How to Choose the Best Plumbing Company

When faced with plumbing issues, finding the right company can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re dealing with a leaking pipe, a clogged drain, or planning a major installation, it’s important to choose a plumbing service that is reliable, professional, and suited to your needs. Here are practical tips to consider when selecting the best plumbing company.

Tips for Picking the Best Plumbing Company

1. Verify licensing and insurance
2. Check experience and specializations
3. Read plumbing company reviews
4. Compare pricing and get multiple quotes
5. Evaluate customer service
6. Confirm availability and response time
7. Ask about plumbing warranties and guarantees
8. Check for eco-friendly options
9. Verify local knowledge
10. Trust your instincts

1. Verify Licensing and Insurance

One of the first steps in choosing a plumbing company is ensuring it's properly licensed and insured. A license demonstrates that the plumber has met the necessary training and certification requirements to perform plumbing work safely and effectively. Insurance protects you from liability in case of work-related accidents or damages that occur on your property.

Tip: Ask for proof of licensing and insurance, and verify the plumbing company’s validity with your local licensing authority if needed.

2. Check Experience and Specializations

Experience matters in plumbing. A plumbing company with a long track record of success is likely to provide better service and handle complex issues effectively. Additionally, check if the company specializes in the type of work you need — be it residential, commercial, or emergency services.

Many plumbing companies offer a wide range of plumbing services that will meet the needs of most customers — however, not all companies offer all services. For example, some plumbing companies offer sump pump services, including installations, repairs, and maintenance, but some companies may not offer these services. Thus, you’ll want to check that a plumbing company offers the services you require.

In addition, it’s important to remember that a plumbing company’s time in business isn’t necessarily an indicator of quality. A plumbing company with years of experience in the industry may have higher levels of knowledge and expertise, offering customers greater confidence in its services. However, a company that has only been operating for a few years may also offer reliable plumbing services — in many cases, plumbing companies are owned and operated by qualified plumbers that have years of experience in the industry. Thus, to ascertain a plumbing company’s level of experience it may be more important to inquire about a plumbing company’s team of plumbers, instead of focusing on the company’s time in business.

Tip: Ask how long the plumbing company has been in business and whether it has handled similar projects to yours.

3. Read Plumbing Company Reviews

Online reviews and testimonials can offer valuable insight into a company’s reliability, customer service, and quality of work. It can be helpful to look for patterns in feedback — for example, consistent praise for punctuality or frequent complaints about poor communication.

Based on reviews from verified customers, the top three plumbing companies on BestCompany.com include the following:

Bob Larson Plumbing

Bob Larson Plumbing serves residents in Tacoma, Washington and the surrounding areas. The company offers a range of standard plumbing services, including drain cleaning, pipe repair, sewer replacements, water heater installations, and more.

On BestCompany.com, 87 percent of Bob Larson Plumbing reviews are four or five stars. Satisfied customers frequently highlight the following about their experience with the company:

• Reliable same-day service — if you have an emergency, Bob Larson Plumbing will send a plumber to help right away
• Knowledgeable and professional team of plumbers
• Cost transparency — the company will outline all service costs upfront

It’s important to note that Bob Larson Plumbing reviews are currently limited and outdated. Thus, existing reviews may not accurately reflect the company’s current products and services.

Learn more about Bob Larson Plumbing

Baikal Services

Baikal Services serves residents of the Snohomish and King counties in Washington state. The company specializes in both plumbing and heating services, and offers a range of standard plumbing services.

On BestCompany.com, 100 percent of Baikal Services reviews are four or five stars. Satisfied customers frequently highlight the following about their experience with the company:

• Reliable same-day service — the company is available to help when no one else is available
• Free preliminary consultations
• Professional, polite, and courteous plumbers — they won’t rush and will explain all work that needs to be done

It’s important to note that Baikal Services reviews are currently limited and outdated. Thus, existing reviews may not accurately reflect the company’s current products and services.

Learn more about Baikal Services

Roto-Rooter

Roto-Rooter is a well-known plumbing company that has been in the business since 1935. The company offers a range of plumbing services backed by reliable customer service. 

On BestCompany.com, 81 percent of Roto-Rooter reviews are four or five stars. Satisfied customers frequently highlight the following about their experience with the company:

• Reliable same-day service — the company will send someone to help you right away
• Fast and efficient services
• Professional and trustworthy plumbers — they walk you through the problem and what will be done to fix it

It’s important to note that Roto-Rooter reviews are currently limited and outdated. Thus, existing reviews may not accurately reflect the company’s current products and services.

Learn more about Roto-Rooter

Tip: Don’t hesitate to read online reviews or to ask the plumbing company for references from previous customers.

