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Step 1
Consider only licensed plumbers. Anyone can say they are a plumber, but most states have state contractor licensing boards that govern the minimum standards for licensed plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople. Contact the state contractor license board to verify that the plumber you are about to hire is in fact a licensed plumber in good standing.
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Step 2
Ask any plumbers you may hire for proof of insurance, and ask the plumber what the limits of the liability insurance coverage are.
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Step 3
Get references from the plumber. Ask for at least three references, and then call them all. Ask the references specific questions about what type of work was performed, whether it was completed on time and whether the estimate proved accurate. Ask the references if they have had any problems with any of the services performed by the plumber, and if so, how the plumber resolved them.
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Step 4
Check with your state's Better Business Bureau and Attorney General's Consumer Complaint Division to see if there are any complaints against any plumbers you may hire.
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Step 5
Visit the Angie's List website to see what other people in your neck of the woods have to say about the plumbers you are considering hiring. Angie's List is a service where, for a small fee, you will gain access to contractor "report cards." Users of Angie's List grade contractors from A to F and submit comments on their experience with the contractor. It's a surefire way to get the straight scoop on plumbers and other contractors in your area.
