Question 1

Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

It’s common—and required—for plumbers to hold a license. Unlicensed plumbers may provide inferior work, lead to costly subsequent repairs, and risk regulatory violations.

Our "Angi Approved" badge indicates professionals who satisfy our standards: successful background assessment, required licensing compliance, 3.0 or better rating average, regular advertising activity, and requirement fulfillment. Key point: State licensing is compulsory.

Question 2

What questions should I ask a plumbing contractor?

Accepted Answer

Before agreeing to any quote, walk through these questions with the contractor:

Are you insured and licensed for this jurisdiction?Any diagnostic fees?How is pricing calculated?What is the crew’s experience level?Policy for accidental breakage?Emergency service policy?Will you remove debris afterward?What warranties apply?

Addressing these points upfront ensures clear communication and prevents misunderstandings down the line.

Question 3

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

Accepted Answer

Remove tripping hazards like boxes or loose items to keep the work safe. Along with general cleanup, focusing on sanitizing the actual work site, like under sinks or around toilets, is important.

Children should never play near the plumber’s tools or work area.

Question 4

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

Accepted Answer

Expect most plumbing projects to cost around $325, but $175–$4,000 is possible.

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

Several factors affect the final price including the project scope, home size, and pipe materials. External considerations like supply chain problems and material shortages also influence repair costs.

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

Rates vary based on the professional's qualifications, geographic location, service timing, and complexity of the plumbing issue.

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. Some plumbing projects require significantly more time. Examples include jobs requiring wall demolition to access pipes, excavation for gas line work, or waiting for specialized parts and materials. Ask about lead times on special-order fixtures early on.

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:

Low or erratic water pressure
Leak source cannot be found
Specialty tool access needed
Opening walls/floors required
Involves hot water, steam, or gas

Absolutely acceptable to realize when professional support is beneficial. If the work is more intricate than expected, hire an expert.

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