By Elizabeth Samson 
Hiring a plumber isn’t something most people think about… until they have to (usually when water’s dripping somewhere it shouldn’t). The confusing part is knowing who to trust. A good plumber can save you time, stress, and money, while a bad one can turn a simple fix into a full-blown disaster. So what makes the difference? The questions you ask before saying yes. The smartest move is still finding those high rated plumbers who actually take pride in their work.
Questions to Ask a Plumber Before Hiring
Here’s what to ask.
1. Are You Licensed?
A license is more than just a piece of paper — it’s proof the plumber knows what they’re doing. It means they’ve trained, passed tests, and understand local building rules. You wouldn’t hire an unlicensed driver to teach you how to drive, right? Same logic applies here.
When you ask this, you’re checking for accountability. A real pro won’t hesitate to show proof or explain their qualifications. If someone dodges the question, that’s your sign to move on.
2. Are You Insured?
Plumbing involves risk. A pipe bursts, water leaks, or someone gets hurt — things can go wrong fast. Insurance protects both you and the plumber if that happens.
Ask specifically about:
- Liability insurance: covers property damage.
- Workers’ comp: covers injuries on the job
It’s not nosy. It’s smart. Anyone running a legit business will already have these in place.
3. Can You Provide References?
Think of this like checking reviews before buying something expensive. A plumber with happy clients will be proud to share names or numbers. Call one or two of them and ask what the experience was like — were they on time, fair with pricing, respectful in your home?
Real stories from real people are worth way more than a five-star rating online.
4. Do You Guarantee Your Work?
A confident plumber won’t disappear once they’ve been paid. They’ll back their work with a guarantee. That means if something leaks or breaks after the job, they’ll come fix it without extra charge.
A guarantee shows pride and accountability.
5. Do You Include Cleanup?
Plumbing work can get messy. Between cutting pipes and sealing joints, it’s easy for your space to look like a construction zone afterward. Ask if cleanup is part of the deal.
Good plumbers won’t leave behind dirt or random parts. They’ll tidy up before they go. It’s a small detail. But it says a lot about their attitude toward customers.
6. How Do You Handle Payment?
Money talk upfront avoids drama later. Ask how they expect to be paid: deposit, installments, or after completion.
Professional plumbers keep things transparent. They’ll give you clear terms and no surprise add-ons. But if someone demands full payment before lifting a wrench, hit pause.
7. What About Warranties on Parts?
Even if the plumber’s work is flawless, materials can fail. A good one will use quality parts that come with warranties. Ask who’s responsible if a part breaks — the plumber or the manufacturer.
This one question saves you future stress and helps you see how much the plumber cares about long-term reliability versus quick fixes.
8. What Services Do You Actually Offer?
Plumbers have specialties. Some handle emergencies; others focus on remodeling, water heaters, or drainage systems. Asking early saves time and keeps expectations clear.
Plus, it’s helpful to know if you can call the same plumber later for something else — consistency builds trust and saves you from explaining your system all over again.
9. Can You Give Me a Written Estimate?
Verbal quotes are easy to forget or “adjust” later. A written estimate locks everything in: labor, materials, timelines, and total cost.
The best plumbers walk you through what’s included and what could change if new issues pop up. That level of transparency separates professionals from side-hustlers.
10. Can I Actually Talk to Your References?
Some plumbers drop references like name cards, expecting you not to follow up. Call them anyway. Ask:
- Did the plumber show up on time?
- Was the price fair?
- Would you hire them again?
You’ll get real insight fast. If they seem genuinely happy, you’ve probably found a plumber worth keeping.
A Few Extra Tips to Keep You Ahead
Once you’ve asked the main questions, pay attention to smaller cues — how the plumber communicates, how fast they respond, whether they seem organized. These things reveal more about their professionalism than a website ever could.
You can also:
- Check online reviews, but read them critically. You’re searching for patterns, not one-off complaints.
- Compare at least two quotes to spot overpricing or vague estimates.
- Ask about availability. Emergencies happen at 2 AM, not 2 PM — the best plumbers plan for that.
The goal isn’t just to find someone to fix your problem. It’s to find someone who earns your trust.
Conclusion
Plumbing issues don’t wait, so when they show up, you want to be ready — not guessing. These questions help you cut through sales talk and find out who’s truly qualified. A good plumber won’t just fix what’s broken; they’ll explain, advise, and leave you feeling confident about the work done. The ones who care about their craft, their clients, and their reputation are the ones you want in your corner. And if you find those high rated plumbers who check every box, hold on to their number — they’re worth it.