20 Questions to Ask a Plumber Before Hiring

"Are you licensed to do plumbing work in this state/city?"

This is non-negotiable. A licensed plumber has passed exams proving their knowledge of plumbing codes, safety practices, and proper installation techniques. Most states require plumbers to be licensed for anything beyond minor repairs.

"Do you carry liability insurance? What's your coverage amount?"

General liability insurance protects you if the plumber damages your property during the job. Without it, you could be on the hook for repairs caused by their mistakes.

"Do you have workers' compensation insurance?"

If a plumber or their employee gets injured on your property without workers' comp, you could be sued. This is especially important if they bring helpers or apprentices.

"Will you pull the necessary permits for this job?"

Many plumbing jobs—especially those involving new installations, water heaters, or main line work—require permits. Permitted work gets inspected to ensure it meets code, protecting your home's value and safety.

"Do you charge a service call fee? Is it waived if I hire you?"

Most plumbers charge $50-$150 just to come out and assess the problem. Some waive this fee if you proceed with the repair. Know this upfront to avoid surprise charges.

"Do you charge by the hour or by the job (flat rate)?"

Flat-rate pricing gives you cost certainty—you know exactly what you'll pay regardless of how long the job takes. Hourly rates can be cheaper for simple jobs but risky for complex ones.

"Can you give me a written estimate before starting work?"

Always get estimates in writing. Verbal quotes are hard to dispute later. A written estimate should include:

• • Detailed description of work to be performed
• • Cost of materials (itemized)
• • Labor costs
• • Permit fees (if applicable)
• • Total estimated cost
• • How long the estimate is valid

"What happens if the job costs more than the estimate?"

Sometimes plumbers discover additional problems once they open up walls or access pipes. Understand their policy before work begins.

"What payment methods do you accept? When is payment due?"

Most reputable plumbers accept credit cards, which gives you consumer protection for disputes. Be cautious of cash-only operators.

"How long have you been in business?"

While newer plumbers can be excellent, longevity often indicates reliability and satisfied customers. Plumbing businesses that provide poor service rarely survive long.

Look for: At least 2-3 years in business, though experienced plumbers who recently started their own company can also be excellent choices.

"Have you done this specific type of repair/installation before?"

Plumbing covers a wide range of specialties. A plumber who mainly does new construction may not be the best choice for repairing a vintage home's cast iron pipes.

"Can you provide references from recent customers?"

Reputable plumbers should be able to provide references. Even better, check online reviews on multiple platforms for an unfiltered view of their work quality.

"Who will actually be doing the work?"

Some companies send the experienced plumber for the estimate but then dispatch an apprentice or less experienced worker for the actual job.

"What warranty do you offer on your labor?"

A labor warranty covers the plumber's workmanship. If a connection they made starts leaking two weeks later, they should come back and fix it at no charge.

"What's the warranty on parts and materials?"

Parts warranties come from manufacturers, but the plumber should facilitate any warranty claims and stand behind the products they install.

Ask if they install quality brand-name parts or generic alternatives. Quality parts often have better warranties (5-10+ years on items like faucets and water heaters).

"Do you guarantee your work in writing?"

Verbal guarantees are meaningless. Get any warranty or satisfaction guarantee in writing, included in your contract or on the invoice.

"When can you start, and how long will the job take?"

Get a realistic timeline. Be wary of plumbers who are available immediately during busy seasons—good plumbers are usually booked out at least a few days.

For emergencies, expect to pay a premium for same-day service. For non-urgent work, waiting a few days for a quality plumber is worthwhile.

"Will you clean up after the job?"

Professional plumbers should leave your home as clean as they found it. This includes removing old parts, cleaning up debris, and properly disposing of any materials.

"Do you offer emergency services? What are the rates?"

It's helpful to know before you have an emergency whether your plumber offers after-hours service and what it costs. Emergency rates are typically 50-100% higher than regular rates.

"What's the best way to reach you if I have questions?"

Good communication is crucial during any project. Know how to reach your plumber if issues arise—whether that's a direct cell phone, office number, or text/email.

A plumber who's hard to reach before the job will likely be hard to reach after if problems occur.