7 Plumbing Questions to Discuss Before Hiring a Pro

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.