Hiring a Plumber: 12 Questions to Ask Before Any Emergency or Remodel

When water is on the floor or a remodel is on the calendar, you don’t have time to guess. The right plumber protects your home, your budget, and your timeline. The wrong hire can mean leaks, failed inspections, or costly do-overs.

Use this guide from H.I.S. Plumbing to ask smart questions up front—for emergencies and planned projects. We included a printable checklist and sample answers so you can compare pros apples-to-apples and feel confident moving forward.

Credentials and Coverage ✅

Licensing, insurance, and permits protect you if something goes wrong. In many states, plumbing work must follow the International Plumbing Code (IPC) or Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and be performed by licensed professionals.

Ask:

• 1. Are you a licensed plumber in this state? What’s your license number?
  • Why it matters: Lets you verify status and any violations with your state licensing board.
  • Sample answer to look for: “Yes. Company license: ABC-12345. You can verify on the state site. The tech on your job is licensed too.”
• 1. Do you carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance?
  • Why it matters: Liability covers accidental damage; workers’ comp covers on-the-job injuries.
  • Sample answer: “Yes. We carry $1M liability and active workers’ comp. We can email a Certificate of Insurance listing your address.”
• 1. Will you handle required permits and schedule inspections?
  • Why it matters: Most water heater swaps, repipes, gas lines, and sewer work require permits and inspection.
  • Sample answer: “Yes. We pull permits with the city and meet the inspector. We follow IPC/UPC and local amendments.”
• 1. Who will be on-site? Are technicians background-checked and trained?
  • Why it matters: You want qualified people in your home, not just a salesperson.
  • Sample answer: “Our in-house team will perform the work. Techs pass background checks and receive ongoing training, including OSHA safety.”

Notes:

• For gas work, ask about NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code) familiarity and local licensing.
• For backflow devices, ask for up-to-date tester certification where required.

Estimates and Scope 🧾

Clear estimates prevent scope creep, surprise charges, and delays.

Ask:

• 5) Can I get a written, itemized estimate with scope, exclusions, and options?
  • Why it matters: Itemization shows labor, materials, and any allowances.
  • Sample answer: “We’ll email a line-item estimate today with good/better/best options and a scope map.”
• 1. What is the change-order process if you find hidden issues?
  • Why it matters: Old piping, concealed leaks, or code updates may affect the job.
  • Sample answer: “We pause, show you photos, provide a written change order, and proceed only with approval.”
• 1. What timeline and daily schedule should I expect?
  • Why it matters: You need to plan access and know when water will be off.
  • Sample answer: “We can start Wednesday. Two days on site. Water off 2–3 hours each day. Arrival window 8–10 a.m. We text ETAs.”

Pro tip:

• Ask for photos or a simple drawing showing fixture locations, pipe routes, and shutoff plans for remodels.

Quality and Warranty 🛠️

Look for quality standards, brand-neutral advice, and clear warranty terms.

Ask:

• 8) What warranties cover parts and labor?
  • Why it matters: Manufacturers cover parts; contractors cover workmanship. Terms vary by product.
  • Sample answer: “Manufacturer: 6–12 years on tank, depending on model. Our labor warranty: 1 year on installed work. We document both on your invoice.”
• 1. Do you recommend specific brands, and can you service what I already own?
  • Why it matters: You want a solution that fits your budget and home, not just a brand quota.
  • Sample answer: “We’re brand-agnostic. We recommend based on your water quality and usage. We can also service your existing water heater or fixtures.”

Quality cues:

• Use of approved materials (lead-free, UPC/IPC listed).
• Proper venting, dielectric unions, expansion tanks where required.
• Pressure testing documentation for gas and water lines.

Communication and Cleanliness 🧹

How a plumber treats your home is as important as what they install.

Ask:

• 10) How will you protect floors, surfaces, and personal items?
  • Sample answer: “We lay drop cloths, wear boot covers, and isolate dust. We haul away debris.”
• 1. What are your communication practices—arrival updates, progress notes, and post-job walkthrough?
  • Sample answer: “We send text updates, share photos of hidden work, and do a final walkthrough, including valve locations and maintenance tips.”
• 1. What are your payment methods, after-hours rates, and trip charges?
  • Sample answer: “We accept major cards and check. No cash-only requirement. Standard service call is itemized. After-hours emergency rates are quoted up front.”

Red Flags

• Cash-only pressure or “today-only” pricing.
• Vague scopes: “We’ll see what happens” with no written estimate.
• No license number, no references, or refusal to provide insurance certificate.
• Resistance to permits or inspections where required.
• No mention of code compliance, pressure testing, or documentation.
• Unwilling to explain change orders or give photos of hidden conditions.

The 12 Questions: Printable Checklist + Sample Answers 🖨️

Tip: Print this list and write answers as you interview plumbers. Keep it with your permit docs and receipts.

