The #1 Mistake Homeowners Make When Hiring a Plumber
Hiring without checking the license.
1 in 5 “plumbers” working in the US are unlicensed. They advertise on social media, Craigslist, and even some apps — and they often undercut licensed contractors by 20–40% to win the job.
Hiring an unlicensed plumber isn't just risky — it can be catastrophic. Here's what happens when things go wrong:
No recourse if work fails
Unlicensed contractors cannot be disciplined by the state licensing board. If they disappear, you have no regulatory body to file a complaint with.
Insurance denies the claim
Most homeowner's insurance policies exclude damage caused by unlicensed work. A flood from a bad install can cost $20,000+ with zero coverage.
Work fails inspection
Unpermitted or unlicensed plumbing work can surface during a home sale, forcing you to redo work at full cost before closing.
The RateYourPlumber Solution
Every plumber listed on RateYourPlumber is cross-verified against state licensing boards before appearing in search results. We flag expired, suspended, or invalid licenses automatically so you don't have to guess. See how we verify →
How to Hire a Plumber: Step by Step
Follow these seven steps every time — whether it's a dripping faucet or a full bathroom remodel.
Step 1 — Define the Problem
Know what category your issue falls into before you call anyone. This affects urgency, cost, and which type of plumber you need.
Step 2 — Search Verified Local Plumbers
Use a directory that verifies licenses, not just collects listings. RateYourPlumber shows licensed plumbers in your area with real homeowner reviews, license status, and contact info in one place. Search plumbers near you →
Step 3 — Read Recent Reviews
Focus on reviews from the last 6 months. Look specifically for reviews that mention:
- Arrived on time or called ahead if delayed
- Gave a clear price before starting
- Explained the problem in plain language
- Left the work area clean
- Work passed inspection or held up over time
Step 4 — Verify Their License
Ask for their license number and check it on your state licensing board's website. RateYourPlumber links to official state portals directly from every plumber profile, so you can verify in under 60 seconds. Check that the license is active, the type covers plumbing, and there are no open complaints. See state portals →
Step 5 — Get 2 to 3 Written Quotes
For any non-emergency job, contact at least two or three licensed plumbers and request written, itemized estimates. Never accept a verbal quote. A written estimate creates a paper trail, gives you leverage if the scope creeps, and lets you compare pricing like-for-like. The lowest quote is not automatically the best — compare the scope, parts quality, and warranty offered.
Step 6 — Ask the Right Questions Before They Start
Before any work begins, run through the checklist in Section 3 below. A legitimate plumber will answer every question without hesitation. Evasiveness, irritation, or refusal to answer is a disqualifying red flag.
Step 7 — Get a Written Invoice Before Paying
Before handing over any payment, get a final itemized invoice showing all work completed, parts used with model numbers where applicable, total cost broken down by labor and materials, and the warranty terms. Pay by credit card where possible — it gives you chargeback rights if the work fails. Never pay 100% upfront.
Exactly What to Ask a Plumber Before Hiring
Print this out or screenshot it. Ask every question before work begins — no exceptions.
“Are you licensed in this state? Can I have your license number?”
Why it matters: You should verify this independently — it takes 60 seconds on your state board website.
“Are you insured? Can I see a certificate of insurance?”
Why it matters: You need both general liability (property damage) and workers' compensation (injury on your property).
“Do you pull permits for this type of work?”
Why it matters: Major plumbing work requires permits in most jurisdictions. Unpermitted work can block a future home sale.
“Can you give me a written estimate before starting?”
Why it matters: Never accept a verbal-only quote. Written estimates are your protection against scope creep and surprise charges.
“What is your hourly rate and service call fee?”
Why it matters: Some plumbers charge a flat diagnostic fee on top of hourly rates. Know all billing structures upfront.
“How long will this job take?”
Why it matters: Helps you plan your day and flags whether the plumber has actually diagnosed the issue or is guessing.
“What warranty do you offer on parts and labor?”
Why it matters: Industry standard is 30 days to 1 year on labor, plus manufacturer warranty on parts. Anything shorter deserves scrutiny.
“Who will actually be doing the work — you or a subcontractor?”