4. Compare Pricing and Get Multiple Quotes

While cost shouldn’t be the only deciding factor in your choice of plumbing company, it’s important to understand the pricing structure of a company’s services. Many plumbing companies will charge an hourly rate for service that can range anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the necessary work. Some companies may charge a flat rate for service after assessing the plumbing project. 

Because of the variance in how plumbing companies may charge for service, it’s recommended to obtain detailed quotes from multiple companies to compare rates. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others, as they could indicate subpar materials or workmanship.

Tip: Look for transparency in pricing. A reputable plumbing company should provide a clear breakdown of costs without hidden fees. It may also be beneficial to research average plumbing repair costs in your area.

5. Evaluate Customer Service

From your initial contact, pay attention to how the plumbing company communicates. Are the company representatives responsive, professional, and willing to answer your questions? Good customer service reflects the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction. Additionally, how a plumbing company treats you upon first contact is often an indicator of how the company and its plumbers may treat you throughout the plumbing process.

Tip: Avoid plumbing companies that are difficult to reach or dismissive of your concerns.

6. Confirm Availability and Response Time

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s essential to choose a plumbing company that offers prompt and flexible scheduling. Check if the company provides 24/7 emergency services and how quickly they can respond to urgent requests — most plumbing companies offer same-day and/or 24/7 emergency service, ensuring that you can receive the help you need when you need it.

Tip: Check if the plumbing company offers same-day service and/or 24/7 emergency service.

7. Ask About Plumbing Warranties and Guarantees

When considering a plumbing company, understanding its warranties and guarantees can be crucial. These assurances provide peace of mind and financial protection if something goes wrong after plumbing work is completed.

Most plumbing companies offer both warranties and guarantees, and it’s important to understand the differences between the two. A guarantee is a company’s promise of satisfaction and typically covers labor. For example, a “100% satisfaction guarantee” means the company will fix any service issues until you’re happy and a “no-leak guarantee” ensures that the company’s work won’t result in leaks within a set timeframe.

Plumbing warranties, on the other hand, typically cover products, but some companies do offer warranties that cover workmanship. Plumbing warranties generally fall into two categories:

• Manufacturer warranties — These cover defects in materials and parts, such as faucets, pipes, and water heaters. The duration and terms vary by brand.
• Workmanship/service warranties — Offered by the plumbing company, these cover labor and installation. They ensure that if there’s an issue due to improper installation, the company will fix it at no additional cost.

Warranties offer coverage to protect your plumbing investment for a specific period of time. Typical warranty lengths may include the following:

• Fixtures and appliances — 1–10 years (varies by manufacturer)
• Water heaters — 6–12 years
• Workmanship — 30 days to several years (depends on the company)
• Sewer line replacement — up to 25 years for some services

When considering the different warranties and guarantees offered by plumbing companies, it’s important to consider any exclusions or limitations in coverage — some warranties exclude damages from misuse, natural disasters, or pre-existing issues. In addition, you may want to confirm whether or not your warranty is transferable, meaning that if you sell your home the coverage would transfer to the new owner. No matter what, it’s important to get all warranty terms in writing, ensuring that you have documentation outlining your coverage if any issues arise.

Navigating the terms and conditions of your warranty coverage can be confusing and you’ll want to make sure that you ask the right questions. Some helpful questions to ask your plumber include the following:

• What warranties do you offer on labor and materials?
• Are there any conditions that void the warranty?
• How do I file a claim if I need service?
• Do you offer extended warranties for an additional fee?

Tip: Review warranty terms carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

8. Check for Eco-Friendly Options

If sustainability is important to you, look for plumbing companies that offer eco-friendly solutions, such as water-efficient fixtures or tankless water heaters. These options can save you money on utility bills while reducing your environmental impact.

Tip: Ask the company about their approach to sustainability and whether they can recommend energy-efficient solutions.

9. Verify Local Knowledge

A local plumbing company will have a better understanding of the area’s building codes, water supply issues, and common plumbing challenges. Supporting local businesses can also lead to quicker response times and personalized service.

Tip: Choose a company with a strong reputation in your community.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off about a company — whether it’s unprofessional behavior, vague answers, or pressure to make quick decisions — it’s better to move on and find a more trustworthy option.

Tip: A reliable company will prioritize building trust and ensuring your comfort throughout the process.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right plumbing company requires a bit of research, but the effort is well worth it. By following the tips outlined above, you can find a dependable service provider who will address your plumbing needs efficiently and professionally. Remember to prioritize quality, transparency, and customer service over the lowest price to ensure a positive experience and long-lasting results.