Find Plumbing Companies Willing To Go Out Of Town For Work

Imagine waking up to a burst pipe in your remote cabin or a sewage backup at your vacation home, only to realize local plumbers are booked solid or simply don’t service your area. It’s a stressful scenario that many homeowners in rural or semi-rural regions face regularly. Fortunately, there are specialized plumbing companies willing to go out of town for work, ready to travel miles to solve your urgent plumbing crises. This guide will walk you through how to find them, what to expect regarding costs, and how to ensure you get high-quality service no matter where you are located.

Why Do Some Plumbers Refuse to Travel?

Before diving into how to find those willing to travel, it helps to understand why many don’t. Most local plumbing businesses operate on tight schedules with multiple jobs lined up within a specific zip code. Traveling far disrupts their efficiency, increases fuel costs, and reduces the number of jobs they can complete in a day.

According to industry standards, a typical plumber aims to complete 3–5 jobs daily. A single trip 50 miles away could consume half a day just in transit. However, some companies specialize in extended-range services, often charging a travel fee to offset these logistical challenges. Understanding this dynamic helps you negotiate better and set realistic expectations when contacting potential hires.

Key Factors Influencing a Plumber’s Decision to Travel:

• Distance vs. Job Value: High-value jobs (like full repipes) justify longer travel times more than minor leaks.
• Emergency Status: True emergencies (floods, no water) often trigger willingness to travel regardless of distance.
• Equipment Mobility: Companies with fully stocked trucks are more likely to say yes than those needing depot supplies.
• Regional Demand: In areas with few licensed professionals, plumbers naturally cover larger territories.

How to Find Plumbing Companies Willing to Go Out Of Town

Finding a plumber who travels requires a slightly different approach than searching for a neighborhood handyman. You need to cast a wider net and ask the right questions upfront.

1. Expand Your Search Radius Strategically

Instead of searching “plumber near me,” try terms like “regional plumbing services” or “emergency plumber [County Name].” Look for companies based in the nearest major town or city hub, as they often have the resources to dispatch teams further out.

2. Check Service Area Maps on Websites

Reputable companies usually display their service areas clearly. If a map isn’t visible, look for phrases like “serving [County] and surrounding areas.” Don’t hesitate to call even if your location is on the edge of their listed zone; many will make exceptions for urgent cases.

3. Utilize National Directories with Filters

Platforms like Angi, HomeAdvisor, or Thumbtack allow you to filter by service radius. When posting a job, explicitly state: “Location is 40 miles outside city limits; seeking plumbers willing to travel.” This pre-qualifies respondents and saves time.

4. Ask About “Trip Charges” Immediately

When calling, lead with: “Do you service [Your Town], and what is your travel fee?” Transparency here prevents surprise bills later. Many companies have a flat rate for distances over 20 miles, while others charge per mile after a certain threshold.

Pro Tip: Always verify licensing. Just because a plumber is willing to drive two hours doesn’t mean they are licensed to work in your specific municipality. Regulations vary by state and county. For a deeper understanding of trade licensing variations across the US, you can refer to general occupational guidelines on Wikipedia.

Cost Breakdown: What to Expect When Hiring Traveling Plumbers

One of the biggest concerns for homeowners is cost. Hiring someone from out of town almost always incurs additional fees. Here is a realistic breakdown of what you might pay.

Real-World Scenario Calculation

Let’s say you live 45 miles from the plumber’s office.

• Base Travel Fee: $75 (covers first 25 miles).
• Extra Miles: 20 miles x $2.50 = $50.
• Total Travel Cost: $125 before any work begins.
• Labor: If the repair takes 1 hour at $120/hr, your total bill is $245.

While this seems steep compared to a local $150 visit, remember that the alternative—waiting days for a local availability or dealing with worsening water damage—is often far more expensive.

Pros and Cons of Hiring Out-of-Town Plumbers

Is it worth the extra cost? Let’s weigh the advantages against the drawbacks to help you decide.

