We explore 10 questions to ask a plumber before you hire. Find out what you ned to know when employing a plumbing service.
Hiring a plumber can feel like a stressful experience, especially if you are facing a burst pipe or your toilet is leaking badly.
With many plumbing companies in the market and different prices charged for similar services, knowing what to ask a plumber can save time, money, and your home.
This guide helps you understand the important questions to ask a plumber before hiring. Whether it’s an emergency or non emergency work, these questions will help you avoid hidden fees, ensure a fair price, and reduce the risk of poor plumbing work.
From checking insurance to understanding service fees, you’ll be ready to make a smart decision.
Before you decide, remember that hiring a plumber isn’t just about price. It’s also about ensuring the plumber is licensed and insured, has the necessary training, and can provide good service.
Hiring a professional plumber with a solid reputation and positive references gives you a much greater chance of getting the job done right the first time.
Whether you need help with a leaking toilet, new installation, or emergency repairs, asking the right questions can protect your home from serious damage. This guide includes the key points you need to know before contacting a local plumber or dealing with plumbing emergencies.
Why this guide matters
A burst pipe, broken toilet or faulty hot water system can quickly lead to a home flood, causing serious damage. Plumbing emergencies often result in unforeseen expenses, and if handled by an unlicensed plumber, the risk increases.
Unlike some countries, plumbing in the UK isn’t fully regulated, which means plumbing companies may offer different prices for the same type of work-and not all plumbers are licensed.
Some jobs, such as gas pipework and hot water systems, are covered by strict safety rules. These jobs must be done by qualified plumbing contractors or heating engineers who meet legal and safety standards.
Failing to follow these standards may result in legal issues or even theft of your money through poor or unsafe work.
That’s why hiring a plumber requires careful thought. Asking the right questions helps you avoid hidden fees, make sure the plumber is insured and qualified, and ensure the work meets proper standards. You’ll also reduce the chance of needing to fix an existing problem more than once.
This guide helps you spot the signs of a reputable plumber, whether you’re dealing with an emergency situation or simply need regular plumbing maintenance.
It gives you a good way to compare professionals and choose someone who offers fair, legal, and safe plumbing services.
Quick checklist
Use this fast list when hiring a plumber for any plumbing related issues, whether it’s a leaking badly tap or a major plumbing job. This guide helps you ask the right questions to avoid stress and unexpected costs:
- What qualifications, training, and trade memberships do you have?
- Are you Gas Safe registered for any gas work?
- Do you have liability insurance and (if you employ staff) employers’ insurance in place?
- Can I see a written, itemised quote rather than a guess?
- What is your hourly rate, and are there call‑out fees, minimum charges, or other fees?
- Who will actually carry out the work? Are apprentices supervised properly?
- What guarantee do you give on your work and parts? Is it insurance-backed?
- Will you handle all necessary Building Regulations notices and give certificates?
- Can you provide recent positive references or verified testimonials from clients?
- How will you protect my home-such as covers, shut‑offs, and cleaning up waste?
Keep reading to learn how to verify claims, spot red flags, and check qualifications and insurance online. A reliable plumber will be ready to answer your questions, give a clear quote, and show proof of their experience and work quality.
Essential Questions to Ask a Plumber
When hiring a plumber, being informed is essential. Whether it’s a simple fix or a more complex installation, asking the right questions helps avoid costly mistakes, ensures quality, and offers peace of mind.
Each section below covers one important question to ask before you agree to a particular job.
You’ll learn what to expect, what to watch out for, and how to assess if the person is a licensed plumber, an experienced local plumber, or an unlicensed plumber posing as a professional.
These questions apply whether you’re dealing with a leaking badly tap, a plumbing emergency, or planning non emergency work. A good plumber will be open and honest, helping you understand the full scope of the plumbing services required.
What qualifications, training and trade memberships do you hold?
In the UK, there isn’t a single required licence for all plumbing work, so asking about qualifications is vital. Formal training, such as NVQs or City & Guilds, shows the plumber has the necessary training and understands the specialist nature of the industry.
Membership in organisations like the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering or WaterSafe also gives added confidence.
A licensed and insured professional plumber should be able to provide documents showing both qualifications and insurance. This improves your chance of receiving high-quality services and reduces the risk of mistakes or future issues.
