Hiring a Plumber in California

Check the license

The California Contractors State License Board licenses contractors, including those who hold the plumbing classification, and offers a free online license check (California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)). The lookup shows the license status, classification and bonding information. Make sure the name and license number on the contract match.

Written contracts

For home improvement work above a small threshold, California requires a written contract with specific contents. The CSLB's consumer pages explain what must be included, such as a description of the work, a schedule, payment terms and the contractor's license number (California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)).

Down payments and progress payments

California limits the down payment a contractor can take on a home improvement contract, and progress payments should not get far ahead of the work completed. The CSLB explains the current rule. Be cautious with anyone who asks for most of the money upfront.

Right to cancel

Many home improvement contracts signed at your home come with a short right-to-cancel period. The contract should include a cancellation notice; the CSLB's consumer guidance explains when it applies.

Permits

Water heater replacements, repiping and sewer replacements usually need permits. The City of Santa Barbara handles them inside city limits (City of Santa Barbara (building permits and inspections)); the County of Santa Barbara handles unincorporated areas (County of Santa Barbara). The contract should say who pulls the permit.

Sewer work and digging

For excavation, a DigAlert ticket at least two working days ahead is required by California law (DigAlert, California excavation law). Ask who will request it.

Comparing estimates

• Same diagnosis, same scope, same materials?
• Are access, restoration and cleanup described?
• Are code items included?
• What warranty is offered on labor and equipment?

Questions worth asking

Ask how the problem was diagnosed and whether a camera video or photos are available. Ask which parts of the work need a permit and who schedules the inspection. Ask what happens if the job uncovers something unexpected, such as a second bad section of pipe behind a wall, and how changes to the scope are written up and approved before work continues.

The estimate factors page explains each line item.

Related pages: repiping & pipe replacement, sewer line inspection & repair, water heater repair & replacement, and what shapes an estimate.

Sources: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB); DigAlert, California excavation law; City of Santa Barbara (building permits and inspections); County of Santa Barbara.