Most people wait until a pipe bursts or the toilet backs up before they think about hiring a plumber. That's a mistake. Do your homework now, not when water is pouring through the ceiling.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for a license number up front. Every state has a database you can check in two minutes. If they dodge the question or give you a nickname instead of a legal business name, walk away. Insurance matters just as much. You need proof of general liability and workers' comp. A slip on your wet floor can end up as a lawsuit against you if they're uninsured. Don't take a photo of a card — call the agent listed to verify coverage is active.
Experience & References Questions
Ask how long they've been doing this specific kind of work. New construction, repiping, drain cleaning — each is a different skill set. A guy who does great faucet swaps might botch a water heater install. Get at least two references from jobs similar to yours. Call those references and ask two things: did they show up on time, and did the final bill match the estimate. Listen for hesitation. If the reference stumbles, the experience was bad.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get a written estimate before any work starts. Do not accept a verbal ballpark. Ask if the price is flat rate or time and materials. Flat rate protects you from surprise hours, but make sure it covers parts and any unforeseen issues. For timeline, ask what happens if they hit a problem like a corroded pipe. Do they charge extra? How much? Get a realistic start and finish date in writing. A vague 'sometime next week' means you're not a priority.
Contract Questions
Read the contract. Every line. Look for a cancellation policy — can you back out if they don't show on day one? Check for a warranty on labor and materials. One year is standard for labor, five to ten for parts like water heaters. Make sure the contract lists the exact scope of work and materials. If it says 'repair leak' without specifying what they'll replace, they can swap the cheapest part and call it done. That's on you.
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