Question 1

Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, licensing helps ensure proper training and ethics. Hiring an unlicensed plumber could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations.

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

Before day one on site, ensure alignment by asking this:

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?

These questions provide clarity and help build confidence in your plumbing professional.

Question 3

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

Accepted Answer

Efficient plumbing starts with an accessible workspace. In addition, it's best practice to clean the area that needs to be inspected or worked on, like a toilet, for example.

For safety reasons, ensure kids and animals are kept away from the plumbing work area throughout the visit.

Question 4

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

Accepted Answer

Plumbing fixes average $325, with jobs ranging widely from $175 to $4,000.

Common price examples:

Toilet repairs: $150–400
Burst pipe work: $1,000–4,000+
Drain cleaning: $100–275
Heater servicing: $200–600
Faucet installation: $150–350

Job complexity, property size, and existing pipe types affect the total cost. External conditions including supply chain difficulties and material shortages influence the final bill.

Question 5

How much do plumbers typically charge?

Accepted Answer

For quick budgeting, $100/hr is a reliable benchmark.

Common Rate Structure:

T&M labor: $45–$200/hr
Rush service: $150+ hr
Truck charge: $100–$350
Holiday factor: +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

Basic isolations and swaps generally complete within hours. Think faucet replacement, trap repairs, and quick shutoff valve changes. Longer completion times apply to complex plumbing jobs. Including those requiring demolition for pipe access, digging for gas line work, or waiting for specialized materials and parts. 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

If you’re unsure how to restore water service safely, call a plumber.

Professional help is advised for:

Water hammer or banging persists
Leaks within slabs or crawlspaces
Specialized diagnostic tools required
Pipe rerouting or re-piping scope
Gas, steam, or scalding risk present

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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