Get matched with top plumbers in San Mateo, CA

Before finding the right plumber for your job, there are a few questions that you should ask, including: 

• Are you licensed and insured?

• Do you charge for estimates? 

• Is your fee a flat rate, or is it hourly?

• Who will do the work? Are they all licensed and qualified plumbers?

• What happens if any breaks or damages occur?

• What is your response time in an emergency? 

• Is cleanup included in the quote?

• Do your services come with a guarantee?

Discussing these questions with your plumbing contractor will help eliminate future issues and clarify expectations. 

Answered by Angi Experts

Endorsed by 46 pros

Yes, most states require plumbers to have a license, and for good reason. Hiring an unlicensed plumber could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations. 

As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include:

• The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check

• Required to have applicable state and local licenses

• Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review

• Paying to advertise their services

• Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi

Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.

Answered by Angi Experts

Endorsed by 46 pros

Typically, plumbing repairs cost about $325 per job but can range from $175 to $4,000 or more. Simple fixes, such as a toilet repair, will be less expensive at around $150 to $400. However, if you have a pipe that has burst, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 or more. 

The project that needs to be completed, the size of your home, and the type of plumbing pipes you have can all impact the final cost. External factors such as supply chain issues and shortage of materials all play a part in how much this repair might be.

Answered by Angi Experts

Endorsed by 40 pros

A faucet replacement vs. a failed waste line flooding a finished basement would be at opposite ends of a very broad spectrum. "A plumbing repair" could range from perhaps a $150 minimum service charge up to tens of thousands of dollars for a substantial repair and associated cleanup, finish work, etc.

Answered by Dave Beck at Classy Craftsmen LLC in Cincinnati, OH on 01/09/25 

Plumbing repairs can be complex. Often there is damage or breakage in areas that can't be seen without being examined thoroughly. Plumbers will investigate the issue and then let you know what to expect.

Answered by Lee Sentell at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of South Orange County in Southfields, NY on 01/06/25

Prices can range from $60 to $20,000. Many factors determine the cost of a plumbing job. Things such as the cost of materials, size of the home, the difficulty of the job, travel time, contractor liability, would walls or floors need to be opened and repaired. All these factors and more can greatly affect the cost of a job.

Answered by Glenn Durand at Flat Rate Services Charlotte in Indian Land, SC on 01/13/25

Plumbing costs obviously vary from job to job. You can expect to pay anywhere from $225 - $400 for your average repair of a faucet or toilet. Frozen broken pipes are a much more difficult item to put a price tag on. The best course is to try to correct it as soon as possible: These tend to get worse rather than better, which means more costly. You will obviously be paying more for after hour emergency services, but time is of the essence.

Answered by Tony Coscia at TC Plumbing in Orange, CT on 01/10/25

Before your plumber pays you a visit, it’s a good idea to clean up any boxes, garbage, or other obstacles that could be in their way. In addition, it’s best practice to clean the area that needs to be inspected or worked on, like a toilet, for example. Make sure to keep kids and pets out of the way once the plumber arrives.

Answered by Angi Experts

Endorsed by 47 pros

The average cost to hire a plumber is around $100 an hour but can vary between $45 and $200 an hour depending on the plumber’s experience and the repair that you need. It’s also important to note that these prices can go up on holidays, and emergency plumber rates average $150 per hour, in addition to a flat-rate trip fee of $100 to $350.