Low Plumbing Bid? How to Compare Plumber Quotes Before You Hire

Most homeowners get two or three quotes for a bigger plumbing job, and one of them is often much lower than the rest. Sometimes that plumber is just more efficient. More often, the low number covers less work. Here's how to tell the difference before you hire anyone.

Why is one plumbing quote so much lower than the others?

A quote is only as good as what it includes. These are the usual reasons one bid comes in far below the others:

None of this shows up in a single number. It shows up when you put the quotes side by side and compare them line by line.

What are the warning signs of a lowball plumbing bid?

• The price comes before anyone looks at the job. A fair quote for anything bigger than a simple repair needs someone to see it.
• No written estimate. A verbal number is easy to change.
• A large cash payment up front for routine work, especially with no paperwork.
• "We don't need a permit for that" on a water heater, gas line, sewer line or new fixtures in a remodel. In New Jersey these usually need one. Our guide to NJ plumbing codes and permits explains when.
• No license number on the estimate, the van or the website.
• The price climbs after the work starts, with no written change order.

One of these on its own may have an innocent explanation. Two or three together are a good reason to keep looking.

How do you compare plumber quotes fairly?

1. Describe the same job to everyone. Same fixture, same location, same problem.
2. Ask each plumber to list what's included: parts, permit, any charge to remove old equipment, cleanup and warranty.
3. Check the license. New Jersey licenses master plumbers, and you can look up the number with the state's Division of Consumer Affairs.
4. Read recent reviews on more than one site, and look for comments about the price matching the quote.
5. Ask about the warranty. Most company-supplied materials and repairs come with a 1 year parts and labor warranty. Client-supplied materials are not covered under our warranty.
6. Get the final price in writing before work starts.

Our guides to choosing a plumber and the mistakes to avoid when hiring one go deeper on reviews, licensing and questions to ask.

How does Plumbing Doctor price a job?

We look at the problem and explain what's wrong. Written upfront flat-rate pricing options. You choose. Additional work is quoted before written authorization from the client. Any latent conditions that change the upfront price will be given to the client in writing and will require written approval prior to our starting the work on the latent condition.

The $49 service call covers the trip and is waived if you go ahead with the work. Outside regular hours, emergency service requires a $250 upfront emergency fee. When paid, the standard $49 service fee is waived. During regular hours there is no emergency fee. Additional repairs are quoted before work begins. We respond immediately upon contact; dispatch and arrival depend on availability and location. For bigger jobs, like a water heater or a sewer line, financing is available through Wisetack.

Plumbing Doctor is a veteran-owned company based in Somerset, NJ, run by NJ Master Plumber Mike Holt (Lic. #36BI01345600). Our service area: Most municipalities in Middlesex, Somerset, and Monmouth counties; Select Union, Ocean, Mercer and Hunterdon municipalities only. Contact us to confirm whether your job site is within our current service area.

Comparing quotes for a job right now? Call 908-873-6686 to set up a visit. You'll get written upfront flat-rate pricing options you can compare line by line.