Advantages

• Faster Response Times: In rural areas, local options may be nonexistent. An out-of-town pro might be the only option available within 24 hours.
• Specialized Expertise: Larger companies in cities often handle complex issues (like tankless water heater installations or sewer line camera inspections) that small rural operators might not offer.
• Better Equipment: Mobile units traveling long distances are typically fully stocked with advanced tools and parts to avoid return trips.

Disadvantages

• Higher Costs: As detailed above, travel fees add up quickly.
• Warranty Complications: If a part fails a week later, the plumber may charge another travel fee to return, whereas a local pro might come back for free.
• Scheduling Rigidity: They may not be able to stay for multi-day projects easily due to other commitments back in their home base.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Traveling Plumber

If you’ve decided to proceed, follow this concrete checklist to ensure a smooth experience.

1. Define the Problem Clearly: Before calling, write down exactly what is happening. Is it a leak, a clog, or an installation? Take photos or videos. Specific details help the plumber determine if they need special parts before driving out.
2. Contact 3 Different Companies: Do not settle for the first result. Call three separate entities to compare travel fees and availability. Ask: “What is your maximum service radius?”
3. Request a Written Estimate: Never agree to a verbal quote for travel-heavy jobs. Ask for an email or text confirmation detailing the hourly rate, travel fee, and minimum charge.
4. Verify Insurance and Licensing: Ask for their license number and check it against your state’s contractor board database. Ensure their liability insurance covers work done in your specific county.
5. Prepare the Site: Since their time is money, ensure the area under the sink or the water heater is accessible. Move furniture, clear clutter, and secure pets. Every minute they spend clearing a path is a minute you are paying for.
6. Discuss Warranty Terms Explicitly: Ask, “If this issue persists within 30 days, do you waive the travel fee for a return visit?” Get this answer in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will a plumber really drive 50+ miles for a simple leak?

It depends on the urgency and the company policy. For a standard drip, many will decline due to low profit margins relative to travel time. However, for a burst pipe causing active flooding, most emergency services will make the trip regardless of distance, provided you agree to the travel fees.

2. Are travel fees negotiable?

Sometimes. If you have a large job (e.g., re-piping a whole house or installing a new system), you can ask the plumber to waive or reduce the travel fee as part of the overall contract. They are more likely to agree if the total job value exceeds $1,000.

3. What if the plumber cannot fix the problem after traveling?

You are generally still responsible for the “diagnostic fee” or “call-out fee,” which includes the travel cost. This compensates them for their time and mileage. However, reputable companies will apply this fee toward the total cost if you hire them for the eventual repair or if they order a specific part needed to finish the job.

4. How do I know if an out-of-town plumber is licensed in my area?

Plumbing licenses are often issued at the state level, but some cities and counties require additional local registration. Always ask the contractor: “Are you licensed to perform work in [Your County/City]?” You can then verify this number on your state’s official licensing board website.

5. Do traveling plumbers bring all necessary parts?

Most professional mobile units carry a wide inventory of common parts (washers, valves, pipes, fittings). However, for unique fixtures or older systems, they may need to order parts. Ask beforehand if they anticipate needing special orders to avoid multiple trips.

6. Is it cheaper to drive the plumber myself or meet them halfway?

No. Legally and insurably, the plumber must arrive in their own marked vehicle with their tools and insurance coverage active during transit. Meeting halfway does not reduce their overhead or insurance risks, so they will still charge the full travel fee from their shop.

Conclusion

Dealing with plumbing issues in remote locations is undeniably challenging, but you are not without options. By targeting plumbing companies willing to go out of town for work, you can access skilled professionals who can resolve emergencies quickly, preventing minor leaks from becoming catastrophic floods. While the added travel costs are a factor, the peace of mind and protection of your property far outweigh the expense in critical situations.

Remember to verify credentials, clarify costs upfront, and prepare your home to maximize the efficiency of their visit. Don’t let distance leave you stranded with a plumbing disaster.

Found this guide helpful? Share it on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn to help friends and family in rural areas prepare for their next plumbing emergency. Knowledge is power, especially when water starts flowing where it shouldn’t!