How to Choose a Licensed Plumber — Hiring Checklist
Hiring a plumber without doing your homework is a gamble that can result in botched work, voided permits, water damage, and bills that balloon beyond the original quote. This checklist walks you through every step — from the first search to signing the contract.
Why Licensing Matters More Than Price
Unlicensed plumbers are cheaper for a reason. Licensed plumbers:
- Have passed state-administered trade exams
- Carry required liability insurance and bonding
- Must pull permits for major work (which protects you legally)
- Are accountable to a licensing board if work goes wrong
Hiring unlicensed plumbers for anything beyond a leaky faucet is risky. Many homeowners insurance policies won’t cover water damage caused by unlicensed work.
The Hiring Checklist
Step 1: Verify the License
Every state has a contractor licensing board. Look yours up and verify:
- License is active (not expired or suspended)
- License covers the work type (residential, commercial, specialty)
- Licensee name matches the contractor you’re hiring
How to check: Search “[your state] plumber license lookup” — most state boards have online portals. Ask the contractor for their license number before the first appointment.
Step 2: Confirm Insurance
Ask for a certificate of insurance before any work starts. You need two types:
| Insurance Type | What It Covers | Minimum to Ask For |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | Property damage from plumber’s work | $1 million per occurrence |
| Workers’ Compensation | Injuries to plumber or crew on your property | State minimum |
If they can’t produce a certificate within 24 hours, walk away.
Step 3: Get At Least 3 Written Quotes
For any job over $500, get competing quotes. Require each quote to be written and itemized:
- Parts/materials listed by name and quantity
- Labor hours estimated (or flat-rate amount)
- Scope of work clearly described
- What’s NOT included (helps you compare apples to apples)
- Payment terms and deposit amount
Red flag: Any contractor who refuses to put their quote in writing.
Step 4: Check References and Reviews
| Source | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Google Business | Volume of reviews, how recent, owner responses to negatives |
| Yelp | Independent voice; check for unlicensed work complaints |
| BBB (Better Business Bureau) | Complaint history, accreditation |
| Neighbors/friends | Most reliable — ask specifically about timeliness and final price vs. quote |
Ask the contractor directly: “Can you give me two references from jobs similar to mine in the last 6 months?” A confident contractor will comply.
Step 5: Understand Permits
Major plumbing work requires a permit in most jurisdictions. This includes:
- Water heater replacement
- Sewer line repair or replacement
- New bathroom or kitchen rough-in
- Repiping
A permit means a city inspector verifies the work meets code — protecting you when you sell the home. If a contractor says “we don’t need a permit for that” for any of the above, verify with your local building department before proceeding.
Step 6: Review the Contract
Before work starts, the contract should include:
- Complete scope of work (what they will and won’t do)
- Start and estimated completion date
- Total price or not-to-exceed amount
- Payment schedule (typically: deposit at start, balance on completion)
- Warranty on parts and labor (1 year minimum is standard)
- What happens if additional issues are discovered mid-job
- Dispute resolution process
Never pay 100% upfront. A typical deposit is 25–50% for parts. Full payment before completion = leverage lost.
Common Plumbing Jobs: Cost Benchmarks
Use these to spot-check quotes:
| Job | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Toilet replacement | $200–$400 installed |
| Faucet replacement (basic) | $150–$300 installed |
| Water heater replacement (40-gal tank) | $900–$1,600 installed |
| Water heater replacement (tankless) | $2,000–$4,500 installed |
| Drain cleaning (snaking) | $150–$400 |
| Sewer line inspection (camera) | $250–$600 |
| Sewer line spot repair | $1,000–$3,500 |
| Full sewer line replacement | $4,000–$15,000+ |
| Whole-home repipe (copper) | $8,000–$25,000 |
| Whole-home repipe (PEX) | $5,000–$15,000 |
Prices are national midpoints. Regional variation +/- 30%.
Emergency Plumbing: What to Do
If you have an active leak or burst pipe:
- Turn off the main water supply (usually near the meter or where the line enters the home)
- Then call a plumber — don’t call first and wait with water running
- Document damage with photos before any cleanup (for insurance)
- Ask for an emergency service fee upfront — legitimate emergency rates are $100–$200/hr or flat fee, not “whatever we decide later”
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- Are you licensed in this state? What’s your license number?
- Is your company insured? Can you send me the certificate?
- Will you pull a permit for this job?
- What’s your warranty on labor and parts?
- What’s your process if you discover additional problems mid-job?
- What’s your emergency service policy?
Find Licensed Plumbers Near You
ProCraft connects you with licensed, insured plumbers who have passed our vetting process. Request quotes from multiple contractors at once — compare prices and credentials before you commit.
Start with best plumbers near you, and compare contractor options in Portland, OR and Charlotte, NC.