Plumbing Services in Hilo, HI

Most requested plumbing services in Hilo

Start with the service that matches your problem. Services marked “Common in Hilo” are the calls local housing and conditions produce most in Hilo.

• Drain CleaningCommon in HiloSlow drains, recurring clogs and backed-up sinks, tubs and showers.
• Water Heater ReplacementCommon in HiloReplacing a failing or leaking tank heater.
• Water Line RepairCommon in HiloLeaks and breaks in the main line from the meter.
• Emergency PlumberBurst pipes, major leaks, sewage backups and no-water situations.
• Leak DetectionHidden leaks behind walls, ceilings or floors, or a bill that suddenly jumps.
• Water Heater RepairNo hot water, leaking tank, strange noises or uneven temperature.
• Sewer Line RepairRecurring backups, sewer odors, slow fixtures or a damaged sewer line.
• Burst Pipe RepairStopping and repairing burst or split pipes.
• Pipe RepairLeaks, corrosion, cracked lines and low pressure from damaged pipes.
• Toilet RepairRunning, clogged, leaking or weak-flushing toilets.
• Faucet Repair and ReplacementDripping, leaking or low-flow faucets.
• Garbage Disposal Repair and InstallationJammed, leaking or humming disposals.

When to call, and what to do first

For the problems Hilo homeowners call about most, and why they come up here:

• Drain Cleaning

  Why it comes up in Hilo: Heavy rain and roots overload older drain lines.

  Signs:

  Slow sink, tub or shower; standing water; recurring clogs

  Urgent when:

  Water backing up or overflowing

  Before help arrives:

  Stop running water to that drain; skip chemical drain cleaners

  Repair or replace:

  One clog: clear it. Keeps returning: camera the line

• Water Heater Replacement

  Why it comes up in Hilo: Salt air corrodes tanks and solar water heater parts.

  Signs:

  Water around the tank base, rusty hot water, a tank past 10 years

  Urgent when:

  The tank itself is leaking

  Before help arrives:

  Turn off gas or power and close the cold-water valve

  Repair or replace:

  Leaking tank: replace. Failed part on a younger tank: repair

• Water Line Repair

  Why it comes up in Hilo: Older galvanized lines rust in the humid climate.

  Signs:

  Soggy yard, low pressure, meter moving with taps off

  Urgent when:

  Water surfacing or a sudden loss of pressure

  Before help arrives:

  Close the shutoff at the meter or where the line enters

  Repair or replace:

  One break: repair. Old galvanized or lead line: replace

Why Hilo homes need these repairs

Hilo is the county seat of the Big Island and one of the wettest cities in the country, with older plantation-era wood homes near the bayfront and newer subdivisions climbing toward Kaumana and Waiakea Uka. The county pumps its water from wells on the slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Heavy rain, humid salt air, termite-damaged wood framing, and catchment or well systems outside the county network drive most of the drain, water heater and pipe corrosion calls here.

Local conditions behind Hilo plumbing problems

Water hardness

See below

Winter

Hard freezes are rare

Plumbing code

Local