Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Medicine Lake, Montana. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A long-standing, family-owned business specializing in sewer, septic, and drain services. They are the go-to experts in Northeastern Montana for complex drain and sewer line issues, including video inspections and jetting. Their reputation for reliability and solving difficult problems is excellent.
A well-established local contractor based in Plentywood that provides comprehensive plumbing and heating services for both residential and commercial customers. They are known for their broad skill set, from routine maintenance and fixture installation to new construction projects.
As a larger, well-equipped company from the regional hub of Williston, ND, they offer a full suite of plumbing services and have the capacity for major projects and rapid emergency response. Their larger team and extensive inventory make them a reliable choice for complex jobs throughout the region, including across the border in Montana.
** The plumbing market serving Medicine Lake, MT, is characteristic of a rural, low-population area. There are no dedicated plumbing companies physically located within the town limits itself. Residents and businesses primarily rely on established contractors from the county seat of **Plentywood (approx. 20 miles away)** or the larger commercial center of **Williston, ND (approx. 60 miles away)**. * **Average Quality:** The quality of service is generally high, as these businesses survive on reputation and word-of-mouth in a tight-knit community. The top providers are long-standing, family-owned, or locally operated, ensuring a commitment to customer satisfaction. * **Competition Level:** Competition is moderate. While there are only a handful of dedicated plumbing contractors, they compete with each other for projects across Sheridan County and the surrounding region. This fosters a market where reliability and quality workmanship are key differentiators. * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is typically at or slightly above national averages due to the "rural premium." This accounts for greater travel distances for service calls, potentially higher fuel costs, and the need for contractors to maintain a service area that is geographically large but sparsely populated. Emergency and after-hours services will carry a significant premium, as is standard industry-wide. It is always recommended to request quotes for non-emergency projects.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Medicine Lake regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Medicine Lake, Montana.
Medicine Lake's harsh winters, with temperatures often well below freezing, make frozen and burst pipes a top concern. Critical preventative steps include insulating pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, disconnecting and draining outdoor hoses before winter, and knowing the location of your main water shut-off valve for emergencies. It's also wise to let a small trickle of water run from faucets during extreme cold snaps to keep water moving.
Pricing in Sheridan County can vary based on the plumber's travel distance and parts availability. As a general guide, a standard service call fee ranges from $75-$150, with hourly labor rates between $80-$120. For specific jobs, unclogging a drain may cost $150-$300, while repairing a water heater could range from $400-$1,000+, heavily dependent on the unit and the complexity of the work.
Yes, for significant work like re-piping, adding new fixtures, or installing a new septic system, you will likely need a permit from the Sheridan County Planning and Zoning office. This ensures work meets Montana state plumbing codes, which are crucial for safety and proper wastewater treatment, especially in a rural area like Medicine Lake where many homes rely on private septic systems.
Prioritize plumbers who are licensed, insured, and have a proven local reputation for timely service, especially during winter emergencies. Given our remote location, confirm their service area covers Medicine Lake and ask about their typical response times. A trustworthy local plumber will understand the specific challenges of our well water systems, hard water, and freeze-prone infrastructure.
In our rural setting, common causes include tree root intrusion into older sewer lines, buildup from hard water minerals, and septic tank issues like a full tank or failing drain field. You should call a professional if multiple drains are slow, you notice sewage backups or foul odors, or if the problem persists after using a plunger. Regular septic tank pumping every 3-5 years is highly recommended to prevent major failures.