DDS Plumbing has been serving West Des Moines homeowners, landlords, and businesses since 2014, handling everything from a dripping faucet to a burst pipe to a full sewer line replacement. We cover the full range: drain cleaning, leak detection, water heater repair and replacement, sewer line service, toilet and faucet installation, repiping, and emergency calls when something goes wrong fast. Work is performed by licensed plumbers who show up ready to diagnose and fix, not guess and quote. We offer same-day availability, after-hours scheduling, and weekend appointments for urgent plumbing situations. You get transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any plumbing job, so you know what the work costs before we start. Call (515) 561-6289 for a quote.
Arrives fast. Fixes it right. Priced fair.
Plumbing problems don't wait, and neither do we, so we keep a full crew available for the everyday repairs and larger projects that West Des Moines properties need year-round. Whether you own a single-family home, manage a rental portfolio, or run a commercial property, the services below cover the work we handle regularly.
A slow drain or a backed-up main line is more than an inconvenience. Left alone, it backs up into the home and causes real damage. We clear clogs in kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, floor drains, and main sewer lines using the right tools for the job, including hydro jetting for stubborn buildup or grease accumulation deep in the line. If you are dealing with a recurring sewer backup or a drain that clogs every few months, we find the cause and fix it, not just push it down the line.
Our plumbers know the homes and pipes in this area, and tracking down a hidden leak takes more than a visual inspection. We use pressure testing and detection equipment to locate water line leaks behind walls, under slabs, and underground. Once we find it, we repair it correctly. That includes burst pipe repair, slab leak detection and repair, and underground water line work. Catching a leak early keeps water damage from turning a small repair into a large one. We're one phone call from getting your plumbing right.
No hot water is one of the fastest calls we get. We service and replace both tank and tankless water heaters, and we carry parts for the most common units in the area. If your water heater is failing, making noise, or simply not keeping up with demand, we diagnose the problem and give you a clear answer: repair or replace, and what each costs. Tankless water heater installation is also something we handle for homeowners looking to upgrade.
A running toilet can waste thousands of gallons a month. A dripping faucet adds up on your water bill and usually signals a worn part that is easy to fix. We repair and replace toilets, faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures throughout the home. We also handle full fixture installation for remodels and bathroom or kitchen upgrades, including supply line connections and shutoff valve replacement. We back every job with a workmanship guarantee on every plumbing job.
Plumbing a home right takes the right tools and a licensed hand, and that applies even to the smaller jobs. We install and repair garbage disposals, diagnose low water pressure problems, and replace shutoff valves that have corroded or stopped seating properly. Low water pressure is often a symptom of a larger issue, and we trace it to the source rather than treating it as a cosmetic problem.
Older homes in the area sometimes carry galvanized or polybutylene pipe that has reached the end of its useful life. We handle whole-home repiping, replacing aging pipe with modern materials that meet current code. We also work on gas lines that serve water heaters and kitchen appliances, including new gas line installation for appliance additions and repair of existing lines. Give us a call and we'll get the water sorted.
Iowa's four-season climate and the mix of housing stock across Polk County create a predictable set of plumbing needs that we see every season. The services below come up regularly in this area, and we have built real experience handling each of them.
Spring thaw and heavy rainfall push groundwater into low-lying areas throughout the Des Moines metro. Many basements in West Des Moines depend on a working sump pump to stay dry, and a pump that fails during a storm can mean a flooded basement within hours. We install, replace, and service sump pumps, including battery backup units for homes that lose power during severe weather. If your basement has taken on water or your current pump is aging, this is worth addressing before the next storm season.
Mature neighborhoods across Polk County carry large trees whose roots travel toward moisture in the soil, which means they find their way into clay and older cast-iron sewer lines. Root intrusion is one of the more common causes of slow drains and sewer backups we see in established neighborhoods. We clear root intrusion using hydro jetting and mechanical cutting, and we inspect the line to determine whether a repair or trenchless sewer replacement is the better long-term answer. Catching it before a full blockage saves a lot of cleanup.
Water hardness in the Des Moines metro is moderate, but enough to leave scale inside pipes, water heaters, and fixtures over time. Scale buildup shortens the life of a water heater, reduces flow through fixtures, and shows up as buildup on faucets and showerheads. A properly sized water softener protects the whole plumbing system and extends the life of appliances connected to it. We size, install, and connect softeners to the home's water supply so the whole system benefits.
Pick the date. We do the plumbing. We clean up after.
Keeping a home dry starts with the pipes behind the walls, and that applies whether you own the home or manage it for someone else. For homeowners, we handle everyday repairs, kitchen and bathroom remodels, and plumbing upgrades from start to finish. For landlords and property managers, we work around tenant schedules, provide clear documentation of the work completed, and do the job right the first time so it passes inspection and does not come back as a callback. We protect your floors and finishes while we work, which matters especially in occupied units and finished spaces.
