Ritter Plumbing
Plumber · Marshalltown, IA
Our verdict
Excellent emergency response (1-hour arrival) with strong workmanship, but pricing transparency issues and potential markup disputes create unpredictability at 2am.
Scores are our editorial reading of published customer reviews — not a verification, license check, or guarantee.
Our opinion, based on the 5 reviews we analyzed from Google, Yelp and BBB · Analysis updated Jul 2026 · How we decide ↗
Only 5 reviews analyzed — treat this assessment as a first impression, not a track record.
What reviewers praise
Fast emergency response: arrived within 1 hour on a main drain clog, described as 'very professional' by customer
1 cited review
“got it opened up within a hour and was very affordable”
Competitive final pricing when discussed upfront: one customer reported completing job 'quickly' with final cost 'lower than I expected' after pricing discussion
1 cited review
“final cost came in at a cost lower than I expected”
Long-standing local business with 24 years at same location, suggesting stability and community presence
Cited in 1 of the 5 reviews we analyzed.
What reviewers report — the concerns
Other directories bury these. We think you should read them before you call. Every concern below comes from the reviews it cites.
Red flag
1 of 5 reviews (20%) documents unexplained price gouging and refusal to work with customer on cost justification—material concern for emergency calls where you cannot shop around
“charged $240 instead. Wouldn't work with us or explain why”
Red flag
Work quality issue reported: burst water line during job, customer charged again for repair with disputed labor costs
“charged $240 instead. Wouldn't work with us or explain why”
Significant billing disputes: customer charged $240 when quoted $175 ($65 overcharge); company claimed parts cost $100 but customer's math showed $40-50 actual cost, with plumber refusing to explain discrepancy
“charged $240 instead. Wouldn't work with us or explain why”
Poor communication around final costs: charged substantially over quote without explanation or willingness to negotiate
“charged $240 instead. Wouldn't work with us or explain why”
Keep it in proportion: these concerns are cited in 1 of the 5 reviews we analyzed. Most reviewers report positive experiences — see the full rating picture below.
The evidence — in reviewers' own words
Critical
“This company is a rip off. He over charges and when they finished the line they did burst on me. He said he going to charge me $175 for work, got charged $240 instead. Wouldn't work with us or explain why he charged us over $70 more. Saying his parts cost $100. I did the math and it was only at most 40 to 50. Dont go with them.”
Positive
“Dad is a good Plumber. He's been a Plumber 4 a long time ever since I was little. In the Spring 2000 he bought the place and in the Summer 2000 he made the inside in 2 the office. In the Summer of 2007 I used 2 help Dad clean the office. "Good Job Dad". It's been 23 years that Dad had the place at 308 S. 8 Ave Marshalltown Iowa 50158. This year 2024 is the 24 years that Ritter Plumbing's been at 308 S. 8th Ave.”
“Main drain was clogged and called Ritter Plumbing, Ben and Dave stopped over and got it opened up within a hour and was very affordable, They were both great guys and very professional 👍I hope I don't have anymore issues in future but if I do I will definitely call Ritters!”
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The rating picture
Small sample — we've analyzed only 5 of 17 reviews so far. Treat this as a first read.
Newest review in our sample: Jul 2024.
Own Ritter Plumbing?
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