $75–$160 ($95 typical) for a licensed plumber on a weekday
- Service call $70–$260; weeknight after-hours $120–$290/hr
- Clogged drain $95–$340; toilet repair $65–$340
- Tank water heater installed: $690–$2,650
- Highest rates in Downtown Modesto & McHenry; lower in Riverbank, Oakdale & Manteca
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 50+ American pricing sources · See methodology
Weekday daytime prices unless the row says otherwise. Installed rows include a standard unit or fixture. Modesto metro, re-verified November 2026. Permits are extra where required.
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| General plumbing, hourly rate (weekday daytime)/hr | $75/hr | $95 | $160 |
| Service call / trip feeflat | $70flat | $140 | $260 |
| Leaky faucet repairper job | $95per job | $230 | $380 |
| Clogged drain, snake / auger (sink, tub or shower)per job | $95per job | $190 | $340 |
| Main line clog: camera inspection + hydro-jettingper job | $410per job | $930 | $2,140 |
| Toilet repair (leak, clog or running)per job | $65per job | $180 | $340 |
| Toilet installation (standard toilet supplied + installed)installed | $340installed | $580 | $970 |
| Gas tank water heater (40–50 gal), installedinstalled | $945installed | $1,700 | $2,650 |
| Electric tank water heater (40–50 gal), installedinstalled | $690installed | $1,300 | $2,150 |
| Heat pump water heater (50 gal), installedinstalled | $1,850installed | $3,050 | $5,050 |
| Gas line to one appliance (range, dryer or grill)per appliance | $260per appliance | $570 | $1,300 |
| Burst pipe repair (pipe only, no water damage)per job | $240per job | $570 | $2,400 |
| Faucet replacement (standard faucet included)installed | $170installed | $290 | $630 |
| Bathroom rough-in (toilet, sink, shower or tub)per bathroom | $1,450per bathroom | $2,400 | $4,800 |
| Emergency / after-hours visit (call-out + first hour)per visit | $240per visit | $380 | $710 |
| After-hours hourly rate (weeknights)/hr | $120/hr | $170 | $290 |
| Fixture set / trim-out after tile (one bathroom, labor)per bathroom | $480per bathroom | $910 | $1,450 |
| Toilet relocation (new drain position)per job | $960per job | $2,400 | $5,750 |
| Laundry room plumbing (rough-in + washer hookups)per job | $380per job | $770 | $1,900 |
| Faucet cartridge or washer replacementper job | $95per job | $170 | $310 |
| Toilet fill valve or flapper replacementper job | $65per job | $120 | $190 |
| Dishwasher installation (hookup to existing lines)per job | $140per job | $210 | $380 |
| Garbage disposal installation (unit included)installed | $240installed | $440 | $830 |
| Whole-house repipe with PEX (2-bath home)per house | $4,350per house | $7,700 | $14,450 |
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Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 50+ American pricing sources · See methodology
Figures cover the Modesto metro area. Downtown Modesto & McHenry runs at the top of these ranges; outlying towns can add a trip charge of $50–$290.
Plumber rates across Modesto
Same plumbers, four price bands. Rates run highest in Downtown Modesto & McHenry, closest to average in Ceres & Turlock, and a little lower in Riverbank, Oakdale & Manteca.
Downtown Modesto & McHenry
- Hourly
- $85–$160/hr
- Typical job
- $110–$300 / small repair
The priciest part of the metro for plumbing: tight access, pipe behind finished walls, and buildings that only allow work at set hours.
South & West Modesto
- Hourly
- $80–$150/hr
- Typical job
- $100–$280 / small repair
Houses, apartments and converted buildings side by side. Small jobs are priced near the city average, and remodel work books up early.
Ceres & Turlock
- Hourly
- $75–$140/hr
- Typical job
- $95–$270 / small repair
Established neighborhoods with a mix of home ages. Expect the city's going rate; in an older home, a camera inspection is worth it before any big drain repair.
