📋 Hiring Guide 15 min read

15 Questions to Ask a Plumber Before Hiring

Protect your home and wallet: The complete Toronto homeowner's guide to vetting plumbing contractors and avoiding costly mistakes.

📅 Updated: January 2025 | 👤 By Water Pro Team | ⭐ 4.9/5 (5,234+ reviews)
15 Questions to Ask a Plumber Before Hiring - Toronto plumbing guide

🎯 Quick Answer:

Before hiring a plumber in Toronto, always ask: "Are you licensed with Skilled Trades Ontario?", "Do you carry $2M liability insurance?", and "Can I get a written estimate?" These three questions alone can protect you from 90% of plumbing contractor problems.

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Ontario requires plumbers to hold a 313A Certificate of Qualification
  • Minimum $2 million liability insurance is standard for residential work
  • Always get written estimates—verbal quotes aren't binding
  • Ask about warranties before work begins, not after
  • Verify reviews across multiple platforms (Google, HomeStars, BBB)
  • Know which jobs require Toronto building permits

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Hiring the wrong plumber can cost Toronto homeowners thousands of dollars in botched repairs, property damage, and even legal liability. We've seen it all: unlicensed contractors causing floods in Yorkville condos, "handymen" installing illegal sewer connections in Scarborough, and fly-by-night operators disappearing after cashing cheques in Etobicoke.

The good news? Asking 15 strategic questions can separate qualified professionals from unqualified contractors. This guide covers every question you need to ask, explains why each matters, and shows you what red flags to watch for in the answers.

Whether you need emergency drain repair or planned bathroom renovations, these questions protect your home, your investment, and your family.

💡 Already Know What You Need?

Water Pro answers all 15 questions upfront—licensed, insured, and transparent pricing.

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1 Licensing & Credentials Questions

Question #1: "Are you licensed by Skilled Trades Ontario?"

"Can you show me your 313A Plumber Certificate of Qualification?"
Why ask this: In Ontario, only plumbers with a 313A Certificate of Qualification can legally perform plumbing work. This requires 9,000 hours of apprenticeship training and passing provincial exams. Unlicensed work can void your home insurance, fail inspections, and leave you liable for damages.

✓ Verify licenses at: SkilledTradesOntario.ca

Question #2: "How long have you been in business?"

"How many years have you been operating in the Toronto area?"
Why ask this: Established companies have track records you can verify. While newer businesses can be excellent, longevity often indicates reliability. A company like Water Pro (since 2000) has 25+ years of experience in Toronto's unique plumbing challenges—from century-old homes in the Annex to new builds in Liberty Village.

Question #3: "Do you specialize in residential or commercial work?"

"What percentage of your work is residential?"
Why ask this: Commercial plumbers may lack experience with residential systems, and vice versa. For your home, you want someone who regularly works on houses similar to yours. Toronto's housing stock varies dramatically—Victorian semi-detached homes in Cabbagetown have different needs than high-rise condos in North York.

2 Insurance & Protection Questions

Question #4: "Do you carry liability insurance?"

"Can you provide a certificate of insurance showing at least $2 million in general liability coverage?"
Why ask this: If an uninsured plumber floods your basement, you're paying for repairs out of pocket—your home insurance likely won't cover damage caused by unlicensed or uninsured contractors. In Toronto, $2 million is the standard minimum for residential work. Ask for a current certificate of insurance (COI), not just a verbal confirmation.

Question #5: "Are your workers covered by WSIB?"

"Do you have WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) coverage?"
Why ask this: Without WSIB, you could be held liable if a worker is injured on your property. WSIB coverage protects both the workers and you. Request their WSIB clearance certificate—it confirms they're in good standing with current coverage.

🚩 Red Flags: Insurance Excuses

  • • "I don't need insurance for small jobs"
  • • "My insurance is being renewed" (without proof of pending renewal)
  • • Reluctance to provide written documentation
  • • Insurance certificate with your address listed as "additional insured" should be available on request

3 Pricing & Estimate Questions

Question #6: "Can I get a written estimate?"

"Will you provide a detailed written estimate before starting work?"
Why ask this: Verbal quotes aren't binding in Ontario. A written estimate protects you from surprise charges and provides documentation if disputes arise. The estimate should include labor costs, materials (with brand names), timeline, and payment terms. Under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, you have rights regarding written contracts for services over $50.

Question #7: "What's included in your estimate?"

