Plumber Career Guide and Counseling

Question: Can you hire a plumber and electrician without going through the contractor? My first contractor flaked out and never gave me an estimate after I spent hours explaining to the plumber and electrician what I wanted done. Now I am trying to get the plumber and electrician's estimates and have them lined up to work on a specific date. "Professional courtesy" because the bid was under the flakey contractor has impeded the process. I want to save the "surcharge" my contractor would charge and just hire the plumber and electrician by myself. Why is this so hard? What is the secret code to get this done??!! I want to save myself the money, especially since the bids are already done and they know what I want/need done!

Answer: Yes of course you can! But if they are the general contractors sub contractors they might not feel right about doing it without the contractor. If this is the case, go through your local phone book or a home improvement book (they usually have them for free in the super markets) and find a LICENSED and INSURED plumber and electrician.

Question: how much does a plumber cost per hour? i would like a ballpark figure for a plumber cost in australia. this is research to find out how much a plumber costs to do out a bathroom, with your shower , bath and toilet, the basics from scratch. and if possible, just how long all that might take.

Answer: Typical rates are $50.00-$75.00 + trip charge and materials. It will cost you more to have this done by the hour. Get a plumber who will give you a firm estimate in writing, which is usually not free as you could then shop it and the plumber looses time spent. I would charge $75.00 for an estimate. Most plumbers charge per fixture. One rate to rough it in and one rate to trim it out + materials. Not knowing details of existing plumbing, an estimate of time required is impossible. Just guessing, 6 hours to rough in & 4 hours to trim out.

Question: How does plumber know the "toilet jack/snake" is at the right pipe when they work in kitchen drains? I tried to put the snake into the drain but often found myself poking at the wrong pipe. How does the professional plumber know they are working on the right pipe? Is it trial and error?

Answer: If the kitchen sink drain is clogged then you can drop down through the vent from the roof, assuming you having access to the roof and vent. In so doing you are coming down from the top and would go all the way on through to the drain. If you remove the trap and look in the drain with a flashlight you should see a fitting going down or sideways, if it is going sideways then it is possible to go up the vent, in which case you can bend a small kink on the end of the cable, make sure it is pointed down and then keep the cable positioned with the kink pointing down and then you should make the bend. The kink on the end of the cable will also help clean the drain better because of a 1/4" of 3/8" diameter going throug the line the kink will now give the cable a larger/wider cleaning area. Best of luck.

Question: How much does a plumber cost? the liquid fire/the sulphoric acid didn't work. it just keeps getting progressively worse. we've tried everything under the son and we're afraid its time to call a plumber. But its only the kitchen sink thats giving us a problem. Not the toilet or bathroom. Any ideas of what the problem might be and how much it will run us?

Answer: Ok, I have never seen a plumber under $80 per hour, but maybe they are out there... Oh, I am so sorry, sounds like you have real trouble there. Maybe a root or something really clogging things up. You can get a snake for under $30 or so, but I think Warranty is right, not for use on a kitchen sink. I would get on the phone, call a bunch of them to see, not just who is cheapest, but also who sounds like a good, honest person. Maybe you have one in your church contacts, or someone could recommend someone reputable. Good Luck!!

Question: How much should a plumber charge to dig a 2m hole and replace a 2m sewerpipe? Because a plumber has quoted me $9500! Anyone in Australia have a more realistic idea? Or is this what the world is coming too!

Answer: I was going to say lots and lots. What's the pipe burried in, granite. Good grief charlie brown. What is 9500 au to us anyway.7,831.73 Gee wilikers batman. God Bless

Question: How much will a plumber on an apprenticeship make in the Toronto area? I am looking at doing a plumbing apprenticeship(if I can find one), and would like to get an idea on how much they get paid for the first second third years etc. What would a full time plumber make? Thanks in advanced...

Answer: The average salary of a plumber is somewhere around $40,000. Now, I am not sure exactly as for Toronto, Ontario, but given that it is a large city, I will guess it is somewhere around the average (a full time plumber). I'm sure as years go on, one can advance and make more than the average. As for an apprenticeship, surely expect to make less than the average salary of a plumber.

Question: How much does a plumber charge per hour in your area? Suppose I want to hire a plumber and assistant for a few hours work. To get the best rates, should I go to a local plumbing company, or should I try to hire their employees to do moonlighting after hours, or what?

