Hiring a Plumber: What to Ask Before You Book

When water is rising fast or your toilet’s refusing to cooperate, you don’t have time for guesswork. Every second matters. The wrong plumber can turn a small leak into a flood of headaches.

At Ants Plumbing, we know plumbing emergencies don’t wait for business hours. Our team is trained, background-checked, and ready 24/7 for everything from Sump Pump Repair near you to urgent leak fixes. But whether you call us or someone else, knowing what to ask before you book can save you time, money, and stress.

Why Credentials Matter 🏅

You wouldn’t hand your house keys to a stranger. Letting someone work on your pipes is no different.

Plumbing is more than wrenches and washers. It’s about protecting your home, family, and health. Pipes carry water you drink, bathe in, and cook with. Bad repairs can cause mold, water damage, or even gas leaks.

Proper credentials mean:

• They’ve been trained to handle real-world plumbing problems.
• They know local codes and safety guidelines (like the Uniform Plumbing Code or International Residential Code).
• They’re accountable for their work.

Think of credentials as the foundation of a house—without them, everything else is shaky.

Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. Reputable plumbers expect it. Here’s what to ask before you let anyone near your pipes:

• Are you licensed for residential plumbing in this state?
• Can you show proof of insurance and bonding?
• What’s your experience with my specific issue (e.g., water heater repair, leak detection)?
• Will you provide a written estimate before work starts?
• Do you have recent customer reviews or references?
• Who will actually do the work—are they employees or subcontractors?
• What’s your response time for emergency plumbing calls?
• How do you handle unexpected discoveries or extra work?
• What warranties or satisfaction policies cover your repairs?

Printable Checklist:

• [ ] Licensed in my state for residential plumbing
• [ ] Insured and bonded
• [ ] Experienced with my plumbing issue
• [ ] Written estimate provided
• [ ] Good reviews/references shared
• [ ] Work done by background-checked staff
• [ ] Clear on emergency response
• [ ] Details on warranties/policies

Print this out and keep it by the phone. It’s your shield against surprises.

Understanding Licenses, Insurance, and Warranties

Licensing isn’t just paperwork—it’s proof they know the ropes. Each state sets its own rules:

• In New York, plumbers must be licensed by the city. In Texas, it’s the state. Some states require continuing education.
• Insurance covers accidents or damage—so you’re not left holding the bill.
• Bonding means a third party guarantees the plumber will do the job right.

Warranties are your safety net. Ask how long repairs are covered. Is it 30 days? A year? Get it in writing, not just a handshake.

Spotting Red Flags 🚩

Some warning signs demand attention:

• Vague answers about licensing or insurance
• Pressure to sign quickly or pay in full before work
• No written estimate or contract
• Unmarked vehicles or no company ID
• Poor communication or missed appointments
• Lowball prices that seem too good to be true

If it feels off, trust your gut. Plumbing is too important to risk.

How to Choose the Best Plumber for Your Needs

Start with your needs. Is it an emergency, like a burst pipe? Or routine, like water filtration installation?

Look for:

• Verified licensing and insurance
• Specialization (e.g., Sump Pump Repair near you, boiler repair, backflow testing)
• Positive, detailed reviews—look for mentions of professionalism, promptness, and respect for property
• Transparent, up-front pricing—no hidden fees
• Satisfaction policies or warranties

At Ants Plumbing, every technician goes through background checks. We provide clear, written estimates and explain every step. That’s how we earn trust—one household at a time.

Local and State Licensing: What’s Different Where You Live?

Plumbing isn’t one-size-fits-all. In some states, even changing a faucet requires a license. In others, only major work (like gas line installation) is regulated.

Before you hire:

• Check your city or state’s licensing board (search "your city + plumbing license lookup").
• Make sure your plumber’s license is current and valid for residential work.
• Ask if they follow local building codes and permits.

Some states require ongoing training. Others want background checks or insurance proof on file. When in doubt, ask.

Printable Checklist: Questions for Your Plumber

• Are you licensed in my state/city?
• Can I see your insurance certificate?
• Do you have experience with my repair or installation?
• Who will perform the work?
• What’s the estimated timeline?
• What if you find extra problems?
• How do you handle after-hours or emergency plumbing?
• Is your pricing transparent?
• Are there warranties for your repairs/installations?
• Can you provide references or recent reviews?

How Ants Plumbing Builds Trust

When you call Ants Plumbing, you’re not just hiring a pair of hands. You’re choosing a team that:

• Runs full background checks on every technician
• Offers transparent, up-front pricing
• Stands by workmanship with clear satisfaction policies
• Trains staff in the latest code and safety practices

Whether you need Sump Pump Repair near you or urgent leak repair, our team delivers reliable, safe solutions. No smoke and mirrors. No rushing the job.

FAQ

How fast can an emergency plumber arrive?

Response times vary by area and time of day. At Ants Plumbing, our lines are always open—day or night. For true emergencies, we dispatch as quickly as possible.

What’s included in a plumbing estimate?

A proper estimate should cover all labor, parts, and potential additional costs. It should be detailed, clear, and provided before work begins.

Should I hire someone who’s not licensed if they’re experienced?

Licensing isn’t just about skill—it’s legal protection for you and your home. If they’re not licensed, look elsewhere.

What is backflow testing, and do I need it?

Backflow testing checks that dirty water isn’t flowing back into your clean water supply. It’s required in many places, especially if you have sprinklers or a pool.

Final Tips & Resources

For more on plumbing codes and consumer safety, check resources like the International Code Council or your state’s licensing board.

Remember, the right questions are your best tool. A good plumber will appreciate your diligence.

Call Ants Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  877-753-5879 .