Good answer sounds like: “I hold a Level 3 plumbing qualification and have been working in the field for over 10 years. I am a member of the Chartered Institute and listed on WaterSafe. You can check my details online.”
Red flags: Shrugs off the questions, cannot show proof of qualifications, or claims to be licensed by a body that doesn’t exist. Beware of this, especially when dealing with a plumbing company for the first time.
Are you Gas Safe registered for this type of gas work?
Any work involving gas appliances-boilers, cookers, fires, or pipe systems-must be done by a Gas Safe registered plumber with the correct qualifications for that particular job.
Using an unlicensed plumber for gas work is not only illegal but dangerous and may result in serious damage to your home or property.
Ask to see the Gas Safe ID card and take a moment to check the registration online. The card should clearly show the type of gas work the technician is qualified to do.
Good answer sounds like: “Yes, I’m Gas Safe registered and qualified to work on boilers and gas pipe systems. Here’s my card-feel free to verify it online.”
Red flags: Says, “I’ve done lots of gas work,” but can’t show valid ID. Name on the card doesn’t match the person at your door. This could result in unsafe work and may invalidate your insurance.
Do you have public liability insurance (and employers’ liability if you employ staff)?
Liability insurance helps cover accidents or damage to your home caused by the plumber’s work. Though not legally required for sole traders, having it is a sign of a reputable plumber.
If they have employees, employers’ liability insurance is a legal must. Ask to see proof.
Insurance is especially important if you’re dealing with plumbing emergencies or emergency repairs, where the chance of an accident is higher. It also helps you avoid unforeseen expenses if things go wrong.
Good answer sounds like: “We carry £5 million public liability insurance and have employers’ liability cover. Here are our documents-feel free to review them.”
Red flags: No insurance, expired documents, or says they’ll only work if you pay in cash and take on the risk. Always ensure your plumbing contractor is insured and can prove it.
Can I have a written, itemised quote (not just an estimate)?
Getting a clear, written quote helps you understand the full cost of your plumbing work. Ask for an itemised list that shows labour, materials, disposal fees, tax, and any other charges.
A written quote avoids confusion later and protects you if something doesn’t go as planned.
A flat rate quote is usually better for set tasks, while an hourly rate may apply for non emergency work.
Make sure you understand what’s included in the pricing structure, and always compare at least three plumbing companies to assess different prices for the same type of work.
Good answer sounds like: “Here’s your detailed quote. It includes parts, labour, call‑out fee, tax, and waste disposal. Valid for 30 days, with all changes confirmed in writing.”
Red flags: Scribbles a number on scrap paper, won’t explain what’s covered, or adds extra fees after the job starts. This could mean hidden fees or poor business practices.
What are your rates and call‑out charges (standard, out‑of‑hours, minimum fee)?
Knowing the full cost before the job begins avoids surprises. Plumbing costs can vary based on location, experience, time of day, and type of work. Always ask about the hourly rate, service call fee, minimum fee, and round the clock emergency service costs.
Hiring a professional plumber means understanding how they charge-some offer a flat rate, while others bill hourly. Ask a plumber if they include other charges like travel or disposal, especially in emergency cases.
Good answer sounds like: “Our standard rate is £55 per hour during weekdays. Emergency call‑outs are £120, which includes the first hour. After that, it’s £65 per hour.”
Red flags: Avoids discussing rates, adds costs without warning, or changes prices mid-job. Knowing all charges in advance leads to a more stress-free experience.
Who will actually do the work in my home, and are trainees supervised?
When hiring a plumber, it’s important to know who will turn up to complete the job. Some plumbing companies send one person to quote and someone else to do the work.
Others may use trainees or apprentices. Always ask who will carry out the plumbing work, how experienced they are, and whether they will be supervised.
An experienced plumber or professional plumber should have proper support and oversight in place. This ensures the job is done properly, reduces mistakes, and gives you a greater chance of a clean, safe finish.
Good answer sounds like: “Our lead licensed plumber will handle the job, assisted by a trainee who is fully supervised. We’ve been in business for over 12 years. Here are references from two recent jobs.”