Riverbank, Oakdale & Manteca
- Hourly
- $75–$140/hr
- Typical job
- $90–$260 / small repair
Prices sit near the city average; the bigger bills here tend to be water heater swaps and remodel work rather than small repairs.
Real plumbing costs in Modesto
Here's what common plumber jobs cost in Modesto in 2026, at weekday rates with parts and labor.
Running toilet or dripping faucet — 30 to 60 minutes
A new flapper or fill valve is $65–$190 in Modesto; a faucet cartridge or washer is $95–$310. Most companies price these flat, and the service call is often folded in.
Clogged kitchen or bathroom drain — weekday visit
A plumber snakes the line and checks it drains. Modesto quotes run $95–$340; if the clog is in the main line, a camera and hydro-jetting job is $410–$2,140.
Water heater dies — replace a 40–50 gallon tank
Electric tank: $690–$2,150 installed. Gas tank: $945–$2,650, with venting and the gas connection checked. A heat pump water heater is $1,850–$5,050. Haul-away and the permit should be in the price — ask.
Burst pipe on a Saturday night
The emergency visit is $240–$710 for the call-out and first hour, then $120–$290/hr on weeknights and more on weekends. The pipe repair itself is $240–$2,400. Shut the main valve first — every minute of running water adds to the drywall bill, which is separate.
Bathroom remodel — rough-in plus trim-out
Rough-in for a toilet, sink and shower is $1,450–$4,800, and setting the fixtures after tile is $480–$1,450. Moving the toilet to a new spot adds $960–$5,750.
How much does a plumber cost in Modesto?
$75–$160/hr, with $95/hr the rate most Modesto homeowners actually pay. The hourly number is only part of it: the service call ($70–$260), parts, and any permit sit on top, and after-hours work runs $120–$290/hr.
For common jobs, the flat price matters more than the hourly rate. In Modesto a snaked drain is $95–$340, a toilet repair $65–$340, a faucet replacement $170–$630 and an electric tank water heater $690–$2,150 installed — re-verified against 50 sources in November 2026.
Plumber fees in Modesto (2026): hourly rates vs fixed quotes
Daytime hourly rates run $75–$160, weeknight after-hours $120–$290/hr, and a service call $70–$260. These are the fee lines that show up on Modesto invoices.
| Line on the quote | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard hourly rate | $75 | $95 | $160 |
| After-hours hourly rate (weeknights) | $120 | $170 | $290 |
| Service call fee (often credited to the repair) | $70 | $140 | $260 |
| Emergency call-out fee | $140 | $240 | $380 |
| Trip charge, outside the service area | $50 | $95 | $290 |
| Flat-rate small job (clog, toilet, faucet) | $95 | $220 | $380 |
| Plumbing permit (water heater or small job) | $50 | $130 | $300 |
| Yearly maintenance plan | $100 | $200 | $290 |
Hourly vs flat-rate in Modesto: an hourly plumber at $95/hr plus a $140 service call is about $235 for a one-hour fix. A flat-rate company quotes $95–$380 for the same small job before it starts. Flat-rate wins when the job might run long; hourly wins when it's quick.
What moves a plumbing quote in Modesto:
- Time of day — weeknights run $120–$290/hr, and weekends and holidays more, against $95/hr on a weekday.
- Who comes out — a journeyman at $55–$100/hr or a master plumber at $75–$190/hr.
- Access — pipe behind tile, under a slab or in a crawl space adds hours to the same repair.
- Old pipe — galvanized supply lines and cast iron drains can crack when disturbed, and a small fix can turn into a section replacement.
- Parts and permits — the water heater, faucet or toilet you choose, and the city permit for water heaters, gas and new pipe.
