How to Choose the Right Plumber for Your Home Repairs

Has your sink turned into a mini fountain? Or maybe your water heater’s gone on strike—right before guests arrive. When you need plumbing help fast, it’s normal to feel anxious. You want someone skilled, trustworthy, and available for emergencies. But how do you make the right call, especially when time is tight?

At HLH Plumbing, we know the stakes. Every leak or clog is more than a nuisance—it’s your home on the line. Our team has helped hundreds of local families get back to normal, safely and efficiently. Here’s how to pick the right plumber, with confidence.

Why Licensing Matters 🪪

Imagine hiring a pilot who never finished flight school. Sounds risky, right? The same goes for plumbing. Licensed plumbers have passed state exams, completed hands-on training, and know the latest safety codes. This matters for your peace of mind—and your home’s safety.

State-Specific Licensing:
Each state has its own requirements. In Texas, for instance, plumbers must hold a license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. In California, it’s the Contractors State License Board. Most states also require continuing education and insurance. You can check your plumber’s license by asking for their number and verifying it through your state’s licensing board.

Why it’s important:

• Protects your home from shoddy or dangerous work
• Ensures up-to-date knowledge of plumbing codes
• Often required for insurance claims

HLH Plumbing holds all required local and state certifications. Our technicians continue their education yearly, so you’re always in safe hands.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Picking a plumber shouldn’t feel like a game of darts in the dark. Arm yourself with these questions before you sign anything:

• Are you licensed and insured in this state?
• Can you provide references or recent customer reviews?
• How many years have you been in business?
• What’s your experience with jobs like mine (e.g., Bathroom Plumbing near you, gas line installation)?
• Do you offer emergency plumbing services?
• Will I get a written estimate?
• Who will actually be doing the work at my house?

Pro Tip:
Ask to see proof of insurance. This protects you if something goes wrong on the job.

Red Flags to Watch For 🚩

Not all plumbers are created equal. Watch out for these warning signs:

• No local address or phone number: Reliable plumbers are part of your community.
• Reluctance to share license or insurance info: Transparency matters.
• Pressure tactics: If someone rushes you to sign, step back.
• Unusually low quotes: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Cheap work can mean shortcuts or hidden fees.
• No written estimate: Verbal promises are hard to prove.

If you spot any of these, keep looking. Your home deserves better.

Comparing Quotes the Smart Way

Getting three quotes? Good move. But don’t just look at the bottom line. Compare apples to apples:

• Scope of work: Make sure each quote covers the same services (parts, labor, cleanup).
• Materials: Are they using quality brands, or cutting corners?
• Timeline: When will they start—and finish? Emergency plumbing can cost more but is often worth it.
• Payment terms: Beware of big upfront deposits.

Remember:
The best quote gives you clear details and realistic timelines, not just a low price.

Ensuring Quality Work

You wouldn’t leave your car with a mechanic who shrugs and walks away. Hold your plumber to the same standard.

• Ask for a walkthrough: Before and after the job, your plumber should explain what’s being done.
• Check reviews: Look for consistent praise in recent customer feedback.
• Inspect the work: Make sure everything looks tidy, with no leaks or loose connections.
• Request paperwork: You should get a receipt and, if required, inspection documentation.

HLH’s Certifications and Customer Reviews

HLH Plumbing is proud of our state and local licenses. Our technicians are background-checked and trained in the latest safety standards. We invite you to browse our customer reviews—real feedback from homeowners just like you.

Printable Plumber Vetting Checklist 📝

Print this out and keep it handy for your next plumbing need:

• [ ] Confirm plumber’s state license number
• [ ] Ask for proof of insurance
• [ ] Request written estimate (scope of work/materials/timeline)
• [ ] Ask for references or recent reviews
• [ ] Clarify who will be performing the work
• [ ] Compare at least two other quotes
• [ ] Check for local business address/contact info
• [ ] Review payment terms (avoid large upfront deposits)
• [ ] Inspect final work before signing off

Take two minutes before you hire. It could save you hours (and headaches) later.

Why Licensing Requirements Vary by State

Plumbing codes aren’t just red tape—they keep your water safe and your home up to code. States create their own rules based on geography, weather, and building trends.

• Cold climates: States in the north often have stricter pipe insulation requirements to prevent freezing.
• Earthquake zones: California asks for extra bracing on water heaters.
• Flood-prone areas: Sump pump and backflow prevention rules are more demanding.

Check your local building department or state licensing board for exact requirements. HLH Plumbing is happy to walk you through what’s needed for your area.

FAQ: Common Plumbing Questions

Q: What’s the difference between a licensed plumber and a handyman?
A: Licensed plumbers have formal training, state exams, and insurance. Handymen may not. For anything beyond minor repairs, always use a licensed pro.

Q: How do I know if my leak is an emergency?
A: If water is flowing uncontrollably, if you smell gas, or if there’s a risk to your home’s safety, call for emergency plumbing help right away.

Q: Can I do some plumbing repairs myself?
A: Some minor fixes, like unclogging a toilet, are DIY-friendly. But for leaks, gas lines, or anything inside a wall, it’s best to call a licensed plumber.

Q: How long should a plumbing repair take?
A: It depends. Unclogging a drain might take 30 minutes. Repiping a house can take several days. Ask your plumber for a realistic timeline.

Local and Seasonal Considerations 🌦️

Where you live shapes your plumbing needs. In the winter, pipes can freeze (and burst). In humid regions, mold and corrosion are the enemy. HLH Plumbing tailors our approach to your local climate, using materials and techniques that stand up to your area’s weather.

Tip:
Schedule preventative maintenance—like annual leak checks and backflow testing—before peak season hits.

When It’s an Emergency

A burst pipe at midnight? Toilet overflowing during a holiday party? That’s when you need emergency plumbing—fast. HLH Plumbing is ready 24/7. Our team responds quickly, with the right tools and experience to protect your home.

In an emergency:

• Shut off your main water valve (know where it is now, before you need it!)
• Call us immediately.
• Don’t try risky DIY fixes—let pros handle it.

Final Thoughts

Your home is too important for guesswork. Taking a few extra minutes to vet your plumber protects your family, your investment, and your peace of mind. HLH Plumbing is here to help, whether it’s a dripping faucet or a midnight emergency.

Call HLH Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  877-477-7921 .