The most common call we get from Iowa City is a drain that has stopped moving. It might be a single backed-up sink, a floor drain that is overwhelmed, or a main line that is pushing water back into the house. Joe Miller Plumbing & Heating handles that call every day, along with the full range of plumbing repair and installation that homes, rental units, and commercial properties in this city generate. Licensed plumbers handle every job, and we are open every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Iowa City's housing stock runs the range from older properties with decades of pipe history to newer construction where the fixtures are fine but the supply or drain layout needs attention. Landlords managing student rentals, property managers coordinating across multiple units, and homeowners dealing with something that quit without warning all reach us for the same reason: the work gets done right, the price is explained before anything is scheduled, and we do not leave until the fix has been confirmed.
Some plumbing calls can be scheduled at a convenient time. A running toilet, a slow shower drain, a faucet that needs a new cartridge. Those are real problems worth fixing, but they give you a day or two to plan. A burst pipe, a sewer backup, or a water heater that has stopped producing hot water entirely does not.
We are available every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and same-day service is often available for urgent calls in Iowa City and the surrounding area. When you call, we ask a few questions about what you are seeing so the plumber arrives with the right parts and a clear picture of the situation. For rental properties and businesses that need to stay operational, we work around the schedule as much as possible. You get clear communication from the first call to the final test, so you are not left waiting and wondering.
We pick up the phone and get it handled. Call (319) 451-4595 and we will confirm availability and get you on the schedule.
Low water pressure is one of those problems that gets ignored until it becomes impossible to ignore. A shower that barely rinses, a faucet that takes twice as long to fill a pot, pressure that varies from room to room without any obvious reason. Each of those patterns points to something different, and finding the right answer starts with a proper diagnosis.
Pressure that is low throughout the whole property often comes from a partially closed main shutoff, a failing pressure regulator, or a supply line that has narrowed over time from mineral scale or corrosion. Galvanized steel pipe, which shows up in older Iowa City homes, is a frequent culprit. As it corrodes from the inside, flow drops steadily until the pipe needs to be replaced rather than repaired.
Pressure that is uneven, strong at one fixture and weak at another, usually points to a localized problem. A shutoff valve that was not fully reopened after a repair, a clogged aerator, or a section of supply line with its own issue. We run through the diagnostics, find the cause, and fix it. Shutoff valve replacement and pressure regulator service are straightforward jobs that make a real difference in how the plumbing performs day to day.
No matter what's going wrong with your pipes, the job that follows is shaped by the situation that caused it. A fault found during a routine inspection looks nothing like a burst pipe at 8 AM on a Monday. Understanding which kind of call you are dealing with is what lets us arrive prepared.
A leak that appears behind a wall, a drain that backs up without a clear cause, a water heater that is producing warm water instead of hot. These calls start with a diagnosis. We locate the problem before we recommend a fix, and we explain what we found in plain terms before any work begins. For hidden leaks, that often means running a camera through the line or using other detection methods to pinpoint the source without unnecessary demolition. Slab leak detection falls into this category. When a leak is suspected below the foundation, we confirm exactly where it is before opening anything up.
A fixture that has reached the end of its useful life, a water heater that is aging out, a section of pipe that has been repaired too many times. Replacement work is planned, which means you have time to ask questions and understand your options before the job starts. We carry the common sizes and parts for water heater replacements, including tankless units for households that want to move away from a tank system. For pipe replacement, the scope depends on how much of the system is affected. A single corroded section is a targeted repair. A whole-home repipe is a larger project that we plan and execute in stages.
A bathroom remodel, a kitchen reconfiguration, a new fixture going into an existing rough-in. Planned installation work is where good coordination matters most. We confirm the scope, the supply and drain connections required, and the timeline before the job starts. If permits are involved, we talk through what applies at your address before anything is scheduled. The service page carries the full breakdown of what each installation type involves.
Affordable rates. Flexible timing. Sound pipes.
the plumbing services page goes into what to expect step by step.
Your time matters, so we keep the plumbing job moving, starting with a clear price before anything is scheduled. When you call, we ask about the situation and give you the rate on the phone. You know what the job covers before a plumber shows up at your door.
What changes a quote is what the job turns out to involve once the plumber is on site. A drain cleaning that reveals a cracked line underneath it is a different scope than a simple clog. A water heater replacement where the existing connections need to be reconfigured takes more time than a straight swap. If the plumber finds something that changes the scope, we stop and walk you through what changed and what it will cost before proceeding.
No-pressure estimates, priced up front, are how every job starts. You are always in the loop before any new work begins.
We plumb homes and businesses every day, and we're good at it. The jobs below come up regularly across Iowa City's mix of older homes, rental properties, and commercial spaces. Each one has its own requirements, and each one gets the same straightforward approach.
