3 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Plumber (From the Pros at Carlong Plumbing)

A bad hire can cost you twice—first on the invoice, then again when the “fix” fails or damages your flooring, furniture, or walls. We’ve seen too many homeowners stuck with leaks, callbacks, and finger‑pointing simply because no one asked a few simple questions before booking.

At Carlong Plumbing, we want you to feel confident before anyone steps into your home. In a recent conversation, our team leads Jamie and Pete shared the three questions we recommend every homeowner ask a plumbing company up front. These questions protect your home, your wallet, and your time—and they’ll quickly reveal who’s reputable and who isn’t.

1) What warranties do you offer—and why do they matter?

Warranties tell you exactly what you’re paying for after the initial repair. If something goes wrong, do you get a quick, no‑cost callback—or a new bill?

Ask these specifics:

• What’s the warranty period on labor? On parts you supply versus parts we supply?
• What’s covered and what isn’t? Are leaks, clogs, or manufacturer defects handled differently?
• How fast do you respond to warranty calls?
• Is the warranty in writing on the estimate and final invoice?

Our approach: We provide clear, written warranties on our workmanship and any parts we supply. If there’s an issue covered under warranty, we make it right—no runaround.

2) Are you insured, and can you send proof?

Accidents happen. You deserve a company that can make you whole if something inside your home is damaged during the job. Insurance is not a nice‑to‑have; it’s a must.

Ask for:

• Proof of current general liability insurance (a certificate of insurance).
• Confirmation of workers’ compensation coverage for anyone who will be on your property.
• Who’s responsible—and how claims are handled—if property damage occurs.

Our approach: We’re fully insured and can provide proof of coverage on request. Jamie and Pete set our standard: protect the home first, do the work right, and stand behind it if anything goes sideways.

3) Are you licensed for plumbing?

It’s surprising, but some companies advertise plumbing, electrical, or HVAC without holding the proper license. Licensing isn’t just paperwork—it proves training, testing, and accountability.

Verify by asking:

• What is your plumbing license number, and under what name is it registered?
• Does the license match the company or individual performing the work?
• Are the technicians on site licensed or working under a licensed supervisor?

Our approach: We maintain current plumbing licenses and are happy to share our license details before we come out. It’s the foundation of safe, compliant work.

A quick phone script you can use

When you’re calling around, keep it simple. Here’s a script you can read word‑for‑word:

• “Before we schedule, can you tell me your plumbing license number and the name it’s registered under?”
• “Will you email a certificate of insurance showing general liability and workers’ comp?”
• “What’s your written warranty on labor and on parts you supply? How long is it, and what’s the callback process?”

If the answers are vague, change the subject, or “we’ll figure it out on site,” that’s your sign to keep looking.

Why homeowners choose Carlong Plumbing

• Transparent, written warranties on our work.
• Fully insured, with documentation available upon request.
• Proper licensing and a team led by seasoned pros—Jamie and Pete—who value straight answers and quality workmanship.
• Respect for your time: clear expectations before we arrive, so there are no surprises after.

We believe hiring a plumbing company should feel easy and safe. Our job is to fix the problem and protect your home—not create new ones.

Ready for worry-free service?

If you want a licensed, insured plumber who backs the work with clear warranties, we’re here to help. Contact Carlong Plumbing to schedule your service or get your questions answered by Jamie, Pete, or a member of our team. Let’s get your home back to normal—quickly and confidently.