Quick Answer: How Do I Choose a Plumber in Toronto?
To choose a reliable plumber in Toronto: (1) Verify they have a valid Ontario plumbing license (306A or 306B), (2) Confirm liability insurance of at least $2 million, (3) Get 2-3 written quotes for jobs over $500, (4) Check Google reviews (look for 4.5+ stars with 50+ reviews), and (5) Ask for a written warranty on parts and labor. For trusted service, call (647) 554-4356.
Key Takeaways
- Always verify Ontario plumbing license (306A Plumber or 306B Fitter)
- Require proof of liability insurance ($2M minimum)
- Get written quotes—never verbal-only estimates
- Check reviews on Google, HomeStars, and BBB
- Ask about warranty before work begins
- Never pay 100% upfront—50% deposit maximum
- Permits are YOUR responsibility to confirm
In my 28 years as a plumber in the Greater Toronto Area, I've seen homeowners make the same mistakes when hiring plumbers. Some end up paying double to fix botched work. Others fall victim to scammers who take deposits and disappear. The good news? A few simple verification steps protect you from 99% of bad experiences.
This guide walks you through exactly how to find, vet, and hire a plumber you can trust—whether you need emergency drain cleaning, water line repair, or a major bathroom renovation.
Step 1: Verify Ontario Plumbing License
This is the most important step—and the one most homeowners skip. In Ontario, all plumbers must be licensed through the Ontario College of Trades (now administered by Skilled Trades Ontario). Hiring an unlicensed plumber puts you at risk of:
- Substandard work that doesn't meet Ontario Building Code
- Voided home insurance claims if something goes wrong
- Failed inspections when you sell your home
- No legal recourse if the work is botched
Ask for the License Number
Request the plumber's name and license number. Legitimate plumbers provide this without hesitation.
Verify on Public Register
Search at skilledtradesontario.ca/verify or call 1-855-299-0028.
Confirm License Type
Look for 306A (Plumber) or 306B (Steamfitter). "Journeyperson" status means fully qualified.
💡 Pro Tip from Mike
A company can be legitimate even if the owner's license has lapsed—as long as their working plumbers are licensed. Ask specifically: "Who will perform the work, and are they licensed?" The person doing the hands-on plumbing must hold a valid certificate. Need a verified licensed plumber now? Call Water Pro at (647) 554-4356.
Step 2: Confirm Liability Insurance
Plumbing work involves water, gas, and your home's structure. If something goes wrong—a burst pipe floods your basement, a gas leak causes damage—the plumber's liability insurance should cover it. Without insurance, you're on the hook.
| Insurance Type | Minimum Coverage | What It Protects |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | $2,000,000 | Property damage, injuries |
| WSIB Coverage | Required | Worker injury claims |
| Errors & Omissions | $1,000,000+ | Design/installation mistakes |
📋 Insurance Verification Checklist
- Ask for certificate of insurance (not just card)
- Verify policy is current (check expiration date)
- Confirm coverage amount meets $2M minimum
- Ask about WSIB clearance certificate
- Get their insurance company name and policy number
Step 3: Get Written Quotes (Not Verbal)
For any job over $500, get at least 2-3 quotes in writing. A proper quote protects both you and the plumber by setting clear expectations.
What Should Be in a Plumbing Quote?
✅ Good Quote Includes:
- Detailed scope of work (exactly what will be done)
- Materials to be used (brand, quality level)
- Labor costs separately itemized
- Estimated timeline (start and completion dates)
- Warranty terms (parts and labor separately)
- Permit costs if applicable
- How change orders will be handled
- Payment schedule (deposits, milestones, final)
🚩 Quote Red Flags:
- "We'll figure out the price as we go"
- Quote significantly lower than others (30%+ less)
- Verbal-only estimate, refuses to put in writing
- Vague scope like "fix the plumbing problem"
- No mention of warranty or guarantee
- Pressure to sign immediately
⚠️ The "Low Ball" Trap
Quotes 30% or more below competitors often indicate problems: unlicensed workers, cheap materials, or "surprise" charges once work begins. The average cost to fix botched plumbing is $2,800 in Toronto— far more than you "saved" on the original quote.
Step 4: Read Reviews Strategically
Online reviews are valuable—but you need to read them critically. Here's how professionals evaluate plumber reviews:
Where to Check Reviews
- Google Business Profile – Most reliable, hardest to fake
- HomeStars – Popular in Canada, verified reviews
- BBB (Better Business Bureau) – Complaint history more than rating
- Facebook – Good for recent activity, less curated
- Yelp – Less used in Canada but worth checking
What to Look For
| Factor | Good Sign | Warning Sign |
|---|---|---|
| Review Count | 50+ reviews | Under 10 reviews |
| Average Rating | 4.5+ stars | Below 4.0 stars |
| Recent Activity | Reviews in last 30 days | No reviews in 6+ months |
| Response to Negative | Professional, solution-focused | Defensive, blames customer |
| Review Detail | Specific work described | Generic "great service" |
💡 Review Reading Trick
Filter by 2-3 star reviews first. These middle-ground reviews are usually honest and balanced— they'll tell you about real issues without the emotion of 1-star rants. Look for patterns: if three different people mention "arrived late," that's a real issue.
Step 5: Ask the Right Questions
Before hiring, a 5-minute phone call tells you a lot about a plumber's professionalism. Here are the questions every Toronto homeowner should ask:
📞 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- Are you licensed? "Yes, my license number is..." (verify it)
- Do you carry liability insurance? Ask for certificate
- Who will do the actual work? Owner, journeyperson, or apprentice?
