Questions to ask before hiring a plumber

The right questions help you avoid poor work, surprise costs and unreliable trades.

A few good questions before you agree to anything tell you a lot about a plumber — how they work, whether they are properly covered, and whether the price is fair. Here are the ones worth asking.

Are you insured and qualified?

Ask whether they hold public liability insurance in case of accidental water damage, and what qualifications they have — an NVQ Level 2 or 3, or membership of a body such as the CIPHE or APHC. If the job touches your boiler or any gas appliance, they must be on the Gas Safe Register, so ask to see the card.

Have you done similar jobs recently?

Ask for recent examples or references for work like yours, whether that is a bathroom re-plumb or an emergency leak. A good plumber will happily point you to reviews or previous customers.

What exactly does the price include?

Get the money side clear before they start:

Is this a fixed price or an hourly rate?
Are parts and materials included, or charged separately?
Is there a call-out fee, and is it deducted from the final bill?
What happens if the job takes longer than expected?

When can you do the work, and how long will it take?

Confirm availability and a realistic timescale. For emergencies, ask how quickly they can attend and what out-of-hours rates apply.

Do you guarantee your work?

Ask whether the work and any parts are guaranteed, and get that in writing. Reputable plumbers stand behind what they do.

Tip: Always get the quote in writing before work starts, and never feel pressured to pay a large sum up front.

Warning signs to watch for

No insurance, or reluctance to show a Gas Safe ID card for gas work
Only verbal quotes and no written breakdown
Cash-only with a large deposit before any work
Pressure to decide on the spot
A price that is far below everyone else’s

Frequently asked questions

Should a plumber be Gas Safe registered?

Only for gas work — boilers, gas hobs and gas fires. For general plumbing such as leaks, taps, drains and bathrooms, Gas Safe is not required, but insurance and a recognised qualification still matter.

Is it normal to pay a deposit?

For larger jobs, a modest deposit to cover materials can be reasonable. Be cautious of anyone asking for a large share of the total before work begins.

Ready to find a local plumber?

Compare independent local plumbers by service and location, and request quotes with confidence.

Start your search