Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Elim, Alaska. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, full-service plumbing and heating company based in Nome. They are known for their reliability and are one of the most frequently recommended contractors for both residential and commercial projects in the Bering Strait region. They have experience servicing remote villages.
A well-established contractor providing essential plumbing and heating services throughout the Nome area and surrounding communities. They are recognized for their work on both new construction projects and vital maintenance and repair services for existing structures.
While they offer a broad range of mechanical services, their plumbing division is a key part of their operations. They undertake larger commercial contracts but also handle residential service calls. Their size and resources make them capable of managing significant projects in remote locations.
** The plumbing market serving Elim, Alaska, is characterized by its remote and challenging nature. There are no local plumbing contractors based within the city. All professional services must be sourced from regional hubs, primarily Nome, which is approximately 100 miles away. This reality significantly impacts the market: * **Average Quality & Expertise:** The top providers in Nome are generally highly skilled and accustomed to the unique challenges of Arctic plumbing, such as permafrost, extreme cold, and working with limited local supplies. They are proficient in systems common to the region, like honey buckets, haul systems, and pressurized water and sewer. * **Competition Level:** Competition is low within Elim itself but exists among the several established companies in Nome. For remote service calls, availability is the primary constraint rather than direct competition. * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is substantially higher than the national average. Costs are driven up by extreme travel logistics (chartering flights or snow machines), the high cost of living and operating in Alaska, and the "bush premium" on parts and materials. Emergency services, requiring immediate travel, will incur a significant surcharge. Customers should expect travel time and logistics to be a major component of the final bill.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Elim regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Elim, Alaska.
Elim's subarctic climate, with temperatures often plummeting below -20°F, makes frozen and burst pipes the top plumbing emergency. The most critical steps are to ensure all exterior pipes and hose bibs are fully drained and shut off before winter, and to maintain consistent heat in areas like crawl spaces and utility rooms where pipes run. For extended absences, completely draining your home's water system (winterizing) is highly recommended to prevent catastrophic damage that can be extremely costly and difficult to repair in winter.
Plumbing services in Elim typically have higher costs due to significant travel and logistical factors. Many parts, specialized equipment, and even the plumber themselves may need to travel from hubs like Nome or Anchorage, incurring substantial travel time and fuel surcharges. Additionally, the limited number of local providers and the high cost of operating in remote Alaska contribute to a higher baseline rate for labor and emergency services, especially outside of standard business hours.
Prioritize plumbers or companies with proven experience in remote, cold-climate plumbing systems common in villages like Elim. Verify they hold a valid State of Alaska Plumber License and carry adequate insurance. It's also crucial to ask about their typical response time for emergencies, especially in winter, and whether they maintain a local inventory of common parts (like PEX fittings or heat tape) to avoid lengthy repair delays waiting for materials to be flown in.
Yes, due to the permafrost and sensitive tundra environment, proper septic system installation and maintenance are strictly regulated. Systems must be designed by a certified engineer and installed to prevent thawing the permafrost, which can cause structural failure. Homeowners must be diligent about not pouring fats or harsh chemicals down drains, as septic pumping services are limited and challenging to schedule. Always check with the City of Elim or the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for specific permitting requirements before any septic work.
If you suspect a frozen pipe, immediately open the affected faucet and safely apply gentle heat (like a hairdryer or heat lamp) to the frozen section, starting from the faucet side back toward the cold area. Never use an open flame. If you cannot locate the freeze, if the pipe is inaccessible, or if thawing does not restore flow quickly, call a professional plumber immediately. In Elim, waiting too long risks a burst pipe, which can cause extensive water damage and may be impossible to fully repair until warmer weather if it's in a frozen exterior wall or under the home.