Red flags: The plumber cannot confirm who’s coming, a trainee is left unsupervised, or they avoid giving a business address. Even good plumbers should be able to answer these simple questions with ease.
What guarantee do you give on your work and any parts?
When you pay for plumbing services, you want to know the work and parts are backed by a solid guarantee.
Ask how long the cover lasts, if it includes both labour and materials, and whether the guarantee is insurance-backed. This matters in case the company goes out of business or the job needs to be redone.
Warranties for plumbing related issues are more common with licensed and insured professionals who understand the specialist nature of certain tasks.
The quality of both the products and the installation should be included in writing.
Good answer sounds like: “We guarantee our workmanship for 12 months. All parts come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and our work is covered by an insurance-backed warranty from our trade body.”
Red flags: No written guarantee, vague verbal promises, or refusal to return if a leak occurs. Even good plumbers should always stand by their services and provide proper documentation.
Will you handle any Building Regulations notification and give certificates?
Some plumbing jobs, such as fitting hot water systems or large heating setups, must meet Building Regulations. A licensed plumber who is registered under a Competent Person Scheme can self-certify the work, saving you the trouble of applying for permits or dealing with your council directly.
Hiring a plumber who understands these legal duties reduces the chance of problems when selling your property later.
A good plumber will explain what’s required and ensure you receive a certificate after the job is complete.
Good answer sounds like: “Yes, we’re registered to self-certify. We will notify the authority and you’ll receive the certificate once the job is finished. This is included in our service.”
Red flags: Says “no need” without checking details, avoids explaining the rules, or leaves you to deal with approval alone. These are warning signs of an unlicensed plumber who may not understand proper procedures or follow legal regulations.
Can you show recent local references or verified reviews?
Before hiring, always ask for positive references from recent jobs, ideally within your local area. A reputable plumber will be happy to provide testimonials and link to verified reviews on third-party websites.
Checking this feedback helps you judge reliability, experience, and quality of services.
Be cautious of fake reviews, hand-picked social media quotes, or when they refuse to give any names. In many cases, speaking directly to past customers gives a clearer idea of what to expect.
Good answer sounds like: “We recently completed two jobs nearby. You can read the reviews on our TrustMark profile or contact the clients directly.”
Red flags: Shares only vague feedback, offers no contact details, or provides references that can’t be verified. Don’t take risks-ask a plumber for proof of work and reputation before making a decision.
How will you protect my home (shut‑offs, covers, clean‑up, waste)?
Plumbing work can cause mess, disruption, and even a home flood if not handled properly. Before the job begins, ask how the plumber plans to protect your floors, walls, and furniture. Will water be shut off in advance? Will rubbish be removed? Will fixtures be covered?
A good plumber will arrive on time, be equipped with covers, and clean up daily.
This level of care reduces the impact of the work and avoids extra cleaning costs or damage to your property. You should also ask how waste materials are disposed of and who is responsible for the clean-up.
Good answer sounds like: “We’ll cover flooring, move any breakables, and remove waste each day. The water will be turned off at 9 a.m. and restored by 3 p.m. We’ll ensure a clean work area throughout.”
Red flags: No dust sheets, leaves rubbish behind, or water is turned off without notice. This kind of neglect adds inconvenience and cost to your project, and can be avoided by asking a plumber a few simple questions before work starts.
Before you say yes: agree start date, payment plan and how to pay
Always agree when the job will begin, how long it should take, and what happens if new parts are delayed. Discuss payment options and confirm how much to pay upfront.
Most plumbing contractors ask for a small deposit, with staged payments and the final balance due once the work is complete.
Using a bank transfer or card offers more protection than cash. Be aware of large upfront payments or cash-only requests, which may void your right to claim if something goes wrong.
Good tradespeople stay transparent about fees, timelines, and any possible delays due to availability or delivery of materials.
How to check a plumber’s credentials online (step‑by‑step)
Verifying a plumber’s background helps you avoid unlicensed plumbers and choose a qualified, reliable plumber. Many homeowners don’t realise how easy it is to confirm accreditations, insurance, and other essential details online.
Gas work? Use the Gas Safe Register’s “Find / Check an Engineer” tool. Enter the licence number from the ID card to confirm the technician’s identity and what type of gas work they are allowed to do. It’s illegal to use someone not on the list for gas jobs.
