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Best Plumbing Companies
Updating your bathroom or replacing a major part of it, such as a sink or toilet, is no small task, so you want to make sure it’s done right with the help of a professional plumber. Use our guide to learn about the types of plumbing services available for your project, what to look for in a plumbing company, how much plumbing services typically cost and more.
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| Company | Service areas | Emergency service | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 ARS/Rescue Rooter | Learn More | 29 states |  | One to 10 years |
 Mr. Rooter Plumbing | Learn More | 44 states | | 30 days to one year |
 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing | Learn More | 23 states | | Varies by location |
 Roto-Rooter | Learn More | 47 states | | Six months to six years |
Plumbing Companies Buyers Guide
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In this guide
Finding a trustworthy, reputable plumbing company can be stressful, especially if you aren’t familiar with the industry.
A good plumber can fix immediate issues and identify potential problems early, which could save you money in the long run. The right plumber will also be transparent about pricing and make sure you understand the work being done, so you feel comfortable throughout the process.
Learn more about what to look for in a plumber and what to expect, so you can make confident decisions when problems arise.
Common plumbing services include maintenance, inspections and repairs. These services can range from simple fixes and routine work to major system replacements.
Jump to insightReputable plumbing companies have proper licensing and insurance, pricing transparency and positive reviews.
Jump to insightRoutine maintenance and small repairs can cost between $100 and $400. Moderate to major repairs can range from $500 to several thousand dollars.
Jump to insightPlumbers are worth it because they keep your home running smoothly and can help prevent future damage.
Jump to insightTypes of plumbing services
Plumbing services include a wide range of repairs, as well as preventative maintenance and inspections.
Routine maintenance and inspections
Average cost: $100-$400
Maintenance and inspections are preventative services that can catch plumbing issues early, increasing your system’s efficiency and longevity. Professionals often recommend performing routine maintenance, like flushing water heaters, annually.
Common maintenance and inspections include:
- Flushing water heaters to remove sediment buildup
- Checking for hidden leaks in toilets and pipes
- Inspecting water heaters for signs of corrosion
- Checking for blockages in sewer lines with a sewer camera
Repairs
Average cost: $500-$3,000-plus
Repairs can range from minor fixes to major system replacements.
Common repairs include:
- Unclogging toilets and drains
- Fixing leaky pipes and faucets
- Addressing low water pressure
- Replacing or repairing damaged pipes or water heaters
What to look for in a plumbing company
It’s important to find a reputable, established plumbing company with the proper accreditations. Here’s what to look for:
Licensing and insurance
“Proper licensing is a nonnegotiable. If they can’t provide a license number, they shouldn’t be in your house,” says Caleb Caviness, general manager at AryCo, an HVAC and plumbing company in Decatur, Texas. He also notes that plumbing companies should have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Communication
Plumbing companies should answer your questions and communicate with you throughout the process. “It starts with the person on the phone. When calling a company, you should receive clear answers, and they have to be able to give you a ballpark pricing if you’re asking for it,” said Megan Doser, owner of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric in Denver, Colorado.
Pricing transparency
Once plumbers have performed a diagnostic, they should provide you with a written estimate and explanation of the services you’ll receive. Vague pricing and high-pressure sales tactics are red flags. “A reliable plumber is more likely to walk you through multiple solutions, explaining how each works, instead of pushing the most expensive fix right away,” Doser said.
Positive reviews
When researching plumbing companies, look for a business that has positive reviews and a longstanding presence in the community. You can see what people are saying in neighborhood Facebook groups, Google reviews and other online platforms.
24/7 repairs
Some plumbing issues, like burst pipes and sewer backups, require immediate attention in order to prevent extensive damage and high repair costs. A reliable plumbing company should be able to respond quickly during emergencies and come outside of business hours if necessary.
Plumbing costs
Plumbing services can generally range anywhere from $75 for a diagnostic visit to several thousand dollars for major replacements.
Even smaller repairs can get pricey. “For quick calls, where a plumber is on site for less than thirty minutes, a charge might be around $200,” said Aaron Adams, CEO of Aaron Services, an HVAC and plumbing company in north Atlanta. “This often feels expensive to a customer, but plumbing is a very expensive line of work. Auto insurance, liability insurance, vehicle costs and staffing are all major expenses.”
