It’s not something most people think about until something goes wrong — and by then, you’re stuck trying to find someone fast. Plumbing issues usually show up at the worst times, so when they do, you want to know you’re calling someone who’s actually going to turn up and not charge through the roof.

Still, picking a plumber isn’t as simple as it sounds. There’s plenty out there, but not all of them do a proper job. Whether it’s a blocked toilet, a leaking pipe, or the hot water’s gone cold, here’s what you should know before calling someone in.

Make Sure They’re Licensed

This one sounds obvious, but a surprising number of people don’t ask. If someone’s doing plumbing work at your place, they must be licensed in Queensland — full stop. That means they’ve done the training and know what they’re doing. You can ask to see their licence or even look it up if you want to be sure.

If they get defensive or dodge the question, that’s usually not a good sign.

Also, experience makes a difference. Someone who’s been plumbing for ten or fifteen years has probably seen most problems before, so they’ll fix it quicker and with less mucking around.

Talk About Money First

It’s always awkward to talk money, but it’s better to be clear before they start pulling things apart. A decent plumber will tell you how they charge — whether it’s a flat rate or by the hour. Some charge a call-out fee just to show up, so ask about that too.

They might not be able to give you an exact price on the phone, but they should at least give you a ballpark figure. Once they’ve had a proper look, they should give you a written quote before starting. If they start changing the price halfway through, something’s not right.

Ask Around or Check Reviews

If you’ve got mates, neighbours or family nearby, ask them who they use. Word of mouth is still the best way to find someone who won’t stuff you around.

You can also have a quick scroll online. Just type their business name and see what comes up. If people are leaving the same sort of complaints over and over — not showing up, doing a sloppy job, charging too much — steer clear.

Plenty of Brisbane plumbers have a good name for a reason. A business that cares about its reputation usually does the job right the first time.

Ask If They Guarantee Their Work

You want someone who backs up what they do. Most good plumbers will offer a warranty or some kind of guarantee. That means if something goes wrong a few days later — they’ll come back and fix it.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask about what parts they’re using. Cheap fittings might save you a few bucks now, but they’ll wear out faster. A decent plumber will explain what they’re using and why — they won’t just whack in the cheapest thing and disappear.

Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, if something feels off, don’t go ahead with it. You want someone who turns up on time, explains what’s going on, and doesn’t talk in circles. A good plumber in Brisbane won’t make you feel rushed or like you’re asking silly questions.

Plumbing jobs might not be exciting, but picking the right person can save you heaps of hassle down the track. Better to take a few extra minutes to choose properly than deal with a mess later.