Question 1

Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

Regulators in most states require plumbers to be licensed. Licensed plumbers are accountable to regulators, which encourages higher craftsmanship and ethics.

The "Angi Approved" designation guarantees our listed professionals meet strict criteria: successful background screening, current licensing compliance, minimum 3.0 review average, active advertising status, and full eligibility requirements met. Key difference: Licensing is legally mandatory.

Question 2

What questions should I ask a plumbing contractor?

Accepted Answer

When comparing contractors, request answers to these key items:

Are you bonded, licensed, insured?Do you charge diagnostic fees?Flat rate vs time & materials?Who oversees workmanship?Damage responsibility policy?24/7 emergency option?Cleanup and protection included?Warranty claim process?

You’ll avoid miscommunication and last-minute changes.

Question 3

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

Accepted Answer

A prepared workspace means your plumber can get straight to fixing the problem. Disinfecting sinks or toilets prior to service is highly appreciated.

Ensure children and pets are kept safely away from the work area during the plumber's visit.

Question 4

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

Accepted Answer

Standard plumbing repair projects hover near $325, spanning $175–$4,000.

Common price examples:

Toilet repair call: $150–400
Pipe emergencies: $1,000–4,000+
Drain assistance: $100–275
Heater adjustments: $200–600
Faucet installs: $150–350

Safety measures (containment, PPE, scaffolding) for certain jobs can alter the final bill.

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 rate: $45–$200/hr
Urgent hours: $150+/hr
Initial visit: $100–$350
Holiday premium: 25–50%

Pricing depends on the plumber's skill set, local market conditions, time of service, and job difficulty level.

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 jobs include supply hose replacement, stop valve swaps, and drain cleaning. Septic or well system tie-ins may add separate, longer-duration steps. If walls must be opened, pre-removal of decor can save minutes.

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:

Unknown code/permit needs
Leak near live wiring
Advanced tooling required
Structural opening needed
Any gas/steam involvement

Absolutely nothing wrong with seeking help when needed. If the project complexity exceeds your skills, consider professional services.

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