7 Plumbing Questions to Discuss Before Hiring a Pro

Here’s the rundown on what pros need to know about your faucets, fixtures, and pipes

Plumber man fixing kitchen sink
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
Plumber man fixing kitchen sink
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

Let’s put this delicately: Amateur plumbing is not for the faint of heart. For larger projects, you’ll definitely need a pro and a permit. But for even small projects, simple mistakes can lead to costly water damage. It’s always a good idea to hire a professional plumber near you, but they’ll need to understand a few things about your project before they begin. Discuss these plumbing questions so both you and your contractor can fully understand the job.

1. Where Is The Issue Located In the House?

Do you need plumbing work in your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room? Does a certain faucet leak? Each room has different plumbing codes that dictate fixtures' design, installation, and repair. Discussing the location with your plumber can clue them in on the work they’ll need to do. 

2. What Plumbing Issue Are You Having?

Your plumber probably works on a few common plumbing problems every week. Whether it’s weird water pressure, a blocked drain, or a leaky p-trap, you’ll need to discuss the details of your issue to get an accurate quote. Additionally, your plumber can advise you on how to prevent further damage until they can make a repair. 

3. Is This An Emergency?

If you’ve been subject to a dreaded pipe burst or a toilet overflowing to no end—first, turn off your water supply. Second, you need to find a local emergency plumber ASAP. Not every plumber can accommodate emergencies, but many will for an extra charge. Always let your plumber know the urgency of a situation so they can advise you on what to do.

4. When Do You Need This Work Done?

Your plumber needs to fit you into their existing schedule. Understanding your needs and their availability can set expectations early on so there are no surprises down the line. 

5. Do You Want Something Installed or Replaced?

If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel project, you’ll need to let your plumber know what fixtures you want to install or replace. They can help you choose a model and may even get a discount from the manufacturer. Let them know if you want to change the layout of your space since moving plumbing hookups requires extra labor. They may make recommendations based on the location of your home’s plumbing and building code.

6. Do You Have a Plumbing Access Panel?

Your plumber may want to know if you have a plumbing access panel, which can make repairs easier and avoid cutting into drywall or removing and replacing tile. 

7. Is This Request Covered by an Insurance Claim?

Certain repairs may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance, such as damage caused by sudden and accidental plumbing issues (think: a burst pipe). Often, the pipe repair itself isn’t covered, but the damage to your flooring, for example, could be. It depends on your policy, but it’s a good idea to let your plumber know if you need documentation from them.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to plumbing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A modern bathroom with a glass shower, a white toilet and a modern sink
May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025
Wondering how much it costs to reroute plumbing? We have the information you need to learn about plumbing vent pipes and cost considerations when installing them.
Man uses outdoor faucet to rinse hands
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
A leaky outdoor faucet can mean gallons of wasted water and a higher water bill. Thankfully, the cost of replacing an outdoor faucet is relatively low. Learn the true cost to replace an outdoor faucet so you can know what to expect.
propane tank between two bushes along side of house
Apr 16, 2025
Apr 16, 2025
The average propane tank costs between $600 and $2,500, depending on the size, location, and more. Our expert guide explores all the factors.
bathroom faucet dripping
Apr 25, 2025
Apr 25, 2025
A dripping faucet can be more than just an annoyance—it can increase your water bill and cause damage. Learn why your faucet is dripping and how to fix it for good.
A small home bathroom with a toilet, laundry hamper, and decorations.
Apr 14, 2025
Apr 14, 2025
Once you flush, the water should run clear. But what if your toilet water is brown? Rusted pipes and a contaminated water source are some of the reasons.
Shower with white marble and mosaic
May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025
The hidden parts of your shower drain keep everything flowing. Reference our shower drain plumbing diagram to understand how your shower drain works.