Finding a plumber shouldn’t feel like rolling the dice. When water’s involved, mistakes get expensive fast—and urgency makes it easier to say yes to the wrong person. This checklist is designed to slow things down just enough to help you hire with confidence, whether it’s a dripping tap or a full-on emergency.
Start with the basics: licensing and insurance
A trustworthy plumber should be properly licensed for your region and carry both liability insurance and workers’ compensation. Don’t be shy about asking for proof. Licensing shows they’ve met minimum standards; insurance protects you if something goes wrong on your property. If a plumber dodges this question or says it’s “not necessary,” that’s your cue to keep looking.
Look for clarity before price
Price matters—but clarity matters more. A good plumber explains what they’re going to check, what’s likely causing the issue, and what the next steps might be. You want someone who can walk you through the work in plain language, not rush you into a yes or bury you in jargon. Clear explanations up front usually mean fewer surprises on the invoice later.
Understand how estimates actually work
Many plumbing jobs start with a diagnostic fee, especially if the cause isn’t obvious. That’s normal. What you’re looking for is transparency: what the diagnostic includes, whether that fee is applied to the final bill, and how pricing is structured once the issue is identified. Be cautious of ultra-low quotes given sight unseen—they often grow once work begins.
Check reviews the right way
Reviews are useful if you read them like a pattern, not a scorecard. Look for consistency over time. Are people mentioning clear communication, punctuality, and clean work? That’s a good sign. One angry review isn’t a deal-breaker; multiple reviews describing the same problem usually are. Also pay attention to how the business responds—calm, professional replies suggest accountability.
Ask who will actually be doing the work
Some plumbing companies send the owner to quote and a junior tech to do the job. That’s not necessarily bad—but you should know in advance. Ask who’s coming, how experienced they are with your specific issue, and whether they’re licensed or supervised. For complex repairs, experience matters.
Confirm what’s included—and what isn’t
A solid quote outlines scope. Does it include parts, labour, disposal of old materials, and cleanup? Are permits required, and if so, who handles them? Vague estimates leave room for confusion. Clear scope protects both sides and keeps expectations aligned.
Get specifics on warranties and guarantees
Reputable plumbers stand behind their work. Ask what’s covered, for how long, and what the process is if something fails. There’s a difference between a manufacturer’s warranty on parts and a labour guarantee on installation—ideally, you want both explained upfront.
Pay attention to professionalism in the small stuff
Trust often shows up in details. Do they arrive when they say they will? Do they protect floors and clean up after themselves? Do they communicate delays? Plumbing is technical, but professionalism is universal. The way someone treats your home during a small job is a good indicator of how they’ll handle a bigger one.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious if a plumber pressures you to decide immediately, asks for full payment upfront for non-emergency work, refuses to provide documentation, or gives answers that keep changing. Urgent situations happen—but urgency shouldn’t erase transparency.
Local matters
A plumber who works in your area regularly understands local codes, common issues, and permitting processes. They’re also easier to reach if follow-up is needed. Bonus points if their reviews mention long-term relationships with customers rather than one-off jobs.
Your quick trust checklist
Before you book, you should be able to answer yes to most of these:
- Licensed and insured
- Clear explanation of the problem and options
- Transparent pricing structure
- Consistent, believable reviews
- Defined scope of work
- Warranty explained
- Professional communication
Bottom line
Choosing a plumber you can trust isn’t about finding the cheapest option—it’s about finding the clearest one. The right plumber earns confidence before they ever pick up a wrench. Use this checklist, ask the uncomfortable questions, and you’ll dramatically reduce the odds of surprises—both in your walls and on your bill.
