Plumber in Modesto, CA — rates, costs & free quotes
Looking for a plumber in Modesto? Here's what fair looks like: local plumbers typically charge $95–$160 per hour (service call fee $50–$95, usually credited if you approve the work), with flat-rate pricing common for standard jobs like drain cleaning or water heater swaps.
The Central Valley has the lowest plumbing rates in California. The trade-off is some of the hardest water in the country: well-fed and groundwater systems load fixtures, water heaters and tankless units with scale, making softeners and regular descaling near-mandatory. Older farmhouse stock adds galvanized-pipe and septic-related work to the mix.
Plumbing services in Modesto — typical costs
Drain Cleaning$150–$500
Clogged sink, tub or floor drain cleared
Hydro Jetting$300–$800
High-pressure water jetting for grease and roots
Sewer Camera Inspection$150–$600
Video diagnosis of your sewer lateral
Sewer Line Repair & Replacement$1,500–$25,000
Spot repairs, trenchless lining and pipe bursting
Water Heater Repair$150–$700
No hot water, leaks, pilot and element fixes
Water Heater Installation$1,300–$3,500
Tank replacement, code upgrades, permits, haul-away
Tankless Water Heater$2,800–$6,000
On-demand hot water — installation and service
Leak Detection$150–$600
Electronic location of hidden water leaks
Slab Leak Repair$500–$4,000
Under-foundation leak repair, reroute or repipe
Whole-House Repiping$4,500–$15,000
Replace failing supply pipes with copper or PEX
Toilet Repair & Installation$150–$800
Running, leaking, clogged or new toilets
Faucet & Sink Services$150–$600
Dripping faucets, new fixtures, sink installs
Garbage Disposal$150–$500
Repair, replacement and new installs
Gas Line Services$300–$2,000
New lines, leak repair, appliance hookups, earthquake valves
Water Softener & Filtration$1,000–$3,500
Whole-house softening, conditioners, RO systems
Water Pressure Problems$150–$800
Pressure regulators, low flow, banging pipes
Emergency Plumber$200–$1,000
24/7 response: bursts, backups, no water
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Get free quotesFrequently asked questions
How much does a plumber cost per hour in Modesto?
Plumbers in Modesto (Central Valley) typically charge $95–$160 per hour, or flat rates for standard jobs. Service call fees usually run $50–$95, often credited if you approve the work.
How do I verify a plumber's license in Modesto?
Ask for the contractor's CSLB license number (California requires it on ads and contracts) and check it free at cslb.ca.gov — you'll see the C-36 plumbing classification, bond, workers' comp status and any disciplinary actions. Any job over $1,000 in labor and materials legally requires a licensed contractor.
Do plumbing jobs in Modesto need a permit?
Repairs like unclogging or fixing a faucet don't. Water heater replacement, repiping, sewer work and gas lines do — the contractor should pull the permit with the Modesto building department, not ask you to.
Can I get an emergency plumber in Modesto at night or on weekends?
Yes — Modesto has 24/7 plumbers for bursts, backups and no-water situations. Expect 1.5–3× standard rates after hours. If you can stop the problem at the shutoff valve, waiting for morning saves real money.
Helpful guides
- How Much Does a Plumber Cost in California? 2026 Rates Explained
- How to Hire a Plumber in California: A Step-by-Step Checklist
- CSLB License Check: How to Verify a California Plumber (C-36)