Answer: In san diego, plumbers cost $100 to $150 per hour. My advice is to hire a competent handyman for simple repairs. Lots cheaper

Question: What is a good price for a plumber to replace the wax ring on my toilet? I am in Baltimore, MD and if anyone knows a reasonable plumber please let me know. I wqas quoted a price of 150. DO you think that is to much? I talked to a plumber friend of mine in anotehr state and they said that is a lot. I know I could potentially do it myself but its a toilet and I would rather not. Thank for your help.

Answer: find a handyman! i do this for $50.00 all day long! it is an easy job and i don't charge extorsion , i mean service charges, try yahoo local!

Question: How much does a plumber charge to come unclog a drain? I think that there is a sock or something clogging my sink drain. All chemical drain clearing products have not worked. Does anyone know how much it costs to have a plumber come to your house and fix this problem?? Better yet, does anyone know how to fix this problem??

Answer: about 70 dollars per hour flat rate. Go to home depot and buy a drain snake and do it your self. Then use the drain cleaner to flush out what is left.

Question: How many years would Joe the Plumber have to work to buy $150,000 in clothing? My calculations show about 3.5 to 4 years for a unlicensed, non-union, apprentice plumber. And only if he spent every dime he made on clothes. If you want to use disposable income figures, it would probably be more like 10-12 years. Your thoughts?

Answer: Not quite as long as it would take for Joe to contribute $800k to ACORN to contribute to voter fraud. ***

Question: Can plumber snakes can be used without electricity or gas? Can plumber snakes can be used without electric nor gas? Because I just want to learn to fix the double kitchen sink.

Answer: yes... there are manual ones

Question: What is the best way to find a good reliable plumber? I don't know of a good plumber,Any suggestions,ideas? on where to find a good reliable plumber? do you think that I could get a free estimate of what they might have to do to get it fixed?

Answer: don't EVER ask the supply house for any sort of contractor. they may recommend a contractor that owes them money in hopes to get paid . especially in tough economic times .go by word of mouth and ask for references .

Question: How much will it cost for a plumber to fit my new bathroom suite? I have a standard smallish terrace bathroom. I have just bought a new suite from B&Q along with taps, wastes, plugs etc. I need my old toilet, sink and bath taking out and new ones putting in. I think it should be straightforward for a plumber as its all going in the same place, but what will it cost approx?

Answer: It can be £450 through the books, £250 ish for cash. B&Q charge £1,000 (rip off). Tiling, decor and flooring on top of that.

Question: How to clear a tub drain w/out calling a plumber? My tub drain is clogged. I have tried all of the chemical stuff that is sold in the stores, plus I have poured bleach down the drain every night for a week. No success. Any suggestions? How much is too much if I call a plumber? What does a plumber usually ask for to come and clear one drain?

Answer: have you tried plunging it with a toilet type plunger??? we have to do that to ours sometimes when it gets clogged by something that the chemicals won't "eat". it's worth a try before you spend the $$$ for a plumber... good luck.

Question: How much should it cost for a plumber to replace a garbage disposal? I had an old 1/2hp garbage disposal that died, so I went out and bought another one for $199. It's a 3/4hp one. The plumber is installing it now for $250.00. He says that this one is bigger and so some of the plubming needs to be adjusted. Still seems to high. It is what it is, but I'm wondering if I being ripped off :) Thanks.

Answer: i been a plumber for a long time over 30year. i have never change a person that kind of a placeto put a garbage disposal in, for a hour of work. the most is150 to do the job. all you got is take the line off remove the elec. and drpe the pump. then put the new one on hook-up. they see you coming .

Question: WIll my landlord or a plumber be able to tell if I used drano/liquid plumber to try to clear a clog? My bathroom sink is draining a little slow and lately gunk has come floating up. My lease specifically states that I am not allowed to use Drano type products. My question is why not? Is it bad for the pipes. And If I use something and it doesn't work will a plumber be able to tell? Any other advice about what I could use to clear the drain maybe something homemade or more natural?

Answer: Yes, when the plumber gets acid burns from the water splashing on him! My husband nearly went blind when a tenant said she didn't use it and the water splashed in his eyes when he was using a snake. If you use the wrong temperature of water with Drano, it will turn into a cement like substance and the pipes have to be cut out and replaced. Put baking soda in the drain and pour white vinegar on top. It will bubble and will help clear clogs out and keep drains running smooth. Once your drain is open, use baking soda weekly to keep drains clear.