Question 1

Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

Nearly all states regulate plumbing through licensing. Licensed firms can be disciplined or de-listed—creating accountability.

Look for the "Angi Approved" certification in our professional listings. This badge indicates the business meets our rigorous standards: criminal background clearance, valid licensing, minimum 3.0 rating, active advertising, and compliance with all requirements. Note: State licensing is legally required.

Question 2

What questions should I ask a plumbing contractor?

Accepted Answer

Before agreeing to any quote, walk through these questions with the contractor:

Active license & insurance?Free estimate?Flat vs hourly?Qualified crew?Damage handling?Emergency response?Cleanup included?Warranty details?

These questions help establish transparency and set proper expectations for your plumbing project.

Question 3

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

Accepted Answer

An organized workspace makes for a smoother plumbing experience. A well-cleaned fixture ensures smoother maintenance.

For safety reasons, ensure kids and animals are kept away from the plumbing work area throughout the visit.

Question 4

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

Accepted Answer

You’ll likely pay about $325, but costs can run $175–$4,000.

Common price examples:

Toilet gasket/handle: $150–400
Pipe break emergency team: $1,000–4,000+
Drain diagnostics/clear: $100–275
Water heater repair trip: $200–600
Faucet refurbish: $150–350

Final costs depend on the repair complexity, your home's size, and existing pipe types. Market conditions including supply chain disruptions and material availability also affect pricing.

Question 5

How much do plumbers typically charge?

Accepted Answer

Independent plumbers may quote ~$80–$120/hr; larger firms trend ~$90–$150/hr.

Common Rate Structure:

Typical: $45–$200/hr
Urgent: $150+ hr
Truck/van: $100–$350
Holiday: +25–50%

Several factors affect pricing including the plumber's expertise, your location, time of day, and difficulty of the plumbing issue.

Question 6

How long do plumbers take to complete a plumbing job?

Accepted Answer

Where diagnosis is clear, repairs commonly complete in under half a day. You might see quick fixes like replacing shutoff valves, unclogging sink drains, and reseating toilets. More complex plumbing work can take considerably longer. This includes projects involving demolition to access plumbing, digging for gas line access, or awaiting special-order parts and materials. Most professional plumbers provide time estimates before beginning work.

Question 7

When should I call a plumber instead of DIY-ing my project?

Accepted Answer

When mineral buildup or corrosion is worse than expected, a pro can treat it properly.

Professional help is advised for:

Metallic taste/discoloration
Leak above panel/fixtures
Thermal/camera inspection
Pipe rerouting scope
Hot water/steam involvement

It's perfectly fine to recognize when you need additional assistance. If the project proves more complex than expected, professional help is advisable.

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