Question 1

Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

It’s common—and required—for plumbers to hold a license. Unlicensed plumbing can result in inadequate work quality, significant future costs, and building code non-compliance.

Our "Angi Approved" professionals undergo thorough vetting including: comprehensive background checks, verification of all required licenses, maintenance of 3.0+ star ratings, regular advertising activity, and adherence to eligibility standards. Important distinction: Licensing is a legal necessity.

Question 2

What questions should I ask a plumbing contractor?

Accepted Answer

A brief interview with any plumber should cover the following topics:

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?

Transparency on these topics helps prevent scope creep.

Question 3

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

Accepted Answer

Remove tripping hazards like boxes or loose items to keep the work safe. Beyond general tidying, specifically cleaning the affected plumbing fixture or area is recommended.

Children may slip on wet floors, so keep them away.

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 tune-up: $150–400
Major rupture repair: $1,000–4,000+
Drain clearing visit: $100–275
Hot water fix: $200–600
Fixture change: $150–350

Multiple trips for parts or specialty tools, as well as coordination with other trades, may impact price.

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:

Hourly band: $45–$200
Emergency band: $150+
Call fee: $100–$350
Holiday uplift: 25–50%

Costs vary based on the technician's qualifications, regional market rates, service timing, and repair 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. Fast service visits: swapping supply hoses, cleaning aerators, and clearing minor drain obstructions. Large remodels involving kitchen and bath reconfiguration typically run days to weeks. Ensure attic/crawlspace access is safe and unobstructed.

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:

Mold/mildew growth from leaks
Leak in multi-unit risers
Diagnostic camera required
Replacing tees/elbows/runs
Steam, gas, or scald risk

No shame in acknowledging when you could use some expert support. If the job is more involved than anticipated, a professional plumber can help.

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