Question 1

Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

It’s common—and required—for plumbers to hold a license. With a licensed plumber, permits, inspections, and warranties are handled properly and transparently.

Our "Angi Approved" professionals are rigorously screened for: completed criminal background checks, current licensing status, 3.0+ average rating maintenance, active advertising engagement, and eligibility standards compliance. Note: Licensing is legally required.

Question 2

What questions should I ask a plumbing contractor?

Accepted Answer

Before work begins, align on expectations by asking the questions below:

Current license/insurance status?Estimate transparency and cost?Pricing method and overtime rules?Team qualifications/certifications?Damage claim procedure?Emergency response SLA?Cleanup scope and limits?Warranty coverage details?

Confirming these points leads to smoother site work and cleanup.

Question 3

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

Accepted Answer

Remove tripping hazards like boxes or loose items to keep the work safe. Keeping the plumbing fixture clean shows consideration for the technician.Pets should not be near electrical plumbing tools.

Question 4

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

Accepted Answer

Plumbing fixes average $325, with jobs ranging widely from $175 to $4,000.

Common price examples:

Toilet running fix: $150–$400
Catastrophic pipe burst: $1,000–$4,000+
Drain clean-out: $100–$275
Heater leak repair: $200–$600
Faucet replacement set: $150–$350

Older homes with tight spaces or nonstandard layouts may require more labor, increasing total cost.

Question 5

How much do plumbers typically charge?

Accepted Answer

A journeyman may bill ~ $100/hr; apprentices less, masters more (overall $45–$200/hr).

Common Rate Structure:

Base: $45–$200/hr
After-hours: $150+/hr
Visit fee: $100–$350
Holiday: premium applies

Pricing factors include the technician's expertise, regional economics, service timing, and job complexity.

Question 6

How long do plumbers take to complete a plumbing job?

Accepted Answer

Common fixture swaps or tune-ups often finish in two to three hours. Typical tasks include hose bib repairs, trap reseals, and simple fixture installations. Code-required testing and commissioning (pressure, leak, combustion) add scheduled steps. The age and condition of your plumbing system can affect repair time.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

When your DIY plan requires cutting walls or floors, consider hiring a pro.

Professional help is advised for:

Unexpectedly severe pipe damage
Leaks in difficult-to-access locations
Projects needing specialized plumbing tools
Work requiring pipe cutting or replacement
Tasks involving hot water, steam, or gas systems

No issue with admitting when you require professional input. If the job is more complex than initially thought, call a specialist.

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