What to check before hiring a plumber: licence, insurance, written quote

Licence, if your state requires one. Many states license plumbers. If yours does, the licensing board's website usually has a lookup by name or number.

Insurance. Ask whether the business carries liability insurance, and ask for proof for larger jobs.

A written quote. Ask for the price, what it covers and what could change it, in writing, before work starts.

Permits. Some plumbing work needs a local permit. Ask who pulls it.

Emergency rates. After-hours calls often cost more. Ask before the plumber drives out.