How to find a good plumber (and what to ask before you hire)
Most people find a great plumber the same way: someone they trust tells them who to call. Here’s how to do that on purpose, plus what to check so you’re not guessing.
Ask two or three friends or neighbors who they use and whether they’d call them again. Then confirm the plumber is licensed where you live, carries insurance, and will put the price in writing before starting. Do this before you have a leak.
Start with people you trust
Online reviews tell you what strangers thought. A friend can tell you whether the plumber showed up on time, explained the problem clearly, and charged what they said they would. That’s the information you actually need.
Ask a specific question. “Do you have a plumber you’d use again?” gets a better answer than “Know any plumbers?” If a name comes up more than once, that’s a strong sign.
Find one before you need one
The worst time to choose a plumber is with water on the floor. You’ll take whoever answers, at whatever price they name. Pick someone now, save their number, and use them for something small first, like a dripping faucet or a water heater check. You’ll learn how they work before it matters.
While you’re at it, find your main water shutoff valve and make sure it turns. Knowing where it is can save you a lot of damage while you wait for help.
What to check before you hire
- A license where you livePlumbing licenses are issued by your state, or in some states by your city or county. Your local building department can tell you what’s required and confirm a plumber’s license.
- InsuranceAsk for proof of liability insurance. If something goes wrong in your home, you don’t want the bill landing on you.
- How they chargeSome plumbers charge a flat price per job; others charge by the hour plus a trip or service fee. Neither is wrong. Know which one you’re getting before they start.
- A written estimateFor anything beyond a quick fix, get the scope and price in writing. It protects both of you.
- A warranty on the workAsk how long they stand behind their repair, and what’s covered if it fails.
Questions to ask a plumber
- Are you licensed and insured here? Can you send proof?
- Do you charge a flat rate or by the hour? Is there a trip fee?
- Will this job need a permit, and will you pull it?
- Who will actually do the work: you or someone on your crew?
- What’s your warranty on parts and labor?
- If you find something else while you’re here, will you check with me before doing more?
Red flags
- They won’t give a price, or a range, until the work is done.
- They push you to decide on the spot for a non-emergency.
- They ask for a large payment up front for a small job.
- They can’t or won’t show a license or insurance.
- They suggest skipping a permit to save money.
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Start my listCommon questions
How do I find a plumber I can trust?
Ask friends and neighbors who they’ve used more than once and would call again. Then confirm the plumber is licensed where you live, insured, and willing to give you a written estimate.
Do I need a licensed plumber?
For most work beyond simple fixes, yes. Many places require a licensed plumber and a permit for things like water heaters, gas lines and new pipe. Your local building department can tell you what applies.
Should I get more than one quote?
For bigger jobs, getting two or three quotes is a good idea. For small repairs from a plumber a friend recommends, it’s usually not worth the wait.
What should I do in a plumbing emergency?
Turn off the water at the main shutoff valve, then call your plumber. If you don’t have one yet, ask a friend who they’d call.