Plumbers in Seattle, WA (Washington)

Seattle Plumbing

Though Seattle is famous for its frequent rain, heavy downpours that cause sewer backups and flooding are rare. Even though plumbing problems originating from sewer backups aren’t of particular concern, Seattle residents should be familiar with the home’s plumbing system and know when to call in a plumbing professional to help with any issues that do arise when mudslides and flooding do occur.

Another area of concern for Seattle homeowners, particularly those who live in historic neighborhoods such as Queen Anne Hill or Ravenna, is keeping plumbing parts up-to-date by locating and replacing outdated pipes and fittings.  

General Plumbing Knowledge

Other than these specific concerns, Seattle area homeowners should know when to call in a professional to deal with plumbing problems. Some issues are simple enough that just about any adult with a plunger can fix them, but oftentimes, it’s necessary to call an experienced plumber to help resolve issues and make sure there won’t be any recurring problems in the future.

Homeowners should make sure their plumbing issues don’t lead to leaking and other moisture problems, which can cause major issues with mold during cold, rainy fall and winter months. This means performing regular inspections and maintenance, which is another area where a professional plumber can be helpful.

Areas Served by Seattle Plumbers

• Some Seattle-area plumbers serve the entire metro area, while others serve limited parts of the metro area. For example, companies may limit their service to King County, while others may include Snohomish and Pierce Counties as well to encompass the entire area from Bellevue to Tacoma.

• Plumbing companies that focus on King County locations do not necessarily restrict their service to Seattle proper. Many will serve the entire county, including southern areas such as Auburn and eastern areas such as Issaquah.

When choosing a plumber, do your research and make sure to select a professional that serves your area.

Budgeting for Seattle Plumbing Services

Cost for plumbing service in the Seattle area varies greatly depending on what you need done and when. Many plumbers offer emergency plumbing services for premium prices. Outdoor projects that need to be completed in winter can also add to the cost of services. Other services, such as conversion to the environmentally friendly tankless water heater that’s so popular among green Seattleites, may cost several hundred dollars or more, with $500 being a commonly quoted initial estimate. Pipe repair projects can be much more expensive, with large repair projects frequently costing several thousand dollars to complete. Because the city sees so much rain, these types of outdoor pipe repair projects can be necessary more often than they might be in a drier climate, but experienced local plumbers can give good advice on how often and when to seek this kind of expensive service.

Price Ranges for Specific Plumbing Services in Seattle

As with any professional service, different companies and individuals charge different rates, and the cost of a service is not necessarily a reliable indicator of how good the work actually is. That’s why it is important to shop around for a plumber and ask for recommendations from trusted friends and colleagues who live in your area. Checking into a plumber’s online reviews can also help you get an idea of whether they have a reputation for sticking to project budgets. This chart can help determine whether a Seattle-area plumber’s price quote is a good deal or too high.

These pricing ranges may vary based on where you live in the metro area, with prices within Seattle proper often being a bit higher than in the suburbs. The good news, though, is that even within the city, Seattle plumbing prices are generally in line with the national average.

Plumbing Licensure and Insurance Requirements in the Seattle Area

• All plumbers in Washington State must be state certified and must adhere to the state’s education requirements for their specific certification level.

• Certifications start at the Trainee level and progress to specialty plumbing areas such as Residential and Backflow plumbing.

• Registered plumbers in Washington must also have general liability insurance and may be required to purchase specific permits to perform work such as gas piping installation in King County.

How to Confirm Licensure

Whether you live in King, Snohomish, or Pierce County, you can check on whether the plumber you intend to hire is certified by Washington State with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries’ online Contractor Verification Tool. This Department also has resources for those who have been defrauded or otherwise harmed by a tradesperson, so make sure to keep the Department of Labor in mind if you encounter any problems with a plumber.

Plumbing’s Impact on Seattle Real Estate Prices

Plumbing quality may be of particular concern to prospective homebuyers in the previously mentioned historic neighborhoods of Seattle. Though many parts of the metro area are quite new, many of the city’s stately mansions in areas such as North Capitol Hill near Volunteer Park were built in the 1900s. Though it’s likely these historic homes have received plumbing updates since their initial construction, it’s important for prospective buyers to confirm this fact and make sure the home’s plumbing system is up to date. Old-fashioned plumbing materials such as galvanized steel are likely to need replacement even if they appear to be in good working order.

Replacing such materials can be a very costly endeavor, meaning that current homeowners should become aware of the extent of potential repairs and either be willing to fix these problems themselves before closing or be open to reducing the final selling price of the home. Newer homes with environmentally friendly plumbing components such as tankless water heaters are more likely to be commercially viable for the average Seattle resident, so those who are updating their houses for an upcoming sale may want to look into these types of green technologies to compete in the Seattle real estate market.