A new shower or tub installation involves more than setting the fixture. Supply lines, drain connections, valve placement, and waterproofing all have to be right before the wall or tile goes back up. We handle the plumbing side of bathroom remodels and new installations, and we confirm every connection before the fixture is considered done.
A sink swap in a kitchen or bathroom is a common job that goes sideways when the drain alignment or supply connections are not handled carefully. We set the fixture, connect the supply lines, and check the drain for leaks under normal use before we leave. Vanity replacements often involve updating the shutoffs at the same time, which is worth doing while the wall is accessible.
No hot water is one of the fastest ways to disrupt a household or a rental unit. We repair and replace both tank and tankless water heaters. If the unit can be repaired, we tell you that. If replacement makes more sense given the age and condition, we explain why. Tankless water heater installation is an option for properties where the demand profile and the gas or electrical supply support it.
A slab leak is a supply line failure that occurs below the concrete foundation. The signs are often indirect: unexplained increases in the water bill, warm spots on the floor, or moisture appearing where it should not. We locate the leak using detection methods that minimize disruption to the slab, confirm the source, and repair or reroute the affected line. The goal is to fix the problem with as little unnecessary opening-up as possible.
When a drain or sewer line is behaving in a way that cannot be explained from above, a camera inspection gives us a direct view of what is happening inside the pipe. Root intrusion, pipe collapse, joint offsets, and heavy buildup all show up clearly. In Iowa City's older neighborhoods, where mature trees and aging pipe runs are both common, camera inspection is often the fastest way to know whether a line needs clearing, repair, or replacement. We explain what the camera shows before recommending any work.
Call and we'll handle the leaks, drains, and fixtures.
We serve Iowa City and the communities around it throughout Johnson County. That includes University Heights, Coralville, Hills, Tiffin, and North Liberty. If you are in the area and need a plumber, we can get someone out to your property.
The work covers the full range of property types found across this part of the county. Single-family homes, older multi-unit buildings, student rentals, commercial spaces, and mixed-use properties all call us for the same core services. Landlords and property managers handling multiple units can reach us at the same number and get the same straightforward process: a price before the work starts, a licensed plumber on the job, and documentation of what was done.
Built for homeowners. Ready for property managers. Ready for your pipes.
We can work on it. We assess the existing installation, identify what the problem is, and repair or bring it up to a workable standard. If the previous work has a code issue that affects how we proceed, we will explain that on the visit before doing anything.
A drain odor usually points to a dry trap, a buildup of organic matter in the line, or a venting issue that is allowing sewer gas to enter the space. Running water into a seldom-used drain often resolves a dry trap on its own. If the smell persists or comes from multiple drains, call us and we will diagnose what is causing it.
We can discuss that on the call. In some cases customer-supplied parts work fine, and in others the fit or quality creates complications that affect how the job holds up. Tell us what you have when you call and we will let you know whether it makes sense for the repair you need.
If you notice unexplained increases in your water bill, warm or damp spots on the floor, or water appearing near the foundation without a clear source, call us and describe what you are seeing. We will ask a few questions over the phone to assess the situation and get a licensed plumber out to run a proper diagnosis. Slab leaks are best caught early, before the moisture has time to affect the foundation or the surrounding structure.
Yes. Landlords and property managers with multiple units call us regularly, and we can coordinate service across properties. Call us and we will talk through how to handle scheduling and communication for your portfolio.
It depends on the scope of the work and current scheduling. A whole-home repipe takes more coordination than a single fixture swap and benefits from a few days of lead time so we can plan the sequence and confirm access. Call us with the details and we will give you a realistic timeline.
Yes, and it is worth calling sooner rather than later. A slow leak that has been present for a long time has often caused more damage to surrounding material than it appears to from the outside. We will assess what is there, tell you what we find, and let you decide how to proceed.
Yes, we work regularly in rental properties of all sizes, including multi-unit buildings where repairs need to be coordinated around tenants. When you call, let us know the property type and any access considerations, and we will plan the visit accordingly. Landlords and property managers can reach us at the same number as any other caller.
In some situations a temporary measure can stop active damage while you weigh your options on a bigger job. We will tell you honestly what a temporary fix can and cannot do, how long it is likely to hold, and what the fuller repair involves so you can make an informed decision.
We are open every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, including weekends, and same-day appointments are often available for Iowa City calls. Availability depends on the schedule at the time you call, so the fastest way to find out is to call (319) 451-4595 and we will check what we can get to you.
Slab construction changes how we access certain pipes, particularly supply lines and drains that run beneath the foundation. Slab leak detection and repair requires locating the line precisely before any concrete is disturbed. We handle slab work as part of our regular service and will explain the access method before anything is opened up.
Yes, adding an outdoor faucet is a straightforward plumbing installation. We run a supply line from an interior pipe, install the faucet through the exterior wall, and fit a shutoff valve inside so the line can be isolated in cold weather. Call for a quote and we will confirm what the job involves at your property.
