Frequently Asked Questions for Plumbing Services

Explore our frequently asked questions to learn all about Mr. Remodel

Plumbing Services FAQ

Mr. Remodel connects homeowners with licensed and insured plumbers near them. We do not perform plumbing work ourselves—we help you get matched fast with trusted professionals for everything from emergency repairs to full repipes or fixture installations.

  • Leaky pipes or faucets
  • Clogged drains or toilets
  • Low water pressure
  • Water heater failure
  • Frozen or burst pipes
  • Sewer line backups
  • Noisy pipes or water hammering These issues often indicate underlying system wear, age, or improper installation.

According to HomeAdvisor and Fixr:
  • Minor repairs (toilets, faucets): $150–$400
  • Drain clearing: $200–$500
  • Water heater replacement: $900–$2,500
  • Whole-home repiping: $6,000–$15,000 Pricing depends on labor rates, emergency timing, and accessibility.

  • Unexplained increase in your water bill
  • Mold/mildew smells
  • Stained ceilings or bubbling paint
  • Sound of running water with no fixtures on
  • Wet spots under cabinets or in drywall Undetected leaks can cause thousands in damage if not repaired quickly (Source: American Water Works Association).

Homeowners are typically matched in under 5 minutes, and many of our contractors offer same-day or emergency plumbing service, including nights and weekends.

Yes. Many of our partners specialize in after-hours and emergency plumbing, especially for:
  • Burst pipes
  • Sewer line backups
  • Overflowing toilets
  • Broken water heaters

Yes. Every plumbing contractor in the Mr. Remodel network is needs to carry a valid state license and insurance. However, we may not re-verify credentials annually, so we strongly recommend confirming your contractor’s current licensing and insurance status before any work begins.

Licensing: Plumbing is one of the most regulated trades in the U.S. Every state requires plumbers to be licensed — usually at the journeyman or master level. Licenses are issued at the state level (sometimes with additional city/county registration). Work without a license is generally illegal, even for small jobs.

Insurance: Licensed plumbing contractors are typically required to carry general liability insurance to protect against property damage and bodily injury. If they employ staff, workers’ compensation insurance is also mandatory in most states.

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors:
  • Copper piping: 50–70 years
  • PEX piping: 40–50 years
  • Water heaters: 8–15 years
  • Toilets: 20–30 years (but internal parts wear sooner)
  • Faucets: 10–15 years (Source: InterNACHI Residential Standards)

  • Shut off the main water valve
  • Avoid using electrical devices near wet areas
  • Call a plumber immediately
  • Document visible damage for insurance
  • Mop or contain water spread to prevent floor swelling or mold

  • Tankless water heater installation (saves energy and space)
  • Low-flow toilets and showerheads (reduce bills by 20–30%)
  • Smart leak detection systems (alert you via mobile app)
  • Whole-home repiping for older galvanized steel systems (Source: U.S. EPA WaterSense Program)

Yes. Many contractors in our network offer financing for larger repairs, such as:
  • Repiping
  • Sewer line replacements
  • Tankless water heater installations Plans may include:
  • No-interest if paid in 12 months
  • Monthly payments starting at $89–$129, subject to credit approval

Yes. Many pros offer video pipe inspections to detect:
  • Tree root intrusion
  • Collapsed or misaligned pipes
  • Grease or scale blockages These are commonly used before trenchless repairs or line replacements.

Yes. In many cases, contractors can use pipe bursting or pipe lining techniques, which:
  • Minimize digging and yard damage
  • Cut project time from 5 days to 1–2 days
  • Last 50+ years when done properly (Source: Trenchless Technology Center at Louisiana Tech University)

  • Insulate exposed pipes
  • Leave faucets dripping during extreme cold
  • Open cabinet doors to let warm air reach pipes
  • Install smart temperature monitors Homeowners in northern regions or uninsulated crawl spaces are especially vulnerable.

  • Fast matching with licensed, available local plumbers
  • Avoid price-hunting and credential checking
  • Emergency and same-day pros available
  • We never sell your data, and every contractor is vetted for licensing and insurance

Yes. A professional plumbing inspection—including video sewer scope—can uncover issues before escrow, potentially saving thousands in repairs or negotiation credits. It’s especially smart in homes over 30 years old.

(Source: InterNACHI, HomeAdvisor, EPA WaterSense, AWWA, Trenchless Technology Center)