Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Kalaupapa, Hawaii. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly respected, family-owned and operated plumbing and electrical contractor serving Molokai for decades. They are known for their reliability, deep local knowledge, and ability to handle a wide range of residential and commercial projects, including emergencies. Their long-standing presence makes them a trusted partner for the unique needs of Kalaupapa.
Another long-standing, local Molokai company that provides comprehensive plumbing services. They have a strong reputation for professional workmanship and are a go-to for both routine maintenance and complex installations. Their expertise in water systems is particularly valuable for the remote Kalaupapa community.
A reliable, locally-owned plumbing service known for responsive emergency calls and personalized customer service. They handle everything from minor leak repairs to full system installations and are familiar with the logistical challenges of servicing all areas of Molokai.
** The plumbing market serving Kalaupapa, Hawaii, is characterized by its extreme localization and the unique challenges of a remote island community. There is no direct competition within Kalaupapa; instead, residents and the National Park Service rely exclusively on a small number of established contractors from the main part of Molokai. **Quality & Expertise:** The quality of service is generally high, as these local companies have built their reputations over decades serving a tight-knit community. They possess specialized knowledge of the island's specific water systems, infrastructure, and environmental conditions. Expertise is broad, as plumbers must be jacks-of-all-trades to handle the diverse needs of the island. **Competition Level:** Competition is minimal but friendly. The market is an oligopoly of 2-3 primary providers who have been in business for a generation or more. New entrants are rare due to the small market size and high barriers to entry (shipping costs for equipment, licensing, and establishing trust). **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is significantly higher than the national average and even higher than in mainland Hawaii. This is due to the "Molokai Premium," which includes high costs for shipping parts and equipment from Oahu or Maui, limited availability of supplies, and travel time/costs for service calls, especially to remote areas like Kalaupapa which require additional logistical planning. Emergency and after-hours services will command a substantial premium.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kalaupapa regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Kalaupapa, Hawaii.
Due to Kalaupapa's extreme remoteness on Molokai, most licensed plumbers must travel from the main island or other parts of Molokai, often involving airfare or significant travel time. This logistical challenge typically results in higher service call fees and project minimums to cover travel costs. Scheduling is also less flexible, so it's crucial to plan non-emergency work well in advance and consider bundling multiple small repairs into one service visit.
Yes, the constant salt air and high humidity accelerate corrosion on exposed metal pipes, fittings, and water heater components. We highly recommend using corrosion-resistant materials like PVC, CPVC, or PEX for water lines and stainless steel for fixtures. Annual inspections of exposed plumbing and anode rod replacement in water heaters are critical preventative measures in this environment to avoid premature failures.
Verify the plumber holds a current Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) license, which is legally required. Crucially, choose a provider with proven experience servicing remote areas, as they will understand the logistics of transporting parts and tools to Kalaupapa. It's also wise to ask for local references within the settlement to confirm their reliability and familiarity with the unique water systems and housing infrastructure here.
Homes relying on catchment systems have unique needs. Sediment and debris from the roof can accumulate in tanks and pipes, leading to clogs and strain on pumps. Regular maintenance, including cleaning gutters (*troughs*), inspecting and cleaning tank screens/first-flush diverters, and servicing the pressure pump, is essential. Using finer mesh filters and ensuring your plumber understands these systems is key to maintaining clean water flow and pressure.
Frequent emergencies include pressure pump failures (critical for catchment systems), salt-corrosion leaks at connections, and septic system backups. Given the potential for delayed emergency response, homeowners should know the location of their main water shut-off valve and pressure pump switch. Keeping basic tools and plumbing tape on hand is advised, and for catchment systems, having a backup water storage plan is a wise precaution.