The Best Plumbing Services in America, Vetted

Most homeowners will need to call in a plumber at some point. Whether it’s installing a new faucet or handling an emergency, a plumber is an invaluable home professional. Especially when dealing with sudden plumbing problems, it’s important to get professional help in a hurry to ensure that the damage to the home is controlled as best as possible. An experienced plumber will know how to respond to stop or control a leak, clear a drain line, and even help deal with a faulty water heater. After the initial assessment and response, they can formulate a plan to repair the problem and make sure that the issue is resolved conclusively.

However, it can be difficult to find the best plumbing service in the area, especially if you have never had to contact a professional plumber before. For those who don’t know where to start, it may be helpful to learn about some of the best plumbing services available, as well as some details about what sets top-tier residential plumbing services apart from competitors and how to find a reliable plumber.

1. BEST OVERALL: Mr. Rooter
2. RUNNER-UP: Roto-Rooter
3. BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
4. BEST AGGREGATOR: HomeAdvisor

Our Top Picks

This list of the best plumbing services was selected for top-tier customer service, quality work, reasonable pricing, flexible scheduling, and reliable plumbing know-how.

Best Overall

Mr. Rooter

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Pros

• Up-front, flat-rate pricing
• Relatively long 90-day labor guarantee
• No upcharge for weekend, holiday, or after-hours service
• Advantage Plan allows for priority scheduling and preferential pricing

Cons

• Not available in all ZIP codes

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Specs

• Service area: 45 states; Washington, D.C.; and Canada
• Scheduling: Online or phone
• Availability: Standard and emergency
• Guarantee: 90-day labor warranty
• Customer support: Phone

Why It Made the Cut: A long workmanship guarantee, flat-rate pricing, priority plan options, and a lack of upcharge for emergency services make Mr. Rooter a leader in the plumbing repair industry.

Established in 1970 as an Oklahoma City-based business, Mr. Rooter now provides expert plumbing services to 45 states, all of Canada, and a small area around Washington, D.C. With more than 200 locations, Mr. Rooter is well equipped to respond to plumbing emergencies in a timely fashion, and can be reached directly by phone or through online scheduling services. Just keep in mind that the company doesn’t operate in all ZIP codes with its coverage area, so it’s important to check the location tab on the Mr. Rooter website to find the nearest location.

Mr. Rooter provides up-front estimates, clear cost breakdowns, and flat-rate pricing, so customers can budget accordingly without worrying about hidden fees when the work is done. Additionally, Mr. Rooter understands that plumbing emergencies can be unavoidable, so the company doesn’t charge extra for weekends, holidays, or after-hours work. Recurring customers may want to opt for Mr. Rooter’s Advantage Plan, which allows for reduced price rates and priority scheduling. Finally, the company also has a 90-day labor warranty on repairs, so customers can feel confident that their local Mr. Rooter branch will stand behind its work.

Mr. Rooter is a 2024 recipient of BobVila.com’s Home Improvement Hero designation.

Home Improvement Heroes recognizes the best companies homeowners could call for a problem, project, or service. Our editorial team used a rigorous process to evaluate based on availability, skills, range of services, cost, customer reviews, guarantees, refund policy, customer support, and more. We then independently reviewed each company and hired some for our projects for consideration. See the full list of honorees.

Runner-Up

Roto-Rooter

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Pros

• Nationwide availability
• Convenient, easy-to-use online scheduling system
• Web-based educational information available for homeowners
• Water restoration services available

Cons

• Service guarantees may vary by location

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Specs

• Service area: 50 states; Washington, D.C.; and Canada
• Scheduling: Online or phone
• Availability: Standard and emergency
• Guarantee: Varies by location
• Customer support: Phone

Why It Made the Cut: Roto-Rooter offers convenient online scheduling options, helpful educational resources, water damage restoration services, and a nationwide service area.

Roto-Rooter has been in business for a long time since the company’s founding in 1935. During this time it has become one of the biggest plumbing companies in the nation, offering services in all 50 states; Canada; and Washington, D.C. As such, homeowners across the nation can hire Roto-Rooter to take care of plumbing issues. Roto-Rooter has expanded its online presence, too. The company’s convenient online scheduling process makes it possible for customers to book appointments through the website without having to pick up the phone and speak to a representative. Roto-Rooter’s website even includes educational information about plumbing systems, including blogs, videos, and infographics. These resources help customers better understand plumbing issues they may be experiencing, empowering them to make informed decisions about repair services.

It’s worth noting that workmanship and satisfaction guarantees may vary based on location, so customers will want to verify details with their local branch before hiring. In the event of a major leak or burst pipe, the company also offers water damage restoration, which is not always the case with plumbing service providers. Having this service available could save customers the hassle of finding a separate water damage restoration company to deal with the aftermath of a plumbing issue.

