How to choose a plumber you can trust

A good plumber can fix a problem quickly and properly. A bad one can leave you with leaks, water damage and a bigger bill. Whether it's an emergency or a planned job, a few simple checks will help you choose someone you can trust.

Start with the licence

Plumbing and drainage work is regulated in every state and territory, and in most cases it must be done by a licensed or registered plumber. Ask for their licence or registration number and check it on your local register. For example:

• NSW: NSW Government Verify licence check
• Victoria: Building and Plumbing Commission practitioner search
• Queensland: QBCC register search
• WA: Building and Energy licence search

Our guide to checking a tradie's licence in every state covers the other states and territories.

When you find the record, check that it's current, that it covers the type of work you need (for example, gas fitting may need a separate licence), and that the name matches the person or business quoting.

Get a written quote

For anything beyond a quick fix, ask for a written quote. A good quote includes:

• a clear description of the work
• parts, fixtures and labour
• call-out or service fees
• whether it's a fixed price or an estimate
• GST
• the expected timing

Consumer Affairs Victoria has a helpful guide to getting quotes that applies to plumbing work in any state.

Ask the right questions

• How do you charge? Hourly, fixed price, or call-out fee plus time?
• Do you have public liability insurance? Ask for proof on larger jobs.
• Who will do the work? Will it be the licensed plumber or an apprentice they supervise?
• Will I get a compliance certificate? Some plumbing work needs paperwork once it's done. The rules vary by state.
• What happens if the problem comes back? Ask how they handle call-backs.
• What brands do you install? Especially for hot water systems, taps and toilets.

Look for signs of a reliable business

• A real business name with an ABN you can check on ABN Lookup
• A licence number on the website, van or quote
• Clear communication and a willingness to explain the problem
• Genuine reviews across more than one platform
• A clean, organised approach on site

Red flags

• No licence number, or a licence in a different name
• Refusing to give a written quote
• Asking for large cash payments up front
• High-pressure tactics, like "this price is only good today"
• Turning up uninvited and offering to fix something you didn't know was broken
• Recommending a full replacement without explaining why a repair won't work

In an emergency

When water is pouring through the ceiling, it's tempting to call the first number you find. Do these things first:

1. Turn off the water at the main shut-off valve.
2. If water is near electrical fittings, stay clear and turn off power at the switchboard only if it's safe to do so.
3. Take photos for your insurer.
4. Call a plumber, and ask about their call-out fee and licence on the phone.

After-hours work usually costs more, but you still have the right to know the price before work starts.

Repair or replace?

Plumbers often have to make a call between fixing what's there and replacing it. A trustworthy plumber will explain the options in plain language. Ask:

• What's actually causing the problem?
• How long is a repair likely to last compared with a replacement?
• Are parts still available for this fixture or system?
• What are the running costs of a new system compared with the old one?

If a big replacement is recommended and it isn't an emergency, it's reasonable to get a second opinion before you commit. Take photos of the fixture and any model plates so the next plumber can quote quickly.

Your rights

Under the Australian Consumer Law, services must be provided with due care and skill and be fit for purpose. If a plumber's work isn't up to standard, talk to them first, keep records, and contact your state's consumer protection agency if you can't sort it out. The ACCC consumer pages explain how consumer rights work.

Find a plumber

Browse plumbers near you, or see plumbers in Sydney and plumbers in Melbourne.

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Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official sources linked above for your state.