For commercial clients, including office buildings, apartment complexes, multi-family properties, and new construction projects, we offer plumbing rough-in, fixture installation, water heater service, and ongoing repair. Our work travels by word of mouth here, so we earn it every visit. Call (515) 561-6289 to talk through what your property needs. Call and we'll get the water running right.
Here's what most people get wrong about their plumbing: they wait too long because they are worried about cost surprises. We quote the work before we start it. No hidden fees, no add-ons after the fact. You know what you are paying before a single tool comes out of the truck. For scheduling, we offer same-day availability for urgent situations, after-hours appointments, and weekend service for jobs that cannot wait until Monday. Whether it is a slow drain on a Tuesday afternoon or a burst pipe at midnight, we are reachable and ready to respond.
We are based in West Des Moines and serve properties throughout the surrounding area, including Clive, Waukee, Urbandale, Windsor Heights, Ankeny, Johnston, Grimes, and Norwalk. If you are in Polk County or a neighboring community and need a plumber who knows the area, we are the crew to call. Affordable rates. Flexible timing. Sound pipes.
We assess your basement, the size of the drainage area, and the typical water volume your lot handles during heavy Iowa rainfall before recommending a unit. A properly sized sump pump handles the peak demand of your specific situation, not just an average load. We install the pump, connect the discharge line, and test the system before we leave. For homes that lose power during storms, we can also install a battery backup unit.
We use mechanical cutting and hydro jetting to remove root intrusion from the line. After clearing, we inspect the pipe to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether a repair or trenchless sewer replacement is the better long-term answer. Roots can return if the underlying crack or gap in the pipe is not addressed, which is why we look at the condition of the line itself, not just the blockage.
We size the softener to the home's water usage and hardness level, connect it to the main supply line, and set it up so the whole plumbing system benefits. The installation includes supply and drain connections and a check to make sure the unit is operating correctly before we leave. A properly installed softener protects pipes, fixtures, and water heaters from the scale buildup that is common with Iowa water.
A patch can hold on a pipe that is otherwise in good condition and where the failure was isolated. If the surrounding pipe material is corroded, aging, or showing other weak spots, a patch is a short-term fix that delays a larger problem. We look at the condition of the pipe around the repair before recommending an approach, and we will tell you honestly which situation you are in.
Yes. Work is performed by licensed plumbers who understand Iowa plumbing code and apply it on every job. This matters especially on older homes where existing systems may not meet current standards, and on any project that requires a permit and inspection.
A straightforward repair, like a faucet replacement, a toilet repair, or a simple drain clearing, usually takes one to two hours. Larger jobs like slab leak repair, water heater replacement, or a section of repiping take longer and depend on the specific conditions we find on site. We give you a realistic time estimate when we quote the job so you can plan accordingly.
We check the heating elements or burner, the thermostat setting, the anode rod, the pressure relief valve, and the condition of the tank or heat exchanger. On tankless units, we look at the heat exchanger, the flow sensor, and the error codes the unit is throwing. If a part is failing, we tell you what it is and what replacing it costs before we do anything.
The most common causes are a failing heating element, sediment buildup inside the tank reducing its effective capacity, or a thermostat that has drifted out of calibration. On a tankless unit, scale buildup on the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and output. In some cases, the unit has simply reached the end of its useful life and replacement is the better investment.
Water stains on ceilings or walls, a mildew smell in rooms without obvious moisture sources, soft or warped flooring, and a water bill that has climbed without a change in usage are all signs worth investigating. Hidden leaks can run for weeks before they become visible. We use pressure testing and detection equipment to locate the source without tearing up more of your home than necessary.
A persistent sewer smell typically points to a dry or damaged trap, a cracked vent pipe, or a problem deeper in the drain line. A trap that has dried out lets sewer gas back into the living space. A cracked or disconnected vent allows gas to escape inside the walls. We trace the source of the odor rather than masking it, because the underlying cause matters for both comfort and safety.
Whole-home pressure loss can indicate a partially closed main shutoff valve, a failing pressure regulator, a leak somewhere in the supply system, or significant scale buildup inside older pipes. Low pressure at a single fixture usually points to a clogged aerator or a supply valve that is not fully open. We diagnose the actual cause rather than treating it as a cosmetic issue.
If the home has galvanized steel or polybutylene pipe throughout, or if leaks are appearing in multiple locations across the system, a full repipe is usually the more cost-effective answer over time. A partial replacement makes sense when the problem is confined to one section and the rest of the pipe is in acceptable condition. We assess the existing system before recommending one approach over the other.