Why it matters: If subcontractors are involved, their license and insurance must also be valid. Verify both.
“Do you charge extra for weekend or after-hours emergency work?”
Why it matters: Emergency rates are typically 1.5x to 2x standard rates. Know this before you call at midnight.
“Can I see your license and insurance certificate in person?”
Why it matters: Any hesitation or excuse here is an immediate red flag. Licensed, insured professionals carry these documents.
Good Plumber vs. Bad Plumber Signs
Trust your instincts — but also trust this list. Most warning signs show up in the first ten minutes.
Signs of a Good Plumber
- Licensed and shows credentials willingly, without being asked twice
- Gives a written, itemized estimate before touching anything
- Explains the problem clearly in plain English
- Arrives on time or calls ahead if delayed
- Leaves the work area as clean as they found it
- Accepts credit cards (not cash-only)
- Has verifiable, recent reviews mentioning specific jobs
- Pulls permits for work that legally requires them
- Offers a written warranty on labor and parts
- Can show proof of insurance on request
Red Flags — Walk Away
- Cannot or will not provide a license number
- Only accepts cash (no paper trail, no chargeback rights)
- Refuses to give a written estimate before starting
- Vague or evasive about what is actually wrong
- Creates urgency: "You need this fixed right now or..."
- Quote is dramatically lower than every other estimate
- No verifiable reviews, or all reviews posted in one week
- Demands a large deposit (more than 10–20%) upfront
- No marked vehicle, uniform, or company ID
- Showed up door-to-door without being called
How to Verify a Plumber License by State
Every state that requires plumbing licenses maintains a public online lookup portal. It is free and takes under two minutes.
Ask for the license number
Before the plumber ever sets foot in your home, ask: "What is your license number?" A licensed professional provides this immediately. No number = no entry.
Go to your state's contractor board website
Search "[Your State] plumbing contractor license lookup" — or use the direct link on the plumber's RateYourPlumber profile page.
Enter the license number and check three things
- Is the license status Active (not expired or suspended)?
- Is the license type "plumbing" or does it cover the work needed?
- Are there any open disciplinary actions, complaints, or violations?
Cross-reference the name
The name on the license should match the name of the person or business you are hiring. A common scam: unlicensed contractors borrow a licensed friend's number.
RateYourPlumber does the legwork for you
Every plumber profile on RateYourPlumber includes a direct link to the official state licensing portal for that plumber's state — so you can verify in one click instead of hunting for the right government website.
How we verify licensesHow to Read Plumber Reviews Without Getting Fooled
Review manipulation is rampant in the home services industry. Use these five filters to separate real signal from noise.
Look for reviews that mention specific jobs
A genuine review says "They fixed the leak under my kitchen sink and replaced the P-trap — took about 45 minutes." A fake review says "Great service! Will use again!" Specificity cannot be faked at scale.
Check the date spread
If 12 reviews appeared in the same week and then nothing for six months, that cluster was probably purchased. Legitimate businesses accumulate reviews steadily over time — not in batches.
Look for owner responses
Businesses that respond to both positive and negative reviews — especially with specific details, not canned replies — are engaged, accountable, and real. Ghost accounts and review farms never respond.
Watch for generic praise with no details
"Professional, fast, and affordable!" could describe a pizza delivery or a dentist. It tells you nothing about plumbing quality. Generic language at scale is a red flag for fake or incentivized reviews.
Check for reviews across multiple platforms
A plumber with 200 Google reviews but zero on Yelp, BBB, or RateYourPlumber is suspicious. Legitimate businesses earn reviews organically across platforms. Cross-reference before trusting any single source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions homeowners ask before hiring a plumber.
How do I find a reliable plumber near me?
What questions should I ask a plumber before hiring?
How do I verify a plumber's license?
How do I know if a plumber is licensed?
What is the difference between a journeyman and master plumber?
Should I get multiple quotes from plumbers?
How do I avoid plumber scams?
What should a plumber estimate include?
Is it OK to hire an unlicensed plumber?
Start with verified plumbers. Skip the gamble.
Every plumber in our directory is cross-verified against state licensing boards. Real reviews. Real credentials. Zero guesswork.