iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%89+48.5Reliability 24%75+18.2Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%57+4Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 85Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.85SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#36 of 50 heat pump installation servicesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 29%
4.9★★★★★79 Google reviews · 12 photos
96%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
5.3%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Elk River Plumbing & Heating 4.9 out of 5 based on 79 reviews, with the owner replying to 94% of comments. Customers frequently praise the business for punctuality, clear communication, and fair pricing for services like water heater installation and leak repairs. One negative review cites concerns over billing for mileage and parts costs during a drain cleaning service.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 79 reviews (96% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 79 Google reviews (75 with written comments, 7 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 94% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 26, 2026.
Service: Heat Pump Installation Service serving Billings, Montana.
Data from Google, last updated October 27, 2026.
Score profile vs other heat pump installation services
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
Elk River Plumbing & HeatingHeat Pump Installation Services median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Elk River Plumbing & Heating: 89/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.A
89
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Elk River Plumbing & Heating: 75/100 on this factor. Category median: 90.B
75
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Elk River Plumbing & Heating: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
99
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Elk River Plumbing & Heating: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Elk River Plumbing & Heating: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Elk River Plumbing & Heating: 57/100 on this factor. Category median: 63.C
57
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
79 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars7696%
4 stars11%
3 stars00%
2 stars11%
1 star11%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 75 written reviews
99%praise
Praise17099%
Complaints11%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Speed & response4828%
Staff & attitude4225%
Would recommend2917%
Quality & results2313%
Price & value148%
Communication106%
Honesty & trust53%
What customers talk about
We read 75 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Needed a new hot water heater and Elk River was quick to respond and was over in around 2 hours after I called and installed a new one in under a hour.”
“Elk River Plumbing & Heating provided me with prompt courteous service installing a new hot water heater for me in Red Lodge, Mt.”
“I highly recommend Elk River for all of your plumbing needs.”
“Brandon is a top-notch plumber and a pleasure to do business with.”
“They took care of the problems very quickly and efficiently for a reasonable price.”
“Brandon explained what the charges would be and was here within 20 minutes.”
“Fast professional and transparent, no surprises would use again.”
People customers mention
Brandon17 reviews
Glover3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Elk River Plumbing & Heating for 7 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Dennis8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 9 hours ago★★★★★
We called on a Holiday weekend, our hot water heater had shut off. Brandon explained what the charges would be and was here within 20 minutes. He told us if he couldn't get the pilot light to stay on then we'd need a new water heater because of it's age. He got the pilot light to stay on, then he cut our quote price…
Paid $1–200Great price
DonnLocal Guide · 17 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
Brandon was timely and quick to resolve our issue. Friendly and efficient and knowledgeable. Great job. As a one man shop he does great work and stands alone behind his work. Thanks
We called on a Holiday weekend, our hot water heater had shut off. Brandon explained what the charges would be and was here within 20 minutes. He told us if he couldn't get the pilot light to stay on then we'd need a new water heater because of it's age. He got the pilot light to stay on, then he cut our quote price in half. We've been good ever since, we had him out another time for a leaky faucet and a faulty sink sprayer. We highly recommend Brandon's services!
Price assessment: Great price
Price: $1–200
Donn VorisekLocal Guide · 17 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Donn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Brandon was timely and quick to resolve our issue. Friendly and efficient and knowledgeable. Great job. As a one man shop he does great work and stands alone behind his work. Thanks
Price assessment: Not sure
Price: $1–200
Ed Ingwaldson1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Ed has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Needed a new hot water heater and Elk River was quick to respond and was over in around 2 hours after I called and installed a new one in under a hour. Brandon was fast,courteous and very friendly. Would recommend for plumbing needs. His pricing was right there with the big guys. I always like to support small independent shops.
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Ed, thank you for taking the time to leave such a great review about your water heater service. We appreciate your business!
Tom Lose4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tom has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We have two issues with leaks in different pipes. Elk River P&H responded very quick and showed up when they said they would. They took care of the problems very quickly and efficiently for a reasonable price. I highly recommend Elk River for all of your plumbing needs.
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Hi Tom, thank you for taking the time to leave such a fantastic review about your plumbing service. We are glad we were about to help and look forward to serving you in the future!
Aureo Angelica Sanctuary Rehab4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Aureo has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you for leaving us such a great five star review. We appreciate your business and look forward to helping you with any plumbing or heating needs in the future!
Hannah Wilson7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Hannah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Brandon fixed our spigot which cracked. Very efficient, reasonably priced, and excellent customer service. We will definitely be calling him in the future when we need a plumber!
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Hannah, thank you for taking the time to leave such a great review for our plumbing service! We are glad we were able to fix your spigot and we look forward to serving you with any plumbing needs in the future!
Connie Waples4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Connie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Called Brandon and told him my 27 yr old Bradford White water heater was finally going out and was hoping to get another similar unit. He said no problem! He emailed me a price quote which I thought was very fair. We set appointment based on day that was convenient for me. On morning of appointment, he called me to confirm he was on his way with my new Bradford White water heater. He was very professional and personable and meticulous with his work . Very pleased! Thanks Brandon…keep up the good work !
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Derek, thank you very much for trusting us with your water heater installation. We appreciate that you took the time to leave such a great review and we look forward to serving you in the future!
Lisa Malloy13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lisa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Elk River Plumbing and Heating took great care of us. Brandon is very knowledgeable, didn’t try to oversell us anything was personable and professional. We highly recommend this company.
Thank you!
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Lisa, thank you for taking the time to leave such a fantastic review. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you for your plumbing and heating needs in the future!
Laura Nelson1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Laura has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
