When you call a plumber, you might be thinking:

“Why do I have to pay a service call just to get a quote?”

It’s a fair question - and one we hear often in Cumberland, Putnam, Overton, Fentress, and White Counties here in Tennessee. At Innovative Home Services, our goal is to be upfront and transparent about why we charge a service call fee - and why it actually benefits you in the long run.

What Is a Plumbing Service Call?

A plumbing service call is the fee you pay for a licensed professional to come to your home, assess the issue, and provide a solution. At Innovative, our standard service call fee is:

  • $79 during normal business hours
  • $149 after hours, weekends, and holidays (5pm–7am)

This fee covers:

  • Travel time (in vehicles that average 10 miles per gallon)
  • Labor time for diagnosis
  • Use of diagnostic tools
  • A detailed quote for repair

How Do We Compare to Other Companies?

You may see service call fees ranging from $39 to $499 across Tennessee and beyond. Some national franchises charge $150–$200+ even during regular business hours, and we’ve seen after-hours rates reach $499 just for dispatch - before a single repair is made.

At Innovative Home Services, we aim to keep our pricing fair and consistent:

  • You’ll know what you’re paying upfront.
  • We don’t mark it up based on zip code or perceived home value.
  • Many customers find our pricing refreshingly reasonable compared to competitors.

Why Do Plumbers Charge Service Fees?

Here’s the truth: sending a technician out isn’t free for us - even if you don’t move forward with the repair.

Think of it like your mechanic. You bring the car to them, and they still charge a diagnostic fee. In plumbing, we bring the tools, the parts, and the technician to you - often across rural counties - using a stocked service van that costs thousands to maintain.

Even at $79, we’re not making money on the service call - it just helps offset fuel, time, and wear and tear.

✅ What’s Included in the Fee?

  • A professional plumber arrives at your home, often the same day you call
  • The van is stocked with common parts to make immediate repairs
  • We provide a precise quote, down to the penny, often on the spot
  • If you approve the repair, we can often start work right then and there

For more involved issues (like camera inspections or specialty equipment), we’ll explain any additional charges before proceeding.

💸 Is the Fee Ever Waived?

Yes - and fairly often!

If you move forward with a major repair (like a $2,000 re-pipe), we’ll usually waive the service fee. On smaller jobs (like a $150 leak repair), the service call fee may still apply because it represents a large portion of our costs.

Sometimes, our team will waive the fee without being asked — we want to be fair.

What If You Want to Get Other Quotes?

No problem. We don’t believe in pressure tactics. We’ll give you a written quote good for 14 days so you can compare options confidently. And if the repair feels financially out of reach, we offer:

  • 12-month same-as-cash financing
  • Long-term monthly payment options (up to 15 years)

🔍 Why This Matters

Some people think calling a plumber should be free until they decide to move forward. But here’s the catch:

“If you don’t value the time of professionals who show up when you need help, you’ll get fewer professionals willing to answer the call.”

Our team works hard to be fast, fair, and reliable - and a service call helps us do that without cutting corners.

Need Plumbing Help in Middle Tennessee?

Whether you’ve got a leak, low water pressure, or a mystery clog — we’re here to help.
Call 931.707.7700 to book a service call with Innovative Home Services and get plumbing problems fixed the right way.