Best plumbers in Tampa, Fla.

Tampa, sometimes called The Big Guava, sits on Florida's west coast and is home to millions of people and their pipes. If you live in Tampa and are dealing with a plumbing emergency or just a stubborn clog, these are the local plumbers in the Tampa Bay area that can help get things back to normal. So why trust us? Yahoo Local researched and ranked Tampa plumbing companies based on Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation , services offered and online reviews. We also called each company to ask about same-day scheduling, service fees and whether technicians undergo background checks. Here's what you need to know.

Top Tampa plumbers

The best plumbing company in Tampa for YOU

When choosing a plumbing company in Tampa, first think about how quickly you need help. A burst pipe or sewer backup may require 24-hour service, while a slow drain might not be as urgent. Apex Plumbing offers around-the-clock emergency service. Llona Plumbing , our No. 1 pick, provides strong overall coverage for common repairs and larger jobs.

If you prefer working with a smaller, owner-run company, Alca Plumbing is another option. Price is also important. Ask if there is a service fee and whether it is waived if you move forward with the work.

It also helps to know how estimates are shared and approved before repairs begin. Experts Plumbing Services , our pick for best same-day service, offers flat-rate pricing and waives its service fee when repairs are completed during the visit. Comparing these details can help you choose the right plumber for your needs and budget.

Best plumbing companies in Tampa, Fla.

Llona Plumbing is the best overall Tampa plumbing company

Llona Plumbing is our pick for the best overall plumber in Tampa because it offers fast response times, has long-standing local experience and clear hourly pricing. The family-owned company has served the Tampa Bay area since 2004 and works with both residential and commercial customers. It is licensed, bonded and insured, and lists its Florida state license number on its website. Llona holds a 4.8-star rating on Google based on more than 400 reviews and a 4.2-star rating on Yelp from 41 reviews.

When we called about a clogged drain, we were told a technician could likely arrive within one to two hours, with a two-hour arrival window. The company calls ahead with an estimated time of arrival. Text updates are not currently in place. Same-day appointments are offered when the schedule allows, especially for urgent plumbing problems.

Llona charges by the hour rather than using flat rate pricing. The labor rate is $180 per hour with a one-hour minimum. If a sewer machine is needed, that adds $50. We were told most standard stoppages typically total under $250, depending on the time involved and equipment required. You can also ask for an itemized invoice at the end that details the labor and materials.

If a clog can't be cleared within the first hour, the technician stops and explains what may be causing the issue. They go over the next steps verbally and discuss any additional costs before continuing the work. In some cases, a camera inspection may be recommended to check for a deeper problem in the line.

Services offered

• Drain pipe cleaning

• Clog removal

• Pipe and slab leak detection

• Whole-house repiping

• Water line repair and installation

• Sewer line repair and replacement

• Garbage disposal repair and installation

• Kitchen plumbing

• Bathroom plumbing

• Residential gas line installation and repair

• Water heater repair and replacement

The company also provides HVAC services. Labor and materials are backed by a one-year warranty from the service date. A company representative told us that all its plumbers are employees, not subcontractors. Technicians are licensed and background checked. On its website, it touts more than 100 years of combined experience across its team.

It accepts credit card payments but they include a 3% processing fee, while checks avoid that charge. Llona also offers a 10% military discount. The company also offers a paid maintenance plan that can help you stay ahead of plumbing issues. While plan details vary, benefits typically include routine system checks, priority scheduling and discounts on repairs.

The company serves Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Manatee counties, including Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg. It is not accredited by the BBB . However, the organization rates it an A+, and there are no customer complaints on record.

The company answers the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Its field service runs Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., then shifts to 24-hour service beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend.

See Google reviews     See Yelp reviews

Alca Plumbing is the top alternative Tampa plumbing company

Alca Plumbing is our top alternative plumber in Tampa for those looking for a smaller, owner-operated company with set pricing for common drain and sewer issues. The family-owned business has served the Tampa area for more than 15 years and lists its Florida state license number on its website. The company is led by owner Anthony Dang, who answers calls directly and oversees or supervises jobs.

When we called about a clogged tub, Dang asked whether any other fixtures in our bathroom were backing up. He explained that if running water in the tub causes the toilet to bubble, that can signal a main sewer line issue rather than a simple tub clog. From there, we were offered a same-day appointment between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The company works within the two-hour scheduled arrival windows and provides about 30 minutes' notice before arriving.

Instead of charging by the hour, Alca provides pricing based on the type of problem. A tub stoppage only was quoted at $280. If the issue involves the main sewer line, pricing typically ranges from $320 to $350. After clearing the line, the plumber tests everything and then reviews what was found. If a larger problem is identified, the next steps and related costs are discussed before any additional work begins.

Dang told us that all of his plumbers are employees of the company, and that most jobs are completed or supervised by Dang. He also confirmed that background checks are conducted, and the technician scheduled for our visit was identified to us by name in advance by Dang.

