Question 1

Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

It’s common—and required—for plumbers to hold a license. A licensed plumber can legally pull permits and coordinate required inspections.

As you browse our pro listings, take note of the "Angi Approved" badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards which include: background checks, required licenses, 3.0+ star ratings, advertising participation, and meeting eligibility criteria. Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications.

Question 2

What questions should I ask a plumbing contractor?

Accepted Answer

To compare bids fairly, make sure each plumber answers these questions:

Do you carry workers’ comp and liability?Do you provide fixed quotes?Hourly rates and travel fees?Will lead tech be present?Damage escalation path?After-hours coverage?Site protection/cleanup included?Warranty on workmanship?

You’ll avoid miscommunication and last-minute changes.

Question 3

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

Accepted Answer

Remove tripping hazards like boxes or loose items to keep the work safe. A sparkling-clean toilet or sink makes repairs more pleasant.Children should be supervised during the plumber’s visit.

Question 4

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

Accepted Answer

Most reports put plumbing costs at $325, with extremes spanning $175–$4,000.

Common price examples:

Toilet valve replacement: $150–400
Pipe rupture: $1,000–$4,000+
Drain jetting: $100–275
Hot water tank repair: $200–600
Faucet install: $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

A journeyman may bill ~ $100/hr; apprentices less, masters more (overall $45–$200/hr).

Common Rate Structure:

Typical labor: $45–$200/hr
Same-day emergency: $150+ hr
Trip/diagnostic: $100–$350
Holiday premium: 25–50%

Rates are influenced by the plumber's experience level, geographic location, time of service, and complexity of the repair job.

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. Examples include sink installation, resolving pipe or toilet clogs, and dishwasher setup. Septic or well system tie-ins may add separate, longer-duration steps. Multiple plumbing issues discovered during service can extend the timeline.

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:

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

There's nothing wrong with admitting you need a little extra help. If your project is more complicated than you thought, consider hiring a professional.

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