Alright, let’s be real—hiring a plumber isn’t exactly the most thrilling task in the world. But when your pipes are leaking, your water heater dies in the middle of winter, or your basement is slowly turning into an indoor pool, you need someone who knows what they’re doing. The last thing you want is a “plumber” who shows up late, overcharges you, or worse—makes the problem even bigger.
So, how do you make sure you’re hiring the right plumber in Lee’s Summit? Let’s break it down.
1. Make Sure They’re Actually Licensed & Insured
This one’s non-negotiable. If a plumber isn’t licensed, run. Lee’s Summit requires plumbers to be licensed to make sure they actually know what they’re doing (you don’t want some random guy with a wrench experimenting on your pipes).
Here’s what you should do:
Ask for proof of their license. Legit plumbers will have no problem showing it to you.
Check if they’re insured. If something goes wrong (like a pipe bursts or your flooring gets flooded), their insurance should cover the damage—not you.
2. Experience: Have They Actually Fixed This Problem Before?
Not all plumbers are created equal. Some are great at fixing small leaks but have zero experience dealing with sewer line repairs, water heater installations, or major pipe replacements. If you’re dealing with a clogged drain, burst pipe, or water pressure issues, you want a plumber who’s handled this exact issue a thousand times before.
Questions to ask:
How long have you been in business? (Hint: If they say “a couple of months,” that’s a red flag.)
Have you worked on this exact problem before?
What’s the trickiest plumbing issue you’ve fixed? (Good plumbers will have some wild stories.)
3. Read the Reviews—Do People Actually Like Their Work?
You wouldn’t order food from a restaurant with a 2-star rating, so why hire a plumber with bad reviews? A quick Google search can save you a lot of frustration.
Look at Google, Yelp, and Facebook reviews.
See if people mention fair pricing, fast response times, and quality work.
Check how they handle bad reviews. Do they try to make things right, or do they blame the customer?
4. Are They Upfront About Pricing or Do They Pull the “Surprise Fee” Move?
You ever get a bill that’s way higher than you expected? Yeah, that’s a big NO. A trustworthy plumber will tell you the cost upfront—no hidden fees, no weird “service charges” tacked on at the last minute.
Ask for a quote before they start.
Make sure it includes labor, parts, and any extra fees.
Get it in writing. If they refuse, find another plumber.
5. Do They Offer Emergency Services?
Plumbing problems don’t care about your schedule. They’ll strike at the worst possible time—middle of the night, holidays, right before guests arrive. If your toilet overflows at 2 AM or your water heater dies in January, you need a plumber who actually picks up the phone.
6. Do They Use Modern Tools & Techniques?
Some plumbers are still stuck in the Stone Age, using outdated methods that take forever and don’t even fix the problem properly. The best plumbers use modern tech like:
Sewer Camera Inspections – No guessing. We send a camera down the pipe to see what’s causing the issue.
Plumbing Smoke Testing – Helps find hidden leaks and blockages in no time.
Hydro-Jetting – A high-pressure water blast that clears even the toughest clogs.
Trenchless Pipe Repair – No need to dig up your whole yard just to fix a pipe.
7. Do They Stand Behind Their Work?
A solid plumber guarantees their work. If something goes wrong, they should be willing to fix it without charging you again.
Ask about warranties on labor and parts.
Check if they’ll come back for free if the issue isn’t fixed properly.
8. Are They a Local Lee’s Summit Plumber or a Big Chain?
Big chain plumbing companies don’t always care about customer service—they just want to get in, do the job, and move on. Local plumbers, on the other hand, actually care about their reputation because they live and work in the same community.
Why go local?
They know Lee’s Summit’s plumbing systems better.
They care more about doing a great job (because word spreads fast).
You’re supporting a small business instead of a giant corporation.
Smedley Plumbing is Lee’s Summit born and raised. We’re a family-owned business, and our reputation is everything. We don’t just want to fix your plumbing—we want to be the plumber you always call when you need help.
Final Thoughts: Choose a Plumber You Can Actually Trust
Hiring a plumber doesn’t have to be stressful. Just make sure they check these boxes:
✅ Licensed & insured
✅ Experienced & highly rated
✅ Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
✅ Emergency services available
✅ Modern tools & technology
✅ Guarantees their work
✅ Locally owned & trusted
Looking for a reliable, no-BS plumber in Lee’s Summit? Call Smedley Plumbing today. We’ll get the job done right, without the hassle.
📞 Call us at (816-763-3539)
💻 Visit us online to book an appointment
Why Choose Smedley Plumbing for Your Needs
Finding the right plumber in Lee’s Summit isn’t just about fixing a leak or unclogging a drain—it’s about trusting someone with your home, your time, and your budget. At Smedley Plumbing, we take that responsibility seriously. Here’s why Lee’s Summit homeowners and businesses choose us time and time again.
