Before the visit
- Ask for the contractor's CSLB license number
- Look it up at cslb.ca.gov and confirm it is active
- Check that the business name on the license matches who you are talking to
- Confirm they work in your Fullerton ZIP code
- Have your symptom log, test results and photos ready
During the visit
- Ask what tests they are running and watch the results
- Ask them to show you the leak or the evidence for it
- Ask whether the valve has stops and whether the main shutoff works well
- Ask whether the repair can be done through the trim or an access panel
- Ask who would do the work: employees or subcontractors
Get these in writing
| Item | Written? (Y/N) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The repair and the parts | ||
| Where any wall, ceiling or floor will be opened | ||
| Who restores drywall, tile and paint | ||
| What happens if hidden damage is found | ||
| Whether a permit is needed and who pulls it | ||
| The total price before work starts |
After the repair
- Watch the test.Ask to see the repaired area run or filled before the wall is closed.
- Keep the paperwork.File the written scope, invoice and any permit record with your home documents.
- Log the next week.Keep an eye on the stain or wall for a week to confirm the leak is gone.
- Note the parts.Write down the cartridge or valve model used, for any future repair.
Why this matters more for shower work
A shower repair often hides its own work: once tile goes back or drywall is painted, nobody can see what was done. That is why the written scope and a test with the wall open matter more here than for a repair you can see afterward, like a toilet or a sink trap.
This checklist is not a substitute for your own judgment, and it applies to us as much as anyone: ask us these same questions. This is a preview site, so our phone number is a temporary placeholder and our request form is not connected yet. The checklist is a way to make sure the key questions get asked and answered.
Common questions
What if the plumber won't give a written price?
A written price before work starts is a reasonable request. If it isn't provided, consider someone else.
How do I check if a license is active?
Search the license number or business name at cslb.ca.gov. The record shows its status and classification.
Should I get more than one quote?
For larger jobs like valve replacement or a pan rebuild, it is reasonable. Compare the same scope in each.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.