Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Calais, Maine. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A full-service plumbing and heating contractor serving the Calais area and Washington County. They specialize in both residential and commercial plumbing, offering 24/7 emergency response for burst pipes, clogged drains, and water heater failures. Known for professional diagnostics and quality repairs.
Serving Calais and the immediate surrounding region, this provider offers comprehensive plumbing services with a strong focus on emergency repairs and new fixture installation. They are experienced with the older plumbing systems common in historic homes throughout the area.
A reliable family-operated plumbing and HVAC business based in Princeton that provides service to the greater Washington County area, including Calais. They handle a wide range of jobs from simple drain cleaning to complex water heater and pump system installations.
Calais, Maine is a small city in Washington County with a population under 3,000. The local plumbing market is served by a handful of dedicated local contractors and several providers from nearby towns. Common issues include frozen and burst pipes due to the harsh winter climate, repairs on older homes with outdated plumbing systems, and well water system maintenance. The remote location means 24/7 emergency availability is a critical service for residents. All reputable providers are licensed by the State of Maine Plumbers' Board.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Calais regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Calais, Maine.
Calais's harsh Maine winters, with temperatures often well below freezing, pose a significant risk of frozen and burst pipes, especially in uninsulated crawl spaces, basements, and exterior walls. Homeowners should prioritize insulating pipes, disconnecting and draining outdoor hoses, and ensuring their basement stays above 55°F. It's also wise to know the location of your main water shut-off valve in case of an emergency freeze rupture.
For standard service calls in Washington County, you can expect a base trip charge of $75-$150, plus hourly labor ($80-$120/hr) and parts. A simple faucet repair might total $150-$300, while a main drain clog clearance using a snake could be $200-$450. Complex jobs like water heater replacement have a wider range ($1,000-$3,000+) depending on the unit type and any necessary code updates for your home.
Yes, all plumbing work in Calais must comply with the Maine State Plumbing Code, which is based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with state-specific amendments. This is particularly important for septic system work, as Washington County has stringent subsurface wastewater disposal rules enforced by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Always hire a licensed plumber who will pull the required local permits for major work.
First, verify they hold a valid **Maine State Master Plumber's or Journeyman Plumber's license**. For septic work, ensure they are also a licensed **Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Contractor**. Look for established local companies with strong community reputations, as they understand area-specific issues like well water systems, old housing stock, and winter emergencies. Always ask for proof of insurance and detailed written estimates.
For wells, common issues include failing pressure tanks, sediment in fixtures due to aging well screens, and hard water staining. For septic systems, the most frequent problems are backups due to lack of regular pumping (recommended every 2-3 years), drain field failure from compacted soil or root intrusion, and system overload from excessive water use. Seasonal high water tables in spring can also cause septic system hydraulics to fail.