Local Experts Who Know Kansas City Plumbing
We’re not a big, corporate chain—we’re a local company that understands the unique plumbing challenges in Lee’s Summit. From aging pipes in historic homes to modern plumbing systems in new builds, we’ve seen it all and know exactly how to handle it.
Upfront and Honest Pricing
No one likes surprise charges, and neither do we. That’s why we provide clear, upfront pricing before any work begins. No hidden fees, no last-minute add-ons—just honest work at a fair price.
Fast and Hassle-Free Service
Plumbing problems don’t wait, and neither do we. Whether it’s a minor repair or a major issue, we respond quickly and work efficiently to get your plumbing back in top shape. Our goal? To solve your problem without disrupting your day.
Highly Skilled and Licensed Plumbers
Every plumber on our team is licensed, insured, and trained to handle everything from small repairs to complex plumbing projects. We use the latest tools and techniques to get the job done right the first time.
24/7 Emergency Services
Plumbing emergencies don’t keep business hours, so neither do we. If you have a burst pipe, sewer backup, or any other urgent plumbing issue, you can count on us to be there when you need us most—day or night.
Long-Lasting Solutions, Not Just Quick Fixes
Some plumbers just patch things up and call it a day. Not us. We take the time to find the root cause of your plumbing problem and fix it properly, so you don’t have to deal with the same issue again in a few weeks.
Respect for Your Home and Property
We treat every home like it’s our own. That means arriving on time, keeping our work area clean, and making sure everything is left better than we found it. No muddy footprints, no mess—just great service.
Customer Service That Puts You First
Plumbing is what we do, but people are who we serve. We believe in treating every customer with kindness, respect, and professionalism. From the moment you call to the final repair, we’re here to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Military Discounts & Financing Options
We appreciate the sacrifices made by our military members, which is why we offer exclusive discounts as a small way of saying thank you. We also understand that unexpected plumbing repairs can be a financial burden, so we offer flexible financing options to help.
Guaranteed Satisfaction
We stand behind our work 100%. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll make it right—no excuses, no runaround. That’s our promise to you.
Mitch Smedley’s Community Involvement
Mitch Smedley actively engages with the community, offering special discounts and participating in local events to foster a sense of togetherness.
As a homeowner in Lee’s Summit, you can feel a part of something bigger when you choose Smedley Plumbing. Mitch understands the importance of community and wants to give back to the people who support his business.
That’s why he offers exclusive discounts to residents in Lee’s Summit and surrounding areas, making plumbing services more affordable for you.
Additionally, Mitch and his team actively participate in local events and charities, showing their dedication to the community they serve.
When you hire Smedley Plumbing, you’re not just getting a reliable plumber but also contributing to the growth and well-being of your community.
Call Smedley Plumbing – Get Plumbing Off Your To-Do List
🚿 Need help ASAP? Call us now.
📞 Call Now: (816-763-3539)
📍 Serving Lee’s Summit & Nearby Areas
Don’t stress about plumbing. Let Smedley Plumbing handle it.
FAQs for Hiring a Plumber in Lee's Summit
When hiring a plumber, make sure they are licensed, insured, and have experience handling the type of repair or installation you need. Look for online reviews, check their pricing transparency, and see if they offer guarantees on their plumbing work. A good plumber should also provide clear communication and reliable service.
A reputable plumber will have positive customer reviews, a strong local reputation, and proper licensing. Ask for references, check their website for testimonials, and make sure they provide upfront pricing before starting the job. Avoid plumbers who give vague estimates or pressure you into unnecessary repairs.
Upfront pricing prevents surprise charges and ensures you know exactly what you’re paying before the work begins. A trustworthy plumber will provide a detailed quote, breaking down labor, parts, and any additional costs so there are no hidden fees.
Some small plumbing issues, like fixing a minor leak or unclogging a drain, can be done yourself. However, if you’re dealing with major leaks, sewer line issues, water heater problems, or low water pressure, it’s best to call a professional to avoid making the problem worse.
Yes! Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we. Smedley Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency services for burst pipes, sewer backups, and other urgent plumbing issues in Lee’s Summit. Just give us a call, and we’ll be there to help.
When hiring a plumber, check their qualifications, including licensing, certifications, and years of experience. A skilled plumber should also be familiar with various plumbing systems, including heating and water lines, and be able to handle everything from simple repairs to complex installations.
A professional plumber understands how hot water systems work, including the proper installation and maintenance of valves, fittings, and fixtures. Incorrect repairs can lead to leaks, inefficiency, or even damage to your plumbing system. Hiring an expert ensures the job is done safely and correctly.
