Here’s how to find—and hire—a plumber you can count on
Choosing a plumber is all about finding someone who has put in the work; this means having a state license, full-coverage liability insurance, and a written guarantee to back up their claims. Knowing all the key touch points will help you hire a plumber you can rely on for today’s toilet backup, tomorrow’s burst pipe, and any future curveballs your plumbing system might throw.
Flowing water usually creates a calming ambiance—unless it’s running onto your bathroom floor. Still, even if you’re ankle-deep, finding a plumber isn’t something you should do blindly. Here are the steps you’ll want to take to ensure you find a qualified plumber near you for the job:
Angi: Enter your ZIP code at the top of this page to search for plumbers near you.
Social media: Use social media to discover real customer experiences.
Online reviews: Compare reviews from a wide range of sources by looking at reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and more.
Word of mouth: Ask around locally to see if neighbors, family, and friends have plumber recommendations.
Company website: Search for credentials, testimonials, insurance, and dispute resolution policies.
Vet multiple plumbers: After gathering information, be sure to contact at least three plumbers to ask them questions about their work process.
Sometimes your plumbing needs repair, like, now. A plumbing emergency might tempt you to call the first plumber you find, but it’s wise to keep your trigger finger steady until you’ve had time to:
Evaluate your issue or project
Look up costs online
Compare quotes
Verify that you’ve found a qualified plumbing professional
Secure a detailed contract with a service guarantee
If you need to find a plumber, you should research online to get a ballpark idea of what the plumbing repair will cost before you request estimates. For basic repairs, there are many price-specific resources that can guide you toward what to expect. The cost of a plumbing leak, for example, is a pretty straightforward figure you can look up beforehand so you won’t get caught paying more than it’s worth.
When you’re trying to find plumbers for a project, such as adding an ensuite bathroom to your primary bedroom, you’ve got a little more time to plan. Take note of the following before you start the process of choosing a plumber:
Square footage you’re working with
What product(s) and amenities you’ll need
A list of “needs” versus “wants”
A target budget
Comparing quotes is the best way to find a plumber who will give you your dollar’s worth. If you can, get at least three quotes from qualified plumbers before taking the next steps.
The average cost to hire a plumber is around $350, but the final price will depend on the scope of the project, repair type, and location. For instance, in Orlando, Florida, residents may spend $125 to $400 less than homeowners in Seattle, Washington, for the same services. Always factor in the cost of living in your region when estimating plumber costs. With this in mind, these are some common repairs and their average cost:
Toilet installation cost: $225–$525
Toilet repair cost: $150–$400
Faucet and fixture replacement cost: $175–$350
Repairing burst pipes cost: $200–$3,000
Clearing clogs cost: $150–$350
Leaking pipes cost: $250–$850
Note that most plumbers charge by the hour, but some will charge flat rates for common tasks or repairs—such as unclogging a drain or fixing a running toilet. Some plumbers will also charge different service and travel fees. If your plumber charges a service call fee, this typically covers the cost of visiting a home to provide the initial estimate and can run from $100 to $250. If you live more than 10 miles away, your pro might also charge a trip fee ranging from $50 to $300.
Not every plumber-for-hire has the same qualifications. One major credential to look for is a state license. Certain states don’t require one, and it’s up to you to verify qualifications before choosing a plumber.
So, why does a plumber need a license, and how could that impact you? For one thing, if their work doesn’t pass inspection, then you won’t have any lifelines because you’re the one who chose to hire them. Insurance is also a crucial factor to look for—without insurance, you might be financially liable for any injuries that occur during the job.
Along with verifying the plumber’s credentials, you should check out their references and look at reviews online. If you know anyone who has hired them in the past, this can also help you make a well-informed decision.
A master plumber has more experience than a journeyman plumber—also known as a journeyperson plumber—and typically charges more for their work. Often, a master plumber has at least seven years of experience under their belt. In many areas, a master plumber must also pass a state exam. Master plumbers can work for themselves or as part of a company, though many tend to own their own businesses.
A journeyman plumber is a little less experienced, but still a pro nonetheless. Though it varies by local labor laws, a journeyman plumber must complete at least four years of on-the-job training and pass a state exam. A journeyman plumber typically costs between $60 and $110 per hour, while master plumbers charge $80 to $200 per hour.
Both types of plumbers may oversee an apprentice plumber working under their tutelage. Generally, you can trust a journeyman plumber to be qualified and skilled enough to take on any plumbing project, but it might be better to use a journeyman for simpler plumbing problems like using a plumbing snake, finding out why your faucet water smells, and solving why water won’t come out of your faucet.
While plumbers might get called in most often to fix toilets or sinks, they are trained professionals with a range of services. Some of the services that plumbers offer include:
Water or sewer line replacement
Dishwasher, water heater, or washer/dryer installation
Gas line repair
Drain cleaning
Garbage disposal installation and repair
Plumbing rerouting
Before hiring a plumber, there are a few questions to ask:
Are you licensed and insured?
Is your fee a flat rate, or is it hourly?
Is every possible cost covered in the estimate?
Who will do the work? Are they all licensed and qualified plumbers?
What happens if any breaks or damages occur?
Is cleanup included in the quote?
Do your services come with a guarantee?
Hiring a plumber is an important decision. Ask about licensing, insurance, warranties, and experience.
Once you find a qualified plumber, your next steps are to get a contract, maintain a record of the services, and ultimately pay for them once the job is complete. Avoid paying in full upfront, as some individuals might take the money and run.
After you hire a plumber, you should secure a contract with them. This will spell out the tasks and conditions of the work, ensuring everything gets completed as promised. Most qualified plumbers ask for payment immediately following the service, but some offer financing for larger jobs. In any case, some sort of down payment is usually due right away.
If your plumbers-for-hire are working on an ongoing project, log the time they work and note whether they’re sticking to the schedule. If any surprise charges happen, you’ll have your own records to reference. Securing a plumbing service agreement will also help record your maintenance and repair history.
While there are many qualified plumbers out there, there are some unsavory practices you should know about. As mentioned, there are some so-called plumbers who operate without a license, or worse, who aim to swindle you out of your hard-earned cash.
Here are a few red flags to watch for when choosing a plumber:
They are unable or unwilling to provide proof of licensure and credentials
They give a vague answer or change the subject when you ask for references
They cannot provide an invoice or receipt
They insist on cash-only payments
They ask for full payment upfront or a large down payment
They give you a firm estimate before evaluating the job in person
They refuse to provide a written quote
They pressure you to say “yes” to services before you fully understand them
A reputable plumber will thoroughly explain the work needed and how they’ll address it. They’ll also have their references and credentials at the ready—and they’re happy to provide them. If your plumber-for-hire rushes you, makes excuses about needing upfront payment, or seems purposely vague in their contract, trust your instincts and look elsewhere.
Once you find a plumber and they complete the work, evaluate the results. Was everything fixed or completed as promised? If so, proceed with payment according to the terms in your contract.
Should anything be wrong with the work, contact the plumber and ask them to fix it (this should not incur any additional charge). If you can’t reach them or they can’t fix the issue, then you’ll have to try somebody else. Without a contract, service guarantee, or detailed invoice, you might not get a refund. Getting a written guarantee is the only way to avoid taking the “L” in this case.
If you’re extremely happy with the price point and outcome, leave a review online and offer to become a reference. That way, you can help others who are wondering how to find a plumber that’s worth their salt. You could even leave your plumber a tip!
