Question 1

Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, licensed pros are accountable to regulators. Unlicensed plumbers may provide inferior work, lead to costly subsequent repairs, and risk regulatory violations.

Our "Angi Approved" badge signifies businesses that satisfy our certification standards: clean criminal background verification, proper state and local licensing, 3.0 or higher rating average, regular advertising commitment, and compliance with all criteria. Remember: Licensing is regulatory.

Question 2

What questions should I ask a plumbing contractor?

Accepted Answer

Cover the fundamentals with your plumber by asking this:

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?

You’ll know exactly what to expect on day one.

Question 3

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning ahead of time demonstrates respect for the plumber’s time. Along with general cleanup, focusing on sanitizing the actual work site, like under sinks or around toilets, is important.

Children should stay clear of sharp plumbing equipment.

Question 4

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

Accepted Answer

Common plumbing repair prices average $325, but scope matters ($175–$4,000).

Common price examples:

Toilet refill issues: $150–$400
In-wall burst section: $1,000–$4,000+
Drain clog service: $100–$275
Heater tune & test: $200–$600
Faucet assembly swap: $150–$350

Local building codes and inspection schedules can affect sequencing and labor hours.

Question 5

How much do plumbers typically charge?

Accepted Answer

Complex diagnostics justify $120–$180/hr; simple tasks sit nearer the $60–$90/hr band.

Common Rate Structure:

Window rate: $45–$200/hr
Rush window: $150+/hr
Arrival charge: $100–$350
Holiday extra: 25–50%

Rates are determined by the professional's experience, geographic area, service timing, and complexity of the plumbing problem.

Question 6

How long do plumbers take to complete a plumbing job?

Accepted Answer

For standard fixtures, work times commonly stay within a few hours. Quick fixes: replace a sprayer hose, reset a loose toilet, or unclog a bathroom sink. Fixture relocations require new rough-ins, expanding the timeline beyond a single day. Confirm cleanup and haul-away expectations to save time.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

If your repair affects shared systems (condo/HOA), bring in a licensed contractor.

Professional help is advised for:

Metallic taste/discoloration
Leak above panel/fixtures
Thermal/camera inspection
Pipe rerouting scope
Hot water/steam involvement

Perfectly acceptable to admit when you need professional backup. If the work is more complicated than planned, hire a qualified plumber.

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