STLCT

What Plumbing Companies Do

• Emergency repairs for leaks, burst pipes, and sewer backups
• Water heater installation, repair, and replacement (tank and tankless)
• Drain cleaning and sewer line repair or replacement
• Fixture installation (sinks, toilets, faucets, showers)
• Gas line installation and repair for appliances
• Water line repair and repiping for older homes
• Sump pump installation and maintenance
• Garbage disposal and dishwasher hookup

When to Hire a Plumbing Companie

Call a plumber for any water supply, drainage, or gas line work beyond basic fixes. While you can plunge a toilet or replace a showerhead yourself, leaks behind walls, persistent clogs, water heater issues, or any gas work requires a professional. Many older St. Louis homes have galvanized pipes that should be inspected and potentially replaced.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

• Are you licensed as a journeyman or master plumber in Missouri?
• Do you offer emergency/after-hours service, and what's the rate?
• What is your diagnostic fee, and is it waived if I hire you?
• Do you provide camera inspection for sewer line issues?
• What warranties do you offer on parts and labor?
• Can you work with my home warranty company if applicable?
• How do you handle unexpected issues found during repair?

Red Flags to Watch For

• Not licensed with Missouri Division of Professional Registration
• Quotes a price without seeing the problem
• Won't provide written estimate before starting work
• Pushes expensive solutions without explaining alternatives
• No warranty on workmanship
• Demands cash payment only
• Arrives without proper equipment for diagnosis

Cost Considerations in St. Louis

St. Louis plumbers charge $75-$150 per hour with service call fees of $50-$100. Drain cleaning runs $150-$400 depending on severity. Water heater replacement costs $1,200-$3,500 for tank units, $2,500-$5,000+ for tankless. Sewer line replacement, common in older St. Louis neighborhoods, can range from $3,000-$15,000+ depending on length and method (traditional dig vs. trenchless).