Plumbers in Buffalo, NY (New York)

Buffalo Plumbing

The charming city of Buffalo, New York, offers everything from natural attractions to a vibrant arts scene. Just 20 minutes away from Niagara Falls, the region boasts unparalleled natural beauty. Its northern location also makes it a thriving winter destination, with many seasonal attractions that take advantage of the cool, snowy climate. No matter how much DIY knowledge homeowners may have, it's a safe bet that they will require the services of a professional plumber at some point.

Buffalo's plumbers can do everything from fixing a leaky faucet to installing a new water heater. Residents of the "City of Good Neighbors" must be particularly vigilant about keeping the plumbing in good shape, especially during the frigid winter months. Always use a licensed, insured plumber to be sure that the job gets done correctly and efficiently.

Common Buffalo Service Areas

Downtown Buffalo has become a desirable spot for millennials and young professionals, thanks to the variety of apartments, converted warehouses, and lofts. From the hip downtown area to family-friendly suburbs, Buffalo plumbers serve a wide area, including six of the city's most popular neighborhoods:

1. North Park — North Park is among the city's most popular neighborhoods. Within 15 minutes, residents can travel to and from downtown. North Park offers plenty of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and public transportation. The cost of living and home prices tend to be higher here than in other areas of Buffalo.
2. Delaware-West Ferry — Just minutes from downtown, Delaware-West Ferry offers a combination of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment rentals, making it well suited for families and young professionals. The neighborhood offers plenty of perks, including shops, coffee shops, and readily available public transportation.
3. Schiller Park — Schiller Park offers some of the most affordable housing options in Buffalo, with single and multi-family homes that cost approximately 36 percent less than the city's average. Residents can choose from several parks, shops, and eateries right in the neighborhood, or they can travel less than 5 miles to hit downtown Buffalo.
4. Williamsville — The family-friendly village of Williamsville combines small town charm and historic homes with stellar parks and a thriving business district. This popular suburb, renowned for its parades and holiday events, is located 13 miles outside of Buffalo.
5. East Aurora — East Aurora also offers old-time village charm. This suburb, located 20 miles from downtown, is popular among middle class families who enjoy the excellent school system and the variety of businesses, including a vintage five and dime store.
6. Clarence — Just 20 miles from Buffalo, Clarence combines proximity to the city with a bustling community that can stand on its own two legs. Home to a predominantly upper middle class population, residents of Clarence can choose from numerous parks and hot spots, such as Buffalo Brewpub and the Museum of European Art.

Local Cost Information for Typical Plumbing Tasks in Buffalo

Keeping a home's plumbing in good repair is an essential task, especially in the cold, snowy climate of Buffalo. Avoid frozen pipes and winter disasters by hiring a knowledgeable, experienced plumber to perform all the necessary repairs or upgrades to the existing plumbing system.

Plumbing costs typically vary depending on the size and scope of the project. For example, some smaller tasks, such as repairing a toilet, costs approximately $194, while cleaning a septic tank costs an average of $372. The following table lists other common plumbing tasks and compares Buffalo's average prices with the national average.

As the above table demonstrates, homeowners in Buffalo can expect to payer slightly higher than average prices for many common plumbing tasks, although tasks such as installing new pipes may be significantly less expensive.

Licensing & Insurance Requirements for Buffalo Plumbers

Buffalo plumbers are required to have a license after completing an apprenticeship and all required educational training. There are two license types: journeyman plumber and master plumber. Becoming licensed requires experience, training, and the completion of the appropriate applications. Fees include an exam fee of approximately $21. After passing the test, applicants must pay $126 for a license that must be renewed every 2 years.

Journeyman plumbers — These plumbers work as employees in a plumbing operation. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least 5 years of full-time experience working under the supervision of a master plumber, or have a combination of approved training and experience.

Master plumbers — These plumbers typically own a plumbing business and are the principal plumbers in the operation. To apply for this license, the applicant must work as a journeyman plumber for a minimum of 6,000 hours under the supervision of a licensed master plumber.

Like other contractors, plumbers in Buffalo must have general liability insurance and worker's compensation. The Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 22, a plumber's union, can help connect prospective plumbers with apprenticeship programs and training opportunities. Members of the union perform a variety of plumbing jobs including:

• Commercial, industrial and residential plumbing
• Steamfitting
• Fabrication

How Plumbing Affects Home Values in Buffalo

Keeping a home's plumbing up to date and in good working order gives that home a competitive edge. Homebuyers and renters in Buffalo expect plumbing to be trouble free. Performing routine maintenance and keeping up with necessary repairs and updates can help prevent catastrophic problems and enhance the home's appeal. Licensed, experienced plumbers can accomplish everything from repairing clogged toilets and cleaning sewer systems to installing new pipes and fixtures.