Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Richmond, Virginia. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, family-owned plumbing and electrical service provider offering comprehensive 24/7 emergency services. They are known for their rapid response times and expertise in handling everything from minor leaks to major commercial pipe replacements.
A trusted local plumbing company specializing in both residential and commercial services. They are praised for their honest diagnostics, clean work, and expertise in repiping, water heater services, and advanced leak detection.
A dedicated team of master plumbers focused exclusively on the Richmond area. They offer prompt and reliable service for emergencies, drain cleaning, and fixture installations, with a strong emphasis on customer education and transparent pricing.
The Richmond, VA plumbing market is competitive and serves a mix of historic homes and modern commercial buildings. Common issues include dealing with older clay sewer lines, corrosion in aging galvanized pipes, and hard water affecting appliances. Local plumbers must be well-versed in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and the challenges of maintaining the infrastructure of a city with many historic properties. Emergency service availability is a key differentiator due to the city's variable weather.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Richmond regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Richmond, Virginia.
Richmond's clay-heavy soil and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles are major contributors to foundation shifting and pipe stress, leading to slab leaks and sewer line cracks. Furthermore, our humid summers accelerate corrosion in older pipes, and hard water from the James River watershed is a common cause of mineral buildup in water heaters and fixtures, reducing efficiency and lifespan.
Costs vary by job complexity and contractor, but local averages provide a guide. For example, a standard water heater replacement typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500, while repairing a slab leak can cost $1,500 to $4,000+ due to excavation needs. Always get itemized estimates; Richmond's competitive market means you can compare, but be wary of quotes significantly below average as they may indicate inexperience or hidden fees.
Yes, the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) governs all plumbing work, and the City of Richmond requires permits for most jobs beyond simple repairs, like water heater replacements, re-piping, or sewer line work. Reputable licensed plumbers will handle this process through the Department of Planning and Development Review, which is crucial for ensuring work passes inspection and maintains your home's compliance and value.
Always verify a plumber holds a valid Virginia Journeyman or Master Plumber license, which requires extensive training and testing. For sewer and water line work, ensure they are also licensed by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) as a Class A, B, or C contractor. Additionally, choose a company familiar with Richmond's older housing stock in neighborhoods like The Fan or Church Hill, as they understand the specific challenges of historic homes.
Early fall is ideal for a comprehensive system check. This allows you to address any vulnerabilities, such as insulating pipes in crawl spaces, before our occasional winter freezes. It also ensures your sump pump is ready for spring rains and your water heater is efficient before high-demand winter use. Scheduling during this seasonal lull often provides better availability and can prevent emergency premiums during a freeze or storm.