Plumbing repair cost factors
Several factors influence the cost of plumbing services. “Two next-door neighbors can have the same type of issue, but the repair can be vastly different based on the context surrounding the problem,” said John Akhoian, founder of Rooter Hero, an HVAC and plumbing company that provides service in California and Arizona. Considerations include:
- Type and size of the issue
- Location
- Material and part costs
- Condition of the property and appliances
- Repair time
- Urgency (emergency calls or after-hours requests)
Typical plumbing repair costs
While plumbing costs vary widely, you can expect services to generally fall within the following ranges:
| Service type | Typical cost range | What’s generally included |
|---|---|---|
| Service call (diagnostic visit) | $75 to $150 | Basic inspection and diagnosis of a problem |
| Routine maintenance and inspections | $100 to $400 | Drain cleaning, water heater flushing, sewer camera inspections and other annual upkeep |
| Small repairs | $150 to $500 | Fixing leaks, unclogging drains or replacing small parts |
| Moderate repairs | $500 to $1,500 | Replacing fixtures and fixing pipes |
| Major repairs | $1,500 to $3,000+ | Replacing the water heater, significant pipe work or system upgrades |
Plumbing repair cost factors
It’s important to keep in mind that emergency plumbing calls can incur extra fees. “The biggest jump (in price) is always an emergency call, as it can increase the cost by 100%,” Doser said.
Is a plumber worth it?
Functioning plumbing is a crucial component of an operational, safe home. A skilled plumber is a valuable resource to have at your disposal. They help quickly diagnose problems, prevent costly damage and keep your home’s systems running.
And while it’s good to have a plumber on hand for emergencies, preventive maintenance and even simple repairs can also save you about 10% on your water bills.
Who are the best plumbers near me?
If you have a plumbing emergency, you need to find a local company that can get to your home quickly. We compared our favorite plumbers in major cities across the country to help you find experienced help for your plumbing problems.
Plumbing companies FAQ
What does a plumber do?
Plumbers maintain and install your home’s water, gas and waste systems. This includes fixing leaks, unclogging drains, and replacing and repairing water heaters and pipes.
How much do plumbing services cost?
A plumbing diagnostic usually costs between $75 and $150, while repairs can range from $150 to several thousand dollars. Cost depends on the scope and complexity of the project.
How much does routine plumbing maintenance and inspections cost?
Routine plumbing maintenance and inspections typically cost between $100 and $400. These services can include water heater flushing and drain cleaning, and professionals typically recommend homeowners have these done annually.
How can I know if a plumber is good?
Good plumbers are properly licensed and insured and will readily provide a written estimate before starting work. They should be able to easily explain the problem, what caused it and how much it will cost to fix. Good plumbers can often walk you through more than one solution to your problem as well, including temporary fixes or cheaper alternatives.
How can I avoid getting ripped off by a plumber?
To avoid getting ripped off by a plumber, get more than one quote, check online reviews and request a written estimate. You should always know exactly what you’re paying for and how much it will cost.
What are some plumbing company red flags?
Plumbing company red flags include high-pressure sales tactics, failure to show licensing and insurance, vague estimates or refusal to answer questions.
When should I call a plumber instead of trying to fix it myself?
Some simple tasks, like clearing a clogged drain, can be done by yourself. However, trying to fix larger or recurring plumbing issues without a professional can create major problems. For instance, a sink draining slowly or a pipe’s pinhole leak can quickly turn into a more costly issue if not properly addressed.
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
Guide sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this guide include:
- Environmental Protection Agency, “Home Maintenance.” Accessed April 14, 2026.
- Environmental Protection Agency, “Fix a Leak Week.” Accessed April 14, 2026
Compare plumbing companies
| Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
Mr. Rooter Plumbing
| 2.3
276 reviews
| Mr. Rooter Plumbing is a licensed plumbing franchise. They offer drain cleaning, plumbing repairs, sewer line repair and emergency services. They give you upfront pricing and explain what they need to do before starting a project. | Read reviews |
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
| 1.8
71 reviews
| Provides skilled plumbers for emergency service, 24/7. Backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee as well as an on-time guarantee. Franchise operation for fast response and knowledge of local plumbing issues. | Read reviews |
Roto-Rooter
| 1.6
1,200 reviews
| Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is the largest provider of plumbing and drain-cleaning services in the United States. It operates around 100 company-owned branches and approximately 500 franchises across North America. | Read reviews |
ARS/Rescue Rooter
| 1.3
213 reviews
| Repair and maintenance for residential plumbing, HVAC, electrical and sewer systems. Emergency services available seven days a week, 365 days a year. One-year labor warranty on most services. Over fifty years of experience. | Read reviews |
