Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Smilax, Kentucky. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A trusted local plumbing service known for rapid response times, especially for emergency repairs. They handle everything from routine maintenance and drain cleaning to major pipe replacement and water heater installations. Their team is familiar with the specific challenges of the older plumbing systems common in the Smilax area.
Specializes in solving tough drain and sewer line problems, including advanced video camera inspections. They offer comprehensive residential and light commercial plumbing services, with a strong reputation for honest diagnostics and effective solutions for clogged drains and septic system issues.
A well-established, full-service mechanical contractor providing plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. Their plumbing division is skilled in both new construction installations and complex repair jobs, including bathroom and kitchen remodels and whole-house repiping.
Smilax is a very small unincorporated community within Leslie County, Kentucky. As such, there are no plumbing companies physically located within Smilax itself. Residents rely on established plumbing contractors from the nearby county seat of Hyden (approx. 10-15 minutes away) and the larger city of Hazard (approx. 30 minutes away). Common plumbing issues in this rural, mountainous region involve older homes with galvanized steel pipes prone to corrosion, well water systems, and septic tanks, requiring plumbers with specific experience in these areas. Emergency service availability is a critical factor due to the distances involved.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Smilax regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Smilax, Kentucky.
Due to our Appalachian climate with cold winters, the most frequent issues are frozen and burst pipes in poorly insulated crawl spaces, and increased strain on water heaters. In older homes common in the area, we also frequently see issues with galvanized steel pipes corroding and failing, leading to low water pressure and leaks. Seasonal heavy rains can also overwhelm older drainage systems, leading to basement or crawl space water concerns.
Always verify the plumber is licensed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky (required for any work beyond simple repairs) and insured. For our rural area, choose a provider with a known service radius that includes Leslie County, as travel time can affect response and cost. Ask for local references in communities like Smilax or Hyden to confirm their familiarity with common home foundations, well systems, and septic systems prevalent here.
Yes, for major work like adding a bathroom, re-piping, or installing a new water heater, a permit from Leslie County Building Inspections is typically required. A reputable, licensed plumber will know the local codes and usually pull this permit on your behalf as part of the job. This ensures the work meets Kentucky plumbing code, which is crucial for safety and when you eventually sell your home.
Costs vary, but local factors include travel distance for the plumber and the age/accessibility of homes. As a general guide: unclogging a drain ranges $125-$250, repairing a leaky faucet $150-$300, and water heater replacement $1,200-$2,500+ (including the unit). Emergency or after-hours calls, especially for frozen pipes in winter, will typically have a higher service fee due to the rural location.
Before winter (late October), it's essential to disconnect garden hoses, insulate pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, and know how to shut off your main water valve to prevent freeze damage. In spring, check for leaks that may have developed over winter and ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away from your foundation to prevent drainage issues, which is vital for homes on hillsides common in our area.