Question 1

Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, state licensure is a key quality safeguard. Hiring an unlicensed plumber could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations.

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

Prioritize clarity by asking your contractor the following:

Are you licensed and insured?Do you offer free estimates?Is pricing flat-rate or hourly?Who will perform the work and are they certified?How do you handle accidental damage?What is your emergency response time?Is cleanup and haul-away included?Do you provide a workmanship warranty?

It’s a simple step that leads to a better outcome.

Question 3

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

Accepted Answer

Open space means plumbers can access pipes and fixtures faster. In addition, it's best practice to clean the area that needs to be inspected or worked on, like a toilet, for example.

Pets scratching or jumping may cause accidents.

Question 4

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

Accepted Answer

The standard cost for plumbing repairs is about $325, though expenses can vary from $175 to $4,000 or more.

Common price examples:

Basic toilet repair: $150–400
Emergency burst line: $1,000–4,000+
Drain unclog: $100–275
Water heater tune: $200–600
Faucet changeout: $150–350

Post-repair testing, commissioning, and documentation ensure quality but add billable time.

Question 5

How much do plumbers typically charge?

Accepted Answer

Some shops price flat-rate per task but it typically converts to ~$100/hr.

Common Rate Structure:

Standard labor window: $45–$200/hr
Off-hour response: $150+/hr
Diagnostic/call-out: $100–$350
Holiday rate: +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

Most simple service tickets are closed out within a short time window. Speedy examples: installing a new shower valve trim, clearing a bathroom sink clog, or resealing a toilet base. Warranty inspections or re-tests can add follow-up visits after the main work. Provide gate codes and contact numbers for smooth access.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

If you smell gas near a water heater or line, evacuate and call a licensed pro immediately.

Professional help is advised for:

Fixture movement or wobble
Leaks at inaccessible joints
Equipment beyond DIY kits
Fitting/thread rework required
Work affecting gas/steam lines

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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