Services offered

• Drain cleaning and stoppage removal

• Main sewer line clearing

• Water line repair and new water line installation

• Hydro jetting

• Water heater installation and repair, electric and gas

• Water softener installation

• Kitchen and bathroom plumbing repairs and fixture installation

Other services include garbage disposal repair and replacement, faucet installation, toilet installation and repair, tub installation, shower pan liners, reverse osmosis systems and drinking water system installation.

As for warranty coverage, it depends on the specific repair performed. If a drain is cleared and functioning properly at the time of service, that job is considered complete. If a new blockage forms later due to additional debris entering the pipe, it would be treated as a separate issue and not covered by warranty.

Alca Plumbing is not accredited by the BBB (A+ rating, zero complaints). It has a 4.9-star Google rating based on 199 reviews. On Yelp, it has a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews. It is open Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

See Google reviews See Yelp reviews

Experts Plumbing Services is the best Tampa plumber for same-day service

Experts Plumbing Services is the best Tampa plumber for same-day service. The company has been serving the Tampa Bay area since 2011 and focuses on quick scheduling and upfront flat rate pricing for residential and commercial plumbing services. It is licensed, bonded and insured and locally owned, with owner Michael Hinsch involved in daily operations.

The company offered us a same-day appointment between 1 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. when we phoned about a clogged drain at 11 a.m. It gives a 30- to 45-minute call ahead of arrival. A representative told us the company has multiple service vehicles on the road, which helps with faster response times.

There is a $105 service fee to come out, but that fee is waived if the repair is completed during the visit. Most of the time, drain stoppages range from $250 to $350. The prices varies based on how easy the clog is to access. Experts Plumbing uses flat rate pricing, not hourly billing. The technician will explain the work and pricing before starting. After the job is done, a detailed invoice is provided. You can pay with cash, check or card, and there are no processing fees. Financing is also available.

The company does not offer a warranty on drain stoppages. If a clog returns shortly after service, a camera inspection is typically recommended to check for a deeper issue in the line. If additional problems are found during testing, they are explained before moving forward.

A representative said Experts Plumbing Service's technicians are employees, not subcontractors. We were told they complete nationwide background checks and drug testing. The website notes that each service plumber has at least 10 years of experience, and that the company has more than 80 years of combined experience.

Services offered

• Drain cleaning and sewer services

• Water heater repair and installation

• Leak detection and water line repair

• Gas line repair

• Water treatment systems

• Backflow valves

• Plumbing remodel work

This Tampa plumber also offers other services like toilet repair, tank and tankless water heaters, hydro jetting and general kitchen and bathroom plumbing. These services are available in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties, including Tampa, Clearwater, Brandon, Lutz and Wesley Chapel.

Experts Plumbing has a 4.7-star rating on Google from 170 reviews and a 4.8-star rating on Yelp from 17 reviews. It has been BBB-accredited since 2018 and holds an A+ rating with zero complaints. It is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on weekends.

See Google reviews     See Yelp reviews

Apex Plumbing is our best plumber in Tampa for emergency plumbing services

If you're looking for a plumber, there's a good chance it's because you have a plumbing emergency. Apex Plumbing is Yahoo Local's pick for the best emergency plumber in the area because it offers 24-hour service across Tampa, Clearwater and St. Pete. The company opened in 2018 and operates from its Tampa location on West Cypress Street. In addition to emergency plumbing, Apex highlights local involvement and says it completes a community assistance project each month within the areas it serves.

We reached out to Apex Plumbing about a clogged bathroom tub and shower drain, expecting to speak with a live representative, but the entire interaction was handled by an automated AI phone system. To check appointment availability, the system requires a service address. The company does offer same-day appointments when scheduling allows, and offers four-hour arrival windows. You'll receive a call or text notification before the technician arrives. There is no trip charge for the visit.

After assessing the issue on site, the technician goes over pricing in person, shows it on a tablet and sends a written estimate by email or text before any work begins. Apex uses flat rate pricing rather than hourly billing. If access or the repair method changes the scope of work, the technician will explain the adjustment before moving forward. Financing is available. The company also promotes specials on its website, including discounted drain cleaning and a free HD camera inspection offer.

The company offers warranty coverage but it depends on the repair. Exact warranty terms depend on how the clog is cleared, whether it be simple snaking or more extensive drain work. During our call, the company said it stands behind its work, and the technician reviews warranty details before completing the job.

Services offered

• 24-hour emergency plumbing

• Drain cleaning and sewer repair

• HD camera inspections

• Pipe restoration and pipelining

• Water heater installation and repair

• Leak detection and gas leak repair

• Water filtration systems

Additional services include bathroom fixture repair and replacement, pipe maintenance and commercial plumbing projects.

We were told technicians are company employees, not subcontractors, and that they undergo background checks prior to hire. Apex handles both residential and commercial plumbing, including work in restaurants, medical buildings and multi-story properties.

