Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Portland, Oregon. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, family-owned company known for its exceptional customer service and technical expertise. They offer 24/7 emergency services and are particularly recognized for their work on older homes, which are common in Portland. They emphasize clear communication, upfront pricing, and long-term solutions.
Part of a nationally recognized brand with a strong local franchise, Rescue Rooter offers a wide range of services and has the capacity for large commercial projects as well as residential work. They are known for their quick response times for emergencies and advanced drain cleaning and sewer line inspection technology.
A local favorite that has built a strong reputation on reliability and eco-friendly practices. They focus on using water-efficient fixtures and environmentally safe methods where possible. Their technicians are highly rated for professionalism and cleanliness on the job site, making them a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodels and repairs.
** The plumbing market in Portland, Oregon, is highly competitive and characterized by a strong demand for high-quality, reliable service. The city's housing stock includes a significant number of older homes (pre-1950s), which creates a consistent need for pipe replacement, sewer line repairs, and updates to fixtures and water heaters. This has led to a market where expertise in dealing with older plumbing systems, such as galvanized steel or orangeburg pipes, is particularly valuable. The average quality of service is high, with consumers expecting licensed, insured, and punctual professionals. Due to the competitive landscape, many top-tier companies differentiate themselves with exceptional customer service, upfront flat-rate pricing, and guarantees on their work. Typical pricing in Portland is above the national average, reflecting both the higher cost of living and the technical complexity often involved in local jobs. A standard service call fee ranges from $100-$200, with emergency rates being significantly higher. Water heater installations typically start around $1,500, and major sewer line replacements can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the method (e.g., traditional trenching vs. trenchless).
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Portland regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Portland, Oregon.
Portland's wet winters and occasional freezing temperatures are the primary concerns. To prevent frozen and burst pipes, schedule a fall inspection and pipe insulation service before temperatures drop, typically by late October. The rainy season also increases the risk of basement and crawl space flooding, making sump pump checks and drain line cleaning essential preventative measures.
Labor rates in Portland are generally higher than the national average, with licensed plumbers typically charging between $120-$200 per hour. Specific local factors can add cost, such as the prevalence of older homes requiring specialized repair techniques and strict City of Portland Bureau of Development Services regulations for permits on major work. For common services, expect a water heater installation to start around $1,800+ and a drain clearing from $200-$500.
Always ensure the plumber holds a valid **Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license**; you can verify this number online. For work within Portland city limits, the plumber or their company must also hold a **City of Portland Business License**. For specialized work on backflow prevention devices—crucial for protecting our drinking water—ask if they have an Oregon Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) certification.
Yes, many older Portland homes have galvanized steel water supply pipes, which corrode and restrict flow over decades, leading to low water pressure. They also commonly have clay or Orangeburg sewer lines that are prone to root intrusion and collapse from our wet soil and mature tree roots. A video sewer inspection is highly recommended during the home buying process or as preventative maintenance for these older systems.
Oregon plumbing code requires all new installations and replacements of toilets, showerheads, and faucets to be high-efficiency, WaterSense-labeled models. Portland homeowners can benefit from specific rebates through the **Portland Water Bureau** and **Energy Trust of Oregon** for upgrading to approved high-efficiency toilets (HETs) and hot water circulation systems, helping reduce both water usage and utility bills.