How to Choose the Right Plumber (And Why Seattle Trusts 206) 🔧🏡
Let’s be honest: finding a plumber you can trust shouldn’t be hard — but it is.
The stakes are high. You’re letting someone into your home, often during a stressful moment, and you’re putting your comfort, time, and money on the line.
In this no-fluff guide from the licensed team at 206 Plumbing, we’ll show you:
- ✅ What separates great plumbers from good-enough ones
- ✅ The red flags to watch for
- ✅ The 7 questions you should always ask
- ✅ How licensing, insurance, and reviews really matter
- ✅ Why Seattle homeowners consistently call us back (and refer us to their neighbors)
Whether you're hiring for a big job, an emergency, or a quick repair, this guide gives you the confidence to make the right choice the first time.
Why Choosing the Right Plumber Matters 🔍
Bad plumbing costs more than just money. The wrong contractor can leave you with:
- Flooded basements
- Hidden leaks
- Voided warranties
- Dangerous water heater setups
- Broken city codes
Worse? They may be long gone by the time the problem surfaces.
Choosing the right plumber isn’t about getting the lowest bid — it’s about getting the best value, the first time.
The 5 Qualities Every Great Plumber Has
We’ve worked with hundreds of Seattle homeowners over the years. The plumbers they love — and refer — all have these traits:
1. Licensed & Insured
This is non-negotiable. In Washington, any plumber doing work beyond basic fixture replacement must be state licensed.
- Ask for their Washington State Contractor’s License
- Make sure they have general liability and bond coverage
2. Transparent & Upfront Pricing
Clear estimates. No hidden fees. Detailed invoices. A good plumber communicates clearly from quote to close.
3. Experience with Local Systems
Seattle has:
- Combined sewers
- Shifting soil
- Lots of older homes
Hire someone who knows how to work with (not around) these quirks.
4. Well-Reviewed, Not Just Well-Marketed
Look past polished websites. Instead, check:
- Google reviews (look for consistent service quality)
- Yelp or Nextdoor (neighborhood-based feedback)
- Specific feedback on timeliness, cleanliness, and communication
5. Real Guarantees
Good plumbers guarantee their work in writing — no “verbal promises.”
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber 🤔
Whether it’s a leaky toilet or a full re-pipe, always ask:
- Are you licensed and insured in WA?
- Can you provide a written estimate?
- What’s your experience with this type of job?
- Who will actually be doing the work?
- What happens if something goes wrong?
- How do you protect my home during service?
- Do you guarantee your work in writing?
Bonus: Ask what kinds of homes they work on most. Their answer can tell you if they’re used to your setup — or winging it.
Common Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away 🚫
If you hear or see any of the following, thank them for their time — and keep looking:
- “We don’t need permits for that.”
- Cash only, no paperwork
- Pushy or vague on pricing
- Poor communication (late replies, hard to reach)
- Lots of 1-star reviews with the same complaint
Good plumbers don’t need to pressure you. Their work speaks for itself.
Why Seattle Homeowners Trust 206 Plumbing 💬
We built 206 Plumbing with one goal: to be the plumber you don’t have to think twice about calling.
Here's how we’ve earned trust across Ballard, Beacon Hill, Bellevue, and beyond:
- 👨🔧 Licensed, Local Pros: We’re based in Seattle and only send our own vetted techs
- 💬 Straight Talk Quotes: No gimmicks, no padding — just honest prices
- 🧼 Clean, Respectful Work: We wear boot covers, use drop cloths, and leave no mess
- 🚨 24/7 Availability: Nights, weekends, holidays — we show up when others won’t
- 🔍 We Inspect Everything: Even on small jobs, we check for underlying issues
- 🤝 Satisfaction Guaranteed: If something’s not right, we fix it — no games
“I’ve hired a lot of contractors — 206 is the only one I’ve called again and again.” — Karla T., Northgate
When to Call a Plumber (Even If You’re Not Sure) 📞
We tell every homeowner this:
If you're thinking about calling a plumber... you probably should.
A quick phone consult can:
- Save you hundreds in water damage
- Prevent a DIY mistake
- Give you peace of mind fast
We’ll tell you honestly if it’s urgent — or something you can safely schedule later.
Final Word: Plumbing Is Personal. Make a Confident Choice. ✅
Your home is more than pipes and drains — it’s your sanctuary. You deserve a plumber who treats it that way.
If you’re in Seattle or the surrounding cities, call 206 Plumbing and experience what working with a true pro team feels like. We’re here to answer your questions, solve your problems, and protect your home like it’s our own.
No pressure. No nonsense. Just real help, when you need it.
📞 Call now or book online — we’re standing by 24/7.