Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Howard Lake, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated full-service plumbing company known for its responsive emergency service and expertise in both residential and commercial projects. They have a strong reputation for professionalism and quality workmanship.
A trusted family-owned business based in the neighboring city of Winsted, serving Howard Lake and the wider Wright County area. They are praised for their honesty, fair pricing, and expertise in plumbing and HVAC systems.
A larger, well-established regional provider based in Buffalo, MN, offering comprehensive 24/7 plumbing and HVAC services. They are known for their large team of technicians, which allows for quick scheduling and emergency response times in the Howard Lake area.
** The plumbing market in Howard Lake, Minnesota, reflects its status as a small, tight-knit community. The local competition is not saturated with large national chains, which creates a strong environment for local and regional family-owned businesses to thrive. The average quality of service is high, as contractors rely heavily on community reputation and word-of-mouth referrals. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there are only one or two plumbing companies physically located within Howard Lake city limits, the market is served by several highly reputable contractors from immediately adjacent cities like Winsted, Buffalo, and Cokato. This provides residents with a solid range of choices without being overwhelming. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is generally competitive and in line with regional averages for Greater Minnesota. Customers can expect fair market rates for standard services. Emergency or after-hours calls will incur premium rates, which is standard industry-wide. The lack of intense national chain competition helps maintain stable pricing, focused more on value and service quality than a race to the bottom. Homeowners in Howard Lake generally report high satisfaction with the value provided by the local and regional plumbing contractors.
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 Lake regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Howard Lake, Minnesota.
Frozen and burst pipes are the top winter emergency. Howard Lake's severe cold snaps can quickly freeze pipes in uninsulated crawl spaces, basements, and exterior walls. To prevent this, ensure pipes are insulated, let faucets drip during extreme cold, and know how to shut off your main water valve. A burst pipe requires immediate professional attention to prevent catastrophic water damage.
Always verify the plumber is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and carries proper insurance. For local reliability, seek out plumbers familiar with our specific hard water conditions and older home foundations common in Wright County. Check reviews from local neighbors and ask if they are a member of a Minnesota-based association like the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Minnesota (PHCC).
Yes. All plumbing work must comply with the Minnesota Plumbing Code, which is stricter than many national standards, especially regarding backflow prevention and venting. Additionally, you or your plumber may need a permit from the City of Howard Lake or Wright County for major work like water heater replacement, re-piping, or adding new fixtures. A reputable local plumber will handle this permitting process for you.
For a standard 50-gallon gas or electric water heater replacement, including the unit, labor, and disposal, Howard Lake homeowners can expect a range of $1,200 to $2,500. Pricing is influenced by Minnesota's specific code requirements (like seismic straps and pan requirements), the complexity of your setup, and the current market cost of units. Tankless systems are more expensive upfront but can be more efficient long-term.
This is often caused by a blocked or collapsed main sewer line, a frequent issue in older Howard Lake neighborhoods with clay or Orangeburg piping. Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles and tree root intrusion in spring and fall are common culprits. A local plumber can perform a camera inspection to diagnose the exact problem, which could range from a simple clearing to a more involved sewer line repair.