Question 1

Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

Most places won’t allow plumbing work without a valid license. Hiring an unlicensed plumber could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations.

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

These targeted questions streamline hiring and reduce risk:

Are you licensed and insured?Do you offer free estimates?Is pricing flat-rate or hourly?Who will perform the work and are they certified?How do you handle accidental damage?What is your emergency response time?Is cleanup and haul-away included?Do you provide a workmanship warranty?

You’ll be better prepared for any contingencies.

Question 3

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

Accepted Answer

Creating a clean and open area in advance saves time once the plumber gets there. In addition, it's best practice to clean the area that needs to be inspected or worked on, like a toilet, for example.

Keeping kids and pets away is essential for safety.

Question 4

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

Accepted Answer

Most plumbing repairs cost around $325 per service, with prices potentially ranging from $175 to $4,000+.

Common price examples:

Basic toilet fixes: $150-400
Emergency pipe bursts: $1,000-4,000+
Clog removal: $100-275
Water heater service: $200-600
Fixture installation: $150-350

Access to shutoff valves and cleanouts can shorten or lengthen the job duration.

Question 5

How much do plumbers typically charge?

Accepted Answer

Baseline plumber labor often centers on $100/hr, but experience and urgency push rates to $45–$200/hr.

Common Rate Structure:

Regular rate: $45-$200/hr
Emergency rate: $150+/hr
Service call: $100-$350
Holiday rate: Additional 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

Most non-invasive plumbing repairs take only a couple of hours to complete. Examples include new sink installation, pipe or toilet clog removal, and dishwasher installation. Coordinating plumbers, electricians, and tile setters often extends total duration. Have paint/patch plans ready for faster closeout.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

When water keeps showing up where it shouldn't, it's time to get an expert involved.

Professional help is advised for:

Persistent drain slowdowns
Suspected leak behind tile
Advanced tool set required
Pipe cutting through finishes
Work around boilers/heaters

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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