Best Customer Service

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

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Pros

• Up-front flat-rate pricing
• On-time guarantee pays customer $5 for every minute a technician is late
• Customer complaints resolved by impartial third party

Cons

• Relatively small service area covering 36 states
• Some services may not be available at all locations

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Specs

• Service area: 36 states
• Scheduling: Online or phone
• Availability: Standard and emergency
• Guarantee: Satisfaction guarantee, on-time guarantee
• Customer support: Phone, live chat

Why It Made the Cut: Putting customers first every step of the way, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing doesn’t charge additional fees for after-hours service and settles customer complaints via an impartial third-party service.

Despite the prodigious name, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing was founded in 2000, which is relatively recent when compared with other top plumbing companies that have been around for over 50 years. While this difference hasn’t hurt the customer service and professionalism offered by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, the company has had less time to expand its service area, which is limited to just 36 states. In addition, some locations may not provide the same service list as other locations, such as irrigation or sprinkler system maintenance and installation. With that in mind, customers may want to check the exact services offered by the nearest location before booking if they are looking for more specialized plumbing services.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing stands out for its outstanding customer service and pricing. The company’s flat-rate pricing means that customers will get a firm quote for services and repairs up front rather than being charged by the hour. This approach provides customers with peace of mind knowing that they won’t be surprised by unexpectedly high costs or additional fees. The company even guarantees that the customer will receive monetary compensation if the plumber arrives late. The rate of this compensation is $5 per minute, up to a maximum of $300. It’s also worth noting that customer complaints cannot be swept under the rug with offhand excuses because all complaints are evaluated and addressed by a neutral third party that helps to ensure that Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is kept accountable if any problems arise.

Best Aggregator

HomeAdvisor

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Pros

• Nationwide availability
• Wide range of local plumbers available for hire
• User-friendly website with numerous project filters

Cons

• Name, phone number, and email required to browse local services
• Service availability and guarantees vary by provider

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Specs

• Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• Scheduling: Online
• Availability: Varies by provider
• Guarantee: Varies by provider
• Customer Support: Phone

Why It Made the Cut: HomeAdvisor’s extensive and easy-to-browse database of qualified local professionals allows homeowners nationwide to quickly find the right pro for their project.

Searching for an experienced, reliable plumbing company online can be difficult, but HomeAdvisor works to streamline the process by compiling a list of licensed and qualified plumbers and plumbing companies. The platform’s nationwide service area allows anyone in the country to find a local plumber near them. HomeAdvisor is an aggregator, so it’s a repository of information rather than a service in and of itself. Because HomeAdvisor doesn’t provide the plumbing service directly, warranties, availability, scheduling, and service area cannot be guaranteed and can vary from company to company. Customers also need to input their name, phone number, and email to browse for local plumbing professionals, which some customers cite as a drawback in HomeAdvisor reviews. That being said, the website is free to browse, so prospective customers can search the database of professionals, get information on pricing, scheduling, and services, and then contact the plumber they want to hire. The site also features several project filters to help users navigate the extensive library and narrow down search results. What’s more, HomeAdvisor thoroughly screens all professionals listed on the site so users can feel confident that they are getting quality recommendations. The wide range of plumbing services listed on the site means that homeowners can easily get multiple quotes and compare services to find a professional who meets their criteria.  

Our Verdict

Homeowners looking for the best plumbing service available to them may want to compare Mr. Rooter vs. Roto-Rooter. Mr. Rooter is notable for its up-front, flat-rate pricing regardless of whether the work is being done on a weekday, weekend, or after hours. Roto-Rooter stands out for its convenient online scheduling and water damage remediation services.

How We Chose the Best Plumbing Services

Experience in the plumbing industry provided a foundation for understanding the extent of professionalism and the expertise of the service offered by each company that was considered. In addition, extensive research into each company helped to form the basis for the selection of the best plumbing services. Key factors that were considered during this selection process included customer service, pricing, scheduling, and plumbing experience.

Additionally, the available service area of a company, as well as any guarantees or warranties that were listed by the company, were factored into the final selection. Well-known companies were given preference over relatively new plumbing companies because a positive reputation speaks to high customer satisfaction and reliability, while a company with a relatively limited or unknown reputation is essentially a gamble.

Before You Hire One of the Best Plumbing Services

If an emergency happens at home and you need help in a hurry, then it’s important to get in touch with a local plumbing company to at least get the situation under control. However, if the situation isn’t urgent, then it’s important to evaluate the plumbing problem and determine whether the repair is something you have the experience and skill to handle with the help of a few plumbing tips, like clearing a clogged toilet with a plunger or cleaning out the aerator on a faucet.

If the project requires the expertise of a plumber, then the next step is to look up the costs of the repair online and compare the prices and quality of local plumbing companies. It’s a good idea to verify that the company can complete the work required for the repair, and check to ensure that the plumber is licensed and insured, if this is necessary in your state. Before hiring, it’s important to get a written agreement and breakdown of the fees, including any guarantees the company makes on the work.

