Finding a plumber you can trust is harder than it should be. Unlike most tradespeople, plumbers work on systems hidden inside walls and under floors — problems you often can't see until they're serious. Choosing the wrong person can mean shoddy work, voided insurance, and costly rectification down the track.
This guide walks through six practical steps to help you find a licensed, reliable plumber anywhere in Australia — without getting burned.
Step-by-step: how to hire a good plumber
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1
Verify their licence before anything else
Every state requires plumbers to hold a current licence. Don't just take their word for it — look them up. It takes under a minute and is free. If a plumber refuses to provide their licence number or the details don't match, walk away.
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2
Check their Google Reviews — and read the bad ones
A 4.5-star rating with 80 reviews is meaningful. A 5-star rating with 3 reviews is not. Read the most critical reviews carefully — how the plumber responds to complaints tells you a lot about how they handle problems. Businesses that respond professionally and constructively are usually safer bets.
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3
Get at least two written quotes
For any job over $500, get two or three quotes. A written quote should detail the scope of work, materials, total price (GST-inclusive), and timeline. Verbal quotes offer no protection — if it's not written down, it didn't happen. Comparing quotes also helps you spot if one plumber is significantly over- or under-pricing.
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4
Confirm they hold public liability insurance
A licensed plumber should carry public liability insurance — typically $5–20 million — that protects your property if something goes wrong. Ask for their Certificate of Currency before work begins. If a plumber is reluctant to show proof of insurance, that's a significant red flag.
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5
Ask about compliance certificates
In most Australian states, licensed plumbers are legally required to issue a Certificate of Compliance (or equivalent) for plumbing, drainage, and gas work. This document proves the work meets Australian standards and is critical for insurance claims and when you sell your property. If your plumber isn't sure what this is, find a different one.
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6
Choose someone local where possible
A plumber familiar with your suburb and its housing stock will often diagnose issues faster. They'll know whether older homes in the area have terracotta drains, copper pipes, or specific water pressure challenges. Local plumbers also typically have stronger reputations to protect in their community.
How to check a plumber's licence in each state
Licensing is handled at the state level in Australia. Here's where to check in each state:
| State | Licensing body | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | NSW Fair Trading | fairtrading.nsw.gov.au |
| VIC | Victorian Building Authority (VBA) | vba.vic.gov.au |
| QLD | Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) | qbcc.qld.gov.au |
| WA | Building and Energy | buildingcommission.wa.gov.au |
| SA | Consumer and Business Services | cbs.sa.gov.au |
| TAS | Consumer, Building and Occupational Services | cbos.tas.gov.au |
Tip: Always search the licence database yourself rather than relying on a licence number provided by the plumber. It takes 60 seconds and could save you significant expense later.
Red flags to watch for
Most plumbers are honest professionals. But there are some warning signs worth knowing:
What does a good plumbing quote look like?
A written quote from a reputable plumber should include all of the following:
- A clear description of the work to be done
- The materials and parts to be used (brand and specification where relevant)
- A total price inclusive of GST
- Estimated time to complete the job
- Whether a compliance certificate will be issued on completion
- The plumber's full name, business name, and licence number
- ABN of the business
Watch out for "estimate" vs "quote": An estimate is not a binding price — a quote generally is. If a plumber uses the word "estimate," ask them to confirm whether the final price could change and under what circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify a plumber's licence in Australia?
Each state has its own licensing authority. In NSW, check fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. In VIC, use vba.vic.gov.au. In QLD, search qbcc.qld.gov.au. All searches are free and take under a minute. Always search the database yourself rather than relying on the plumber to provide their number.
Should I always get multiple quotes for plumbing work?
For any job over $500, it's worth getting two or three written quotes. Prices can vary significantly between plumbers for the same scope of work. Make sure each quote covers identical work so you're comparing like for like.
What should a plumbing quote include?
A written plumbing quote should include: a description of all work to be done, materials and parts to be used, total price inclusive of GST, estimated completion time, whether a compliance certificate will be issued, and the plumber's licence number and ABN.
Is it safe to hire a plumber from an online directory?
Yes, provided you verify the plumber's licence independently before work begins. Reputable directories like Trusted Plumbers display licence status, insurance information, and genuine Google review ratings. Always cross-check the licence against your state's official register.
Find a trusted plumber near you
Trusted Plumbers lists over 1,000 rated and verified plumbers across Australia. Browse by city to compare Google ratings, licence status, and services offered — then contact the right plumber directly.