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 May 2017
We found them angie's list many years ago. They are the best! Arrive on time. Do great work and always find a way to save us money a plumbing job. We have an old home with old plumbing and really rely on a good plumber. ONeill is the best!
O'Neill Plumbing
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Reviewed in July 2022
Tim is an amazing plumber. He always goes the extra distance to make sure everything is just as is should be. He's very up front about what things will cost and conscientious about letting you know all of the options. I feel so good knowing I have a plumber I can trust. And Lynden Sheet Metal is...
Lynden Sheet Metal
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Reviewed in May 2013
They are honorable and trustworthy. They were able to quickly and efficiently correct a job that I had 3 previous plumbers do incorrectly. They have even given me an estimate on an electrical job that I'm considering getting done. They don't try to oversell.
Whatcom Electric & Plumbing
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Reviewed in February 2015
Sometimes when you buy discounted specials you feel you are getting the discounted version of what the service should be but in this case I felt I got the real deal. Absolute evaluated the toilets and faucets giving information of what was wrong , what needed to be done by the home owner or by...
Absolute Plumbing
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Reviewed in February 2017
His visit lasted about 15min. He took measurements and said he would be back when his schedule permitted. The Blythe coordinator called a week later to see if I still wanted the job done and we agreed to a day and time. When the plumber arrived he had the parts and tools and finished the job in...
Blythe Plumbing & Heating Inc
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Reviewed in January 2013
We definitely would recommend Marv's Plumbing! Dave is great to work with and he has a sense of humor too!!! Thanks, guys
MARV'S PLUMBING
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Reviewed in September 2012
He estimate was a little too high. I just didn’t go for him. I think plumbers are incredibly overpaid but they do have a gross job. He was bringing up a lot of issues that were potential problems. I just didn’t think it was that complicated so I let it go. He did come by and give me his...
Barkley Plumbing
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