Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Ridgway, Colorado. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly respected, family-owned and operated business known for its reliability and deep roots in the San Juan Mountain region. They offer a comprehensive range of residential and commercial services with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and quality workmanship. They are a go-to for both routine maintenance and emergency calls.
Serving the Ouray County and San Juan region for decades, this provider has built a stellar reputation for expertise in both modern and older plumbing systems common in the area. They are known for their professional, clean, and efficient service, particularly for complex installations and repairs.
A well-established and highly responsive company that emphasizes 24/7 emergency service. They utilize modern technology, including video camera inspections for sewer lines, to accurately diagnose and resolve issues. Their large team allows for quick response times, which is critical in a rural area.
** The plumbing market serving Ridgway, Colorado, is characterized by high-quality, established regional providers rather than a high volume of local competition. As a small, rural mountain town, Ridgway itself has very few plumbing companies with a physical location within its zip code. The market is primarily served by reputable contractors based in Montrose (approximately a 20-minute drive north), which acts as the commercial and service hub for Ouray County. **Average Quality:** The quality of service is generally very high. The contractors that have survived and thrived in this region have done so by building strong reputations for reliability, expertise with both new construction and historic homes, and the ability to handle the unique challenges of mountain plumbing, such as hard water and freezing temperatures. **Competition Level:** Competition is moderate but professional. There are no national chains with a significant presence; the market is dominated by long-standing, local family businesses. This fosters a environment where reputation and word-of-mouth referrals are paramount. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is typically at a premium compared to urban areas, reflecting the higher operational costs, travel time to remote locations, and the specialized expertise required. Emergency and after-hours services command a significant premium, as is standard. Homeowners should expect to pay for quality and reliability.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ridgway regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Ridgway, Colorado.
Ridgway's mineral-rich, hard water accelerates scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and fixtures, reducing efficiency and lifespan. The extreme winter freeze-thaw cycles also put immense stress on pipes. Specific maintenance includes installing a whole-house water softener to combat scale and ensuring all exterior pipes and vulnerable interior lines (in crawl spaces) are properly insulated before winter to prevent costly freeze bursts.
Plumbing service rates in Ridgway are typically higher than in Front Range cities like Denver. This is due to longer travel distances for providers, a smaller pool of licensed plumbers, and the "mountain premium" for specialized expertise in older homes and challenging local conditions. Always request a detailed, written estimate that includes potential trip fees, as many local plumbers service a wide area including Ouray and Telluride.
Schedule major projects like repipes or water heater replacements in late spring or early fall, avoiding the peak summer tourist season when plumbers are busiest with service calls for vacation rentals. For non-emergency work, it's advisable to book several weeks in advance, especially before winter. Many locals schedule essential winterization and boiler servicing as early as September to ensure availability before the first hard freeze.
Ridgway and Ouray County adhere to the strict 2018 Colorado Plumbing Code, which includes specific requirements for frost protection, backflow prevention, and water conservation. If you are on a private well and septic system (common outside town limits), any plumbing changes may require review by the Tri-County Health Department. Always hire a plumber licensed to work in Colorado who is familiar with pulling local permits for significant work.
First, shut off the main water valve and open the affected faucet. **Do not** use an open flame to thaw pipes, as this is a fire hazard and can damage pipes. Call a local Ridgway plumber immediately; many carry specialized, safe thawing equipment like pipe thawing machines. Due to our severe winters, most area plumbers are highly experienced in freeze response. To prevent recurrence, they can advise on adding heat tape, improving insulation, or rerouting vulnerable lines.