Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Kansas City, Missouri. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Apex is a highly-rated, full-service plumbing and HVAC company known for its rapid response times, especially for emergencies. They emphasize customer service and technical expertise, serving both residential and commercial clients. Their technicians are often noted in reviews as being professional, knowledgeable, and clean.
A family-owned and operated business with a long history in the region, Stine Plumbing has built a strong reputation for reliability and quality workmanship. They offer a wide range of services and are particularly recognized for their work on gas lines and sewer replacements. Their longevity is a key indicator of stability and consistent customer satisfaction.
Scott English Plumbing consistently receives top marks for customer service and has an exceptionally high number of positive reviews. They offer upfront, flat-rate pricing and a strong guarantee on their work. They specialize in both routine plumbing and complex jobs, making them a go-to for many homeowners in the KC metro area.
** The plumbing market in Kansas City is robust and highly competitive, characterized by a mix of long-standing, family-owned businesses and larger, full-service home service companies that also handle HVAC and electrical work. The overall average quality is high, with consumers having access to numerous reputable, licensed, and insured contractors. This competition helps maintain reasonable pricing and a strong focus on customer service. Typical pricing varies significantly based on the job's complexity. However, as a general guide: * **Emergency/After-Hours Service Call:** $150 - $300 for the trip charge and first hour of labor. * **Standard Service Call:** $80 - $150. * **Water Heater Installation:** $800 - $2,500+ (highly dependent on unit type and complexity). * **Drain Cleaning:** $150 - $400. * **Sewer Line Repair/Replacement:** $2,000 - $10,000+ (this is the most variable cost, heavily dependent on the repair method and depth). The most successful companies in this market differentiate themselves through transparent pricing, rapid emergency response, and a strong guarantee on their workmanship.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kansas City regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Kansas City, Missouri.
Kansas City's winter climate, with temperatures often dropping below freezing for sustained periods, makes frozen pipes a major risk, especially in older homes with poor insulation in crawl spaces and exterior walls. To prevent costly bursts and water damage, homeowners should insulate pipes in vulnerable areas, let faucets drip during extreme cold snaps, and know the location of their main water shut-off valve. It's also wise to have a trusted local plumber's number on hand for emergencies.
Always verify the plumber holds a current City of Kansas City, Missouri, Master Plumber license, which requires passing rigorous exams and ensures they meet local code standards. Additionally, choose a provider who is fully insured, offers clear written estimates, and has strong local reviews addressing responsiveness—a key factor during our seasonal extremes. A reputable local plumber will be familiar with common area-specific issues like clay soil shifting affecting sewer lines.
In the KC metro, the total installed cost for a standard 50-gallon gas water heater typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on the unit's quality, any necessary code upgrades (like new expansion tanks or pan drains), and the complexity of the installation (e.g., relocating the unit). Electric models are generally less expensive to install but may cost more to operate due to local utility rates. Always get a detailed, itemized quote that includes disposal of the old unit.
Yes, two major local factors are common. First, many older Kansas City homes have clay sewer lines that are susceptible to intrusion from tree roots and cracking due to the region's expansive clay soil, which shifts with seasonal moisture changes. Second, the city's combined sewer system in some historic neighborhoods can exacerbate backup risks during heavy spring rains. A local plumber can perform a video camera inspection to diagnose whether it's an internal clog or a damaged external line.
Absolutely. Given the prevalence of aging clay or cast iron sewer lines in homes built before the 1970s, a pre-purchase video inspection is a highly recommended investment. This can reveal hidden issues like root intrusion, bellied pipes from soil shifting, or collapsed sections that could lead to a repair bill of $5,000 to $15,000 or more. This inspection is separate from a general home inspection and provides crucial peace of mind for a major system.