Portland Plumber
24/7 Emergency Service — Drains, Water Heaters, Sewer & Repiping

Yes. The City of Portland requires a plumbing permit for any repiping work that modifies the water supply system. We pull the permit, schedule the inspection, and handle all the paperwork. For homes in Portland’s historic districts, we also follow any applicable design guidelines that affect visible fixture placement or access points. The permit process typically adds one to two business days to the project timeline.

In pre-1960 Portland homes, the most common cause is internal corrosion of galvanized steel supply pipes. These pipes build up rust and mineral deposits on the inside walls over decades, gradually narrowing the pipe diameter until water barely trickles from upper-floor fixtures. A pressure test at the meter versus at the farthest fixture tells us exactly how much pressure the pipes are eating. The permanent fix is a full repipe to PEX or copper.

Yes. We regularly work in Irvington, Ladd’s Addition, Laurelhurst, and other designated historic areas. Plumbing work inside the home is generally not subject to historic review, but any exterior modifications — such as relocating hose bibs or adding exterior cleanouts — may need design approval. We coordinate with the Portland Bureau of Development Services to ensure compliance.

We charge the same rate day and night — no overtime premiums, no after-hours surcharges. The cost depends on the specific repair needed, and we provide a written price before starting any work. A typical emergency drain clearing runs between $250 and $500. Burst pipe repair ranges from $300 to $1,200 depending on location and accessibility. Call 503-925-3504 for an immediate dispatch.

Sewer gas smell inside a Portland home usually means a dry trap, a cracked drain line, or a failed wax ring under a toilet. In older Portland homes, we also find deteriorated cast iron vent stacks that develop pinhole leaks in the attic or wall cavity, releasing sewer gas into the living space. A smoke test or camera inspection identifies the source quickly. This is not something to ignore — sewer gas contains methane and hydrogen sulfide, both of which are hazardous.

Absolutely. Portland’s urban canopy is one of the largest in the country, and those mature trees actively seek out moisture from sewer laterals. Clay pipes with mortar joints are the most vulnerable — roots find the joints, grow through the gaps, and eventually fill the pipe with a root mass that blocks flow completely. We clear root blockages with hydro-jetting and can install root barriers or recommend trenchless pipe lining to prevent regrowth.