Plumbing services in Portland: what each job involves and costs

Each page below explains how the job works, what drives the price, what Portland requires in permits and licensing, and which questions to ask before you sign. Every cost figure is labeled with its source.

• Drain cleaning: snaking versus hydro jetting, cost by fixture, when a clog is really a main line problem, and what Portland Environmental Services says never to flush.
• Sewer line repair: who owns which part of the sewer in Portland, camera inspections, root removal, trenchless lining and pipe bursting, and the two permits a repair can need.
• Leak detection: how to use your Portland water meter to confirm a leak, what professional detection costs, slab leaks and who pays for which pipe.
• Water heater repair and installation: tank, tankless and heat pump costs, lifespans, Oregon's seismic strapping rule and Portland's permit requirement.
• Emergency plumbing: after-hours, weekend and holiday rates, typical emergency repair prices and how to hire quickly without overpaying.
• Emergency plumber checklist: first steps for a burst pipe, gas smell, frozen line or sewer backup, with the official numbers to call.

The ranges below are national figures from established cost guides. Portland quotes may be higher or lower depending on access, materials and permit fees.

The City of Portland's residential plumbing permit page says a permit is needed to repair, replace or move plumbing pipes, add piping, install or replace fixtures, and replace a water heater. Outdoor work such as rain drains, drywells, water service lines and sprinkler backflow devices also needs a permit, as does sewer work. You do not need a permit to fix or maintain existing fixtures and parts.

Homeowners may do their own plumbing work only if they are the recorded property owner according to the county, not an LLC. Otherwise, a contractor licensed by the Oregon State Plumbing Board does the work. A rough-in inspection is required before piping is covered, a final inspection closes the permit, and a permit expires if more than 180 days pass between inspections.

Outside Portland, the permit office depends on where you live. Clackamas County, for example, says a permit is required before modifying or installing any plumbing and that the fee doubles if work starts before the permit is issued, except in proven emergencies. Our service area pages cover the suburbs.

Two. The Oregon Building Codes Division says contractors doing plumbing work need a CCB license and the appropriate BCD plumbing contractor license. The CCB license also carries bond and insurance requirements, explained on our about page. Our guide to choosing a plumber in Portland walks through the checks.

If water is spreading or you smell gas, go to the emergency checklist. If the problem can wait, read the service page that matches it, get at least two written estimates, and compare them against the ranges above. For older homes, our guide to old house plumbing in Portland explains what tends to fail first.

We are an independent guide and do not do this work. To reach a plumber, call one of the licensed contractors listed on this page or see all listed contractors. If you prefer, you can email us your question through our contact page.