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 12, 2025

Reviewed in June 2017
It went well. Plumbers arrived on time. Clear explanations were provide by plumbers concerning the plumbing issues.
Alpha Plumbing
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Reviewed in September 2017
I have multiple rental properties in Edgewater, MD, and GAD Plumbing is my goto plumber for any and all plumbing problems.
GAD Plumbing & Heating Inc
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Reviewed in October 2016
I thought the price was high but I always deal with plumbers so I am not going to pick on Len the plumber. He did the work and it had to be done and I haven't had anything problems with it. If I knew how to do it myself I would have done it myself but I guess they did a good job, nobody...
Len The Plumber, LLC.
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Reviewed in August 2016
Refrigerator connected to water. Leaking shower fixtures will require replacement. Plumber provided advise. and answered other plumbing questions.
Sila Heating, Cooling and Plumbing
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Reviewed in July 2014
We've used them for five years. They were fine. My next-door neighbor needed a plumber last week and I recommended Wes Plumbing. They're good but they're expensive. I would not use them again because I'm moving. I won't be anywhere near here.
Wes Plumbing Heating & Cooling
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Reviewed in January 2021
I've had Mahon at my house to fix big flood-scale plumbing disasters, and this time it was just a leak under our sink. They were great, and the plumber took the time to explain to us what was wrong, show it to us, and explain what needed to be done to fix it. These guys take care of us and we'll...
Mahon Plumbing
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Reviewed in September 2018
Bryan is one excellent plumber. I have relied on him through the years. He knows my house well and he never fails to deliver. He is one plumber that you can trust in. You won't be sorry.
AFTERNOON PLUMBING LLC
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Reviewed in March 2022
Best plumbers ever. Professional, friendly. Goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. Best price.
Pohlman Plumbing, Inc
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