Drinking water plumbing? Use WaterSafe to find approved professionals trained in the Water Fittings Regulations. These experts can legally carry out some jobs without notifying the water supplier and should give you a work certificate.
Professional plumber or heating engineer? Search the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering or the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors. Both list vetted plumbers who follow strict standards and codes of practice.
Trusted businesses? TrustMark lists plumbing companies and other contractors who meet required industry standards and offer customer protection. Look for reviews, guarantees, and up-to-date insurance.
Compare trader sites? See government advice on how to check that recommendation sites do proper checks on qualifications, liability insurance, complaints, and whether the plumber is licensed and insured. This helps you avoid even good plumbers who may miss vital paperwork or fail to meet current rules.
Doing this online research before hiring a plumber increases your chance of a positive experience and avoids common problems like hidden fees, poor quality installation, or contract disputes.
If things go wrong
Even with careful planning, things can go wrong-a repair might fail, the cost may rise due to an unexpected problem, or the work might not meet the agreed standard.
In such cases, the first step is to speak with the plumber directly. A good plumber will be happy to return and fix the issue, especially if the job is covered by a warranty or written contract.
If the plumber refuses to resolve the issue, check whether they belong to a trade body with a formal complaints process. You may also get help from consumer support services.
Under UK law, plumbing services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill. If they’re not, you may be entitled to a repair, price reduction, or refund.
For unsafe gas work, contact the Gas Safe Register immediately. For other plumbing related issues, Citizens Advice can support you and may refer your case to Trading Standards if needed.
To reduce the chance of problems, always ask the right questions, get an accurate quote, and verify all paperwork before the job begins. This makes the process of dealing with issues easier, and helps protect your home from serious damage or future complications.
Frequently asked questions
These are common questions people have when hiring a plumber. Whether you’re facing a plumbing emergency, planning non emergency work, or just curious about what to expect, this section helps you understand the basics.
Do I always need a plumber who is also a heating engineer?
Not always. If the job involves taps, toilets, or basic plumbing systems, a licensed plumber or professional plumber with the right training can handle it.
However, for any plumbing work that involves gas or central heating, you’ll need someone who also qualifies as a heating engineer and is Gas Safe registered.
A good plumber will tell you when extra qualifications are required and may recommend a specialist if the task is beyond their scope. This is part of providing high quality services and avoiding future problems.
Can I DIY small plumbing jobs?
You can do some simple DIY plumbing jobs, like changing a washer or tightening a faucet, but anything linked to mains water, gas, or fixtures should be left to a qualified professional. Poor DIY work can lead to a leak, home flood, or worse-especially if done without the right parts or understanding of how systems work.
Even for small plumbing needs, hiring a plumber ensures the job is done correctly, using the proper materials, and in line with current regulations. Mistakes in this area can be expensive, result in accidents, or cause damage to your property.
Why do prices vary so much?
The price of plumbing services depends on many factors: your location, the time of day or night, the experience of the plumber, and the type of job.
Urban areas usually have higher service fees, especially for round the clock emergency service. If the job requires new parts, specialised tools, or quick availability, expect to pay more.
The difference in pricing structures is also influenced by whether the plumber offers a flat rate, hourly rate, or charges based on labor and materials separately.
The key is to get several quotes, understand what’s included, and be clear about what the total cost covers. This helps avoid being overcharged and ensures you’re comparing different jobs fairly.
Find Local Plumbers Near You
Finding a good plumber often takes time. Many experienced plumbers are busy, and waiting a few extra days is often worth it if it means avoiding a rushed job or an unqualified person.
Choosing the right plumber helps protect your home, your money, and your peace of mind.
Ask the right questions, look for positive references, and get everything in writing. A licensed plumber with insurance, experience, and the right parts will be more likely to complete the work efficiently and avoid common plumbing problems.
This reduces the chance of having to pay more later to fix mistakes or deal with consequences like temporary accommodation due to a home flood.
If you’re still wondering who to contact, reach complete an enquiry form with Noticed UK. Our team will connect you with local plumbers near you who offer the service you are looking for.
This guide offers general information for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Local rules may differ depending on your area. Always double-check with your council, water supplier, or safety authority before starting any project.