Ask every Modesto plumber the same four things: the service call fee and whether it's credited, the hourly or flat price, what parts are included, and whether the permit is in the quote. Get a quote for your plumbing job →
Plumber cost in Modesto by job size
A small repair is $65–$340, a water heater $690–$2,650, a bathroom rough-in $1,450–$4,800, and a whole-house PEX repipe $4,350–$14,450 in Modesto.
Worked example: a weekday visit in Modesto to fix a running toilet ($120 typical) and snake a slow tub drain ($190 typical) is about $310 at typical flat prices. Book both on one visit so you pay one service call. The same two jobs on a Saturday night start near $570.
Bigger homes cost more only on whole-house work. A 2-bath PEX repipe is $4,350–$14,450 here; a bigger 3-bath, 2-story house costs more because there are more walls to open. A full bathroom remodel — rough-in at $2,400 and trim-out at $910 typical — lands near $3,310 in plumbing alone.
Who to hire for plumbing in Modesto
| Who to hire | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Handyman (minor fixes only) | $50–$95/hr | A flapper, a faucet you bought, caulking — small work where no permit is needed |
| Apprentice (under a licensed plumber) | $45–$85/hr | Helper on bigger jobs — usually billed inside the company's rate |
| Licensed journeyman plumber | $55–$100/hr | Most repairs: leaks, drains, toilets, faucets, water heater swaps |
| Master plumber | $75–$190/hr | Permit work, gas lines, remodels and code problems |
| 24/7 emergency service | $120–$430/hr | Burst pipes, sewage backing up, no water at night or on a holiday |
| Drain-cleaning company | $95–$340 per drain | Clogs, roots and main lines — camera and jetting gear on the truck |
| Flat-rate company or franchise | $95–$380 per small job | Price agreed before work starts; compare it with an hourly quote |
| Plumbing contractor (remodel bid) | $1,450–$4,800 per bathroom | Rough-in and trim-out for a remodel or a new bathroom |
Hourly rate vs what you actually pay — the Modesto plumbing bill
A $95/hr headline becomes $235 the moment a plumber spends an hour on a $140 service call, and more once parts are added. Many companies also bill a one-hour minimum, so a 20-minute fix still costs the full hour.
Flat-rate pricing turns that into one number before work starts: $95–$380 for most small Modesto jobs. It costs a little more on quick fixes and saves money when the job runs long. Either way, compare the total quote — call fee, labor, parts and permit — not the hourly rate.
What's included in a Modesto plumbing quote (and what costs extra)
A standard quote covers the plumber's time, normal fittings and supply lines, and cleanup of the work area. The headline price often leaves out:
- The service call — $70–$260 unless it's credited to the repair
- The permit — usually $50–$300 for a water heater or small job, more for remodels
- Haul-away — removing an old water heater or toilet is sometimes a separate charge
- Wall, ceiling or floor repair — plumbers open drywall and tile to reach pipe but rarely patch it
Ask for the quote in writing, with the part numbers and the warranty on labor.
The plumber's license level
A licensed journeyman in Modesto bills about $55–$100/hr; a master plumber $75–$190/hr. Masters pull permits and handle gas, remodels and code problems. Most repairs don't need one on site.
Nights, weekends and holidays
After-hours work runs $120–$290/hr on weeknights, and more on weekends and holidays, plus a call-out fee of $140–$380. If you can shut the water off and wait for a weekday, you'll often pay about half as much.
Access to the pipe
An open basement is quick. Pipe behind tile, under a slab, in a tight crawl space or inside a finished ceiling adds hours — and drywall or tile repair, which plumbers usually don't include.
Older homes and old pipe
Galvanized supply pipe, cast iron drains and old clay sewer lines are common in older homes. They can break when a plumber works near them, so a small job may grow. Ask what pipe they expect to find.
Parts and equipment
The plumber's labor is only part of a water heater, toilet or faucet job. A Modesto gas tank water heater is $945–$2,650 installed, and a heat pump unit $1,850–$5,050; the unit you pick sets much of that spread.
