Need to hire a plumber?

Whether it’s a leaking pipe, a new boiler installation or a complete bathroom renovation, choosing the right plumber can save you time, money and a lot of stress.

So, what questions should you ask before hiring a plumber?

A trustworthy plumber should be able to explain their experience, provide a clear written quote, confirm they’re properly insured and answer your questions confidently before any work begins.

Here are the most important questions every homeowner should ask.

1. Are you licensed, qualified or registered?

Depending on the type of work, ask whether they’re:

• Gas Safe registered (for gas work)
• Qualified plumber
• Fully insured
• Experienced with your type of job

Always ask to see proof where appropriate.

2. Have you done similar work before?

Experience matters.

Ask whether they’ve completed similar jobs such as:

• Boiler installations
• Bathroom renovations
• Leak repairs
• Pipe replacements
• Emergency plumbing
• Central heating installations

The more relevant experience they have, the better.

3. Can you provide a written quote?

Never rely on a verbal estimate.

A written quote should include:

• Labour
• Materials
• VAT
• Timescale
• What’s included
• What’s excluded

This helps avoid unexpected costs later.

4. Is there a call-out charge?

Some plumbers charge separately for:

• Emergency visits
• Evening appointments
• Weekend work
• Diagnostics

Ask about any call-out fees before booking.

5. Are your parts and labour guaranteed?

A professional plumber should explain:

• Workmanship guarantees
• Manufacturer warranties
• What happens if a problem returns

Knowing you’re covered offers extra peace of mind.

6. Are you insured?

Ask whether they have:

• Public liability insurance
• Employer’s liability insurance (if applicable)

Insurance protects both you and the plumber if something goes wrong.

7. How soon can you start?

Ask:

• When can the work begin?
• How long will it take?
• Will someone be on-site every day?

A realistic schedule helps you plan ahead.

8. Will there be any additional costs?

Unexpected issues sometimes arise.

Ask how they’ll handle:

• Hidden pipe damage
• Extra materials
• Additional labour

A trustworthy plumber should discuss extra costs with you before carrying out additional work.

9. Who will carry out the work?

Some companies send subcontractors.

Ask whether:

• The person quoting will complete the work.
• Another plumber will attend.
• Apprentices will be involved.

It’s helpful to know who will be working in your home.

10. Will you clean up afterwards?

Professional plumbers usually leave the work area clean.

Ask whether they’ll:

• Remove waste materials
• Dispose of old parts
• Clean the workspace

Small details like this can make a big difference.

11. Can I see customer reviews?

Check genuine customer feedback before making your decision.

Look for reviews mentioning:

✔ Reliability

✔ Punctuality

✔ Quality of work

✔ Communication

✔ Value for money

12. How do you take payment?

Before work begins, ask:

• Do you accept card payments?
• Is a deposit required?
• When is payment due?
• Will I receive an invoice?

Avoid paying the full amount upfront unless it’s for agreed materials.

Warning signs to watch for

Be cautious if a plumber:

• Refuses to provide a written quote.
• Can’t explain their pricing.
• Requests full payment before starting.
• Won’t provide references or reviews.
• Pressures you into making an immediate decision.

Taking a little extra time to choose the right plumber could save you hundreds—or even thousands—of pounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I always get more than one quote?

Yes.

Getting at least three written quotes helps you compare prices, services and experience before making a decision.

Should plumbers guarantee their work?

Many reputable plumbers offer workmanship guarantees, although the length and terms can vary.

Is the cheapest quote always the best?

No.

A very low quote may exclude important work or use lower-quality materials. Compare what’s included, not just the final price.

Should I pay a deposit?

For larger projects, a reasonable deposit may be requested, particularly if materials need to be ordered. However, you should be cautious if asked to pay the full amount before any work begins.

Final thoughts

Hiring the right plumber isn’t just about finding the lowest price—it’s about choosing someone you can trust to do the job safely and professionally.

By asking the right questions, comparing written quotes and checking reviews, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of unexpected costs and poor workmanship.

Find a trusted plumber

Looking for a reliable plumber?

Use The Right Guy to compare trusted local plumbers, read genuine customer reviews and request detailed quotes before booking your job.

Own a plumbing business? Create your free business listing on The Right Guy and help more homeowners discover your services.

Author: manager

Company test