• 1. State license and number? Sample: “Yes, ABC-12345.” Verified: ☐
• 1. Liability and workers’ comp insurance? Sample: “$1M liability; active workers’ comp.” COI provided: ☐
• 1. Permits and inspections handled? Sample: “Yes, we pull permits and meet the inspector.” ☐
• 1. Who’s on-site? Background checks/training? Sample: “In-house, background-checked techs.” ☐
• 1. Written, itemized estimate with exclusions/options? Sample: “Line-item PDF today.” ☐
• 1. Change-order process with photos and approval? Sample: “We pause, document, and seek sign-off.” ☐
• 1. Timeline, arrival window, and water-off plan? Sample: “Start Wed, 2 days, 8–10 a.m. window.” ☐
• 1. Parts and labor warranty terms in writing? Sample: “Mfr. 6–12 yrs; 1-yr labor.” ☐
• 1. Brand-agnostic recommendations and ability to service existing equipment? Sample: “Yes.” ☐
• 1. Home protection and cleanup plan? Sample: “Drop cloths, boot covers, haul-away.” ☐
• 1. Emergency rates/fees disclosed up front? Sample: “Yes, before dispatch.” ☐
• 1. Recent references/photos; special certs (gas/backflow)? Sample: “Yes, here are three.” ☐

Keep also: preferred payment method, point of contact, and how to reach the team after hours.

Problem/Scenario: Before the Flood or the Remodel

Two common moments call for fast, steady decisions:

• A true emergency: A burst pipe, sewer backup, gas smell, or a water heater leaking from the tank.
• A planned upgrade: A bathroom remodel, kitchen re-pipe, or water filtration system.

In both cases, the same vetting process applies. You need a licensed, insured pro who can give a clear scope, a realistic timeline, and solid documentation.

If you’re scanning for Emergency Plumbing near you at 2 a.m., use the checklist above. Even under pressure, take two minutes to confirm license and insurance, get a written dispatch fee, and ask for photos of the issue before work begins.

Quick Safety Checklist ⚠️

If there’s active damage, stabilize first. Then call.

• Shut off water: Close the nearest fixture valve. If needed, close the main shutoff (usually by the meter). Many cities recommend labeling this in advance.
• Kill power near water: If water reached outlets or a panel, do not touch wet electrical equipment. Contact your utility or an electrician.
• Gas smell (rotten egg odor): Do not use switches or lighters. Leave the building and call your gas utility and a licensed plumber trained on NFPA 54.
• Sewage backup: Avoid contact. The CDC warns against direct exposure to sewage due to pathogens. Ventilate and keep children and pets away.
• Water heater leak: If safe, turn off the cold supply and set gas or power to “off.” Some models require a specific shutdown sequence—check the label.
• Lead or older systems: The EPA advises using certified components and methods for lead-containing systems. Do not cut into unknown pipes without PPE.
• Document: Take photos and note where water traveled. This helps your plumber and your insurer.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

Do-it-yourself tasks that are usually safe:

• Use a plunger on a slow or lightly clogged toilet.
• Tighten a visible compression nut on a P-trap by hand (no over-torquing).
• Replace a worn flapper or fill valve in a toilet.
• Clean an aerator or showerhead for low flow.
• Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit.

Call a licensed plumber for:

• Gas lines, gas leaks, and appliance connections.
• Sewer line clogs, sewage in tubs, or repeated whole-home backups.
• Burst pipes, slab leaks, or water stains that keep growing.
• Low or high water pressure affecting multiple fixtures.
• Water heater repair or full replacement, especially with venting changes.
• Backflow testing, RPZ repairs, and cross-connection control.
• Any work requiring permits or inspection.

What Pros Do On Arrival

Here’s what a professional visit usually looks like:

• Arrival and intro: Tech arrives within the stated window, shows ID, and confirms the scope.
• Home protection: Drop cloths and boot covers go on before work starts.
• Diagnosis: Visual inspection, moisture meter readings, camera inspection for drains, and pressure or gas testing when needed.
• Options and pricing: A written estimate with clear scope and alternatives. No work starts until you approve.
• Work phase: Code-compliant installation or repair with approved materials (lead-free, properly vented, correct slope for drains).
• Testing: Pressure test for water/gas; flow test for drains; temperature and safety checks for heaters/boilers.
• Documentation: Photos of hidden work, permit documents, and warranty details.
• Walkthrough: Valve locations, shutoff instructions, maintenance tips, and cleanup.

