Not sure if you should tip your plumber? You’re not alone. Plumbers do important work for homeowners, but it can be hard to know what to do to show you’re grateful. Plumbers usually make a decent wage, but tipping can still be a confusing topic. Sometimes people tip, sometimes they don’t.
I am here to help you understand the rules of tipping plumbers. When is it a good idea to tip and how much should you give? Keep reading to find out.
Responsibilities of A Plumber
Sometimes on call for 24 hours a day, plumbers typically have to perform a lot of tasks on the request of the homeowners. Below are some responsibilities of the plumbers for your idea on their job duties:
- Installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes, valves, fittings, drainage systems, and fixtures in residential & commercial spaces.
- Collaborating with general contractors, electricians, and other construction professionals as and when needed.
- Understanding and following building plans and blueprints.
- Responding to, diagnosing, and resolving any plumbing emergency as and when needed.
- Performing regular inspections of plumbing and drainage systems.
- Doing some light construction, carpentry, painting, plastering, flooring, ceiling, and electrical work as per the requirement.
- Preparing bids, budgets, and cost estimates for larger facilities.
- Keeping accurate records of the working time, work description, and materials used for each project.
So these are some typical duties that a plumber has to perform.
What is a Good Tip for a Plumber?
A good tip for a plumber is one that shows appreciation for their services and reflects the quality of their work. In the US, a common practice is to tip between 10-20% of the total bill. However, the amount to tip can vary depending on factors such as the cost of the service, your budget, and the level of satisfaction. You may choose to tip more or less, depending on your personal circumstances.
The most important thing is to tip an amount that feels comfortable for you and reflects your level of appreciation for the service.
Are You Supposed to Tip A Plumber?
It is evident that in most cases, plumbers don’t usually expect a tip when they complete a job. It is observed that the average salary for a plumber in the United States is $26.58 per hour. However, based on experience and education level, they can make anywhere from $22.08 to $32.00 per hour. Moreover, plumbers who have their own businesses can make way more than those who work for someone else.
Some contractor companies also do not allow their employees to receive any tips for their work. However, in the cases when tipping can be accepted or received, the plumbers feel happy to be tipped. A tip is certainly an appreciation for a job well done, and it boosts the plumbers’ productivity from the sense of feeling appreciated as well.
Take into consideration some of the factors involved in their job if you’re wondering whether or not to tip the plumbers:
The Difficulty They Had Completing the Job
Fixing a leaky faucet is probably not an intense job. However, if you are calling the plumbers for fixing a huge leak affecting several floors of your apartment, that can get messy and pretty difficult. So consider carefully the difficulty level before tipping them.
The Time Associated with Completing the Job
While some plumbing jobs are pretty much easy to complete within a short time, there are some huge tasks that need hours to complete. If you feel your plumber is completing a job that requires most of their hours, you can consider the matter of tipping.
The Materials Used for the Job
Carefully observe the materials that the plumber is using for the job. If you see that the materials used are way better than your expectation, you can consider it as a positive factor.
The Quality of Service They are Providing
If you see that your plumber is dealing with the job with a smart attitude going above and beyond to do everything for the best service, this can definitely be a positive factor for tipping.
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How Much to Tip Your Plumber?
Plumbers usually do not rely on tips as their primary source of income. Moreover, there is certainly no obligation to tip, meaning that the decision is entirely up to you whether you want to tip or not.
AARP, an interest group in the United States, published a general guideline and etiquette for every tipping situation. There they have mentioned that if the plumber you work with does something extra or spends more time than expected on his job, a minimum tip of $20 can always be appreciated.
If we divide a plumber’s job into 4 main categories and determine the tipping practices for each of them, the picture can be better understood.
Tipping for Drain Cleaning
Plumbers usually use a mechanical plumbing snake and clean drains with the help of that. This job is pretty straightforward and usually priced between $100 to $300. If you are really satisfied and want to tip for this job, you should aim for tipping $20 for a small task, $50 for a medium task, and $100 or more for a large or difficult cleaning task. A good rule of thumb will also be to consider tipping a percentage of the total bill, let us say, 15-20% for good service.
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Tipping for Leak Repair
From your bathroom to affecting an entire building, leaks can vary differently. However, this sort of job usually tends to start at $200. In some cases, the cost can be even thousands of dollars if there is severe damage due to leaks and pipes need to be replaced. Aim for about 10% to 15% of the invoice amount if you want to show some gratitude for the technician’s effort.
Tipping for Appliance Installation
For appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, plumbers can help install them. However, the price that you need to pay for the installation service will depend on some other factors like – the amount of plumbing and electrical work and the amount of time spent on the service.
If there has already been standard electrical & plumbing work present that the plumber does not have to redo this work, the cost of the job will range between $75 and $100. And if that is not the case, you will probably have to pay between $200 and $600. Now the tipping amount should be adjusted between $20 and $50 for the total bill.
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Tipping for Main Water Line Installation
The plumber usually has to use a standard six-foot line for installing the main water line. Any special requirement from your side can have some impact on the final price. This sort of job usually ranges between $1500 and $2000. And if you would like to leave a tip for this job, you should aim for something between $100 and $200.
Do You Tip a Self-Employed Plumber?
Tipping a self-employed plumber is not required, but it is common to show appreciation for good service by leaving a gratuity. The amount to tip is a personal decision and depends on the individual’s level of satisfaction with the service provided. Some people may choose to tip a few dollars, while others may tip a percentage of the total bill.
How Much do You Tip a Plumber in NYC?
The amount to tip a plumber in New York City (NYC) is a personal decision and can vary based on factors such as the cost of the service and the quality of the work. As a general guideline, a common practice in NYC is to tip between 10-20% of the total bill.
However, some people may choose to tip a smaller or larger amount, or not tip at all, depending on their level of satisfaction with the service provided. The most important thing is to tip an amount that feels comfortable for you.
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What Can Be the Alternatives to Tipping Plumbers?
Apart from giving the plumber a cash tip, you can always opt for different ways to show your appreciation to your plumber. Here are a few ideas for you as alternatives to tipping plumbers:
Give them a positive review online.
Provide them with a thank you card.
Give them a small gift as a token of appreciation the next time they come to your house.
Offer them lunch or coffee.
Refer them to your friends, family members, and other potential clients.
Here are Some General Tips for You on Tipping Plumbers
Here are some tips you may like if you’ve made up your mind to tip your plumber. These will guide you in the overall process:
Aim for a usual amount of tipping that will range between 10% to 20% of the quoted invoice.
Emphasis on additional expenses or extra time that the plumber has spent on the job, especially if he went above and beyond what made you satisfied with the service.
Take notes of any short notice or emergency response that requires the plumber to be tipped accordingly.
Consider tipping when both parties are comfortable with it.
Final Remarks
Now you know that it is not customary to leave tips for plumbers, however, you can choose to do so if you feel like your plumber has done a really great job and actually deserves it. Just keep in mind that depending on the service provided and the extent of the job, you should consider tipping at least $20 to begin with. And if you are not sure whether you should tip or not, you can always provide some non-monetary rewards in the form of an online review or a recommendation to friends or family for your plumber. In reality, these can mean a lot for a business to shine and trade well.
