5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Plumber

When a pipe bursts or the toilet overflows, it’s important that you know what five questions to ask when choosing a plumber. Let’s face it, your town probably has dozens of people advertising their plumbing services, but are they really qualified? Don’t leave it up to chance. If you want your plumbing disaster fixed right the first time, ask these 5 questions from the start:

1. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

You want a prospective plumber to answer yes to all three of these inquiries. Plumbers must have a current license to operate in most states, including Georgia. Not only should a plumbing company answer in the affirmative, but they should also offer to show you a copy of their license. It takes only a minute to confirm a license number with the Georgia licensing board, and any reputable company will gladly share theirs.

A bonded and insured plumber is your safest bet. Hiring a bonded and insured plumber protects both you and the plumber in the event of an accident. If they cannot provide proof, then you are taking a risk by hiring their services.

2. Do You Have Experience with This Problem?

Some plumbing problems are more complex than others. For example, complete re-pipes and broken sewer lines require a lot of skill and training. All plumbing companies handle general plumbing problems, but some do not have the experience needed for tougher jobs. Don’t hesitate to ask up front if they’ve dealt with this type of problem before. If the answer is no, you may want to look elsewhere.

3. Who Will Complete the Work?

Ideally, you want to choose a company that sends out their own plumbers. These plumbing companies take pride in having a fully trained and competent staff. Some plumbing companies, however, hire outside contractors. Honest plumbing companies will let you know upfront if they subcontract their work. Ask about the qualifications and experience of the subcontractors they use.

4. How Much Will the Repair Cost?

Most people do not expect plumbing problems and do not include money within the budget for repairs. Before letting anyone do work for you, always get a professional estimate in writing. Are labor and parts included in this estimate? Be wary of companies that provide a quote over the phone without seeing the problem firsthand. It’s also wise to ask if the plumber charges by the hour. Only a few services, such as water heater installation, usually have a set fee. The prices for most jobs fluctuate depending on the severity of the situation, age of pipes, and other conditions.

5. Is Your Work Guaranteed?

Find out if the plumber offers a warranty or guarantee on their services. Trusted plumbers stand behind their work. If they do offer a warranty, how long does it last? What does it cover? Always ask for a copy of the warranty in writing. This will help protect you if something goes wrong and you need follow-up service.

Bonus: Check Reviews and Response Time

Even after the five questions above, take a few minutes to read recent customer reviews and notice how quickly the company answers the phone. Look for a pattern of on-time arrivals, clear communication, and clean work, not just a high star rating. For urgent problems, ask whether they offer 24/7 emergency service and how fast they can actually get to you. A plumber who answers when you call and shows up when promised is worth far more than the cheapest quote.

Trusted Plumber Ready to Work for You

No matter if you need a plumber for regular maintenance or a sudden emergency, you can always count on Armor Plumbing. When you want a local licensed plumber who checks every box above, our licensed, insured team is ready to help. With more than 30 years of service, we have the experience to handle any problem you send our way, and we back it with a workmanship guarantee. Now that you know the five questions to ask when choosing a plumber, call us at (678) 454-2080 or request a quote online.