Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Salem, Oregon. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, family-owned and operated business known for its rapid response, especially for emergency services. They emphasize honesty, upfront pricing, and high-quality workmanship for both residential and commercial clients.
Specializes in advanced drain and sewer cleaning, including video camera inspections. They are praised for their professionalism, clear communication, and effectiveness in solving complex clog and pipe issues.
A well-established, full-service plumbing contractor known for handling a wide range of projects from small repairs to large commercial installations and remodels. They have a strong reputation for reliability and expertise.
** The plumbing market in Salem, Oregon, is competitive and features a mix of long-standing local companies and newer, highly-specialized contractors. The overall average quality is high, with consumers expecting professional, licensed service. Due to Salem's aging infrastructure in some neighborhoods, services like drain cleaning, pipe replacement, and leak detection are in high demand. Competition helps keep pricing relatively fair, but consumers should expect premium rates for emergency or after-hours services. A standard service call typically ranges from $90-$150, with hourly labor rates between $100-$200. Reputable providers are almost universally licensed, bonded, and insured, as required by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB), which provides a layer of consumer protection. Customers heavily rely on online reviews and word-of-mouth referrals when selecting a provider.
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, Oregon.
Salem's rainy winters saturate the region's prevalent clay soil, which expands and can put significant pressure on underground sewer lines, leading to cracks, root intrusion, or misalignment. Homeowners should prioritize an annual sewer line inspection with a camera and consider having exterior drain lines professionally cleaned before the heavy fall rains to prevent backups. Installing backwater valves can also be a wise investment for homes in lower-lying areas of Salem to prevent municipal sewer overload from entering your basement.
Costs vary, but for a standard 50-gallon gas water heater replacement in Salem, including installation and disposal, homeowners can expect to pay between $1,800 and $2,800, influenced by the complexity of venting and local permit fees. For a slab leak repair, which is more common in older homes with copper piping under concrete foundations, the price range is much broader, typically from $1,500 to $4,000+, as it often requires specialized electronic leak detection, concrete cutting, and repiping. Always get itemized estimates that include Oregon-required licensing and city of Salem permit costs.
Yes, Oregon law requires that any person performing plumbing work for compensation must be licensed by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). For your protection, always verify a plumber's active CCB license number. Additionally, the City of Salem requires permits for most plumbing work beyond simple repairs; a licensed plumber will pull these permits, which ensure the work meets current state plumbing code standards, including specific requirements for earthquake strapping water heaters and frost-proof sillcocks for outdoor faucets.
The ideal times are late spring and early fall. Summer is often busy with new construction and irrigation projects, while winter sees high demand for emergency freeze and leak repairs. For scheduled projects like a bathroom remodel or repiping, contact licensed plumbers at least 4-6 weeks in advance. This lead time is crucial for securing a spot and allows for any necessary parts to be ordered, especially if you're choosing specific fixtures that may not be locally stocked.
Galvanized pipes, common in Salem homes built before the 1970s, corrode internally over time, reducing water pressure and potentially contaminating water with rust. While not always an immediate emergency, repiping is highly recommended to prevent sudden leaks and improve water quality. The most common and durable replacement materials are copper or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), with PEX being a cost-effective and flexible option that handles Salem's occasional freezing temperatures well due to its expansion capability. A reputable local plumber can perform a thorough inspection and advise on the urgency and scope for your specific home.