How to Book a Qualified Plumber for Your Bathroom Remodel
Your plumber is arguably the most critical trade in a bathroom remodel. A skilled plumber ensures your water supply, drains, and fixtures work flawlessly for decades. A bad one can leave you with leaks, water damage, and expensive repairs. This guide walks you through finding, vetting, and hiring the right licensed plumber for your project.
Quick Summary
Time to hire
1-2 weeks
Difficulty
Moderate (research required)
Typical cost
$1,500 - $6,000
Why Hiring the Right Plumber Matters
Plumbing mistakes are among the most expensive problems in a home. A single improperly soldered joint or badly sloped drain can cause thousands of dollars in water damage. Unlike cosmetic work, plumbing is mostly hidden behind walls - you won't see problems until they become emergencies.
The right plumber brings more than technical skill. They understand code requirements, coordinate with inspectors, and anticipate problems before they occur. Here's what a qualified plumber delivers:
- Code compliance: Work that passes inspection the first time, avoiding costly delays and rework.
- Proper sizing: Correctly sized supply lines and drains for adequate water pressure and drainage.
- Leak prevention: Professional joints and connections that won't fail in 6 months or 6 years.
- Fixture expertise: Knowledge of different fixture brands and their installation requirements.
- Problem solving: Experience handling old pipes, unexpected conditions, and code upgrades.
- Trade coordination: Understanding of how plumbing integrates with electrical, HVAC, and tile work.
What You Need Before Contacting Plumbers
Being prepared helps you get accurate quotes and shows plumbers you're a serious client. Gather these items before making calls:
Required Documents
- Bathroom layout or floor plan
- Photos of current plumbing setup
- Fixture specifications (if selected)
- Written scope of plumbing work
- Project timeline expectations
Information to Know
- Age and type of existing pipes
- Water heater location and type
- Main shutoff valve location
- Any known plumbing issues
- HOA or permit requirements
Step-by-Step: Finding and Hiring Your Plumber
1. Define Your Plumbing Scope in Detail
Before contacting plumbers, clearly document what work you need. Different bathroom remodels require vastly different plumbing work. Are you keeping fixtures in place, or relocating the toilet and shower? The scope dramatically affects cost and complexity.
Common Bathroom Plumbing Scopes:
- Fixture swap only: Replacing toilet, faucets, showerhead in existing locations ($500-$1,500)
- Fixture upgrade: New vanity with different faucet configuration, new shower valve ($1,500-$2,500)
- Minor relocation: Moving toilet a few feet, adding hand shower, new drain location ($2,000-$4,000)
- Major remodel: Moving multiple fixtures, new supply and drain lines ($3,500-$6,000)
- New bathroom: Complete rough-in from scratch ($5,000-$8,000+)
2. Gather Plumber Recommendations
The best plumbers are usually found through referrals rather than ads. Start with people you trust, then expand your search:
Best Sources
- Neighbors who recently remodeled
- Your general contractor's recommendations
- Real estate agents (they see finished work)
- Local building inspectors (off the record)
- Plumbing supply houses (they know who's good)
Additional Sources
- HomeAdvisor/Angi with verified reviews
- Google Business reviews (look for detail)
- Nextdoor recommendations
- Houzz with project photos
- Local Facebook community groups
Aim to identify 5-7 potential plumbers. You'll narrow this down after initial phone calls and license verification.
3. Verify Licenses and Insurance
This step is non-negotiable. An unlicensed plumber may offer lower prices, but you'll have no recourse if something goes wrong, and unpermitted work can affect your home's insurance and resale value.
License Verification
- Ask for their plumbing license number
- Search your state's contractor licensing board website
- Confirm the license is active (not expired or revoked)
- Check for any disciplinary actions or complaints
- Verify the license type covers your project scope
Insurance Requirements
- General liability: Minimum $1 million (covers property damage)
- Workers compensation: Required if they have employees
- Request a certificate of insurance (COI)
- Call the insurance company to verify it's current
4. Request and Compare Detailed Quotes
Get at least 3 quotes from licensed plumbers. The goal isn't just finding the lowest price - it's understanding what you're getting and from whom.
