Before you hire anyone for emergency and everyday plumbing across north oc

Ask for the CSLB license number and look it up at cslb.ca.gov. Check that it is active, that the name matches, and that the classification covers plumbing.

Yes. Get the scope and the price in writing before work starts, and ask what happens if the job changes once a wall, slab or line is open.

Ask whether the person who shows up is an employee or a subcontractor, and whose license covers the job.

For sewer and drain work, ask for the camera video. For leaks, ask to see the readings or the marked spot. A good contractor offers before you ask.

For water heaters, repipes, sewer replacements and gas work, ask whether your city requires one and whether the contractor pulls it and books the inspection.

Work stops, everyone goes outside, and someone calls 911 or SoCalGas from a safe distance. A careful plumber says so before you have to.