Question 1

Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

Regulators in most states require plumbers to be licensed. Unlicensed plumbing can result in inadequate work quality, significant future costs, and building code non-compliance.

As you browse our pro listings, take note of the "Angi Approved" badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards which include: background checks, required licenses, 3.0+ star ratings, advertising participation, and meeting eligibility criteria. Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications.

Question 2

What questions should I ask a plumbing contractor?

Accepted Answer

To confirm insurance, workmanship, and support, ask the following:

Proof of license and insurance available?Do you charge for quotes?Flat rate vs hourly—what do you use?Are technicians certified?How do you handle damages?Typical emergency response window?Is cleanup part of the service?Do you guarantee workmanship?

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

Question 3

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

Accepted Answer

A prepared workspace means your plumber can get straight to fixing the problem. Beyond general tidying, specifically cleaning the affected plumbing fixture or area is recommended.

Children should be supervised during the plumber’s visit.

Question 4

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

Accepted Answer

Most plumbing repairs average $325 per service call, with a price range spanning from $175 to $4,000+.

Common price examples:

Toilet internal parts: $150–400
Pipe split repairs: $1,000–4,000+
Drain line snaking: $100–275
Water heater flush/repair: $200–600
Faucet repair/replace: $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

Plan for roughly $100 per hour; apprenticeships, licensing, and tooling influence the $45–$200/hr spread.

Common Rate Structure:

Shop: $45–$200/hr
Emergency: $150+
Trip: $100–$350
Holiday: surcharge 25–50%

Rates are influenced by the plumber's experience level, geographic location, time of service, and complexity of the repair job.

Question 6

How long do plumbers take to complete a plumbing job?

Accepted Answer

Many light-duty plumbing tasks can be turned around in just a few hours. Short scope work: replacing flexible supplies, cleaning debris from traps, or re-caulking fixtures. 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. Request status updates at milestones on multi-day jobs.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

If shutting off a valve doesn’t stop the problem, reach out to a qualified plumber.

Professional help is advised for:

Unexpected pipe damage severity
Leaks in hard-to-reach spaces
Tasks needing specialized tools
Work involving pipe section replacement
Jobs with hot water, steam, or gas requirements

There's nothing wrong with admitting you need a little extra help. If your project is more complicated than you thought, consider hiring a professional.

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