The Cost of Hiring One of the Best Plumbing Services

It’s difficult to determine the exact cost of hiring a plumber because every company handles pricing in its own way. Some companies offer flat-rate fees, while others rely on hourly rates to pay the plumber according to the time spent on the job. Smaller jobs will take less time and will require fewer parts, so the overall cost is typically lower, but any significant upgrades or repairs can quickly get expensive, especially if problems occur, resulting in more time added to the hourly rate.

Getting a written contract or agreement and a clear breakdown of the pricing can help prevent surprises. On average, the cost of hiring a plumber for a common plumbing job is about $180 to $489, or $45 to $200 per hour. The average cost for flat-rate work is about $300, depending on the company, parts, and work required.

The Advantages of Using One of the Best Plumbing Services

There are many reasons it’s a good idea to hire a top plumbing company instead of trying to tackle plumbing emergencies from a DIY perspective. One of the best reasons is the opportunity to get expert service from a licensed plumber to help assess the problem, give you options to deal with the situation, and finally, complete the work.

Another great reason for using one of the best plumbing services in your area is that the trained, reliable plumbers who come to the home will take all appropriate safety precautions to keep you and your home safe. This isn’t just a part of great customer service; it’s mandatory to follow appropriate safety protocols to prevent injuries in the workplace.

Professional plumbing companies also have the added advantage of stocking tools and a surplus of commonly used parts. This means repairs can be done in one visit, whereas a homeowner attempting to make repairs might search endlessly through the local home improvement store for the right parts.

• An expert assessment and clear guidance helps to resolve problems quickly.
• Appropriate safety precautions will be taken by trained individuals.
• Professional plumbing companies have access to the necessary parts and tools for the repair.

FAQs

For more information on your plumbing system, common plumbing problems, and the services offered by these top-tier plumbing companies, you can find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below.

Q. What are the most common plumbing problems?

The most common plumbing problems the average home experiences include leaking faucets or pipes, clogged drains or toilets, low water pressure, running toilets, and issues with the water heater. Regardless of the problem, the best plumbing Cincinnati, New York, or any other U.S. city has to offer is just a phone call or an internet search away. So don’t hesitate to get professional help when one of these issues happens in your home.

Q. Does heavy rain affect how plumbing works?

When heavy rain hits, you may need to search for “plumbing companies near me” or “plumbers near me” in order to deal with the potential plumbing emergencies that can occur. For instance, heavy rain can soak deep into the ground, putting additional pressure on the buried water lines. The water can also loosen the soil around the pipes, resulting in the pipes shifting and possibly rupturing. Heavy rain can also overwork the sump pump if you have one installed.

Q. What skills should a plumber have?

Even the best plumber cannot rely solely on physical skills to get the job done every time, so it’s important that plumbers have a mix of mental and physical abilities including a basic high school understanding of math, problem-solving or troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, manual dexterity, physical strength, and customer service skills.

More specific mechanical skills that are required for the position include the knowledge and skill to install faucets, solder plumbing joints, fix leaks, clear clogged drain lines, drain hot water tanks, replace valves, and more.

Q. Why does my drain get clogged?

Most bathroom drain clogs result when dirt, skin flakes, and especially hair binds to soap scum on the walls of drain pipes. Over time, this gunk accumulates and reduces water flow.

Q. Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?

Chemical drain cleaners are a popular way for DIYers to handle small clogs without needing to find a qualified professional to deal with the situation. However, chemical drain cleaners can do lasting damage to your plumbing system, so it’s best to learn how to use a drain snake or find a reliable plumber in the area to resolve the problem.

Q. How do I recognize a high-quality plumbing service?

There are a few easy ways to recognize the best plumbing companies. Our choices are a good bet, but there may be even more options in your area. The technician or plumber will answer your calls promptly and typically arrives on time or provides updates if they are running late. High-quality residential plumbing contractors will also have a clear, reliable communication process and use plumbers that are both experienced and licensed to perform the work. In addition, the plumber should come prepared with everything they need to complete the job and then clean up afterward, instead of leaving a mess behind.

The best home repair services, including plumbers, put the needs of the customer first. Even if you end up paying a bit more, the reliability and peace of mind are well worth the expense for high-quality service. A great way to identify quality companies is to do a quick search for “top plumbers near me.” This will give you a list of local companies, which is often accompanied by a review of the best plumbing services in the area.

Q. Are plumbing services covered by renters insurance? 

A misconception of many renters is that when damage occurs in their unit the responsibility for the repairs falls on the property manager or that any work is covered by renters insurance. However, unless specifically stated, renters insurance does not typically cover the cost of hiring professional plumbers.

Similarly, the responsibility for repairing the damage depends on the tenant contract and state laws. Check the terms of your contract and speak to your property manager to determine when you would be responsible for any plumbing problems.

Q. Does home insurance cover plumbing services? 

When an emergency occurs at home, it’s a good idea to know whether you can rely on home insurance to help cover the cost of the damage and if insurance will cover the repairs. Unfortunately, in many cases, home insurance doesn’t cover the actual repair. To know whether your home insurance covers the cost of hiring a professional plumber, check your insurance policy and speak to your insurance provider.

 

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