Permits and inspections
Water heaters, gas lines, new pipe and remodel work usually need a city permit — typically $50–$300. A licensed plumber should pull it. Small repairs like a flapper or cartridge usually don't need one.
Where in Modesto you live
Downtown Modesto & McHenry runs highest because of parking, building rules and tight access. Outlying areas can add a trip charge of $50–$290.
- Wait for a weekday if you can.Shut the water off at the fixture or main and book a daytime visit. You'll pay $95/hr instead of $120–$290/hr or more after hours.
- Ask if the service call is credited.Many Modesto plumbers fold the $70–$260 call fee into the repair if you go ahead. Ask on the phone, before they drive out.
- Bundle small jobs into one visit.A running toilet, a dripping faucet and a slow drain on one visit costs one service call, not three.
- Get a flat price for defined jobs.For a clog, toilet, faucet or water heater, ask for a flat quote. Modesto small jobs run $95–$380 flat.
- Buy your own fixture — carefully.You can save on a faucet or toilet you pick yourself, but some plumbers won't warranty parts they didn't supply. Ask first.
- Get two quotes on big jobs.Water heaters ($945–$2,650), repipes ($4,350–$14,450) and remodel rough-ins vary the most. Two written quotes is the fastest way to spot a padded one.
Before you approve work in Modesto, get these in writing:
- The plumber's license number and the company's insurance
- The service call fee, and whether it's credited to the repair
- Hourly rate or flat price, and any minimum charge
- Parts and fixtures, with brand and model
- Who pulls the permit, and whether the fee is included
- Haul-away of the old water heater, toilet or fixture
- After-hours or weekend rates, if the job might run late
- Warranty on parts and on labor
How much does a plumber cost per hour in Modesto?
$75–$160 per hour for a licensed plumber on a weekday, and $95/hr is the going rate. Most companies add a $70–$260 service call; weeknights after hours run $120–$290/hr, and weekends and holidays more.
How much is a plumber service call in Modesto?
$70–$260, typical $140. Many plumbers credit it to the repair if you go ahead; after hours, the call-out fee rises to $140–$380.
What does it cost to unclog a drain in Modesto?
$95–$340 to snake a sink, tub or shower drain. A main line clog with a camera inspection and hydro-jetting is $410–$2,140.
How much does it cost to replace a water heater in Modesto?
$690–$2,150 for an electric tank and $945–$2,650 for a gas tank, installed. A heat pump water heater is $1,850–$5,050. A permit is usually required.
What does an emergency plumber cost in Modesto?
$240–$710 for the call-out and first hour at night, on a weekend or a holiday, then $120–$290/hr on weeknights and more on weekends and holidays. Repairs and parts are on top.
How much does toilet repair or replacement cost in Modesto?
A repair is $65–$340; a new fill valve or flapper is $65–$190. A new standard toilet, supplied and installed, is $340–$970.
What does it cost to fix a leaky faucet in Modesto?
$95–$380, or $95–$310 if it's just a cartridge or washer. Replacing the faucet with a standard one is $170–$630.
How much does it cost to repipe a house in Modesto?
$4,350–$14,450 for a 2-bath home with PEX. Wall patching is usually extra, and older homes with galvanized pipe are the most common candidates.
Do I need a licensed plumber and a permit in Modesto?
For water heaters, gas lines, new pipe and remodels, usually yes — the permit is typically $50–$300, and the plumber should pull it. Most states license plumbers or plumbing contractors, and some leave it to cities and counties — ask for the license number and check it with your state or city. Small repairs like a flapper or cartridge usually need no permit.
Is there a tax credit for a heat pump water heater in Modesto?
Not a federal one for new installs: the IRS 25C credit ended for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025. Many utilities and states still offer rebates on a $1,850–$5,050 heat pump water heater — check your utility and state energy office.
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 50+ American pricing sources · See methodology
Prices for the Modesto metro area, November 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
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