Top 10 Plumbers in Oakland County

A plumbing problem has a way of picking the worst possible time. The sink backs up before a showing, the water heater quits before guests arrive, or a rental unit starts leaking on a Sunday night.

The companies below are a practical shortlist of well-known plumbing providers that serve Oakland County and nearby Metro Detroit communities.

Good plumbing help starts with the right tools and the right questions.

10 Oakland County plumbers worth checking out

Plumber	Good fit for	Services and specialties	Review themes to look for
Levine & Sons	Homeowners who want an established Metro Detroit name	Plumbing repairs, drains, water heaters, sewer work, heating and cooling support	Look for comments about response time, clear estimates, and cleanup
Thornton & Grooms	People who want plumbing plus other home systems	Plumbing, drains, water heaters, sump pumps, HVAC, electrical services	Check reviews for technician communication and scheduling accuracy
Nelson Bros Sewer & Plumbing	Sewer and drain problems	Sewer line service, drain cleaning, repairs, backups, older-home plumbing issues	Read feedback on tough clogs, sewer diagnosis, and camera inspections
WaterWork Plumbing	Emergency leaks and everyday repairs	Leak repair, drain cleaning, water heaters, toilets, faucets, sump pumps	Look for mentions of same-day service and upfront explanations
Hoover Electric, Plumbing, Heating Cooling	Homeowners who prefer one provider for several trades	Plumbing repair, electrical, HVAC, water heaters, fixtures, remodeling support	Check whether reviewers mention coordinated service across trades
Kotz Heating, Cooling and Plumbing	Waterford-area homeowners and renovation projects	Plumbing repairs, water heaters, fixtures, heating and cooling	Look for reviews about local reliability and respectful in-home work
AJ Danboise	Full-service home repairs and emergency calls	Plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, drains, water heaters	Read reviews for dispatch speed, pricing clarity, and technician professionalism
Cregger Plumbing, Heating and Cooling	Residential repair and system replacement	Plumbing service, drains, water heaters, heating, cooling	Look for comments on diagnosis quality and explained options
Matheson Heating, Cooling and Plumbing	West Oakland County homes and planned work	Plumbing repairs, HVAC, water heaters, fixture upgrades	Check feedback on appointment windows and workmanship
Universal Plumbing and Sewer	Drain and sewer-focused calls	Sewer repair, drain cleaning, water lines, plumbing repairs	Look for reviews about problem-solving on backups and repeat clogs

Small repairs can prevent bigger water damage later.

What sets these companies apart

Some companies on this list stand out because they’ve served Metro Detroit for a long time. That matters when you’re dealing with older homes in places like Royal Oak, Ferndale, Birmingham, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy, or Bloomfield Township. Older homes can have galvanized lines, aging cast iron drains, clay sewer lines, or plumbing that’s been patched over several decades.

Others stand out because they offer more than plumbing. For landlords and property managers, a company that handles plumbing, HVAC, and electrical can make scheduling easier. For sellers getting ready to list, that can also help knock out punch-list repairs with fewer calls.

A few are especially useful for drain cleaning Oakland County jobs and sewer backups. If water is coming up through a floor drain, ask whether the company offers sewer camera inspections. A camera doesn’t fix the issue, but it can help show whether you’re dealing with roots, a collapsed line, grease buildup, or a belly in the pipe.

For water heater repair Michigan homeowners often need help fast, especially in winter. Ask whether the plumber services your type of heater, including tank, tankless, gas, or electric. If replacement is likely, ask whether they pull permits when required.

Questions to ask before hiring a plumber

A five-minute phone call can save you from a bad fit. Keep it simple and ask direct questions.

• Are you licensed and insured in Michigan?

• Do you handle this exact type of repair?

• Is there a trip fee or diagnostic fee?

• Can I get an estimate before work starts?

• Do you charge extra for nights, weekends, or holidays?

• Will you explain repair and replacement options?

• Who handles permits if they’re needed?

• Is the work covered by a written warranty?

  
  

For an emergency plumber Oakland County call, focus on three things first: arrival window, immediate safety steps, and pricing structure. If water is actively leaking, shut off the nearest valve or the main water shutoff before calling. If sewage is involved, avoid contact and keep kids and pets away from the area.

Ask whether repair or replacement makes more sense before approving the work.

How to compare reviews without getting fooled

Reviews are useful, but don’t stop at the star rating. Read the newest reviews and look for patterns.

Good signs include:

• The technician explained the issue in plain language

• The estimate matched the final bill

• The company arrived within the promised window

• The work area was kept clean

• The same issue didn’t return right away

  
  

Red flags include repeated complaints about surprise charges, missed appointments, poor cleanup, or pressure to replace equipment without explaining repair options.

For bathroom and kitchen plumbing, photos can help. If you’re planning a remodel, save pictures of the fixtures, cabinets, shutoffs, and the wall or floor area involved. A plumber won’t be able to quote everything from photos, but they can often spot access issues before arriving.

A few cost-smart tips that actually help

If the job isn’t urgent, get two estimates. For bigger work, ask each company to separate labor, parts, permit costs, and optional upgrades. That makes comparisons easier.

Don’t automatically choose the cheapest quote. A licensed, insured plumber who pulls permits and warranties the job may cost more upfront but reduce risk later. That’s especially true for sewer repairs, water heater installation, sump pump replacement, and anything hidden behind walls.

If you’re searching for plumbing repair near me at midnight, take a breath before approving a major replacement. Emergency fees are normal, but a reputable plumber should still explain what failed, what must be done now, and what can wait.

A short checklist makes emergency calls less stressful.

The bottom line

The best plumber for a sewer backup may not be the best plumber for a kitchen remodel or routine rental maintenance. Start with the companies above, match their strengths to your job, and verify licensing, insurance, reviews, and pricing before you book.

If water is actively causing damage, act fast. Shut it off, document the issue with photos, and call a licensed plumber who can clearly explain the next step. That calm, clear communication is often the best sign you’ve found the right pro.

~ Shane Hubble