Prevention & Maintenance

Small steps prevent big bills:

• Annual water heater inspection and flush if manufacturer allows.
• Test and service your sump pump and check valve before heavy rain.
• Backflow testing on schedule if your property requires it.
• Pressure regulation: Keep pressure around 50–70 psi. High pressure can damage fixtures and void warranties.
• Leak detection: Add smart sensors near water heaters, under sinks, and by laundry.
• Drain care: Use strainers, avoid grease, and clean p-traps rather than chemical drain openers.
• Seasonal checks: Insulate exposed pipes, disconnect hoses before freezing temps, and verify heat tape operation if installed.
• Gas safety checks: Verify drip legs, sediment traps, shutoff accessibility, and proper venting with a licensed pro.

Costs & Time Factors 💵

Every home is different, so only ranges make sense here. These national ballparks help you budget:

• Service call/diagnosis: Often included or $49–$150, credited if you proceed with the repair in many cases.
• After-hours/emergency dispatch: Commonly $150–$350+ depending on time and distance.
• Hourly labor (licensed plumber): About $85–$200+ by region and complexity.
• Drain cleaning: $150–$500+; mainline with cleanout can be higher, especially if camera inspection is added.
• Leak detection: $150–$600+; slab leaks may involve acoustic, thermal, or tracer gas methods.
• Water heater replacement: Tank units often $1,200–$3,500+ installed; tankless can be $3,000–$6,500+ depending on venting, gas sizing, and condensate.
• Toilet replacement: $250–$750+ labor/materials, not including premium fixtures.
• Sewer line repair: Spot repairs can start around $1,500–$4,000; full replacements often $4,000–$15,000+ based on depth, length, and surface restoration.
• Repiping (typical home): $4,500–$15,000+ depending on material (copper/PEX), access, and size.

Time drivers:

• Permits/inspections: 1–10 business days based on your city’s queue.
• Hidden conditions: Galvanized pipe, cast iron corrosion, low access in crawlspaces, or concrete cutting increase time.
• Parts availability: Specialty valves, boiler controls, or water filtration media may require ordering.

Ask your plumber to list what’s included, what’s excluded, and what could add cost (rock excavation, drywall repairs, or unexpected code upgrades).

When It’s an Emergency ⏱️

A plumbing emergency is any issue that risks health, safety, or major damage:

• Active leaks you can’t stop, burst pipes, or flooding.
• Sewage backing up into fixtures.
• No water to the whole home.
• Gas odor or failed gas appliance venting.
• Water heater leaking from the tank, not just a fitting.

Before you search for Emergency Plumbing near you:

• Shut off water or gas if safe.
• Take photos for insurance.
• Use the 12-question checklist briefly by phone. Get the dispatch fee and ETA in writing (text or email).

H.I.S. Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency plumbing service, clear estimates, and licensed technicians who arrive ready to stabilize and repair.

FAQ

Q: How do I verify a plumber’s license?

• A: Use your state licensing board website. Search by business name or license number. Check expiration dates, complaints, and classifications (plumbing, gas, backflow, etc.).

Q: Do I need a permit for a water heater?

• A: Many cities require it for safety checks (venting, gas sizing, T&P valve discharge, expansion tank). Ask your local building department or review IPC/UPC guidance and local amendments.

Q: Can any plumber work on gas lines?

• A: Only if they hold the required license for gas work in your area and follow NFPA 54. Ask about pressure testing and documentation.

Q: Should the plumber or homeowner pull the permit?

• A: In most areas, the installing contractor pulls the permit. That puts responsibility on the licensed professional and streamlines inspection scheduling.

Local/Seasonal Considerations

• Cold climates: Insulate pipes in exterior walls, garages, and crawlspaces. Install frost-proof hose bibbs. Leave cabinet doors open during hard freezes.
• Warm/humid climates: Watch for slab leaks in older copper systems. Maintain condensate drains for HVAC near finished spaces.
• High water table/storm seasons: Test sump pumps, consider battery backups, and verify discharge lines are clear and legal.
• Hard water regions: Consider water softening or scale control. This affects water heater efficiency and fixture life; discuss options based on hardness levels.
• Seismic or wildfire-prone areas: Ask about seismic strapping for heaters and automatic gas shutoff valves where allowed by code.
• Older housing stock: Galvanized steel and cast iron can hide corrosion. Budget for possible change orders once walls or cleanouts are opened.

Citeworthy Standards and Safety References

This guide references widely adopted resources. Your city may use different versions or local amendments:

• International Plumbing Code (IPC)
• Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), administered by IAPMO
• OSHA jobsite safety practices
• NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code)
• EPA guidance on lead-free plumbing materials and potable water safety
• Local building department permit and inspection procedures

Final Thought

Hiring a plumber doesn’t have to be stressful. Ask the 12 questions, write down answers, and choose the pro who offers clear scope, documented coverage, and clean, code-compliant work. Whether it’s an urgent fix or a planned upgrade, a few minutes of vetting protects your home and budget.

Call H.I.S. Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  1-888-778-7167 .