Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Kensington, Maryland. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A major regional plumbing and electrical services provider with a strong presence in the DC metro area, including Kensington. They are known for their rapid 24/7 emergency response and handle everything from minor leaks to major commercial plumbing projects. They are a large, well-established company with a fleet of marked vehicles.
A highly-rated, family-owned and operated local plumbing company that serves Kensington and surrounding communities. They pride themselves on personalized service, upfront pricing, and expertise in both modern and older home plumbing systems common in the area. They are known for their thorough diagnostics and clean work.
While they offer HVAC services, their plumbing division is robust and highly respected. They provide comprehensive residential plumbing services to Kensington and are a popular choice for water heater replacements, repiping projects, and addressing the hard water issues prevalent in the Maryland suburbs.
Kensington, MD, features a mix of historic early-20th-century homes and newer constructions. Common plumbing issues include repairs for aging galvanized steel and cast-iron pipes, tree root intrusion into sewer lines, and problems associated with the area's moderately hard water, such as water heater sediment buildup and reduced fixture lifespan. Local providers must be well-versed in Montgomery County plumbing codes. The market is competitive with a mix of large regional franchises and highly-rated local specialists, all offering 24/7 emergency service due to the high demand.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kensington regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Kensington, Maryland.
In Kensington, typical service call fees range from $100-$200, with hourly labor rates between $90-$150. Costs can be higher than national averages due to Montgomery County's higher cost of living and stringent licensing requirements, which ensure plumbers carry proper insurance and bonding. For major projects like a full bathroom remodel, expect quotes to start in the $5,000-$10,000+ range, heavily influenced by the age and accessibility of plumbing in Kensington's many historic and mid-century homes.
Kensington experiences cold winters where temperatures can dip below freezing, making pipe insulation for exposed lines in crawl spaces and garages critical. A common local issue is the freezing of outdoor spigots (hose bibs); we recommend installing frost-free hose bibs and disconnecting hoses each fall. Furthermore, the area's clay-heavy soil can shift with freeze-thaw cycles, potentially stressing underground sewer lines and leading to cracks or root intrusion.
Yes, Montgomery County requires permits for most plumbing work beyond simple repairs, including water heater replacements, re-piping, and adding new fixtures. The county also has specific codes, like requiring backflow prevention devices on irrigation systems and adherence to strict water conservation standards for new installations. Always hire a plumber licensed in Montgomery County, as they will know how to pull the necessary permits and schedule required inspections.
First, verify they hold a valid Master Plumber license from the Maryland Board of Plumbing and are insured for work in Montgomery County. Look for established local companies with strong community reviews, as they understand the common plumbing issues in older Kensington neighborhoods like Knowles Station and North Kensington. A trustworthy plumber will provide detailed, written estimates, explain local code implications, and offer warranties on both parts and labor.
The most frequent emergencies involve sewer line backups due to invasive tree roots from mature oaks and maples penetrating old clay or cast-iron pipes, and burst supply lines in uninsulated crawl spaces during winter freezes. In pre-1970 homes, we also commonly see failures of original galvanized steel pipes, which corrode from the inside out, causing severe low water pressure and sudden leaks. Prompt attention to slow drains or discolored water can prevent many of these emergencies.