How to Hire a Plumber You Can Trust

Plumbing problems rarely wait for a convenient time. That is exactly why it pays to know how to hire a plumber before you need one. A little preparation helps you tell the difference between an honest professional and someone who sees an emergency as a chance to overcharge.

Know which kind of job you have

Plumbing work falls into two broad groups, and the way you hire differs.

• Emergencies, such as a burst pipe, a sewage backup or no water at all. You need someone quickly, and speed matters more than comparison shopping.
• Planned work, such as replacing a water heater, remodeling a bathroom or fixing a slow leak. Here you have time to gather multiple estimates.

In an emergency, the first step is to stop the damage. Know where your main water shutoff valve is and how to close it. Doing so buys you time to make a good decision.

Check the license and insurance

Most places require plumbers to be licensed, though the details vary by state and city. Ask for the license number and verify it with your licensing board. Ask for proof of liability insurance too. Both matter because plumbing mistakes can cause expensive water damage.

Ask about pricing before work starts

Plumbers charge in different ways: by the hour, by the job or with a service-call fee plus parts and labor. Ask which applies and what is included. Useful questions:

• Is there a fee for coming out to diagnose the problem, and is it credited toward the repair?
• Do you charge extra for evenings, weekends or holidays?
• Can you give me a written estimate before you start?
• What happens if you find something unexpected once the work is open?

A good plumber is comfortable explaining the likely cost range and what would change it.

Get a second opinion on big jobs

For anything large, such as replacing pipes, a sewer line or a water heater, get at least two or three written estimates. Make sure each one covers the same scope, the same brand and capacity of equipment and the same cleanup. Compare the warranty on parts and on labor too.

Watch for warning signs

• A plumber who will not give a written estimate.
• High-pressure tactics, such as telling you it must be done immediately when nothing is actively leaking.
• A price quoted over the phone without seeing the problem, followed by a much higher price on site.
• An unmarked vehicle, no company name or no willingness to show a license.
• A demand for full payment in cash before work begins.

Understand permits

Some plumbing work, such as replacing a water heater or moving pipes, may require a permit and an inspection. Ask who handles that. A reputable plumber will know your local rules and explain them. Our guide to building permits covers the basics.

After the work

Ask for an itemized invoice and a copy of any warranty. Keep the plumber's name, license number and the date of the work in a home-maintenance file. If a problem recurs, you will have what you need to call them back.

Do not wait for the emergency

Take ten minutes this week to find your main shutoff valve, test it and put a plumber's name in your phone. When something goes wrong, you will already have a plan.