Check before they arrive
Ask for the CSLB license number
Look it up at cslb.ca.gov. Check that the business name matches and the license is active.
Confirm who will come
Ask whether an employee or a subcontractor will do the work, and whether they are covered by the same license.
Ask how they price
Flat rate, hourly or diagnostic fee first, and what any after-hours charge is.
Describe everything
Which basin, the disposal, the dishwasher, other slow drains, any chemicals used, and the age of the home.
Questions about the work
- Where do you expect the clog to be, and how will you reach it?
- What will you try first, and what happens if that does not clear it?
- How will you protect older cast-iron or galvanized pipe?
- Will you test with both basins, the disposal and a dishwasher cycle?
- Will you explain what you found and show me if possible?
Answers that reassure versus answers to question
| Reassuring | Worth pausing on |
|---|---|
| Gives a license number without hesitation | Will not give a license number |
| Explains the pricing method before starting | Recommends replacement without showing evidence |
| Asks about the home's age and symptoms | Will not put scope or price in writing |
| Offers to show the camera video or what was removed | Pressures a decision on a large repair the same day |
After the work
- Run both basins, the disposal and a dishwasher cycle yourself.
- Look under the sink for drips at the trap and disposal.
- Get a written invoice listing what was done and where.
- Keep any camera video and notes for future work.
- Ask what habits would help the line stay clear.
When it is urgent
If sewage is coming up in a tub or floor drain, stop using water and keep people away from it while you find a licensed plumber. If a pipe under the sink is leaking, close the sink's shutoff valves or the main water shutoff. The license check takes a minute online and is worth doing even when you are in a hurry.
Common questions
What does a CSLB license lookup show?
It shows the business name, license status and classification, and other public details. Look for a plumbing classification and an active status.
Is it a red flag if a plumber recommends a camera?
Not by itself. For repeat clogs it is often sensible. Ask why it is recommended and ask to see the video.
Should the price be in writing for a small job?
Yes, even briefly. A written price or pricing method before work starts avoids surprises.
Can I hire an unlicensed handyman for a clog?
California licensing rules depend on the type and size of the job. Check with the CSLB at cslb.ca.gov, and for anything beyond the trap, a licensed plumber is the safer choice.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.