Plumbing choices show up on your utility bill, water pressure, and even resale value. If you’re in Wichita, KS or nearby cities like Maize, Goddard, Andover, Derby, Haysville, Park City, or Bel Aire, this guide gives you a fast, practical way to compare plumbers—beyond price alone.
At Gotta Guy Plumbing & Home Services, we welcome clear comparisons. Here’s the same checklist our own team would use if hiring for their home.
Quick Checklist: The 10 Things to Verify
- License & insurance: Ask to see an active Kansas contractor license and proof of liability/worker’s comp. It protects your home and the crew.
- Scope clarity: For drains, water heaters, or sewer work, confirm exactly what’s included—diagnostics, materials, permits, cleanup, and haul-away.
- Upfront pricing (no surprises): Get a written price before work begins, plus how change orders are handled if hidden issues appear.
- Real diagnostics: For repeat clogs, ask about camera inspections to prove the cause (roots, offsets, bellies) rather than guesswork.
- Right sizing: Water heater or tankless quotes should match your home’s flow rate, gas line size, venting, and family usage.
- Quality materials: Ask what piping, valves, traps, and venting will be used—and why. Durable parts save money over time.
- Clean workmanship: Floor protection, labeled shutoffs, tidy routing, correct slope/venting, and a final functional test.
- Warranties & follow-up: Know labor and parts coverage, and how to reach the company after the job.
- Local reviews & references: Look for consistent themes in Wichita reviews (communication, cleanliness, standing behind the work).
- Emergency readiness: If things go sideways later, can they respond after hours? See Emergency Plumbing.
Ask the Right Questions (By Service)
Drains & Sewer
- Cleaning method: Cable, auger, or jetting—why that tool for your blockage? Will they camera afterward to confirm clearance?
- Repair options: Spot repair vs. full replacement; trenchless availability where conditions allow.
Water Heaters
- Sizing & venting: Tank capacity or tankless GPM, combustion air, and vent materials—matched to your fixtures and usage.
- Protection: Pan & drain, seismic strapping where applicable, T&P to code, and gas sizing checks.
Water Quality
- Goals first: Taste/odor control, filtration & conditioning, or soft feel? Systems should be sized to family flow rate so pressure stays strong.
- Serviceability: Bypass loop, labeled shutoffs, and a simple maintenance schedule.
Red Flags (Trust Your Gut)
- “Ballpark” prices that change dramatically on arrival.
- Reluctance to camera a repeat sewer clog or to show photos of issues.
- Unclear warranties or “it’ll probably be fine” answers.
- Messy truck/tools, no floor protection, rushing through testing.
Why a Local Wichita Pro Matters
Local crews know our soil, tree-root patterns, and a mix of clay/cast/PVC sewer lines—and how Wichita codes are applied. That means better diagnostics, the right tools on the truck, and faster fixes that actually last.
When to Call (Don’t Wait Too Long!)
- Multiple fixtures gurgle or back up at the same time
- Water near the heater or rust at the tank base
- Ceiling stains, damp drywall, or musty odors
- Sump pump short-cycling or failing during storms
Want Straight Answers & Tidy Work?
We’re nearby and ready to help. (316) 768-0511 • Send a Message