What a Good Quote Includes:
- Detailed scope of work description
- List of materials and fixtures included
- Labor costs broken out separately
- Permit costs (if applicable)
- Timeline with key milestones
- Payment schedule (deposits, progress, final)
- Warranty terms on labor
- What's explicitly excluded
- How change orders are handled
- Quote validity period (usually 30 days)
Be cautious of quotes significantly below others. This often indicates cut corners, inexperience, or a bait-and-switch with change orders later. The middle quote is often the best value.
5. Ask the Right Interview Questions
When meeting with your top 2-3 candidates, these questions reveal their experience, professionalism, and fit for your project:
How many bathroom remodels have you completed in the past year?
Why ask: You want someone with recent, relevant experience - not a service plumber who mostly does repairs.
Who will actually do the work on my project?
Why ask: Some contractors quote personally but send less experienced employees. Know who you're getting.
How do you handle unexpected issues like old galvanized pipes or code upgrades?
Why ask: Their answer reveals problem-solving approach and transparency about potential cost increases.
What's your availability and typical timeline for this scope?
Why ask: Good plumbers are booked out. Immediate availability might indicate lack of demand.
How do you coordinate with other trades and the GC?
Why ask: Bathroom remodels require tight coordination. They should have a clear communication process.
What warranty do you offer on your labor?
Why ask: Industry standard is 1 year minimum. Top plumbers often offer 2-5 years.
6. Check References Thoroughly
Reference checks are where you learn the real story. Don't skip this step - even a few phone calls can reveal critical information.
Questions to Ask References:
- 1.What plumbing work did they do for you, and when?
- 2.Did they stay on budget, or were there cost overruns?
- 3.Did they finish on time, or were there delays?
- 4.How was their communication? Did they return calls promptly?
- 5.Was the work site kept clean and protected?
- 6.Were there any problems, and how did they handle them?
- 7.Would you hire them again without hesitation?
7. Review the Contract Before Signing
Never proceed without a written contract. Verbal agreements leave you unprotected. A proper plumbing contract should include:
Must Have
- Detailed scope of work
- Total price and payment schedule
- Start and completion dates
- Materials and fixture specifications
- Permit responsibilities
- Warranty terms
Should Have
- Change order process and pricing
- Dispute resolution process
- Cancellation terms
- Insurance certificate attached
- License number listed
- Cleanup responsibilities
8. Schedule and Coordinate with Your Project Timeline
Plumbers typically visit a bathroom remodel twice: for rough-in work (before drywall) and finish work (after tile). Proper scheduling is critical.
Typical Plumbing Timeline:
Understanding Plumbing Costs
Bathroom plumbing costs vary significantly based on scope, location, and complexity. Here's what to expect:
| Project Type | Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Fixture replacement | $500 - $1,500 | Swap toilet, faucet, showerhead in existing locations |
| Standard remodel | $1,500 - $3,000 | New valve, vanity hookup, minor pipe modifications |
| Layout changes | $3,000 - $5,000 | Relocating toilet, adding drains, new supply runs |
| Full rough-in | $4,000 - $6,000+ | Complete new plumbing for bathroom addition |
Factors That Increase Costs:
- Moving fixtures more than 2-3 feet
- Working with slab foundations (concrete cutting)
- Upgrading from galvanized to copper/PEX
- Adding a second shower head or body sprays
- Steam shower plumbing requirements
- Code upgrades (older homes often need these)
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
These warning signs indicate a plumber who may cause problems:
Won't provide license number or it doesn't verify
Why it's a problem: Operating without a license is illegal and leaves you unprotected
What to do: Ask for the number upfront; verify before any on-site visit
Requests more than 30% upfront deposit
Why it's a problem: Industry standard is 10-25% down. Large deposits increase your risk if they don't finish
What to do: Negotiate standard payment terms tied to project milestones
Quote is significantly below competitors
Why it's a problem: Low bids often mean cut corners, hidden fees, or inexperience
What to do: Ask what's excluded; compare scope line by line with other quotes
Pressures you to sign immediately or offers 'today only' pricing
Why it's a problem: Legitimate contractors expect you to review and compare
What to do: Take the quote, say you need time to review, and watch their reaction
Offers to skip permits 'to save you money'
Why it's a problem: Unpermitted work can void insurance, create resale issues, and hide bad work
What to do: Insist on permits; it's not worth the risk for a few hundred dollars
Poor communication during the quote process
Why it's a problem: If they're hard to reach before getting your money, imagine during the project
What to do: Communication issues rarely improve; find someone responsive
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hiring based on lowest price alone
Why it's a problem: Cheap plumbing often means cutting corners on materials or rushing work. Water damage from poor work costs far more than paying for quality upfront.
