Before Hiring a Plumber, Know Your Options

On average, plumbers charge anywhere from $45 to $200 per hour, and some jobs require several plumbing technicians to complete. If you need to unclog a sink or fix a leaky pipe, you might expect a bill of $200-300, but if your home requires extensive work, you could easily pay thousands.

By comparing plumbing contractors, you can find reputable services that will stay within your budget. That might not mean choosing the cheapest contractor available — after all, you want the job done right — but you’ll have a better idea of what reliable plumbers charge in your area. You can also get several professional opinions on complex problems; that could make a big difference if you decide to pay for basement waterproofing or another expensive project.

The good news: The plumbing industry is competitive, and many services advertise aggressively online. By using internet resources, you can assemble a list of all of the plumbers offering services in your area, then collect estimates, read customer reviews, and make an informed decision.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plumber

Start by finding plumbers in your area, then make detailed notes. At the beginning of your research, don’t worry too much about rates — you’ll need in-person estimates to accurately determine whether a service offers competitive pricing. Instead, read each website carefully, paying attention to the plumber’s credentials and experience.

Factors to consider when comparing plumbers:

• Insurance and Certifications- Look for an insured plumber who holds appropriate licenses in your state. Some plumbers have additional certifications or organization memberships; look into these credentials to make sure they’re valid. Plumbers should be able to provide proof of insurance.
• Capabilities- Make sure that each company can deliver what you need — some plumbers offer bathroom remodeling services, trenchless pipe repair, and basement waterproofing, for instance, while others aren’t outfitted to provide these services.
• Work Guarantees- Many plumbers guarantee certain types of work. Find out the details of those guarantees; will the plumber (or their insurance provider) cover damages caused by poor workmanship? Does the guarantee extend to all services? How long will you have to report a problem with the work?
• Flat-Rate Pricing- Many plumbers offer flat rates for common tasks. If you’re installing a new sink or repairing a leaky faucet, flat-rate pricing makes sense, and you can find the most affordable option by checking these numbers. However, if you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency, you’ll need an in-person estimate.

For larger jobs, most plumbers won’t provide a quote without visiting your property, but many provide rough estimates of their rates for different types of projects. Remember, those estimates may vary considerably from your final bill — the safest course of action is to do the research to find several experienced plumbers in your area, then arrange for 3-4 in-person quotes.

When you receive a detailed quote, you’ll often receive a service agreement. This shows you all of the potential costs of the project. Read the service agreement carefully before signing— it outlines guarantees, hourly time calculation methods, and other factors that will directly affect the value of the services.

Avoiding Unnecessary Expenses When Choosing a Plumber

Most plumbers are reputable, reliable, and professional — but the methods they use to calculate their rates can vary considerably. Some may charge for travel time, while others start the clock once they’ve stepped into your home. Some plumbers use state-of-the-art equipment to clear clogs in seconds, while others stick with tried-and-true technologies.

To avoid overpaying, you’ll need to know what each plumber offers, and you’ll need to do a little bit of research. Evaluate as many local options as you can find, then look for customer reviews. Make sure that each plumber is licensed to work in your state, and check that they have sufficient insurance.

By using online resources, you can perform this research easily. That can give you tremendous peace of mind when you’ve finally signed your service agreement, and you’ll be able to enjoy your home without worrying about future plumbing problems.