Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber

A few direct questions before you hire a plumber can save you from a bad experience later — here’s what’s actually worth asking.

Are you PIRB registered?

For any geyser-related work, this determines whether you’ll get a valid compliance certificate at the end of the job — something you’ll need for insurance and any future property sale.

Is there a call-out fee?

Ask this before you book, not after they’ve arrived. Some companies charge just to send someone out, separate from the actual repair cost.

Can I get a quote before work starts?

A reputable plumber will explain what’s wrong and what it’ll cost before starting, not present you with a bill afterwards. Be cautious of anyone reluctant to give a number upfront.

Do you guarantee your work?

Ask specifically what the guarantee covers and for how long. If the same problem comes back within that period, it should be fixed at no extra cost.

Are you insured?

If something goes wrong during the job — accidental damage to a wall or floor, for example — insurance means you’re not left covering that cost yourself.

How soon can you get here?

For anything urgent, response time matters. A company that can’t give you a realistic estimate, or quotes days for something you’ve flagged as an emergency, may not be set up for genuine emergency response.

What’s included in the price?

Ask whether parts, cleanup, and any compliance certificates are included, or billed separately. Getting this clear upfront avoids disputes once the job’s done.

Asking these questions takes a few minutes and tends to filter out anyone who isn’t set up to give you a straightforward answer.