What to do instead: Focus on value: experience, references, warranty, and clear communication. The middle bid is often best.
Not getting multiple quotes
Why it's a problem: Without comparison, you can't evaluate if pricing is fair or scope is complete. One quote means you're flying blind.
What to do instead: Get at least 3 quotes from licensed plumbers. Use a spreadsheet to compare scope line by line.
Skipping reference checks
Why it's a problem: Reviews can be gamed; references give real stories. Fifteen minutes of phone calls can save weeks of headaches.
What to do instead: Call 3-5 recent references. Ask specific questions about budget, timeline, communication, and problems.
Unclear scope of work
Why it's a problem: Vague scopes lead to misunderstandings, change orders, and disputes. 'Plumb the bathroom' means different things to different people.
What to do instead: Document every fixture, every pipe run, every connection. If it's not in writing, it's not in the scope.
Paying too much upfront
Why it's a problem: Large deposits reduce your leverage and increase risk if the plumber disappears or does poor work.
What to do instead: Standard terms: 10-25% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, 10-15% final payment after completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a plumber cost for a bathroom remodel?
Plumbing costs for a bathroom remodel typically range from $1,500 to $6,000 depending on scope. A simple fixture swap (toilet, faucet) runs $500-$1,500. Moving fixtures or adding new drain lines costs $2,000-$4,000. A complete rough-in for a new bathroom can run $4,000-$8,000+. Labor rates vary by region, typically $75-$150 per hour, with bathroom projects often quoted as flat-rate jobs.
What questions should I ask a plumber before hiring them?
Key questions include: Are you licensed and insured in this state? How long have you been doing bathroom remodels? Can you provide 3-5 recent bathroom project references? Who will actually do the work? What's your timeline and availability? How do you handle unexpected issues or change orders? What warranty do you offer on labor? Will you pull the necessary permits? What's included in your quote and what's extra?
Should I hire a plumber separately or use my general contractor's plumber?
Using your GC's preferred plumber often provides better coordination and clearer accountability since the GC manages scheduling and resolves conflicts between trades. However, hiring separately can save 10-20% on markups. If your GC is managing the project, their plumber typically makes sense. For owner-managed projects, hiring directly gives you more control and potentially better pricing.
What red flags should I watch for when hiring a plumber?
Major red flags include: no license or unwilling to provide license number, no insurance certificates, demanding large upfront payments (over 30%), quotes significantly below market rate, no written contract, pressure to sign immediately, bad reviews mentioning unfinished work, unable to provide references, offering to skip permits, and poor communication during the quote process.
When should I book my plumber for a bathroom remodel?
Book your plumber 4-8 weeks before your planned start date, especially during busy spring and summer seasons. Quality plumbers are often booked 3-6 weeks out. You'll need them for two main phases: rough-in work (before drywall, typically 1-2 days) and finish work (after tile, 1-2 days). Coordinate with your GC, permit office, and inspector schedules. Getting on a plumber's calendar early prevents costly project delays.
Pro Tips from Experienced Remodelers
- 1.Ask your plumber to spec the shower valve: Shower valves vary dramatically in quality. Let your plumber recommend a valve they know and trust - they'll warranty their work more confidently with familiar equipment.
- 2.Have fixtures on-site before plumbing starts: Plumbers need to see your actual fixtures to rough-in correctly. Paper specs can be wrong. Delays waiting for fixtures are expensive.
- 3.Build a small contingency into plumbing budget: Old homes often reveal surprises: galvanized pipes that need replacing, code upgrades required by inspectors, or drain issues hidden in walls. Budget 10-15% extra.
- 4.Take photos before walls close: After rough-in inspection, photograph all plumbing in the walls. If you ever need repairs later, you'll know exactly where pipes run without cutting exploratory holes.
Ready for the Next Step?
Once you've booked your plumber, it's time to find your electrician. Bathroom electrical work has specific GFCI and code requirements.