"Does this price include materials, labour, disposal fees, and any permits needed?"
Why ask this: Some contractors lowball estimates by excluding common costs. Get clarity on what's included before work begins. Ask specifically about: material costs (parts, fittings, pipes), labour rates, diagnostic fees, disposal/cleanup fees, permit costs, and any potential additional charges for complications.

Question #8: "How do you handle price changes?"

"What happens if you discover additional problems during the repair?"
Why ask this: Plumbing work can reveal hidden issues—especially in older Toronto homes where pipes may be cast iron, clay, or other legacy materials. A professional contractor will stop work, explain the situation, and get your approval before proceeding with additional costs. Get this policy in writing.

💰 Toronto Plumbing Price Ranges (2025)

Service Typical Range
Basic drain cleaning $99 - $250
Camera inspection $150 - $350
Toilet repair/replacement $150 - $500
Water heater replacement $1,500 - $3,500
Sewer line repair $3,000 - $15,000
Emergency after-hours call $150 - $300 service fee

Prices vary by location, complexity, and accessibility. Get multiple quotes for major work.

4 Warranty & Guarantee Questions

Question #9: "What warranty do you offer on your work?"

"What's covered under your workmanship warranty, and for how long?"
Why ask this: Reputable plumbers stand behind their work. Ask about both labour warranties (typically 30-90 days for repairs, 1+ years for installations) and parts warranties (varies by manufacturer). Get warranty terms in writing. Water Pro provides a 90-day guarantee on all drain repairs—if the same issue recurs, we fix it free.

Question #10: "What voids the warranty?"

"Are there any conditions that would void my warranty?"
Why ask this: Some warranties have exclusions you should know about: DIY modifications, using non-approved chemicals (like Drano on certain pipes), or not performing recommended maintenance. Understanding these conditions helps you protect your warranty coverage.

✅ Green Flags: Strong Warranty Signs

  • • Warranty terms provided in writing before work starts
  • • Clear explanation of what's covered vs. excluded
  • • Manufacturer warranties passed through to you with documentation
  • • Company has been around long enough to honor warranties
  • • No-questions-asked guarantee for workmanship issues

5 Experience & Process Questions

Question #11: "Have you done this type of work before?"

"Can you describe similar projects you've completed?"
Why ask this: Not all plumbing work is equal. Installing a backwater valve requires different expertise than replacing a faucet. Ask specifically about experience with your type of job and your type of property. Photos of previous work or references for similar projects are valuable.

Question #12: "What's your timeline for completion?"

"How long will this job take, and when can you start?"
Why ask this: Understanding the timeline helps you plan and sets expectations. Be wary of unrealistically fast timelines (cutting corners) or vague answers. A professional will give you a realistic estimate and communicate if delays occur.

Question #13: "Will permits be required?"

"Does this work require a Toronto building permit, and will you handle it?"
Why ask this: Toronto requires permits for many plumbing projects, including water heater replacements, sewer line repairs, and fixture relocations. Work without permits can cause problems when selling your home or filing insurance claims. A knowledgeable plumber knows what requires permits and handles the process.

Learn more: Toronto Building Permits

6 References & Reputation Questions

Question #14: "Can you provide references from recent customers?"

"Can I speak with homeowners who've had similar work done in the past 6 months?"
Why ask this: Online reviews are helpful, but speaking directly with past customers provides deeper insight. Ask about communication, punctuality, pricing accuracy, cleanliness, and whether they'd hire the contractor again. References should be from similar projects—not just "I fixed their leaky faucet."

Question #15: "Where can I find your reviews?"

"Are you listed on Google, HomeStars, or the Better Business Bureau?"
Why ask this: Check multiple review sources for a complete picture. Google reviews, HomeStars, Yelp, and BBB ratings together reveal patterns. Look for consistent ratings across platforms and read detailed reviews mentioning specific work. Be cautious of companies with only 5-star reviews or reviews posted in clusters (could be fake).

🔍 Where to Research Toronto Plumbers

  • • Skilled Trades Ontario: Verify 313A license status
  • • Google Business Profile: Reviews and response patterns
  • • HomeStars: Verified Canadian contractor reviews
  • • Better Business Bureau: Complaint history and resolution
  • • Yelp: Additional customer experiences
  • • WSIB: Verify employer coverage status

📋 Your Printable Hiring Checklist

Use this checklist when interviewing plumbers. Print it out or save it on your phone.

