Question 1

Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Plumbing licenses are mandatory in most states to ensure quality and safety. Working with licensed professionals minimizes rework, safety hazards, and surprise fines.

The "Angi Approved" designation confirms businesses meet our certification requirements: comprehensive background clearance, appropriate licensing verification, minimum 3.0 rating standard, advertising contribution, and eligibility criteria satisfaction. Important: Licensing is mandatory.

Question 2

What questions should I ask a plumbing contractor?

Accepted Answer

These targeted questions streamline hiring and reduce risk:

Valid license/insurance proof?Free written quote available?Hourly rate, trip fee, minimums?Credentials of field techs?Liability for accidental damage?Emergency dispatch speed?Cleanup expectations?Warranty start/end dates?

This keeps everyone accountable from start to finish.

Question 3

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

Accepted Answer

Prior to your plumber's arrival, we recommend clearing away any clutter, boxes, or debris that might obstruct their work area. Washing the area where the plumber will work helps maintain hygiene.

Plumbers appreciate a calm, quiet workspace.

Question 4

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

Accepted Answer

Simple plumbing fixes $175, complex work $4,000+, average $325.

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

If asbestos/lead protocols are required in older homes, compliance adds time and fees.

Question 5

How much do plumbers typically charge?

Accepted Answer

Typically, plumbers charge approximately $100 per hour, with rates ranging from $45 to $200 hourly based on their expertise and the specific repair required.

Common Rate Structure:

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

Costs are affected by the plumber's experience, local market rates, time of service, and difficulty of the repair required.

Question 6

How long do plumbers take to complete a plumbing job?

Accepted Answer

The majority of basic residential plumbing repairs typically take just a few hours to complete. Short scope work: replacing flexible supplies, cleaning debris from traps, or re-caulking fixtures. Shutoff limitations in multi-unit buildings may restrict hours to specific windows. If camera inspections are planned, clear drains of debris.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

When your DIY plumbing efforts aren't progressing as expected, it's probably time to call a professional.

Professional help is advised for:

Corroded or brittle piping
Leaks near finished cabinetry
Precision tools needed
Layout changes to piping
Heat/steam/gas involvement

Perfectly fine to acknowledge when you need professional guidance. If the project demands exceed your expertise, seek professional help.

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