Most plumbing calls happen under pressure: a leak under the sink, a backed-up drain, or a water heater that quit on a cold morning. In that moment, it’s easy to say “yes” to the first plumber who can come out. A few good questions, asked calmly, can protect your home and your wallet.
This guide lists the questions worth asking, both to the friend who recommended a plumber and to the plumber, along with what good answers tend to sound like.
First, ask the person who recommended them
If a neighbor, friend, or coworker gave you a plumber’s name, start there. Their experience tells you more than anything else.
- What was the job? A clogged drain and a repipe are very different tests.
- Did the final bill match the estimate? If not, was the change explained before work continued?
- Did they show up on time, and did they call if they were running late?
- Did they explain the problem and your options in plain language?
- How did they leave your home? Clean and protected, or messy?
- Would you call them again?
A quick, confident “yes, absolutely” on that last question says a lot.
Questions about licensing and insurance
“Are you licensed, and what’s your license number?”
Plumbing is regulated in most places, though rules vary by state and city. A good answer: the plumber gives you the number without hesitation, and you can look it up on your state or local licensing board’s website. Confirm it’s active and matches the business name.
“Do you carry insurance?”
A good answer: yes, liability insurance and, if they have employees, workers’ compensation, with a certificate available for larger jobs.
“Who will do the work?”
A good answer: a clear name or role, and whether it’s the plumber, an employee, or a subcontractor. You should know who’s coming into your home.
Questions about pricing
“How do you charge?”
Plumbers may charge a flat price per job, by the hour, or with a service call fee. A good answer: a clear explanation of the method, plus any minimums, trip fees, or after-hours rates.
“Will I get a written estimate before work starts?”
A good answer: yes, with the scope and price spelled out, and a promise to check with you before doing anything extra.
“Is the service call fee applied to the repair?”
A good answer: a straight answer either way, so you can compare companies fairly.
“What could change the price?”
A good answer: an honest heads-up about common surprises, like corroded pipes or access issues, and how they’ll communicate if they find one.
Questions about the work
“What’s causing the problem?”
A good answer: an explanation you can follow, ideally showing you what they found.
“What are my options?”
A good answer: more than one path when there is one, such as repair versus replace, with honest pros and cons. Be cautious if every option is the most expensive one.
“Will this need a permit?”
Larger jobs, like water heater replacements or repiping, may require permits. A good answer: a clear yes or no, and who pulls it.
“What parts or materials will you use?”
A good answer: specifics, including brand or grade where it matters, and why.
Questions about warranties and follow-up
“What warranty do you offer?”
A good answer: clear terms for both parts and labor, in writing.
“What happens if the problem comes back?”
A good answer: a simple process for calling them back, and what’s covered.
Questions for emergencies
When it’s urgent, keep it short:
- Can you come today, and when?
- What’s your emergency or after-hours rate?
- What should I do until you arrive?
- Will you give me a price before starting?
Know where your main water shutoff is before an emergency. Turning off the water can limit damage while you wait.
Red flags in the answers
- Hesitation about a license number or insurance
- No written estimate, or “we’ll figure it out as we go”
- Pressure to decide immediately on a major repair
- Only expensive options, with no explanation
- Unclear warranty terms
- Cash-only requests with no receipt
How MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® can help
The easiest plumbing call is to someone your friends already trust and can tell you about. MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® is a social & professional networking app where you connect with service pros through the people in your own network, with visibility up to second-degree connections. You can browse a feed, like and comment, and message pros. Pros build visibility through real client relationships.
FAQ
What should I ask a plumber before hiring?
Ask about their license, insurance, how they charge, whether you’ll get a written estimate, what’s causing the problem, your options, permits, and warranty terms.
How do I check if a plumber is licensed?
Ask for the license number and look it up on your state or local licensing board’s website. Confirm it’s active and matches the business.
Should a plumber give a written estimate?
Yes. A written estimate with scope and price protects both of you, and the plumber should check with you before doing extra work.
What should I ask in a plumbing emergency?
Ask when they can arrive, their emergency rate, what to do until they get there, and whether they’ll give a price before starting.
What should I ask the friend who recommended a plumber?
Ask what the job was, whether the bill matched the estimate, how communication went, and whether they’d hire the plumber again.
Find a plumber your network already trusts
Download MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® on the App Store and Google Play, and see the pros your network already trusts. Learn more at my-pro.io or email hello@my-pro.io.