Finding a plumber that you can trust isn’t always easy, especially when you’re under pressure from a leaky pipe, flooded crawl space or mid-remodel chaos. With so many options out there, it’s essential to know how to tell the professionals apart from the pretenders.
Do you call the semi-retired person you found on Facebook who never picks up the phone, or the flashy company with big advertisements? We’d like to think we are in the middle at Noble Plumbing. We answer the phone when you call and we invest our money into ensuring high quality work, not big ads.
We’ve helped homeowners across the Eastside and King County area feel confident in their plumbing decisions. If you’re doing preventive work or fixing a full-blown emergency, here are four smart questions to ask before hiring a plumber.
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Do I need a plumber or can a handyman handle this? And how do I know if they’re a “real” plumber?
This is a common question we get, and the answer isn’t always straightforward.
In some situations, a handyman can handle basic repairs. If you’re altering, installing or making changes to your plumbing system, it’s usually best to hire a licensed and insured plumber—especially if you haven’t worked with that handyman before.
Plumbing is a regulated trade for a reason. It deals with systems that impact your home’s safety and long-term integrity. Hiring someone without the proper credentials can lead to leaks, code violations or even worse consequences.
How to check if a plumber is legitimate:
- Request their Washington State plumbing license and insurance information.
- Use this official Labor & Industries verification tool to confirm the company and credentials.
- Double-check expiration dates, the scope of their license (some only cover residential or commercial areas) and any past violations.
Here’s Noble Plumbing’s Washington state profile as an example.
You can do this with any contractor, regardless of trade. Checking credentials is always a smart move.
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How much is this going to cost me?
Let’s be real — plumbing isn’t cheap. However, understanding how plumbers quote their work can help you avoid surprise bills or unnecessary upselling.
Some companies won’t provide a price estimate until they arrive. While it’s true that many plumbing issues are complex and require in-person diagnosis, be cautious of companies that charge dispatch or quote fees solely to show up. Some count on that pressure to make you feel like you have to agree on the spot.
At Noble Plumbing, we do our best to be transparent. Here’s how we handle pricing:
- Inspection or diagnostic fees are only charged when tools or technical expertise are needed to identify the issue.
- For straightforward projects that don’t need an in-depth assessment, estimates are free.
- Once we know what’s going on, we’ll send a detailed quote. No vague numbers or hidden fees.
Here’s something most people don’t know: many plumbing companies pay their plumbers on commission, sometimes up to 100%. Call for a leaky toilet? You might be quoted for a brand-new one.
Noble Plumbing does not pay on commission. Our plumbers are compensated based on the quality of work, efficiency and customer satisfaction. That means our team’s goal is to solve your problem, not sell you something you don’t need.
Always ask for the quote in writing, whether that’s an email or a text. And don’t be shy about asking what could cause the cost to change.
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How do I know the quality of their work without seeing it for myself?
Plumbing can feel like a black box. Pipes are hidden in crawl spaces, behind drywall or buried underground. How can you tell if a plumber did a solid job?
Start with reputation. Online reviews on Google and websites like Nextdoor can give you a sense of a plumber’s reliability and consistency. No one has a perfect record, but look for patterns such as how they respond when things don’t go right.
Want to see for yourself? You’re allowed to ask questions. A good plumber should be willing to:
- Walk you through what they did and explain their thinking.
- Show you photos of the work, especially if it’s in a hard-to-see spot.
- Have a manager or owner double-check the job if something feels off.
Don’t forget to ask about warranties. Most professional plumbing companies provide a minimum one-year labor warranty, and many products come with extended manufacturer warranties.
View Noble Plumbing’s Google reviews if you want to hear directly from our customers.
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Will they pick up the phone when I need them?
Here’s something you can tell pretty quickly… do they respond?
- 1. Is someone answering the phone, or does it go straight to voicemail?
- 2. Do they follow up on emails?
- 3. Is there a warranty on the labor and material provided if there is an issue?
Ensuring you hire a plumber that isn’t going to ghost you and follow up timely is essential.
At Noble Plumbing, communication is part of our service:
- We aim to answer every call in real time. If we miss one, we will return it within five minutes.
- Emails are typically returned within four business hours.
- You’ll always know who to contact for follow-up, and we’re here for you even after the job’s done.
Hire a Plumber Who Works for You
Take the time to ask questions, verify credentials and understand how your plumber communicates. It’s your home, don’t leave it to guesswork.
Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom, replacing a water heater or just trying to stop a drip, hiring the right plumber makes all the difference.
Noble Plumbing is proud to serve the Snoqualmie Valley, the Eastside and greater King County with licensed, honest and high-quality plumbing services.
Check out our Washington state contractor page for credentials.
If you want expert, transparent plumbing support, Noble Plumbing is here to help. Call, text or book online today. Contact us here!
“From Drips to Drainage” is a blog series sponsored by Noble Plumbing.
