Plumbing services in Seattle: what each job involves and costs

Each page explains how the job works, what drives the price, which Seattle and Washington rules apply and what to ask before you sign. Every cost figure names its source and whether it is national or local.

• Drain cleaning: snaking versus hydro jetting, how to tell a fixture clog from a side sewer problem, and what Seattle Public Utilities says should never be flushed.
• Side sewer repair: what Seattle calls the side sewer, why the owner is responsible up to the public main, SPU repair permits and fees, and trenchless versus open cut repair.
• Water heater repair and replacement: repair versus replace, tank, tankless and heat pump costs, the seismic strapping and expansion tank rules Public Health enforces, and the Seattle City Light heat pump rebate.
• Leak detection: the water meter test, how leaks are located, what detection and repair cost, and how SPU leak adjustments on your bill work.
• Emergency plumbing costs: what after-hours, weekend and holiday rates look like and how to hire quickly without overpaying.
• Emergency plumber checklist: the first steps for a burst pipe, a gas smell, a frozen line or a sewer backup, with the official numbers to call.

The figures below are national ranges from published cost guides. Local quotes in the Seattle area may be higher or lower depending on access, materials and permit fees.

Two different offices issue plumbing-related permits inside the City of Seattle:

• Plumbing and gas piping inside the property.Public Health Seattle and King County issues plumbing and gas piping permits and does the inspections in Seattle, Clyde Hill and unincorporated King County. Seattle and King County codes require a permit whenever you install, relocate or change a plumbing or gas piping system. Licensed plumbing contractors apply for the permit themselves; homeowners doing their own work in their own home use a separate homeowner permit.
• The side sewer.Seattle Public Utilities requires a side sewer permit to repair, alter, add to, abandon or cap a side sewer. SPU lists a sanitary repair permit on private property at generally $280 and a drainage repair permit at generally $375, each including one to two inspections. Work in the street also needs a separate permit from the Seattle Department of Transportation. SPU's repair guidance says permits are not required for root removal or unclogging.

Cities such as Bellevue, Kent or Renton issue their own plumbing permits. If your property is in another King County city, Public Health says to get the permit from that city's building department. Our location pages cover the differences.

1. Check the business in the L&I verify tool. Since July 1, 2021 all plumbing contract work must be done by a licensed plumbing contractor. L&I requires those contractors to post a $6,000 plumbing contractor bond, carry general liability insurance and name a certified plumber as the company's designated plumber.
2. Check the worker. Ask for the L&I plumber certificate of the person who will do the work and look up that number as well.
3. Check the permit. Ask which permit the job needs and who applies for it. Public Health Seattle and King County's homeowner permit is only for owners doing their own work, so a contractor who asks you to pull a permit in your name is a warning sign.

We do not perform plumbing work, have no technicians and do not quote prices. To reach a plumber, call one of the licensed contractors listed on this page or see all listed contractors. If you prefer, email a description of the problem to dispatch@seattleplumberpros.com through our contact page. We reply with next steps. Any contract, price and warranty is between you and the contractor you hire. If water is spreading or you smell gas, do not wait for an email reply; follow the emergency checklist.