Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of the same questions before people call. Here are the honest answers. If you don't see what you're looking for, just pick up the phone.
DC Licensed · Bonded & Insured · 6 Years · 1,000+ Jobs
Pricing & Cost Questions
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in DC or Bethesda?
Every bathroom is different, so I can't give you a number without seeing yours first. A straightforward tub-to-shower conversion is a very different job than gutting a full master bath down to the studs. What I can tell you is that I'll walk you through exactly what your project will cost before any work starts. No surprises, no hidden fees. I itemize everything so you know what you're paying for and why. Call me and I'll come take a look — the estimate costs you nothing.
Do you give free estimates before starting work?
Yes. I come out, look at the job, and tell you what I think it'll take and what it'll cost. If you want to move forward, great. If not, no pressure. I've been doing this for six years and I'd rather earn your trust on the front end than chase you on the back end. You'll know the price before I pick up a wrench.
Will I get surprise charges I didn't expect?
Not from me. The price I quote is the price you pay, unless we open a wall and find something genuinely unexpected — like galvanized pipes that have corroded through, which happens in a lot of older homes in Northwest DC. If that happens, I stop, show you what I found, and we talk about it before I do anything else. You're never going to get a bill that doesn't match what we agreed on.
How much does drain cleaning typically cost?
A standard drain cleaning for a kitchen or bathroom drain is a straightforward job. Pricing depends on what's causing the clog and how deep it goes. A simple snake job is one thing. If roots have gotten into your sewer line and you need hydro jetting, that's a bigger scope. I'll tell you what I'm seeing and what it'll cost before I do the work.
Scheduling & Availability
How quickly can you come out?
For most jobs, I can get to you within a day or two. For emergencies — a burst pipe, a major leak, no hot water in January — I'll get there as fast as I can. I answer my phone starting at 7 AM and I'm still picking up at 9 PM. When you call, you get me. Not an answering service, not a callback in two days.
What happens when you show up for a service call?
I show up on time, take a look at the problem, and tell you what I found and what it'll cost to fix. We go from there. I'm not going to pressure you into anything. If a repair will do the job, I'll tell you that. If something needs replacing, I'll explain why so you can make the call. No surprises, no sales pitch.
Do you work on weekends?
I'm available Saturday mornings from 8 AM to 2 PM for scheduled work. Sundays I'm closed for regular appointments, but if you've got a real emergency — water pouring through your ceiling, a gas smell, a sewer backup — call me anytime. That's what emergency service is for.
Bathroom Remodeling Questions
Do you handle the full remodel or just the plumbing?
I handle the full plumbing scope — moving pipes, installing fixtures, shower and tub work, valve replacement, everything water touches. For tile, flooring, and finish work, I partner with Capitol Tile Designs, a crew I've worked with for years and trust completely. You deal with me. I coordinate with them so you don't have to manage multiple contractors.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
It depends on the scope. A fixture swap — new toilet, new vanity, new faucet — might be a day or two. A full gut-and-rebuild with plumbing relocation, new tile, and a custom shower can take two to three weeks. I'll give you a realistic timeline before we start, and I'll keep you posted if anything changes. Your family won't be without a working bathroom any longer than necessary.
Can I see examples of your bathroom remodel work?
Absolutely. Head over to my project gallery — those are real jobs I've done in homes across Bethesda and Northwest DC. Every photo is my work, start to finish. No stock images, no borrowed portfolios. What you see is what I do.
Drain Cleaning & Water Heater Questions
Will you push a water heater replacement when a repair would fix it?
No. I'll always tell you if a repair will do the job. I'm not going to push a replacement if it's not needed — that's not how I want to run my business. If your water heater is 15 years old and the tank is corroding, I'll be honest about that too. But I'll show you exactly what I'm seeing so you can make an informed decision, not a pressured one.
What should I do if I have no hot water?
First, check your pilot light if you have a gas unit, or your breaker panel if it's electric. Sometimes it's that simple. If that doesn't fix it, call me. No hot water is one of those problems that gets worse the longer you wait — a leaking tank can cause real water damage. I can usually get to water heater calls the same day.
Is a sewer camera inspection going to show me a real problem, or is the diagnosis going to be exaggerated?
I hear this one a lot, and I get it. Some companies use the camera to sell you a bigger job than you need. Here's how I do it: I run the camera, and you watch the screen with me. I'll point out exactly what I'm seeing — roots, cracks, bellies in the line — and explain what actually needs fixing versus what can wait. You see what I see. No mystery, no pressure.
Licensing, Insurance & Trust
Are you licensed to work in both DC and Maryland?
Yes. I'm a DC licensed plumber, bonded, and fully insured. I work throughout Washington, DC and in Bethesda and Chevy Chase in Maryland. I've done over a thousand jobs in this area over six years. My license number is on every page of this site and I'm happy to verify it for you before any work begins.
Is this a one-person operation or do you have a crew?
It's me. When you call Mike's Plumbing & Drain Services, you get Mike. I answer the phone, I show up, I do the work. For bathroom remodels, I bring in trusted partners for tile and finish work, but the plumbing is always mine. You're never going to get a stranger showing up that you didn't expect.
How do I know you'll actually fix the problem and not just patch it?
I've built this business on doing things right the first time. I have 43 Google reviews and I'm highly recommended on Nextdoor in Bethesda and Chevy Chase — that doesn't happen by cutting corners. I'd rather spend an extra thirty minutes getting it right than get a callback in two weeks. Check my project gallery and my about page if you want to see who you're hiring.
Service Area Questions
What areas do you serve?
I work throughout Northwest DC — Tenleytown, Cleveland Park, Friendship Heights, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill — and in Bethesda and Chevy Chase in Maryland. I keep my territory tight on purpose so I can get to you fast and know the homes in the area. A lot of these neighborhoods have older homes with galvanized pipes and plumbing that needs someone who understands what's behind the walls. Check my full service area list for details.
Do you offer emergency plumbing in all your service areas?
Yes. If you're in my service area and you've got a burst pipe, a sewer backup, or a gas water heater that's leaking, call me — (202) 555-0147. I answer the phone starting at 7 AM and I'm available until 9 PM most days. For real emergencies, call anytime.
Not sure if you cover my neighborhood?
Just call and ask. If I can help, I will. If your area is outside my usual territory, I'll tell you straight and try to point you toward someone I trust. I'd rather be honest about my range than spread myself too thin and make you wait. Call or text me at (202) 555-0147.