Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Howard, Kansas. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, full-service plumbing company known for its rapid response times and expertise in both routine and emergency services. They emphasize customer service and transparent pricing.
A well-established contractor with a strong reputation for professional residential and commercial work. They are often praised for their work on pipe replacement and kitchen/bathroom plumbing installations.
A reliable local provider serving the Augusta area and surrounding counties, including Elk County where Howard is located. They are known for being a smaller, owner-operated business that provides personalized service.
** The plumbing service market for Howard, Kansas, is characteristic of a rural, small-town environment. There are no major national franchise plumbing chains physically located within the city limits. Consequently, the market is served by a handful of established regional contractors from larger nearby hubs such as El Dorado, Augusta, and Andover. These providers typically cover a wide geographical area. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there aren't dozens of companies vying for business directly in Howard, the top regional providers are well-established and compete on reputation, response time, and service quality for the broader county and regional customer base. **Average Quality:** The quality of service is generally high among the top-tier providers. These companies have built their reputations over many years by serving multiple small communities and rely heavily on word-of-mouth and positive online reviews. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing tends to be standard for the region. However, customers in Howard should expect potential trip charges or higher minimum service fees to account for the travel distance from the provider's home base (often a 20-45 minute drive). It is always recommended to request upfront estimates, especially for non-emergency projects. Emergency and after-hours services will command a premium rate, which is standard industry-wide.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Howard regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Howard, Kansas.
Howard's clay-rich soil and freeze-thaw cycles are major factors. In winter, poorly insulated pipes in crawl spaces or exterior walls are prone to freezing and bursting. Furthermore, the expansive clay soil can shift foundation lines, putting stress on and potentially cracking main sewer lines, leading to frequent drain backups. Summer droughts can also cause soil contraction, which may affect underground pipe alignment.
Always verify the plumber is licensed by the State of Kansas and carries both liability insurance and workers' compensation. For local reliability, seek out providers with a long-standing presence in Elk County or nearby communities like Moline or Longton, as they understand regional well water systems and soil challenges. Check reviews and ask neighbors for personal recommendations, as word-of-mouth is strong in our small community.
Yes, all plumbing work must comply with the Kansas Uniform Plumbing Code, which is enforced locally. If you live within Howard city limits, permits are typically required for major work like re-piping, water heater replacement, or sewer line repair. For rural Elk County residents on well and septic systems, the Elk County Environmental Office has additional regulations, especially for septic tank repairs or installations, which often require specific licensing.
Emergency service call fees in Howard and surrounding areas typically start between $100-$200, with hourly labor rates ranging from $80 to $150. The total cost depends heavily on the issue; a simple frozen pipe thaw might cost a few hundred dollars, while a major sewer line excavation and repair due to root intrusion or soil shift can cost $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Always request a detailed, written estimate before authorizing major work.
Schedule critical maintenance in late fall (October) to winterize outdoor faucets and inspect pipe insulation before freezing temperatures hit. Early spring is ideal for checking sump pumps and inspecting for freeze damage. For projects like water heater replacement or drain cleaning, aim for late spring or early summer when local plumbers are less likely to be overwhelmed by emergency freeze-related calls, potentially resulting in better scheduling and pricing.