Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Howard, South Dakota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A local, family-owned plumbing service deeply embedded in the Howard community. They are known for their rapid response, especially for emergency repairs, and their personalized service for both residential and farm properties. Their long tenure in the area has built a strong foundation of trust.
A well-established and highly-reviewed plumbing contractor based in Madison, serving a wide radius including Howard. They offer a comprehensive range of services from routine maintenance and new installations to complex commercial projects and 24/7 emergency response.
A reputable plumbing company operating out of Brookings, known for professional and reliable service throughout Eastern South Dakota. They emphasize modern techniques for leak detection and drain cleaning, and they service both residential and commercial clients in the Howard region.
** The plumbing market serving Howard, South Dakota, is characteristic of a rural community. The in-town options are limited, with typically one primary local contractor (e.g., Howard Plumbing) handling the majority of immediate, day-to-day needs. This creates a market heavily reliant on established plumbing companies from larger nearby hubs like Madison, Brookings, and Sioux Falls. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there is only one dedicated local plumber, residents have several high-quality options within a 30-50 mile radius. These regional providers actively compete for business in Howard, ensuring customers have choices. **Average Quality:** High. The businesses that successfully operate in this region tend to have excellent reputations built on reliability and trustworthiness. Poorly rated companies do not last long in a small, interconnected market. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is generally competitive and in line with regional averages. For standard non-emergency services, rates are fair. However, for emergency calls or services requiring significant travel from a provider based in Madison or Brookings, customers should expect a trip charge or higher hourly rate to account for the service vehicle's travel time and mileage. It is always recommended to request an estimate beforehand where possible.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Howard regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Howard, South Dakota.
The most frequent issues are frozen and burst pipes due to our harsh South Dakota winters, and slow-draining or backed-up sewer lines caused by invasive tree roots common in older Howard neighborhoods. Water heater strain from hard mineral content in our local water supply is also prevalent. Proactive insulation of pipes in unheated spaces like crawl spaces before winter is a critical local preventative measure.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, shut off and drain outdoor faucets if they are not frost-free, and insulate all pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and under mobile home skirting. It's highly recommended to know the location of your main water shut-off valve in case of an emergency freeze. Given our prolonged sub-freezing temperatures, letting a faucet drip during extreme cold snaps is a wise, low-cost precaution.
Yes, Minnehaha County encodes specific regulations for septic system installation, maintenance, and pumping. The soil composition in our region can affect drainage field performance. It is crucial to hire a licensed plumber familiar with county codes for any septic work. Regular pumping every 3-5 years is advised, and you should always have a map of your tank and field location for service providers.
Service call fees in Howard typically range from $75 to $150, with hourly labor rates between $80 and $120. Final costs are heavily influenced by job complexity, part availability (which may require travel to Sioux Falls for specialty items), and emergency timing. For example, thawing a frozen pipe may cost a few hundred dollars, while a full water heater replacement can range from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the unit and installation challenges.
Always verify the plumber is licensed and insured to work in South Dakota. Choose a local or regional company with a proven track record in Howard, as they will understand our specific water issues and winterization needs. Check for 24/7 emergency availability, which is essential during our winter freeze-thaw cycles, and read local reviews or ask for references from neighbors to gauge reliability and fair pricing.