Galvanized steel corrodes from the inside over time, reducing flow and eventually failing at fittings. Polybutylene is prone to cracking, particularly at connections, and was the subject of widespread failure in homes built between the 1970s and mid-1990s. Both materials are candidates for replacement, and we can assess the condition of your existing pipe and walk you through the options.
DDS Plumbing is ready for your repair, installation, or emergency call. We handle the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work across West Des Moines and the surrounding communities, and we have been doing it since 2014. Call (515) 561-6289 for a quote or to schedule service. We will tell you what the job involves and what it costs before we start. Arrives fast. Fixes it right. Priced fair.
From a clogged drain on a weekday morning to a burst pipe at midnight, we cover the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work across West Des Moines and the surrounding Polk County area. The table below breaks down each service we offer, what it covers, and what you can expect when you call. If you have a question about your specific situation, the fastest answer is a phone call.
| Plumbing Service | What It Covers | Typical Situations | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sewer and Main Line Service | main line cleaning and clearing, sewer backup response, trenchless repair options, full sewer line replacement | Properties where multiple drains are slow or backed up at once, or where sewer odors are present | When every drain in the house slows at once, the problem is almost always in the main line, not the individual fixtures |
| Emergency Plumbing | burst pipe response, major leak and flooding, complete loss of hot water, after-hours and weekend availability | Any situation that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment | We keep emergency slots open around the clock; when you call, you reach a local person who can dispatch a plumber to your address |
| Faucet and Fixture Installation | kitchen and bathroom faucets, shower and tub fixtures, fixture upgrades and replacements, drip and leak repair | Anyone replacing aging fixtures or dealing with a persistent drip that will not stop | We protect floors and finishes during installation so the space looks the same when we leave, minus the problem |
| Tree-Root Sewer Line Service | root cutting and hydro jetting, post-clearing pipe inspection, section repair or replacement, root intrusion assessment | Older West Des Moines neighborhoods with mature trees and aging clay or cast-iron sewer lines | Catching root intrusion early avoids a full line collapse later; Polk County's older housing stock sees this regularly |
| Garbage Disposal Service | disposal repair and reset, full unit replacement, jam clearing, drain connection check | Kitchens where the disposal hums but will not turn, or has stopped working entirely | Most disposal problems are mechanical, not electrical; a service call usually resolves the issue in a single visit |
| Leak Detection and Repair | hidden pipe leak location, water line repair and replacement, burst pipe response, supply line repair | Homeowners seeing unexplained water stains, high water bills, or damp spots | Early detection prevents structural damage; we locate the source before opening walls unnecessarily |
| Whole-Home Repiping | copper and PEX repiping, galvanized pipe replacement, problem-section replacement, system assessment before work begins | Older homes with galvanized pipe, recurring leaks in multiple locations, or persistent corrosion at fittings | We walk you through the options and scope before any work begins; repiping is a planned job, not a rushed one |
| Water Pressure and Shutoff Valve Repair | low pressure diagnosis, pressure regulator service, shutoff valve replacement, main water shutoff service | Homes with consistently weak pressure or valves that no longer close fully | Persistent low pressure throughout the home often points to a regulator or supply line issue, not just a single fixture |
| Toilet Repair and Installation | running and leaking toilets, non-flushing and clogged units, full toilet replacement, wax ring and supply line work | Homeowners dealing with a toilet that wastes water, leaks at the base, or will not flush reliably | A running toilet can waste several hundred gallons a month; a repair call usually pays for itself quickly |
| Water Softener Installation | whole-home softener installation, main supply line tie-in, system setup and calibration, protection for fixtures and water heater | West Des Moines homes dealing with hard water scale on fixtures, aerators, and inside water heater tanks | Iowa water runs hard; a softener extends the life of fixtures and water heaters and improves flow over time |
| Drain Cleaning and Clog Removal | slow and stopped drains, kitchen and bathroom blockages, hydro jetting for deep buildup, floor drain clearing | Any home or business dealing with a backed-up or sluggish drain | Hydro jetting clears grease and scale that a snake only punches through; worth asking about for recurring clogs |
| Sump Pump Installation | new sump pump installation, pit setup for unprepared basements, pump replacement, sizing for lot and drainage demands | Homeowners preparing for Iowa's spring storm season or replacing a pump that has already failed | A properly sized pump matters as much as the unit itself; we size to your basement and lot, not a generic spec |
| Water Heater Repair and ReplacementMost Popular | tank and tankless units, residential and commercial capacity, same-day no-hot-water response, honest repair vs. replace assessment | Any household or business that has lost hot water or has an aging, underperforming unit | A water heater past ten years old is often more cost-effective to replace than repair; we give you a straight answer either way |
| Slab Leak Detection and Repair | under-slab leak location, targeted slab access, pipe repair or reroute, post-repair inspection | Homes built on a concrete slab where a leak is suspected beneath the foundation | Accurate location work limits how much concrete needs to be opened; we use diagnostic tools before any cutting begins |
How do I know if my water heater needs to be replaced or just repaired?