Plumber Hiring Checklist

🚩 Warning Signs to Watch For

Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away

  • Demands full payment upfront: Standard is a deposit (10-30%) with balance due on completion
  • Cash-only transactions: Legitimate businesses accept multiple payment methods
  • No written estimate: If they won't put it in writing, it's not a real quote
  • Door-to-door solicitation: "I was working next door and noticed..." is a classic scam opener
  • Significantly lower than other quotes: Unusually low prices often mean unlicensed work or hidden fees
  • High-pressure tactics: "This price is only good today" is manipulation, not business
  • Can't provide license number: Licensed plumbers know their credentials
  • No physical business address: PO boxes and cell phones only suggest transient operations
  • Won't pull permits for major work: "We don't need permits" for work that clearly requires them
  • No insurance documentation: "Trust me, I'm covered" isn't documentation

🏠 Toronto-Specific Considerations

Unique Toronto Plumbing Challenges

Toronto's diverse housing stock presents unique challenges. When interviewing plumbers, consider asking about their experience with:

Older Homes (Pre-1950)

  • • Cast iron drain pipes
  • • Galvanized water lines
  • • Clay sewer laterals
  • • Lead service connections

Common in: Annex, Cabbagetown, Leslieville, High Park

High-Rise Condos

  • • Building access requirements
  • • Water shut-off coordination
  • • Strata insurance considerations
  • • Building management approvals

Common in: Downtown, North York, Etobicoke waterfront

Suburban Homes

  • • Long sewer laterals to main
  • • Sump pump and backwater valve needs
  • • Septic systems (outer GTA)
  • • Well water systems (rural areas)

Common in: Scarborough, Markham, Vaughan, Brampton

New Construction

  • • PEX water line systems
  • • ABS drain pipes
  • • Tarion warranty claims
  • • Builder deficiency repairs

Common in: Liberty Village, Regent Park, Pickering

Toronto's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program

If you're considering backwater valve or sump pump installation, ask plumbers about their experience with Toronto's subsidy program:

  • • Up to $3,400 available for qualifying installations
  • • Must use licensed plumber with proper permits
  • • Specific installation requirements for rebate eligibility
  • • Experienced plumbers know the process and paperwork

Learn more about Toronto's subsidy program →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

In Ontario, plumbers must hold a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) as a 313A Plumber, issued by Skilled Trades Ontario (formerly the Ontario College of Trades). Licensed plumbers have completed a 9,000-hour apprenticeship and passed provincial exams. Always ask to see their license and verify it at SkilledTradesOntario.ca. Apprentices can work under supervision but journeyperson plumbers should handle complex jobs independently.

Yes, for non-emergency work, get 2-3 written quotes. This helps you understand fair market pricing and compare service inclusions. Be wary of quotes significantly lower than others—this could indicate unlicensed work, inferior materials, or hidden fees. For emergencies, verify licensing first, then get a clear price before work begins. Remember: the cheapest quote isn't always the best value.

A reputable plumber should carry General Liability Insurance (minimum $2 million for residential work in Toronto) and WSIB coverage for workplace injuries. Ask for certificates of insurance and verify they're current—not expired. Without proper insurance, you could be liable for damages to your property or injuries to workers. Most home insurance policies won't cover damage caused by uninsured contractors.

Check multiple platforms (Google, HomeStars, Yelp, BBB) for consistent ratings. Look for detailed reviews that mention specific work performed, not just generic praise. Be cautious of companies with only 5-star reviews or reviews posted in clusters on the same day. Ask for references from recent customers and actually call them to verify work quality. Legitimate businesses have a mix of ratings and respond professionally to negative feedback.

A professional estimate should include: itemized labor costs (hourly rate or flat fee), materials with brand names and quantities, timeline for completion, warranty terms for both labor and parts, permit fees if applicable, cleanup and disposal responsibilities, and payment terms. Get everything in writing before work begins. Avoid contractors who give verbal-only quotes or resist itemizing costs.

Toronto requires permits for: new plumbing installations, relocating fixtures (moving a toilet or sink), replacing water heaters, sewer line repairs or replacements, backwater valve installation, and any work affecting drainage systems. Simple repairs like fixing leaks, replacing faucets, or clearing clogs don't need permits. Your plumber should know these requirements and handle the application process. Unpermitted work can cause problems when selling your home.

Ready to Hire a Plumber You Can Trust?

Water Pro answers all 15 questions upfront. We're licensed (313A), fully insured ($5M coverage), WSIB-compliant, and back every job with our 90-day guarantee. 5,234+ Toronto families trust us—you can too.

📞 Call (647) 555-4356 📅 Book Online
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Water Pro Team

Licensed drain repair specialists serving Toronto and the GTA since 2000. We've helped 5,234+ families with their plumbing needs and always welcome your questions before, during, and after the job.