Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

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

What questions should I ask a plumbing contractor?

<div>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: <ul><li>Are you licensed and insured?</li><li>Do you charge for estimates? </li><li>Is your fee a flat rate, or is it hourly?</li><li>Who will do the work? Are they all licensed and qualified plumbers?</li><li>What happens if any breaks or damages occur?</li><li>What is your response time in an emergency? </li><li>Is cleanup included in the quote?</li><li>Do your services come with a guarantee?</li></ul>Discussing these questions with your plumbing contractor will help eliminate future issues and clarify expectations. </div>

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

<div>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.</div>

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

<div>Typically, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-will-plumbing-repair-cost.htm">plumbing repairs cost</a> about $325 per job but can range from $175 to $4,000 or more. Simple fixes, such as a toilet repair, will be less expensive at around $150 to $400. However, if you have a pipe that has burst, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 or more. 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.</div>

How much do plumbers typically charge?

<div><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/plumber-cost.htm">The average cost to hire a plumber</a> is around $100 an hour but can vary between $45 and $200 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 $150 per hour, in addition to a flat-rate trip fee of $100 to $350. </div>

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Verified Reviews for Plumbing pros in Athens, AL

*The Angi rating for Plumbing companies in Athens, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Plumbing needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Plumbing companies in Athens, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Plumbing needs.

Last update on August 18, 2025

Reviewed in May 2016
I called Ben Franklin Plumbing - Jackson Heating and Cooling and they sent out a plumber that afternoon. There was a leak from the check valve in my plumbing from the water meter. The two gentlemen went right to work and had the leak repaired in less that one hour. They honored their warranty...
Jackson Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling
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Reviewed in August 2017
Excellent plumber. We have used his services several times in the past with always great results at a fair price. He is our go to plumber whenever plumbing problems arise. Highly recommend.
John Michael Plumbing LLC
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Reviewed in September 2017
Excellent. Plumber and Electrician were both prompt, professional, efficient, and provided high quality.
Lee Company
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Reviewed in November 2017
Answered the phone promptly to make the appointment. Was able to schedule my work for the next day! Scott Plumbing called before the workman arrived to verify time and address. Plumber showed up early. Plumber was polite and explained all that was to be done. Plumber completed the task and...
Scott Plumbing
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Reviewed in November 2014
Plumber was prompt, courteous, and professional. Leak returned a few weeks later, so I called Chubby's Plumbing again. Plumber returned timely and fixed same leak with no extra charge. Defintely would recommend to others and will use again in the future.
Chubbys Plumbing Co
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Reviewed in March 2017
Found Madison Plumbing Service Inc. to be very unresponsive. When my sewer-line-insurance company calls them about the recurring problem they do not respond to me with a time they will have a plumber arrive. Multiple calls are required to get a plumber scheduled. The problem is with a clogged...
Madison Plumbing Service
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Reviewed in February 2013
It went great. It was a Saturday night and we couldn't turn the water back on. We joined Angie's List and called a plumber. He came and fixed the plumbing and installed the new shower assembly and charged us a reasonable fee. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Around The Clock Plumbing.
Around The Clock Plumbing
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Reviewed in June 2014
Found George Plumbing via Angie's List and decided to call because of the reviews I read. I have used another plumber in the past but always felt as though the charges were high for the work performed. I called George Plumbing around 10:30am and was told someone could be at my home in 30...
George Plumbing LLC
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Reviewed in July 2012
We liked them a lot. They were quick, professional, and very easy to work with. They were personable, and able to fix something that other plumbers couldn't.
Welch Plumbing Inc
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