Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Salem, New Mexico. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated Roswell-based company known for its rapid response times and comprehensive service list. They emphasize 24/7 emergency services and have built a strong reputation for handling everything from routine drain cleaning to major sewer line replacements. Their team is noted in reviews for being professional, clean, and knowledgeable.
A well-established local contractor based in Portales, serving the broader Roosevelt County area, including Salem. They are known for their work in both residential and commercial plumbing systems. Customers frequently mention their fair pricing and the longevity of their repairs. They offer scheduled and emergency services.
A newer but rapidly growing company in Roswell that has garnered excellent reviews for customer service and technical expertise. They specialize in advanced leak detection using electronic equipment and are proficient in modern pipe replacement techniques like trenchless sewer repair. Their name reflects their commitment to being available for emergencies.
** The plumbing market serving Salem, New Mexico, is characterized by a reliance on regional contractors from larger nearby cities like Roswell (approx. 60 miles west) and Portales (approx. 25 miles north). Due to Salem's small size and rural nature, there are no large, national plumbing chains operating directly within the village. The market is composed of local, family-owned or small-to-midsize companies that cover a wide geographic area. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there are several reputable providers in the region, the distances involved mean that scheduling and response times, especially for non-emergencies, can be longer than in urban areas. For emergency calls, many companies charge a higher trip fee to cover the travel distance to Salem. **Average Quality:** The quality of service is generally high, with a strong emphasis on personal reputation and word-of-mouth referrals, which are critical in rural communities. The top contractors are fully licensed and insured. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive but tends to be higher than state averages due to the travel costs and the lower volume of calls in the immediate area. Customers should expect a standard service call fee in the $75 - $150 range, plus hourly labor rates of $80 - $130/hour, and the cost of parts. Emergency after-hours services will carry a significant premium. It is always recommended to request a detailed estimate before work begins.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Salem regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Salem, New Mexico.
Salem's arid climate and notoriously hard water, high in calcium and magnesium, lead to accelerated scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and fixtures. We recommend installing a whole-house water softener to protect your appliances and scheduling annual plumbing inspections to descale fixtures and check for corrosion, which can prevent costly repairs from reduced water flow and efficiency.
Costs in Salem are generally in line with regional New Mexico averages but can be influenced by travel distance for providers from larger towns. For example, a standard water heater installation typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500, while unclogging a drain may cost $150-$300. Always request a detailed, written estimate that includes trip charges, as some plumbers service a wide rural area around Salem.
Yes, all plumbing work in Salem must comply with the New Mexico Uniform Plumbing Code (adopted statewide) and may require permits from Otero County for major work like re-piping, water heater replacement, or new construction. A reputable local plumber will know these codes intimately, especially rules regarding frost-proof sillcocks and sewer line setbacks crucial for our high-desert environment.
Given Salem's smaller size, seek plumbers based in Alamogordo or Las Cruces who explicitly service Otero County. Verify they hold a current New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) license and carry both liability and workers' compensation insurance. Ask for local references and their experience with common local issues like hard water, septic systems, and freezing pipes.
Despite the generally mild winters, Salem's high-desert location experiences significant temperature drops at night, especially in exposed crawl spaces or uninsulated exterior walls. To prevent freezing, disconnect garden hoses in fall, insulate pipes in vulnerable areas, and during a hard freeze, let a faucet drip slowly. Know the location of your main water shut-off valve in case a pipe bursts.