Apex Plumbing holds a 4.9-star rating on Google from 184 reviews and a 4.3-star rating on Yelp from 50 reviews. It has been BBB-accredited since 2021 and maintains an A+ rating, with one complaint in the past three years. It is open 24 hours a day.

See Google reviews     See Yelp reviews

You can count on Yahoo Local plumbing advice, and this is why

Yahoo has decades of experience helping people find trustworthy local businesses. We believe in showing you how we rank companies, not just asking you to take our word for it. Our proprietary ranking system pulls in reviews from multiple well-known sources and weighs them to create what we believe is one of the most authoritative local business ranking systems available. We also share the details of what goes into our rankings so you can decide for yourself how trustworthy they are.

Unlike some competitors, Yahoo Local does not accept payment for inclusion or placement. Our independent picks are not sponsored or influenced by outside parties. If you would like more information, you can visit our full methodology page . Below is everything that went into our rankings for the best plumbing companies in Tampa.

• 113 plumbers evaluated

• 77,266 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

• Eight ranking criteria incorporated

• Interviewed or connected with all four featured plumbers

• Independent price quotes sought from all four featured plumbing companies

• Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

• Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

Florida plumbing FAQs

How do I know if my water heater needs repairs or a full replacement?

If your water heater is fairly new and the problem is limited to one part, like the thermostat, heating element, valve or pilot light, it can often be repaired, according to The Home Depot . But if you are dealing with multiple issues at once, such as rusty water, leaks around the tank, loud popping noises or inconsistent hot water, those are common signs you may need to replace your water heater . Most water heaters start to break down between eight and 12 years. If yours is in that range, replacing the unit is often the smarter long-term investment.

How long does a water heater typically last in Florida?

In Florida, traditional tank water heaters usually last about eight to 12 years. Tankless water heaters can last 10 to 20 years with regular maintenance, according to Turner Plumbing in Jacksonville. Florida's hard, mineral-heavy water can shorten a water heater's lifespan if the system is not flushed regularly. Annual maintenance helps reduce sediment buildup and keeps the unit running efficiently.

What are the most common issues people call plumbers to fix?

In Florida, common plumbing problems include corroded pipes caused by hard water, clogged drains from sand buildup and leaky pipes linked to high humidity, according to Sun Plumbing in Melbourne, Florida. Plumbers also frequently handle root intrusion in sewer lines and full sewer line replacements. These are some of the most common reasons homeowners call for plumbing services .

How can I tell if I can fix a plumbing issue myself or if I should call a pro?

If the plumbing problem is small and easy to reach, you can often fix it yourself. A slow drain or a toilet that needs a quick adjustment can usually be handled with basic plumbing tools like a plunger or wrench. But if the issue keeps coming back, if you think you have a leak or if you notice signs of water damage, it is time to call a professional plumber. Ongoing plumbing problems can lead to bigger and more expensive repairs if they are not handled correctly.

Is it better to go with a smaller plumbing company or a larger one?

Both small and large plumbing companies can provide reliable plumbing services; it just depends on what you prefer. A smaller local plumbing company may offer more personal service and faster response times because it relies on its community reputation. You are also more likely to speak directly with someone in the local office. A larger plumbing company may have more technicians, wider service areas and more flexible scheduling. However, the experience may feel less personal. Checking reviews, licensing and experience can help you choose the right plumbing company for your needs.

Do plumbing companies in Florida need to be licensed?

Yes. Plumbing companies in Florida must be licensed to legally perform plumbing work. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues these licenses to make sure plumbers meet state requirements for safety and training. Hiring a licensed plumber helps protect your home and ensures the work meets Florida plumbing codes. Check out our guide to Florida plumbing licensing and regulations to learn more.

Do all reputable plumbers do background checks?

Many reputable plumbing companies run background checks on their employees. Some also perform drug testing and review driving records. Policies can vary, so it is a good idea to ask about this when hiring a plumber. If a company avoids the question or gives an unclear answer, you may want to consider another option.

Do plumbers usually charge by the hour or flat rate?

Most plumbers in Florida charge a flat rate for common plumbing repairs. This means you pay a set price for the job instead of an hourly rate. It is also common for plumbing companies to charge a service or diagnostic fee to inspect the problem. In some cases, that fee is applied to the total repair cost if you move forward with the work. While less common, a few companies may not charge a service fee.

Should plumbers provide written estimates before beginning a job?

Yes. Most professional plumbers provide a written estimate before starting work, either on paper or by email. Even if the plumber explains the pricing in person, having the estimate in writing helps avoid confusion about the final cost. A written estimate protects both you and the plumbing company.

Do plumbers usually offer warranties? And if so, what kind?

Plumbing warranties depend on the company and the type of plumbing service. Many plumbers do not guarantee drain cleaning because they can't control what goes into your pipes. Some offer a short-term warranty, such as 30 days, and will return if the clog comes back during that time. Other plumbing repairs may come with workmanship warranties. Always ask what is covered before the job begins so you know what to expect.

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