Age is the first thing we look at. A tank water heater past ten years old that is losing efficiency, producing rusty water, or making rumbling sounds is usually a better candidate for replacement than repair. A younger unit with a failed element or a faulty thermostat is often worth fixing. When we come out, we give you an honest assessment of both options and what each costs, so you can make the call.
What causes drains to back up, and is the problem in the fixture or the main line?
A single slow drain is almost always a localized clog in that fixture's drain line. When multiple drains in the house slow or back up at the same time, the problem is usually in the main sewer line. Grease, soap buildup, hair, and debris are the most common causes in individual lines. In the main line, root intrusion and accumulated scale are the usual culprits, especially in older Polk County homes with clay or cast-iron pipe.
How does hydro jetting differ from snaking a drain?
A drain snake punches a hole through a clog and clears enough for water to flow, but it leaves residue on the pipe walls. Hydro jetting uses pressurized water to scour the interior of the pipe clean, removing grease, scale, and root fragments rather than just pushing past them. For recurring clogs or lines with significant buildup, hydro jetting produces a more lasting result.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
We keep same-day slots open and take emergency calls around the clock. When you call about an urgent situation, you reach a local person who can dispatch a plumber to your address.
How do tree roots damage a sewer line, and what are the warning signs?
Roots follow moisture, and even a hairline crack in an aging sewer line is enough of an opening. Once inside, roots grow and branch until they restrict or completely block the line. Warning signs include slow drains in multiple fixtures, gurgling sounds from toilets, sewage odors near floor drains, and recurring backups that clear temporarily but keep coming back. The older the neighborhood and the larger the trees, the more common this becomes.
What are the signs that I might need whole-home repiping?
Homes with galvanized steel pipe are the most common candidates, especially if the pipe is more than forty years old. Signs include recurring leaks in different locations, discolored water at multiple fixtures, visible corrosion at fittings, and low pressure throughout the house that no single repair has fixed. We assess the existing system before recommending a repipe and walk you through the scope and cost before any work begins.
What causes low water pressure, and when should I call a plumber?
Low pressure at one fixture usually points to a clogged aerator or a problem with that fixture's supply valve. Low pressure throughout the whole home points to something further upstream, such as a failing pressure regulator, a partially closed main shutoff, or scale buildup inside older pipes. If the problem is house-wide and adjusting valves does not help, it is worth a call. We diagnose the cause before recommending any repair.
Workmanship We Stand Behind
We back every repair with a workmanship guarantee. If something we fixed gives you trouble, we come back and make it right.
Do I need to be home when the plumber comes?
For most jobs, yes. We need access to the affected area and, in many cases, to the main shutoff or the water heater. Someone over eighteen should be present so we can walk through what we found and get sign-off before starting work. If your situation is unusual, such as a rental property where you cannot be there, call us and we will figure out what access we need and how to coordinate.
How do you find a hidden or slab leak without tearing everything apart?
We use diagnostic methods to narrow down the location before opening anything. For slab leaks, that means pressure testing and listening equipment to locate the source beneath the concrete. The goal is to limit how much material we need to access. Once we know where the leak is, we explain what the repair involves and what it will cost before we start.
Work Performed by Licensed Plumbers
Every job, from a faucet swap to a whole-home repipe, is handled by licensed plumbers who know Iowa code and do the work correctly the first time.
What should I do right now if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water supply to the home immediately. The main shutoff is typically near the water meter or where the supply line enters the house. If the water is near electrical panels or outlets, stay clear of those areas. Once the water is off, call us and describe what you are seeing. We treat burst pipe calls as emergencies and get a plumber moving toward your address as quickly as possible.
How do I know if my sump pump is failing before my basement floods?
Common signs include the pump running constantly, making unusual grinding or rattling sounds, or failing to kick on during a heavy rain when it should. A pump that is more than seven to ten years old is worth inspecting before Iowa's spring storm season, since that is when it will be asked to work hardest. We install and replace sump pumps and size the unit to the drainage demands of your specific basement and lot.
How do your estimates and pricing work?
We assess the situation on site, explain what we found, and give you a clear price before any work begins. Nothing gets added to the bill without your knowledge. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any plumbing job, and that applies to emergency calls the same as scheduled appointments. If the scope changes once we are into the job, we tell you before we proceed.
If you are not sure which service fits your situation, call us and describe what you are seeing; we will help you figure out the right next step.
(515) 561-6289