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 Essex, MA

*The Angi rating for Plumbing companies in Essex, MA 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 Essex, MA 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 24, 2025

Reviewed in May 2008
I live in an old house that has frequent plumbing needs. They are extraordinarily responsive. It doesn't get any better than them.
MCGRATH PLUMBING & HEATING
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Reviewed in October 2013
Not only checked in basement and area on floor above, but took time to check outdoors around foundation with hose, and suggest options for repair, since plumbing wasn't involved - at NO CHARGE. After my last plumbing experience (>$300 to flip a reset a switch I wasn't aware of ) I almost kissed...
R.P. McLaughlin Co Plumbing & Heating
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Reviewed in September 2011
Dave came out as promised and provided a quote for the services. We ended up picking another plumber, so I did not get to meet any of the plumbers on his team, but I found them to be very professional from my experience.
Baker Elman Plumbing
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Reviewed in November 2008
We have used them for emergency plumbing over the last 8 or 9 years. They usually respond the very same day. They are very knowledgeable. They are efficient and get the job done. We have been very happy with their work.
RAPID RESPONSE/MARK FREEDMAN & SONS PLUMBING
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Reviewed in March 2021
Rafas is a very good plumber. He finished the work on time and with high quality. He is knowledgeable, skillful and honest.
Rafas Plumbing Services
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Reviewed in July 2011
Bill the Plumber was good. He was not able to do it so he had to get me a master plumber to do it. They fixed the problem for me so it ended up working out but were a tad bit expensive.
Bill The Plumber
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Reviewed in October 2010
The plumber was thorough, and answered all the questions that I had. He provided a couple of tips as well.
Papalia Home Services
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Reviewed in September 2023
Wayne is a very thorough plumber with an eye for detail and ensuring that each step in my job was methodical. His rates are reasonable and he does a great job!
Wayne's Plumbing
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Reviewed in April 2013
Their service was overall impressive. The plumber had an excellent service. He knew what he was doing, and he was easy to talk with.
Titan Plumbing & Heating
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