Home >> Top 10 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Plumber

November 4, 2025

Finding the right plumber for your home can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. A bad hire can lead to costly repairs, shoddy workmanship, and headaches you don’t need. But asking the right questions upfront can save you thousands of dollars and countless hours of frustration down the road.

Before you hand over your hard-earned money to just any plumber who answers your call, arm yourself with these ten questions. They’ll help you separate the professionals from the pretenders and make sure you’re getting quality service at a fair price.

1. Are you licensed and insured?

This question should be the first one out of your mouth. A licensed plumber has completed the required training and passed state examinations to prove they know what they’re doing. Insurance protects both you and the plumber if something goes wrong during the job.

Don’t be shy about asking to see proof of both their license and insurance coverage. Any reputable plumber will gladly show you their credentials. If they hesitate or make excuses, that’s your cue to walk away.

Insurance matters just as much as licensing. If a plumber damages your property or gets injured on the job, you could be held liable without proper coverage. A professional plumber carries both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation to protect everyone involved.

2. How long have you been in business?

Experience counts for a lot in the plumbing trade. A plumber who has been around for years has likely seen every problem under the sun and knows how to fix them right. While everyone starts somewhere, you want someone who has proven they can stick around and build a solid reputation.

Ask about the company’s history and how long the specific plumber has been working in the field. A business that has served the community for many years is more likely to stand behind their work and maintain high standards of quality.

3. Can you provide references or reviews?

Word of mouth remains one of the best ways to find a quality plumber. In a survey of 626 Americans, 92% of respondents consider online reviews before hiring a local home service business. That’s because real customer experiences tell you what you can expect.

Don’t just look at the star rating. Read through actual reviews to see what people are saying. Did the plumber show up on time? Was the work completed correctly? Were there any surprise charges? Did they clean up after themselves? These details matter.

Ask the plumber directly for references from recent customers. A professional will be happy to connect you with satisfied clients who can vouch for their work. If a plumber can’t or won’t provide references, consider that a red flag.

4. What’s your pricing structure?

Nobody likes surprise bills. Before any work begins, you should know exactly what you’ll be paying and what’s included. Some plumbers charge by the hour, others charge a flat rate for specific jobs. Make sure you understand which pricing model they use.

Get a detailed written estimate that breaks down labor costs, materials, and any other fees. This estimate should be free of charge. If a plumber wants to charge you just for giving an estimate, keep looking.

Watch out for prices that seem too good to be true. The average plumber in the United States earns an average of $29.82 per hour, so if someone’s offering rates way below market value, they might be cutting corners on quality or experience.

5. Do you offer any warranties or guarantees?

A plumber who stands behind their work will offer some type of warranty or guarantee. This shows they’re confident in their abilities and willing to make things right if problems arise after the job is done.

Ask specifically what’s covered under the warranty. How long does it last? Does it cover both parts and labor? What happens if the same problem comes back? Get these details in writing so there’s no confusion later.

Some plumbing companies offer satisfaction guarantees where they’ll return to fix any issues at no extra charge. This kind of commitment to customer service speaks volumes about a company’s integrity and professionalism.

6. What’s your availability for emergencies?

Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for business hours. A burst pipe at 2 AM or a backed-up sewer on a Sunday needs immediate attention. Find out if the plumber offers 24/7 emergency services and what their response time looks like.

Ask about emergency service fees too. Many plumbers charge extra for after-hours calls, which is understandable. Just make sure you know what those fees are upfront so you’re not shocked by the bill later.

For Denton homeowners, having a plumber’s contact information saved in your phone before an emergency happens can save you precious time when every minute counts. Many local plumbing companies in the area offer same-day service for urgent situations.

7. Are you familiar with local building codes?

Building codes exist to keep homes safe and functional. A plumber who knows the local codes will make sure any work they do meets these requirements. This matters especially for major projects like bathroom remodels or water heater installations.

In Texas, plumbing work must comply with both state and local regulations. The City of Denton has its own building codes and inspection requirements. A plumber who regularly works in the area will know these rules inside and out.

Failing to follow proper codes can create serious problems when you try to sell your home or if you need to file an insurance claim. Don’t take chances with someone who’s unfamiliar with local requirements.

8. What type of equipment and methods do you use?

Modern plumbing technology has come a long way. Professional plumbers use specialized tools like video cameras to inspect pipes, hydro-jetting equipment to clear stubborn clogs, and leak detection devices to find hidden problems without tearing apart walls.

Ask what kind of equipment they’ll use for your specific job. For example, if you have a clogged drain, will they just use a basic snake or do they have more advanced options? If you need a slab leak detection, do they have the proper equipment to locate the problem accurately?

The U.S. is expected to be short 550,000 plumbers by 2027, which makes skilled, well-equipped professionals even more valuable. A plumber who invests in quality tools and stays current with new technology is more likely to do the job right the first time.

9. Will you get the necessary permits?

Some plumbing jobs require permits from your local building department. Major installations, repiping work, and other significant projects usually need official approval. The plumber should handle getting these permits as part of their service.

If they tell you permits aren’t needed when they really are, that’s a major warning sign. Working without proper permits can result in fines, and the work might not be covered by your home insurance if something goes wrong.

A professional plumber knows which jobs require permits and has experience dealing with local building inspectors. They should factor permit costs into their estimate and handle all the paperwork for you.

10. What payment methods do you accept?

Before the plumber starts working, clarify how and when you’ll need to pay. Most reputable plumbers accept multiple payment methods including cash, checks, and credit cards. Some even offer financing options for larger jobs.

Be cautious of plumbers who demand full payment upfront. Standard practice is to pay a deposit for materials, then settle the final bill once the work is completed to your satisfaction. Never pay in full before the job is done.

Get everything in writing. A proper invoice should list all work performed, materials used, labor charges, and the total cost. This documentation protects both you and the plumber if any disputes arise later.