Home/Hiring a plumber
Guide
How to hire a plumber
The questions to ask, how to check a license, and how to tell a real local plumber from a call center.
The short answer
Check the license where your state requires one, ask for proof of insurance and a written itemized estimate, and make sure the business is a real local plumber – not a call center that sells your job on.
Eight questions to ask every plumber
- Are you licensed for plumbing work in this state or city, and what is the license number?
- Are you insured, and can you send the certificate?
- Is the price a written, itemized estimate – parts, labor, permit and haul-away?
- Do you charge a trip or diagnostic fee, and is it credited if I hire you?
- What do you charge for nights, weekends or holidays?
- Who pulls the permit, if the job needs one, and who arranges the inspection?
- Will your own employee do the work, or a subcontractor?
- What warranty do you give on labor, and on the parts you supply?
How to tell a real local plumber from a call center
Many plumbing websites are run by lead-generation companies that take your call and sell the job to whoever is available. Warning signs we use when we decide who to list:
- A name that is just a city plus a keyword, such as “Plumber [City] Pros” or “[City] 24/7 Plumbing”.
- No street address or base town anywhere on the site.
- Only a toll-free number, or the same website repeated for many cities.
- Small print saying the site “connects you with” or “refers you to” independent contractors.
None of these proves a business is fake, but each is a reason to ask who will actually come to your home.
Licenses and permits
Licensing is set by each state, and in some states by cities or counties. Your state page sets out who licenses plumbers there and links to the official lookup. Jobs such as replacing a water heater, repiping, gas lines and sewer lines often need a permit and an inspection; ask the plumber who pulls it.
Comparing quotes
- Make sure each quote covers the same work, parts and brands.
- Check whether the permit, haul-away of old equipment and wall or floor repair are included.
- Ask what the labor warranty covers and for how long, and who stands behind the parts.
Find plumbers near you
Local plumbers in 129 metro areas, with phone numbers, base locations and the services they offer.
Questions
Do I need a licensed plumber?
Most states license plumbers, and some leave it to cities or counties. Your state page explains the rule where you live and links to the official lookup.
How many quotes should I get?
For anything that is not an emergency, two or three written quotes for the same job, so you can compare like with like.
Should I pay up front?
Ask how the plumber bills. A deposit for special-order parts is common on larger jobs; paying the full price before any work starts is a reason to ask more questions. Get the terms in writing.
General guidance, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and city.
Free plumber request
Tell us the problem. We’ll connect you with a local plumber.
- 1Tell us the job and your ZIP code
- 2We send it to listed plumbers who serve your area
- 3They contact you directly
Free, no obligation. If no listed plumber serves your area, we’ll tell you. Water pouring in? Shut off the main valve first, then call a plumber from the list.