Now showing . Phone number, services and service areas are updated to your local crew. Phone, services & service area updated
Find your local crew
Pick a branch and we’ll show the right phone number, services and service area across the whole site. You can change it anytime from the top bar.
Phone, services and service area update to match.
OUR SERVICES
Straightforward repair-or-replace guidance and full-service water heater solutions for homeowners across Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri. Tank and tankless systems handled by licensed plumbing professionals.
OVERVIEW
Losing hot water is one of those problems that disrupts everything at once - especially during colder months. Whether the issue is sudden or has been building over time, the real question most homeowners face isn’t just how to fix it, but whether it’s worth fixing at all.
Clog Busters approaches every call with that decision in mind. Before any work is recommended, you get a clear explanation of whether repair or replacement makes more sense based on your system’s condition. Led by owner Jarod Smith, the team provides licensed plumbing service from local branches in Des Moines, North Liberty, and Oskaloosa, Iowa; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.
All work is performed to the plumbing codes adopted in each state and community we serve.
REPAIR VS. REPLACEMENT
These are the most common signs homeowners tell us about before calling a plumber.
If your unit is relatively recent and the issue is tied to a specific component - like a heating element or thermostat - repair is often the most practical route. These parts can fail independently, and replacing them can restore performance without the cost of a full system upgrade.
Older systems nearing or past their expected lifespan tend to become less reliable. If leaks originate from the tank itself or repairs have become frequent, investing in a new unit usually provides better long-term value than continuing to patch an aging system.
A useful way to evaluate the decision is by comparing what you’re paying per year of remaining service. A repair that extends a system briefly can end up costing nearly as much annually as a new unit under warranty. Walking through that comparison helps put the decision into perspective.
Every service starts with an honest assessment. The goal is not to steer you toward a higher-cost option, but to recommend what makes sense for your situation over the next several years. If repair is the right move, that’s what you’ll hear.
WATER HEATER SERVICES
Licensed, insured work protects your home, your warranty, and your wallet.
Targeted repairs address specific failing components such as thermostats, elements, valves, and internal parts. Each repair is completed with the goal of resolving the root issue - not just restoring temporary function.
When replacement is necessary, selecting the correct size is critical. The system is matched to your household’s actual usage so you’re not running out of hot water - or paying to heat more than you need.
Tankless systems heat water as it’s needed instead of storing it, which can improve efficiency and reduce the risk of tank-related failures. The team evaluates whether your home’s setup and usage patterns make this a good fit before recommending it.
Hard water in many of the communities we serve can lead to sediment buildup inside tank systems. Over time, this reduces efficiency, creates noise, and accelerates wear. Periodic flushing helps maintain performance and extend the life of the unit - especially after the first few years of use.
WHY CLOG BUSTERS
Clog Busters focuses on giving homeowners a clear path forward, starting with a repair-versus-replacement evaluation before any work begins. The company is licensed and insured, independently owned by Jarod Smith, and trusted across Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri with a 4.9-star rating from nearly 2,800 Google reviews. Both traditional tank systems and tankless options are handled, with recommendations based on actual household needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
A clear, proven process, from the first inspection to a verified fix.
We inspect the system and pinpoint the root cause before quoting any work.
You get straight answers and upfront pricing, no jargon, no surprises.
Licensed pros complete the job with pro-grade equipment and care.
We test and confirm everything works before we leave.
Your home is left clean, with documentation of the work performed.
FAQ
Still stuck? Call the local crew at (888) 231-7553.
Most tank systems last around 8-12 years, while tankless units can last significantly longer with proper maintenance. Water quality can shorten or extend that range.
It depends on age, condition, and repair history. A newer unit with a single failing part is usually worth repairing, while older systems often make more sense to replace.
Those sounds are typically caused by sediment collecting at the bottom of the tank. Flushing the system may help, but if the unit is older, replacement might be the more practical solution.
Yes. Tankless systems are available, and the team will evaluate whether your home and usage patterns make them a good fit before recommending installation.
Yes. All water heater repair and installation services are performed by licensed and insured professionals across Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri.
We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout the entire Des Moines, Iowa, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, metro area, providing reliable and dedicated service tailored to meet the unique needs of our community.
