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Hiring the wrong plumber can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. This guide covers everything you need to check before hiring — from licensing and insurance to getting quotes and reading reviews.
Check Their Licence
In Australia, all plumbers must hold a valid plumbing licence issued by their state or territory's licensing authority. This is non-negotiable. An unlicensed plumber cannot legally perform plumbing work, and any work they do may not be covered by your home insurance.
You can verify a plumber's licence online through your state's fair trading or building authority website. In Queensland, check the QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) register. In New South Wales, use the NSW Fair Trading licence check.
Confirm Insurance
A reputable plumber should carry both public liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Public liability protects you if the plumber accidentally damages your property during the work. Workers' compensation covers the plumber (and their employees) if they're injured on your property.
Don't be afraid to ask for proof of insurance. Any professional plumber will be happy to provide it.
Get Multiple Quotes
For any non-emergency job, get at least three written quotes. A good quote should include:
- A clear description of the work to be performed
- Itemised costs for labour, materials, and any additional charges
- The estimated timeline for completion
- Payment terms and conditions
- Any warranties or guarantees on the work
Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others — this may indicate shortcuts, inferior materials, or hidden costs that will appear later.
Read Reviews and Ask for References
Online reviews on Google, Facebook, and trade-specific platforms like hipages give you insight into other customers' experiences. Look for patterns rather than individual reviews — one bad review among dozens of positive ones is less concerning than a pattern of complaints about the same issues.
For larger jobs, ask the plumber for references from recent similar projects. A confident tradesperson will be happy to put you in touch with past clients.
Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid plumbers who:
- Can't provide a licence number when asked
- Want cash only and won't provide a receipt or invoice
- Pressure you to make immediate decisions or pay large deposits upfront
- Won't provide a written quote before starting work
- Don't carry identification or arrive in unmarked vehicles
- Refuse to explain what work they're doing or why
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Before committing to a plumber, ask these questions:
- Are you licensed and insured? Can I see proof?
- Do you offer a warranty on your workmanship?
- What's included in the quote, and what might cost extra?
- How long will the job take?
- Will you obtain any necessary council approvals or permits?
- Do you provide a compliance certificate for the completed work?
Why Choose Precision Plumbing Co
At Precision Plumbing Co, we tick every box. We're fully licensed with the QBCC, carry comprehensive insurance, provide detailed written quotes, and back all our work with a workmanship guarantee. Every job comes with a compliance certificate, and our reviews speak for themselves.
