Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Johnston, Iowa. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, family-owned and operated business known for its rapid response times, especially for emergency services. They emphasize honest pricing, clear communication, and high-quality workmanship for both residential and commercial clients.
Baker Plumbing has built a strong reputation on professionalism and expertise in complex plumbing installations and repairs. They are often noted in reviews for their neat, courteous, and highly skilled technicians.
As the name implies, this company is a specialist in water heater services but has expanded its expertise to cover a full range of plumbing needs. They are praised for their efficiency, fair pricing, and deep knowledge, particularly with tankless water heater systems.
** The plumbing market in Johnston, Iowa, is characterized by high quality and strong competition from established providers within the Des Moines metropolitan area. As a prosperous suburb, Johnston residents and businesses expect a high standard of service, which has fostered a competitive environment where reputation and customer satisfaction are paramount. * **Average Quality:** The market quality is generally high. The top-tier contractors are fully licensed, insured, and employ certified plumbers who stay current with code requirements and new technologies (e.g., tankless water heaters, trenchless pipe repair). * **Competition Level:** The market is competitive but not oversaturated. Success is driven by word-of-mouth and online reviews, leading to a "survival of the fittest" scenario where only the most reputable and reliable companies thrive. There are few, if any, dedicated plumbing companies physically located within Johnston's city limits, creating an opening for surrounding suburbs like Urbandale, Grimes, and Ankeny to serve the community. * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with national averages. Most reputable local companies charge service call fees ranging from $75 - $150, with hourly labor rates between $90 - $150 per hour. Premium pricing is often associated with 24/7 emergency services, complex repipes, or advanced trenchless sewer line replacements. The leading companies are transparent with estimates, often providing flat-rate pricing for specific jobs like water heater installations.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Johnston regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Johnston, Iowa.
Due to Iowa's freeze-thaw cycles, frozen and burst pipes in winter are a top concern, particularly in uninsulated crawl spaces or exterior walls. Hard water from the Des Moines metro supply is also prevalent, leading to scale buildup in water heaters, faucets, and showerheads, which reduces efficiency and lifespan. Additionally, older neighborhoods may have clay sewer lines susceptible to root intrusion from mature trees.
Always verify the plumber is licensed by the State of Iowa and carries both liability insurance and workers' compensation. For Johnston specifically, choose a provider familiar with local codes and the common infrastructure in neighborhoods like Terra Lake or Beaver Creek. Check reviews for promptness and clear communication, as reliable local plumbers are in high demand during seasonal extremes.
Costs vary, but regional averages include $150-$450 for a drain cleaning/service call, $300-$1,500 for water heater repairs or replacements (influenced by hard water), and $1,000-$4,000+ for sewer line repairs, which can be higher if dealing with deep frost lines or extensive clay pipe replacement. Always request a detailed, written estimate before work begins.
Schedule routine maintenance like water heater flushing, sump pump checks, and outdoor faucet winterization in early fall, before freezing temperatures hit. For sewer line inspections or replacements, late spring or summer is ideal when the ground is fully thawed, making excavation easier and potentially less costly. Avoid the peak winter emergency season when plumbers' schedules are most congested.
Johnston follows the State of Iowa's Uniform Plumbing Code. While there are no direct city mandates for retrofits, homeowners can benefit from checking with MidAmerican Energy for potential rebates on high-efficiency water heaters or fixtures. Installing water softeners to combat hard water is also a common and recommended local upgrade to protect appliances and improve water quality.