- Can you provide a written quote? Should be standard
- What's your warranty? Parts and labor separately
- Will you pull necessary permits? And who pays for them?
- What's your availability? Emergency vs. scheduled
- How do you handle unexpected problems? Change order process
- What payment methods do you accept? Cash-only is a red flag
- Can you provide references? For larger jobs
A professional plumber answers these questions confidently and completely. Hesitation, avoidance, or irritation at basic questions is a warning sign.
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
Over 28 years, I've heard countless stories from homeowners who ignored warning signs. Here are the red flags that should make you find another plumber:
🚩 Major Red Flags
- Cash-only payment – Usually means no records, no accountability
- Can't show license – "Left it at home" or "it's in the truck" = doesn't have one
- High-pressure tactics – "Price only good today" or "I have another job waiting"
- No company identification – Unmarked vehicle, no business cards, no uniform
- Demands large upfront payment – More than 50% deposit for standard work
- Won't provide written contract – Verbal agreements protect no one
- Offers unsolicited "discounts" – "I'll knock off 20% if you pay cash now"
- Refuses to discuss permits – May be planning to skip required inspections
- Negative about other plumbers – Focuses on competitors rather than own qualifications
Toronto-Specific Considerations
Choosing a plumber in the GTA involves some local factors that homeowners in other cities don't face:
Old Housing Stock
Toronto has thousands of homes built before 1960 with galvanized steel, lead, and cast iron pipes. Not every plumber has experience with these materials. Ask: "Have you worked on homes from the 1940s/50s?" Experienced plumbers know the quirks of older Toronto homes in areas like The Annex, Cabbagetown, Leslieville, and Riverdale.
Basement Apartments & Multi-Unit
Many GTA homes have basement apartments with separate plumbing. Work on these units may require backwater valve installation and compliance with Toronto's basement apartment registration requirements.
City of Toronto Permits
Toronto Building requires permits for:
- New plumbing fixture installation
- Relocating existing plumbing
- Water heater replacement (some types)
- Main sewer or water line work
- Backwater valve installation
Your plumber should tell you if permits are needed and can usually pull them on your behalf. Budget $150-$400 for permit fees depending on work scope.
Regional Water Systems
The GTA spans multiple water utilities:
- Toronto Water – City of Toronto
- Peel Region – Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon
- York Region – Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill
- Durham Region – Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa
Each has different water pressure, water quality, and service line configurations. A plumber experienced in your specific region will know these nuances.
Protecting Yourself: Payment & Contracts
Payment Best Practices
- Never pay 100% upfront – Maximum 50% deposit for most jobs
- Pay by credit card when possible – Provides chargeback protection
- Keep receipts and invoices – For warranty claims and tax purposes
- Don't pay final amount until work passes inspection – If permit was required
Contract Must-Haves
📄 Contract Checklist
- Contractor's legal business name and address
- License number and insurance policy number
- Detailed scope of work
- Materials specifications (brand, model)
- Total price with itemized breakdown
- Payment schedule tied to milestones
- Start date and estimated completion
- Warranty terms (parts and labor)
- Change order process and pricing
- Cleanup and disposal responsibilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Search the Skilled Trades Ontario public register at skilledtradesontario.ca/verify or call 1-855-299-0028. All licensed plumbers must carry a valid 306A (Plumber) or 306B (Steamfitter) certification. Ask to see their license before any work begins.
Ask about: (1) License and insurance documentation, (2) Written estimate breakdown, (3) Warranty on parts and labor, (4) Estimated timeline, (5) Who will perform the work, (6) How they handle unexpected issues or additional costs. A reputable plumber will answer these willingly.
Yes, get 2-3 quotes for jobs over $500. Compare not just price but what's included: warranty length, materials quality, and cleanup. The lowest quote isn't always best—extremely low prices often mean cut corners or hidden fees.
Red flags include: demanding cash-only payment, no written contract, pressuring for immediate decision, unable to show license, no company vehicle or identification, price significantly below market rate, and unwillingness to provide references.
Usually yes. A plumber with excellent reviews and slightly higher prices often provides better workmanship, proper permits, quality materials, and reliable warranties. Cheap plumbing that fails costs more to fix than doing it right the first time.
Not for all work. Minor repairs like fixing leaks, replacing faucets, and unclogging drains don't need permits. Work requiring permits includes: new pipe installation, rerouting plumbing, water heater replacement, and work affecting main sewer or water lines. Check with Toronto Building Services for specific requirements.
Finding a Plumber You Can Trust
Choosing the right plumber doesn't have to be stressful. Follow these five steps—verify license, confirm insurance, get written quotes, check reviews, and ask the right questions—and you'll avoid the costly mistakes that plague unprepared homeowners.
The time you invest in vetting upfront saves thousands in potential repairs, gives you legal protection if something goes wrong, and ensures your plumbing work meets Ontario Building Code. Most importantly, you'll have peace of mind knowing your home is in qualified hands.
Need a Verified, Licensed Plumber?
Water Pro meets every criterion in this guide. Licensed, insured, transparent pricing, 90-day warranty.
📞 Call (647) 554-435624/7 availability • Free estimates • 5,234+ families helped
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About Mike Thompson
Master Plumber • License #MP-2847 • 28 Years Experience
Mike has been helping Toronto homeowners with plumbing decisions since 1996. He's passionate about protecting consumers from unlicensed operators and educating homeowners on what to look for in quality plumbing work. Member of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH).
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