Best Plumbers in Kansas
Most people don’t even think about plumbing until something goes wrong in their homes. Unfortunately, you’re bound to run into trouble at some point. If you’re lucky, it’ll be something small and simple like a leaky faucet or clogged drain. However, there are plenty of issues that can cause serious property damage.
Plumbing issues can be tricky and complicated, which is why it’s best to leave it to the professionals and hire a plumber. No matter where you live, you’ll want to find a local plumber that knows how to handle the issues most common in your region.
Kansas is located in the center of the midwest and is filled with farmlands and cornfields. Homes in these rural areas come with their own set of plumbing issues. Even in cities like Wichita, there are tons of beautiful old homes where plumbing problems are a little more unique.
Whether your plumbing issues are unique to the region or not, you’ll want to find someone with experience handling the type of problem that you’re having. Before you start your search, there are a few things you should know.
Table of Contents
Most Common Plumbing Issues in Kansas
Leaky Pipes
Backed Up Pipes
Water Heater Issues
Sump Pump
Frozen Pipes
Issues with Sewer Lines
Old Fixtures & Connections
Outdated Pipes
Average Cost of Plumbers in Kansas
How to Find the Best Plumber in Kansas
FAQs about Plumbers in Kansas
1 Is a license required for plumbers in Kansas?
2 What is considered a plumbing emergency?
3 Can I fix my own plumbing problems in Kansas?
4 What questions should I ask a plumber before I hire them?
Most Common Plumbing Issues in Kansas
Kansas experiences all four seasons when it comes to temperature, with rain, snow, and heat depending on the time of year. All of these come with their own sets of issues. We’ll go over some of the most common problems you’ll see in the state, including a few that you’ll run into living in an older house.
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are caused by a variety of factors and can waste a lot of water, costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars if left unchecked. Temperature changes, rainstorms, and clogs or blockages can cause cracks in your pipe. You may be able to spot leaks if you find a puddle of water or hear dripping. However, they’re often only noticed when an unusually high water bill arrives. Regular maintenance can help prevent leaks, and an experienced plumber can help you find any current problem that you may have.
Backed Up Pipes
Heavy rainfall is one of the leading causes of backed-up pipes. It puts extra pressure and weight on the lines, which can cause cracks, and softens the soil, allowing dirt and rocks to enter the tube through those cracks. This leads to clogs in water and sewer pipes, creating backups in sinks, toilets, and other drains. Spring showers also cause plants and trees to grow, and they can spread their roots into the pipes through tiny cracks, causing clogs.
Water Heater Issue
Many people experience issues with their water heaters. Whether it’s leaking or not producing hot water, a plumber will be able to inspect and repair your system. Keep an eye out for discolored water, puddles, and noises coming from the unit, as these are signs of a potential problem. Routine inspections by a professional can help you prevent any future issues.
Sump Pump
Sump pumps are common in places like Johnson County, Kansas, and can cause concern. When your sump pump isn’t running, whether it’s the winter or a period of drought, the float mechanism can get stiff, causing a problem when you need it. Also, super dry soil has a harder time soaking up the water when it finally rains, and your sump pump may not be able to keep up if it’s not functioning correctly. You can add some water to your sump pump pit during dry spells to prevent this issue, but it’s a good idea to have it checked periodically by a plumber to make sure it’s in optimal working condition.
Frozen Pipes
While Kansas doesn’t usually have extended periods of extreme cold, frozen pipes still occasionally happen. Proper insulation and maintenance can prevent burst pipes, so it’s a good idea to consult a plumber before winter. Especially since issues with frozen pipes can get worse as the weather starts to warm up again.
Issues with Sewer Lines
Older sewer pipes are at an increased risk of becoming cracked or clogged. They’re especially susceptible to problems during and after rainstorms when the sodden soil adds extra weight and pressure to them. As mentioned above, plants and tree roots can also grow into your pipes through cracks, which is much more common in older pipes. Plumbers have special cameras that can help them examine these pipes, allowing them to repair any issues.
Old Fixtures & Connections
Older homes usually have older fixtures. While these may still look great, they can also corrode with time. They may also have faulty washers or valves, causing dripping and leaking. These leaks can add up over time, causing property damage and higher water bills.
Outdated Pipes
Surprisingly, many houses built in the 1980s or earlier have pipes made of materials that are no longer recommended.
Polybutylene piping was commonly used before the ‘90s and is no longer up to code. They’re made of plastic resin that breaks down, causing cracks and leaks.
Lead pipes were also very common. We now know that lead can cause significant health issues, and these should be replaced as soon as possible.
Galvanized pipes can start to corrode with time, which could cause low water pressure or discolored water due to rust buildup.
Average Cost of Plumbers in Kansas
Plumbers repair a vast array of issues and help prevent future problems. They can also help install new plumbing, fixtures, and more. Since they cover so many different types of work, it’s impossible to calculate an average cost.
However, in Kansas, the average hourly rate for general plumbing problems, such as a leaky faucet, is $67.74 plus parts, with an average range of $63.47-$72.01. That cost rises significantly for more complex issues, such as a clogged drain, which costs a flat fee of $108.02-$132.26, plus parts.
How to Find the Best Plumber in Kansas
Whether it’s for routine maintenance or a repair, it’s important to compare plumbers to find the right one. We always recommend that you take a look at three or more companies before making your choice.
You’ll want to check out each plumber’s experience to make sure they can handle your issue. Keep in mind that you’ll pay more for professionals with more experience, but it’s usually worth the extra cost. If you do choose someone with less experience, ask if they offer any guarantees or warranties.
Here at Home Service Stars, our purpose and goal is to match you with the best plumber for the job. We’ll connect you with one of our 5-star home service pros to get you the best service at an affordable price.
FAQs about Plumbers in Kansas
1. Is a license required for plumbers in Kansas?
Kansas is one of the few states that doesn’t require a license at the state level. This means that you can do your own plumbing if you feel up to the job. Keep in mind that this also means you’ll need to be more aware of who you’re hiring and their experience level.
Also, even though a license isn’t required by the state, Johnson County and Manhattan both require a Class D or local license to perform plumbing work. It’s best to check if your city or county requires them.
2. What is considered a plumbing emergency?
Any issue that could cause property damage is a plumbing emergency. This includes, but is not limited to, problems that cause flooding or the risk of flooding.
These include:
- Burst pipes
- Leaky pipes or fixtures
- Frozen pipes
- Blocked drain
- Sewage back up
- No functioning toilet on the property
3. Can I fix my own plumbing problems in Kansas?
Since the state of Kansas doesn’t require a license, you can attempt to do your own plumbing repair. You’ll need to check if a local license is required, though, as some cities do require it.
Keep in mind that you may void your insurance or warranty by managing plumbing repairs on your own. Also, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you risk causing further issues or damage.
4. What questions should I ask a plumber before I hire them?
If you need to hire a plumber fast for an emergency, you may not have time to think of important questions to ask them. While not all of these are strictly necessary, here’s a quick list of some that will help you decide who to hire.
- Are you certified?
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
- How long have you been in business?
- Can I have a written estimate with a total cost breakdown?
- Does this estimate include everything?
- Do you offer flat rates or hourly fees?
- Do you offer any discounts?
- What are my payment options?
- When can you start?
- How long will the job take (approximately)?
- Who is responsible for cleanup?
- Do you have references?
- Do you offer a written guarantee?
At Home Service Stars, our home service technicians are certified professionals ready to help solve any issue. Our professionals are just a call away, whether you are doing DIY renovations or have a leaking faucet.
