How much does a plumber cost in Chicago? Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data and RSMeans 2024 construction costs, here are real numbers — not the "$99–$975" ranges you get from lead-gen sites.
Chicago's clay soil causes foundation settling that stresses sewer lines. Many vintage two-flats have shared cast iron stacks nearing end of life.
Every price below is adjusted to Chicago's labor market using a 1.2× city index applied to RSMeans 2024 national data. Labor hours assume standard conditions — add 15–40% for older homes, difficult access, or code catch-up.
| Job | Price Range | Hours | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
P-Trap Replacement
PVC P-traps are DIY-accessible. Metal traps require slip-joint wrenches.
|
$90–$300 | 0.5h | No |
|
Toilet Rebuild (tank internals)
Fill valve + flapper + flush valve = complete rebuild. $25-60 in parts. DIY-accessible.
|
$108–$336 | 0.5h | No |
|
Drain Cleaning - Machine Snake
Machine snake for main line. Hydrojetting ($350-900) if snaking doesn't hold.
|
$120–$420 | 1h | No |
|
Faucet Install - Bathroom
Widespread vs centerset vs single-hole - must match existing hole configuration.
|
$120–$420 | 1h | No |
|
Faucet Repair/Replace (kitchen)
Shutoffs under sink: gate valves seize. Replace with quarter-turn ball valves while there.
|
$180–$540 | 1.5h | No |
|
Bathtub Drain Assembly Replace
Trip-lever vs push-pull vs toe-touch - each different repair. Overflow plate gasket often cracked.
|
$180–$480 | 2h | No |
|
Expansion Tank Install (water heater)
Required by IPC in closed systems (backflow preventer or PRV present). Usually 2-gallon tank.
|
$180–$480 | 1h | No |
|
CPVC Pipe Repair (section)
CPVC becomes brittle with age. Impact from tools can shatter pipe. Purple cleaner/cement required.
|
$240–$960 | 2h | No |
|
Toilet Flange Repair/Replace
Cast iron flange in concrete = hardest repair. Use repair ring or full replacement.
|
$240–$720 | 2h | No |
|
Backflow Preventer Install/Test
Annual testing required in most jurisdictions. RPZ valve vs double check - application-dependent.
|
$240–$960 | 2h | Required |
|
Gas Line Repair (leak)
Snoop or electronic detector confirms leak. Never delay on gas - leave structure if strong odor.
|
$240–$960 | 2h | Required |
|
Shower Valve Replacement (pressure-balance)
Pressure-balance required by IPC 424.3 to prevent scalding. Thermostatic valve = premium option.
|
$300–$960 | 3h | No |
|
Garbage Disposal Replace
Requires dedicated 20A circuit (NEC 210.11). Most disposals come with cord - confirm outlet present.
|
$300–$720 | 1h | No |
|
Gas Line Run (new appliance)
Black iron pipe still standard in most jurisdictions. CSST requires bonding per NFPA 54.
|
$300–$1,440 | 4h | Required |
|
Toilet Full Replacement
Floor flange condition = wildcard. Rotted flange adds $200-500. Always inspect before quoting.
|
$336–$1,080 | 1.5h | No |
|
Plumbing Vent Stack Repair
Blocked vents cause gurgling drains and sewer gas entry. Camera scope confirms.
|
$360–$1,440 | 4h | Required |
|
Pressure Reducing Valve Install
IPC requires PRV when street pressure exceeds 80 PSI. Set to 60-80 PSI for fixtures.
|
$360–$1,080 | 2h | No |
|
Hydrojetting - Main Line
4,000+ PSI breaks up grease, scale, roots. Required after snaking fails to clear.
|
$420–$1,080 | 2h | No |
|
Galvanized Pipe Repair (section)
Galvanized corrodes inside-out. Partial repair is often false economy - adjacent sections at same age.
|
$480–$1,440 | 4h | No |
|
Sump Pump Replace
Primary + battery backup system = best practice. Float switch type matters (tethered vs vertical).
|
$480–$1,440 | 2h | No |
|
Cast Iron DWV Repair/Replace
75-100 year lifespan. Internal corrosion and scale. Coupling repair vs section replacement.
|
$600–$4,800 | 10h | Required |
|
Water Softener Install
Bypass valve required. Drain line to floor drain. Salt-based vs salt-free = different maintenance.
|
$960–$3,000 | 4h | No |
|
Water Heater - 40/50 gal Tank
Expansion tank code-required in closed systems. TPR valve and drain pan required. Age from serial number.
|
$1,020–$2,400 | 3h | Required |
|
PEX Supply Install - New Construction
PEX-A expands for fittings (fewer leaks). Use PEX-specific nail plates where within 1.25" of framing.
|
$1,800–$6,000 | 15h | Required |
|
Tankless Water Heater
Gas: needs 3/4"+ gas line (existing 1/2" usually inadequate). Electric: needs 200A panel + 40-60A circuit.
|
$2,160–$6,000 | 5h | Required |
|
Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
Gray PB pipe with gray/blue fittings. Class action ended 2009. Chlorine destroys pipe from inside. Insurance increasingly refusing coverage.
|
$2,400–$9,600 | 20h | Required |
|
Lead Supply Pipe Replacement
Lead pipes still present in homes built before 1986. EPA mandates replacement for drinking water safety.
|
$2,400–$9,600 | 20h | Required |
|
Whole Home Repipe - Copper→PEX
Pinhole leaks in copper indicate aggressive water chemistry. Test pH and TDS.
|
$4,200–$12,000 | 30h | Required |
|
Sewer Lining - Trenchless CIPP
Cured-in-place pipe = no dig. Works on cast iron and clay. Not suitable for collapsed pipe.
|
$4,200–$14,400 | 10h | Required |
|
Whole Home Repipe - Galvanized→PEX
PEX-A (Uponor) is fastest, freeze-resistant. 1-2 day job for 2-person crew. Water test for lead before and after.
|
$4,800–$14,400 | 35h | Required |
|
Sewer Line Replacement
Camera inspection first ($150-300). Root infiltration, Orangeburg, cast iron collapse - different costs.
|
$5,400–$21,600 | 20h | Required |
|
Orangeburg Sewer Pipe Replacement
Compressed wood-fiber/asphalt pipe, 1940s-1970s. Collapses into egg shape. Must be replaced.
|
$6,000–$24,000 | 25h | Required |
Prices: RSMeans 2024 × 1.2 (Chicago index). Labor: BLS OEWS May 2024. Code: IPC 2021 (International Plumbing Code). Required for water heater replacement, repiping, sewer work, and any work touching the water main.
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