Joe Miller Plumbing & Heating is available every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM for Iowa City and the surrounding Johnson County area. Whether you are dealing with a drain that backed up this morning or planning a bathroom fixture replacement next week, the next step is a single phone call and a few questions about what you need.
Call (319) 451-4595 and we will confirm availability, walk through the situation, and give you the price before anything is scheduled.
Other towns in range: Coralville, Tiffin, North Liberty, Solon. Everywhere else we go is in our list of areas.
From a dripping faucet to a sewer line that won't move water, we handle the full range of plumbing repair and installation for homes and businesses across Iowa City and Johnson County. The table below covers what each service includes, who it is right for, and a practical note to help you plan. Call for a quote and we will walk you through what the job involves before anything is scheduled.
| Type of Job | What's Included | When to Call | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drain Cleaning & Clog Removal | Snaking and hydro jetting, Main line clearing, Emergency drain service, Post-clearing flow check | Homeowners with slow or backed-up drains | Hydro jetting scours the pipe wall and handles buildup that a standard snake cannot reach. |
| Toilet Repair & Installation | Flapper and fill valve repair, Full toilet replacement, Running or leaking toilet fix, Wax ring and supply line work | Homeowners with a running, leaking, or non-flushing toilet | A running toilet can waste a significant amount of water each month before most homeowners trace the source. |
| Sewer & Main Line Service | Camera inspection, Main line clearing, Line repair and replacement, Trenchless options where applicable | Properties with recurring backups or slow drains throughout the house | A camera inspection confirms the problem before any digging or repair work begins. |
| Emergency Plumbing | Burst pipe response, Major leak containment, Sewer backup service, No-hot-water calls | Any situation that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment | We are available every day from 7 AM to 10 PM and take emergency calls during those hours. |
| Whole-Home Repiping | Galvanized steel pipe replacement, Copper or PEX installation, Pressure and flow restoration, Full supply line work | Older homes with corroding pipes, persistent low pressure, or recurring leaks | Galvanized pipe narrows from the inside over time. Repiping restores full flow and removes the source of rust-tinged water. |
| Faucet & Fixture Installation | Kitchen and bathroom faucets, Shower valve and showerhead repair, Bathtub drain repair, Outdoor faucet and hose bib service | Homeowners replacing worn fixtures or stopping a drip | Worn cartridges and valve seats are the most common cause of a dripping faucet and are usually straightforward to replace. |
| Garbage Disposal Service | Disposal diagnosis, Reset and repair, Full unit replacement, Drain connection check | Kitchens with a seized, tripped, or unresponsive disposal | We check the drain line below the sink as part of the same visit to make sure the connection is clear. |
| Leak Detection & Repair | Video pipe inspection, Supply and drain line repair, Burst pipe response, Wall and under-slab tracing | Any property with unexplained water loss or rising water bills | We locate the source before opening anything up, which limits unnecessary disruption to walls and floors. |
| Water Heater Repair & Replacement | Tank and tankless units, Same-visit diagnosis, Code-compliant installation, Repair or replace guidance | Households or businesses with no hot water or an aging unit | We stock common tank sizes so most replacements are completed in a single visit. |
| Tree-Root Sewer Line Service | Camera inspection for root intrusion, Root clearing, Pipe condition assessment, Trenchless repair or replacement | Older Iowa City neighborhoods with mature trees near sewer lines | Clay and cast-iron lines common in established neighborhoods are especially vulnerable to root infiltration at joint gaps. |
| Water Pressure & Shutoff Valve Repair | Pressure regulator diagnosis, Fixture and main shutoff replacement, Mineral buildup clearing, Full pressure diagnostics | Homes with noticeably low or uneven water pressure | A failing pressure regulator is a common cause of house-wide low pressure and is a straightforward replacement. |
| Slab Leak Detection & Repair | Under-slab leak location, Non-invasive detection methods, Repair scope walkthrough, Supply line repair or reroute | Homeowners with unexplained wet floors, high water bills, or hot spots on a concrete slab | We confirm the location and explain the repair options before any concrete is touched. |
| Water Softener Installation | Whole-home softener hookup, Bypass valve installation, Under-sink filtration option, System performance check | Iowa City area homes dealing with hard water from the regional limestone aquifer | Hard water shortens water heater life and leaves scale on fixtures. A softener protects the plumbing downstream from day one. |
| Sump Pump Installation | New pump installation, Failed unit replacement, Existing system service, Emergency pump calls | Iowa City and Johnson County homeowners with basements at risk of spring flooding | Iowa's wet springs put real demand on sump systems. A pump that is struggling before the heavy season is a risk worth addressing early. |
Call (319) 451-4595 and we will go through the details with you, confirm what the job involves, and give you the price before anything is scheduled.
(319) 451-4595