Before You Hire a Plumber: 10-Point Checklist

A burst pipe, clogged drain, or failing water heater is stressful enough — the last thing you need is to hire the wrong plumber and make things worse. Unlicensed contractors, surprise charges, and shoddy workmanship are real risks in the plumbing industry.

Use this 10-point checklist to hire with confidence. Whether you’re facing an emergency or planning a bathroom remodel, these steps protect you from headaches and inflated bills.

Why the Right Hire Matters

Plumbing work affects your home’s water supply, drainage, and structural integrity. Bad plumbing causes:

  • Water damage averaging $11,000+ per claim (Insurance Information Institute, 2025)
  • Mold growth within 24–48 hours of moisture intrusion
  • Code violations that complicate home sales
  • Failed inspections that require expensive rework

The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. Here’s how to find someone you can actually trust.

The 10-Point Checklist

✅ 1. Verify Their License

Every state requires plumbers to be licensed. Don’t take their word for it — look up their license number through your state’s contractor licensing board. A licensed master plumber has passed comprehensive exams and met experience requirements.

What to ask: “What is your license number, and can I verify it online?”

✅ 2. Confirm They Carry Insurance

You need two types of coverage from your plumber:

  • General liability insurance (covers damage to your property)
  • Workers’ compensation (covers injuries to their crew on your property)

Ask for a certificate of insurance and verify it’s current. If they’re uninsured and something goes wrong, you could be liable.

✅ 3. Check Their Local Reputation

Online reviews tell part of the story. Look across multiple platforms:

  • Google Business Profile
  • Yelp
  • BBB (Better Business Bureau)
  • Nextdoor (neighborhood-specific feedback)
  • ProCraft verified reviews from local plumbers in your city

Red flags: multiple reviews mentioning the same issue, only 5-star reviews with no detail, reviews from accounts with no history.

✅ 4. Ask About Permits

Many plumbing jobs — especially anything involving new pipe installation, water heater replacement, or fixture rough-ins — require a permit. A contractor who skips permits is cutting a corner that could bite you at resale time.

What to ask: “Does this job require a permit? Who pulls it?”

The permit should always be in your contractor’s name. If they ask you to pull it, walk away.

✅ 5. Get an Itemized Written Quote

A verbal quote is worth nothing. Before any work starts, get a written estimate that breaks down:

  • Labor hours and rate
  • Parts and materials (brand and grade)
  • Any diagnostic or inspection fees
  • What’s not included

This protects you if the contractor tries to add charges after the fact.

✅ 6. Understand Their Pricing Structure

Plumbers typically charge one of two ways:

  • Hourly rate: $75–$200/hour depending on region and complexity. Better for simple jobs where scope is clear.
  • Flat rate/job pricing: One set price regardless of time. Better for well-defined projects (water heater install, toilet replacement).

Ask upfront which model they use and whether there’s a minimum charge for service calls.

✅ 7. Clarify Emergency vs. Standard Rates

If you’re calling at 11pm for a burst pipe, expect to pay a premium. Emergency rates often run 1.5–2x standard rates. Ask exactly what triggers emergency pricing and whether weekend calls cost extra.

Some ProCraft-verified plumbers in Phoenix, Dallas, and Chicago offer 24/7 service at competitive flat rates — worth comparing before you commit.

✅ 8. Ask About Warranty

Reputable plumbers warranty both their labor and the parts they install. Standard minimums:

  • Labor warranty: 1 year minimum
  • Parts warranty: Manufacturer warranty passed through to you

Get the warranty terms in writing. “We stand behind our work” is not a warranty.

✅ 9. Never Pay the Full Amount Upfront

For any job over $500, a reasonable deposit is 25–30% to cover materials. Any contractor demanding full payment before work begins is a major red flag.

Standard payment milestones:

  • Deposit: 25–30% at contract signing
  • Progress payment: 30–40% at rough-in inspection
  • Final: remainder upon completion and your satisfaction

✅ 10. Get Everything in Writing

Before work starts, have a signed contract that includes:

  • Scope of work (exactly what they’ll do)
  • Timeline and start/completion dates
  • Payment schedule
  • Permit responsibilities
  • Cleanup expectations
  • What happens if unexpected issues arise

No contract = no protection.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Print this and keep it handy for your calls:

  1. Are you licensed in [your state]? What’s your license number?
  2. Do you carry general liability and workers’ comp?
  3. Can you provide a written, itemized estimate?
  4. Does this job require a permit? Who handles it?
  5. What’s your warranty on labor and parts?
  6. Do you charge by the hour or flat rate?
  7. Are there extra charges for evenings or weekends?
  8. What payment schedule do you require?
  9. How long have you been serving this area?
  10. Can you provide 2–3 local references?

When to Call a Plumber Immediately

Some plumbing problems can wait a day or two for a scheduled appointment. Others need a call right now:

Call immediately:

  • Burst or actively leaking pipe
  • Sewage backing up into your home
  • Gas line smell (call your gas company AND a plumber)
  • No hot water in winter
  • Flooding from any source
  • Toilet overflow you can’t stop

Schedule within a few days:

  • Slow drain or minor clog
  • Running toilet
  • Low water pressure in one fixture
  • Dripping faucet

Get Matched With Vetted Local Plumbers

You shouldn’t have to do this research from scratch every time something breaks. ProCraft does the vetting for you — every plumber in our network is licensed, insured, and reviewed by real homeowners.

Find Verified Plumbers Near You →

Takes 2 minutes. Free quotes. No pressure.

Available in Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, Seattle, Miami, and 140+ cities nationwide.

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Last updated: April 2026 | ProCraft Editorial Team