Is $150 for a plumber to fix a clogged sink reasonable in L.A.?

Question

He said the work takes about 30 minutes and he is charging 150. Seems expensive to me but I've never dealt with plumbers before, what is reasonable?

Okay then, should I also tip the plumber? 10 or 20%?

The plumber did a great job and unclogged the drain in 10 minutes. Of course there is travel time so I can see how the 150 is warrented. He also gave a 30 day guarantee, not bad. He is with Mr. Rooter, I wonder how much he actually gets to keep himself.

Answer 1

Depends on the plumber.
Some charge a minimum required for example... $85 ($130 after hours) just to show up for each service call and then charge by the job or task.
In your case much would depend on the time of day and just how involved and time consuming the job was.
Did it actually take him the 30 minutes? or did it turn out to be a little more complicated than first thought?
It's always a good idea of course to get a firm quote or at least a good understanding of what can happen to have the initial estimate vary.

NO! DO NOT TIP THE PLUMBER!
He's already well compensated, as we have discussed.

Here are a couple of links on how to do that kind of repair yourself:
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/homemaintenance/plumbing/clogs/how-to-unclog-sink.php
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY807
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/plumbing/article/0,16417,193799-3,00.html
http://hometips.com/content/drains_intro.html

Answer 2

If your sink is the only fixture that is plugged then that means that your clog is not that far down in your waste line. Before shelling out the cash try using a sink plunger. That is the smaller plunger with just the rubber cup, put a little water in the sink to get a good seal, put a rag in your sink overflow vent . Once you establish a good seal between the sink and the plunger pump it up and down 6 times without breaking contact until the last pull. This will clear all but grease and major hair plugs.
If that does not work put a bucket under the sink and carefully remove the trap. Remove all debris from the trap and make sure you can see light from the top down to where you removed the trap before putting it back together.
you only need a few dollars worth of tools and then you will have them for next time. Also after brushing your teeth or washing your hands let the water run for a few seconds afterwords because that is what that black smelly goo clogging your trap is comprised of.
Please do not use chemicals because then if you do need to call a plumber he doesn't want a face full of acid.

Answer 3

Are you kidding? It's probably $95 or more just to show up with NO WORK ! Yeah, 150 is about right for a stock job like that. Should be a quick job of emptying the sink, removing the trap, snaking the pipe. But keep an eye on him because some plumbers charge by the hour with ANY INCREMENT of an hour added.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

I lived in LA for a long time. Unfortunately, $150 for 30 min for a plumber in LA is not expensive. Sorry.

I'd still try to shop around though. Who knows you might get someone cheaper.

Answer 5

Anything goes in the land of la.
Is it a union Plumber???? ask. then ask which local union he's from. If you MUST know call his union and ask them the going rates.
IF it's a licensened NON Union plumber it'll cost whatever he say's. Does he have to break out a large snake machine THEN a vacum to suck out a bunch of crap. Outside they actually have to suck out tree roots. You really dont know how much he has to do. Maybe he can stretch the job out a couple day's BUT is doing it as fast as he can to get out of there Thus doing you a favor

Answer 6

yeah thats the going rate. my brother is plumberand it is usualy 50-75 dollars just to say hi then 50 dollars any hour min. and plus parts an dthat in mo so you got a good deal

Answer 7

I live in LA but do this myself.I don't really know what is the going rate these days.That does seem quite expensive though,

Answer 8

That sounds about right, I know that here in Kansas we charge aprox. 70 - 100.

Answer 9

Are you serious? That is pretty chear compared to Atlanta Ga.

Answer 10

who cares how long it takes? how does it matter? which would you rather have,a sink that drains or $150? if the answer is sink that drains,then its worth it.