Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with an annoying leak or a property manager planning a multi-unit plumbing upgrade, hiring the right plumbing contractor can make or break the success of your project.

With countless options on the market, all advertising as the best in the business, how do you accurately vet a plumber worth trusting?

In this guide, we’ll share clear, practical plumbing tips designed specifically for homeowners, general contractors, property managers, and real estate investors to help you confidently select a licensed, reputable plumbing expert. You’ll gain insights on must-ask questions, warning signs to watch out for, and what separates great plumbers from the rest.

Why Hiring the Right Plumbing Contractor Matters

The average homeowner calls a plumber once every three years—usually in a panic after something’s gone wrong. But when you’re working with contractors during a renovation or overseeing systems in a multi-family unit, the stakes are much higher. Choosing the wrong plumbing contractor can lead to:

Costly damage from poor workmanship
Legal or insurance issues from unlicensed labor
Re-inspection failures due to non-compliance with local codes
Delays during construction timelines
Short-term fixes instead of long-term plumbing solutions

Hiring smart saves you future headaches. Let’s dive into what to look for in a reputable plumbing professional.

What to Ask Before Hiring a Plumbing Contractor

Before hiring someone, ask these essential questions to evaluate professionalism, experience, and credibility. These 7 prompts will help you separate pros from pretenders:

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

A licensed plumbing contractor meets state and/or local requirements and carries general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.

✅ Why it matters: Unlicensed work can void warranties, fail inspections, or expose you to liability.

Pro Tip: Ask for their license number and verify it through your state’s contractor license lookup.

2. What Experience Do You Have With This Type of Job?

Whether it’s a tankless water heater installation or full plumbing for an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), make sure their experience matches your needs.

✅ Check for special areas of expertise—commercial systems, sewer lateral replacements, copper vs. PEX installations.

3. Can You Provide Local References?

Reputable plumbers have no problem sharing contact info for recent clients within your zip code.

✅ Tip: Ask references how long the job took, if there were surprises, and whether they’d hire the same plumber again.

4. Who Will Actually Perform the Work?

Contractors often subcontract work out. That’s not a red flag—as long as subcontractors are licensed and properly supervised.

✅ Ask: “Will the person doing the work be a licensed plumber?”

5. What’s Included in This Bid?

Lowball estimates can be tempting. But beware—they may exclude critical items that inflate the final invoice.

✅ Always insist on an itemized bid. Look for line items like:

Permits
Material costs
Labor rates
Cleanup
Warranty

6. What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?

Quality plumbers stand behind their work and offer both parts and labor warranties.

✅ Confirm details: duration, what’s covered, and how warranty claims are handled.

7. Will You Pull the Necessary Permits?

If required by local building code (especially for sewer connections, water heater replacements, or repiping), the contractor should handle permits for you.

✅ If they tell you to “pull the permit yourself,” that’s a red flag.

How to Vet and Compare Plumbing Contractors Like a Pro

You’ve asked the right questions—now here’s how to assess, compare, and confidently hire the best fit.

✔️ Verify Licensing & Insurance

Use your state’s licensing board website to confirm:

Active license in good standing
No disciplinary actions or pending complaints

Ask for copies of:

General liability insurance (min. $1 million coverage recommended)
Workers’ comp (especially if crew >1 person)

📱 Read Reviews—But Read Them Right

Online reviews are helpful—but dig deeper.

Look for trends, not one-off comments. If multiple reviewers mention:

Missed appointments
Incomplete cleanup
Surprise charges

…these are patterns, not coincidences.

Platforms like:

Google Maps (search: “plumber near me” + your city)
Yelp
HomeAdvisor
Nextdoor (for hyperlocal feedback)

💵 Understand Cost vs. Value

Price matters—but don’t confuse lowest cost with best value.

Legit bids should include:

Specifics (model numbers, part names)
Cleanup and disposal
Warranty period
Completion timeline

🚫 Beware of:

Cash-only offers
Quotes without contracts
“Open-ended” hourly pricing without a cap

🚩 Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Even if they come recommended, trust your gut and steer clear of contractors who:

Don’t want to sign a contract
Pressure you to “decide fast, this is a limited offer!”
Can’t show proof of insurance
Won’t give references or reviews
Show up without branded trucks or uniforms

Your plumbing system—and your reputation as a property manager or remodeling expert—depends on quality results.

When to Hire a General Contractor vs. a Plumbing Contractor

If you’re doing a whole-house remodel or building new, you may be working with a general contractor. But that doesn’t eliminate the need for licensed subs.

👉 General contractors coordinate timelines, permits, and material sourcing

👉 Plumbing contractors focus on code-compliant pipe systems, water heating, fixture installations, etc.

If plumbing is a major scope item, make sure:

Your general contractor hires a licensed plumber
You have access to the plumber to inspect and approve design/fixture choices

Construction & Remodeling: Make Plumbing Planning a Priority

Good plumbers don’t just react—they plan ahead. Get your plumbing contractor involved early during renovations to:

Advise on fixture placement based on water line proximity
Evaluate if pipe upgrades are necessary for new appliances or bathrooms
Ensure ADA compliance in commercial tenant improvements
Help pass final building inspections faster and hassle-free

Plumbing advice during renovations saves thousands down the line.

Final Thoughts: Great Plumbing Contractors Do More Than Just Plumbing

A skilled plumbing professional is part technician, part problem-solver, part project manager. Whether you’re a homeowner with a small issue or a contractor overseeing a large build, hiring the right plumbing contractor will:

Reduce stress
Prevent property damage
Improve long-term system efficiency
Save you time and money through accurate work the first time

Call to Action

Need help sourcing a trusted plumbing contractor in your area?

🛠️ Download our “Plumbing Contractor Vetting Checklist” now – a printable toolkit with all the questions, red flags, and comparison tools you need to hire confidently.

Or, ready to book an inspection with a verified local plumber?

📞 Contact us today for a pre-screened, licensed plumbing expert near you.

Stop suffering from risky hires or jobsite guesswork—partner with a pro who gets the job done right the first time.

PLUMBERS that PAY ATTENTION!

RC Szabo Plumbing & Sewer

Essential Plumbing Services to keep your Home Running 24/7

Plumbing Contractors: How to Choose the Right One for Your Home or Property