Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

• <div><p>Yes, most states require plumbers to have a license, and for good reason. Hiring an unlicensed plumber could lead to poor quality, added future expenses, and potential code violations. Having a licensed plumber tackle your projects only protects you as a homeowner. </p><p>As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include: </p><ul><li><p>The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check</p></li><li><p>Required to have applicable state and local licenses</p></li><li><p>Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review</p></li><li><p>Paying to advertise their services</p></li><li><p>Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi</p></li></ul><p>Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.</p></div>

What questions should I ask a plumbing contractor?

• <div><p>Before <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/7-questions-ask-hiring-plumber.htm">finding the right plumber for your job</a>, there are a few questions that you should ask, including: </p><ul><li><p>Are you licensed and insured?</p></li><li><p>Do you charge for estimates? </p></li><li><p>Is your fee a flat rate, or is it hourly?</p></li><li><p>Who will do the work? Are they all licensed and qualified plumbers?</p></li><li><p>What happens if any breaks or damages occur?</p></li><li><p>What is your response time in an emergency? </p></li><li><p>Is cleanup included in the quote?</p></li><li><p>Do your services come with a guarantee?</p></li></ul><p>Discussing these questions with your plumbing contractor will help eliminate future issues and clarify expectations. </p></div>

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

• <div><p>Before your plumber pays you a visit, it’s a good idea to clean up any boxes, garbage, or other obstacles that could be in their way. In addition, it’s best practice to clean the area that needs to be inspected or worked on, like a toilet, for example. Make sure to keep kids and pets out of the way once the plumber arrives.</p></div>

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

• <div><p>Typically, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-will-plumbing-repair-cost.htm">plumbing repairs cost</a> about <b>$325 per job</b> but can range from <b>$175 to $4,000</b> or more. Simple fixes, such as a toilet repair, will be less expensive at around <b>$150 to $400</b>. However, if you have a pipe that has burst, you can expect to pay between <b>$1,000 and $4,000</b> or more. </p><p>The project that needs to be completed, the size of your home, and the type of plumbing pipes you have can all impact the final cost. External factors such as supply chain issues and shortage of materials all play a part in how much this repair might be.</p><p> </p></div> • <div><p>A faucet replacement vs. a failed waste line flooding a finished basement would be at opposite ends of a very broad spectrum. "A plumbing repair" could range from perhaps a $150 minimum service charge up to tens of thousands of dollars for a substantial repair and associated cleanup, finish work, etc.</p></div> • <div><p>Plumbing repairs can be complex. Often there is damage or breakage in areas that can't be seen without being examined thoroughly. Plumbers will investigate the issue and then let you know what to expect.</p></div> • <div><p>Prices can range from $60 to $20,000. Many factors determine the cost of a plumbing job. Things such as the cost of materials, size of the home, the difficulty of the job, travel time, contractor liability, would walls or floors need to be opened and repaired. All these factors and more can greatly affect the cost of a job.</p></div> • <div><p>Plumbing costs obviously vary from job to job. You can expect to pay anywhere from $225 - $400 for your average repair of a faucet or toilet. Frozen broken pipes are a much more difficult item to put a price tag on. The best course is to try to correct it as soon as possible: These tend to get worse rather than better, which means more costly. You will obviously be paying more for after hour emergency services, but time is of the essence.</p></div>

How much do plumbers typically charge?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/plumber-cost.htm">The average cost to hire a plumber</a> is around <b>$100 </b>an hour but can vary between<b> $45 and $200</b> an hour depending on the plumber’s experience and the repair that you need. It’s also important to note that these prices can go up on holidays, and emergency plumber rates average <b>$150 </b>per hour, in addition to a flat-rate trip fee of <b>$100 to $350</b>. </p></div>

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Last update on August 06, 2025

Reviewed in June 2013
He was great. He was recommended to me by somebody else. He turned up right away and took care of my problem. He did exactly what he said he was going to do. He was very, very good. I had called several plumbers and was taking different estimates when a friend recommended James. He called me...
The Plumber
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Reviewed in April 2012
He's very reasonable. He was a plumber foreman for a well established east bay plumbing company. He had never gotten around to getting his license because he didn't need it. He's one of those guys who gets stuff done and he's master plumber. He's just a single guy, but he does good work...
STEVE LIPTON PLUMBING
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Reviewed in February 2024
Anthony, at Valley Plumbing in Pleasanton is the best plumber as is the company. We use them for all our plumbing needs. They are the best.
Valley Plumbing Home Center, Inc
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Reviewed in May 2013
They responded fast but they need a little bit more expertise. They actually put plumbers tape and plumbers pipe on a gas stove and you're not allowed to do that so it was leaking. I will use them again but with caution.
Discount Plumbing
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Reviewed in December 2005
I called this company to have them check our plumbing and to see if the other plumber that came out did his job or just robbed us. This plumber came out and I told him what had happened and he told my none of the bracing had been touched. The plumber did help me out as far I as I could see. I...
J AND B PLUMBING
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Reviewed in July 2010
SJ Plumbing now is our "go-to" plumber--won't use anyone else. They always show up in the designated time, are courteous and professional. The plumbers appear honest and know what they are doing. Have interacted with other plumbing groups--they are by far the best!
SAN JOSE PLUMBING
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Reviewed in August 2016
I use VRG Plumbing for my home and rental. After referring a great plumber to my friends, they gave me great feedback after using VRG plumbing. It's nice to have a plumber who you can call and they response quickly and fix the problem big or small jobs.
VRG Plumbing
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Reviewed in August 2010
My tenant called on a Saturday to tell me water was streaming out of the building into the street. I called our regular plumber and he came and diagnosed the problem as one of our pipes rupturing but said he couldn't fix it until Monday. I didn't want to have water spewing out of my building...
George Salet Plumbing Inc
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Reviewed in February 2021
Sean is a through professional and a competent plumber. I am likely using him every time I have a plumbing issue.
Vivid Plumbing
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Reviewed in July 2024
ASAP Plumbing Pros was the only company who could come out same day after calling around on a Sunday afternoon. They had a plumber come out to fix the leak underneath my sink. Very satisfied and you have gained yourself a valuable customer.
ASAP Plumbing Pros
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