How to Choose a Plumber: A Homeowner's Checklist

Most people only go looking for a plumber when water is already where it shouldn't be. That's the worst time to make a careful decision. A little groundwork now means that when something does go wrong, you already know who to call — and you know they're the right fit.

Know what kind of plumbing work you need

Plumbing covers a lot of ground. Some businesses focus on maintenance and repairs, others on renovations and new builds, and some specialise in drains, gas or hot water. Matching the plumber to the job saves time on both sides.

• Maintenance and repairs: dripping taps, running toilets, leaking pipes, low water pressure
• Drainage: blocked sinks, slow showers, sewer and stormwater problems
• Hot water: repairs, servicing and replacing systems
• Gas fitting: appliances, cooktops, heaters and gas leaks — gas work needs the right licence
• Renovation plumbing: moving fixtures for a new kitchen, bathroom or laundry

Check the licence before anything else

Plumbing and gas fitting are licensed trades right across Australia. Ask for the licence number and check it on your state or territory regulator's public register. It takes a couple of minutes and confirms the person is qualified for the type of work you need. Our guide to checking a tradie's licence walks through it.

Questions worth asking on the first call

• Do you charge a call-out fee, and what does it cover?
• Do you price by the hour or give a fixed price for this kind of job?
• Will you carry common parts, or will a second visit be needed?
• Who will actually do the work — you or someone on your team?
• What warranty do you give on workmanship and parts?

Get the details in writing

For anything beyond a quick fix, ask for a written quote that lists the work, the parts and any assumptions. If the plumber can't see the problem until they open a wall or lift a floor, a clear explanation of how extra work will be priced avoids surprises later.

Save a plumber before the emergency

Once you've found someone you're happy with, save their number. It's also worth knowing where your water mains tap is and how to turn it off — in a burst-pipe situation, those few minutes matter more than anything else.