How to hire a plumber.

Checklist for hiring a plumber.

Before you start looking for a plumber, it's helpful to have a checklist. Follow these steps:

Step 1: View your plumber’s Thumbtack profile or website.

One of the easiest ways to evaluate a plumbing service is to look them up online. Most reputable and qualified plumbers have a website, but you can also use Thumbtack to find local plumbing companies.

A plumber’s website or profile should have their license and insurance information, as well as a list of services they offer.

Red flags to look out for on a plumbing services website include:

• Spammy web design.
• Limited or missing contact information.
• Odd or unprofessional domain names.

Websites are a useful tool for finding local contractors, but they can be misleading. At Thumbtack, you’ll find ratings and verified reviews from customers in your area.

Step 2: Make sure they offer the type of plumbing service you need.

It's important to understand that not all plumbers offer the same services. For example, some may have the certifications or licenses to work on gas lines — some may not. It's important to review the the plumber's profile or website to see what type of services they offer. Also, find out if they specialize in a particular area or service.

Some of the most popular types of plumbing services to consider are:

• Drain and pipe repairs
• Pipe installation or replacement
• Gas line installation or repairs
• Septic tank repairs
• Shower and bathtub repair
• Sink and faucet repair
• Sump pump services
• Water heater services

Step 3: Read reviews and ask for recommendations.

Read the plumbers' reviews from past clients. You can find reviews for local plumbers on Thumbtack. Browse through a few of them, especially those that mention your specific project and have before-and-after photos.

If you know someone in your area who’s recently had plumbing work done, they may be able to point you in the right direction. Ask friends, family, and neighbors if they can refer you to a professional they trust. Use your social media to reach more people in your social circles.

Tip: Be wary of referrals to someone’s friend or family member, however. While well-intentioned, this kind of referral can be biased.

Step 4: Check for licensure and certification.

When you run into plumbing problems in your home, you want a licensed plumber to help with repairs. While common sense would say all plumbers need a license to operate, this isn’t always the case. 

Not all states require plumbers to hold a license. Even among the states that do require licensure, requirements vary. Particularly for homeowners in states with limited requirements, you must ensure your plumber has a license.

Always look up state licensing rules for plumbers, and make sure your plumber has the appropriate certifications before they begin working on your home.

Step 5: Verify bonding and insurance.

Almost as important as licensure is verifying your plumber can provide proof of insurance. A mishandled plumbing issue can be catastrophic, and a contractor’s bond holds them accountable if their work doesn’t meet an established quality standard.

Contractors also need to carry a liability insurance policy to protect their workers. Their insurance also protects you, the customer, if something goes wrong or your home sustains damage resulting from the work.

Step 6: Compare quotes on plumbing services.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential plumbers to a few companies, it’s time to start getting quotes. Many plumbers charge a service fee to inspect your issue. However, they will often waive the fee if you hire them, and some contractors even offer free estimates.

Get quotes from several contractors before hiring one to ensure you get the best price. Keep in mind that plumbers set their prices to reflect their costs. As a result, an unreasonably low quote should be a red flag.

10 questions to ask plumbers before hiring one.

Once you have quotes from a few different plumbers, it’s time to choose which one to hire. Homeowners who have never hired a plumber may be unsure which information they need. Here, we’ve provided the most important questions to ask before you hire a plumber.

You should be able to answer most of these questions yourself by researching the company online. If you can’t find the answers to any of these questions, ask the contractor directly.

1. How long have you been in business?

This is a good way to gauge a company’s experience and reliability. It’s often best to hire a plumber that has operated in your community for some time. A company that’s newer in your area won’t have as many previous customers to back up their service.

2. What experience do you have with this kind of project or repair?

Different plumbing projects require different skill sets and expertise. If you have unique plumbing fixtures or your home is older, your plumber may need to have specific knowledge.

A reputable plumber will be upfront about projects they aren’t equipped to handle. They may even refer you to a qualified company.

3. Can you provide references from previous customers?

Beyond online reviews, you may have specific questions for a plumber’s previous customers. Trustworthy plumbing companies shouldn’t have any problem providing a list of references. See if you can speak to a previous customer who had similar work done.

4. What kind of licensure do you hold?

Although most states require plumbers to hold a license, requirements differ from state to state. There are also different types of plumbing licenses — you may encounter licensed journeyman plumbers as well as master plumbers. 

Once plumbers obtain a license, they typically have to get re-certified periodically to keep their license current. Hiring a licensed plumber helps ensure you get quality work that complies with local regulations.

5. Are all your workers licensed?

While the owner of a plumbing company may hold a license, some states have different requirements for helpers and assistants. Some companies also subcontract work to other contractors. So, you should verify that everyone working in your home is licensed.

6. Can you provide proof that your company is bonded and insured?

Insurance and bonding help protect homeowners if any damage or accidents occur. Hiring an uninsured plumber puts you at risk if anything goes wrong with the repair. Even if a company advertises itself as bonded and insured, you should still get proof just to be safe.

7. What is the typical timeline for this type of project or repair?

When you get an estimate for plumbing work, it’s not uncommon to ask how long the work will take. This can also help you decide between multiple contractors if you need prompt repairs. In addition to cost variations, different companies may offer different timelines.

8. Do you offer 24-hour service?

It’s useful to have a plumber that operates 24 hours a day in case an emergency occurs. If you find a burst pipe flooding your bathroom, the last thing you want is to wait until the next business day for a repair.

9. How do you communicate with clients, and how quickly do you usually respond?

Even a small leak can waste a lot of water or lead to bigger plumbing issues if you don’t get it repaired quickly. A plumber with a quick response time can make the difference between a small repair and a costly overhaul.

10. What does the estimate include?

Be sure you understand any costs not included in the quote, including labor, materials, and equipment. Some plumbers may charge separately for things like travel or parts. Get an itemized list of any replacement parts they charge for to ensure there aren’t any hidden costs.

Mistakes to avoid when hiring a plumber.

When you hire a plumber, there are a few pitfalls you should avoid:

• Not verifying credentials. Publishers may not verify claims in advertisements, so make sure the company has all the licensure and insurance it claims to have.
• Only getting one quote. Getting multiple quotes will give you a good idea of a fair price.
• Not checking reviews. Customer reviews are a powerful research tool you shouldn’t neglect when choosing a plumbing company.
• Proceeding without anything in writing. Before work begins, you should have everything in writing, from the total price to the scope of repairs.

Find plumbers near you on Thumbtack.

When the time comes for you to hire a plumber, be sure you know where to look and what to look for. Make a checklist of everything you need to ask, and then get quotes from verified, reputable plumbers in your area.

Due diligence is important, but you can take the hard work out of finding reputable plumbers with Thumbtack. We’ve partnered with local professionals across the country to connect homeowners to the most qualified companies. Download the Thumbtack app today to get free estimates from plumbers near you.