2026 Guide

How to Hire a Plumber in Ontario

Hiring the wrong plumber can mean shoddy work, voided insurance, and thousands in repairs. This guide walks you through exactly what to check, what to ask, and what red flags to watch for when hiring a plumber in Ontario.

2,164
Plumbers
6%
Licensed
27%
WSIB Registered

Hiring Checklist

Verify Skilled Trades Ontario registration
Ontario plumbers must hold a Certificate of Qualification. Ask for their trade ID and verify it.
Confirm liability insurance ($2M minimum)
If a plumber causes water damage to your home, their insurance covers it. Without it, you pay.
Check WSIB registration
WSIB coverage protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property.
Get a written quote with scope of work
Verbal quotes lead to disputes. A written quote should list labour, materials, permits, and timeline.
Ask for 2–3 recent references
Call them. Ask if the job was completed on time, on budget, and if they would hire the plumber again.
Verify they pull permits when required
Major plumbing work requires municipal permits. Unpermitted work can cause problems when selling your home.
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Red Flags to Watch For

Demands full payment upfront

Standard practice is a deposit (10–30%) with the balance on completion. Full payment upfront removes all leverage.

No written quote or contract

Professional plumbers provide detailed written quotes. If they refuse, walk away.

Cannot provide licence number

Any legitimate plumber will readily share their Skilled Trades Ontario registration number.

Pressure to decide immediately

“This price is only good today” is a high-pressure sales tactic. Reputable plumbers give you time to compare.

No business address or website

Legitimate plumbing companies have a physical address and online presence. Fly-by-night operators do not.

Unusually low quote

If one quote is 40%+ below others, they may be cutting corners on materials, skipping permits, or planning to upsell.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

\u201cAre you licensed with Skilled Trades Ontario?\u201d

Good answer: They should provide their registration number without hesitation.

\u201cWhat does your quote include?\u201d

Good answer: Labour, materials, permits, disposal, and any potential additional costs should be itemized.

\u201cHow do you handle unexpected issues?\u201d

Good answer: They should explain they will contact you for approval before any additional work or charges.

\u201cWhat warranty do you provide?\u201d

Good answer: Most reputable plumbers offer 1–2 year warranties on labour in addition to manufacturer warranties on parts.

\u201cCan I see your insurance certificate?\u201d

Good answer: They should be able to provide proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage on request.

Licensing: Skilled Trades Ontario

Ontario plumbers must hold a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) from Skilled Trades Ontario. This ensures they have completed a formal apprenticeship and passed provincial exams. You can verify any plumber’s credentials on the Skilled Trades Ontario website.

Verify at Skilled Trades Ontario \u2192

Frequently Asked Questions

Do plumbers need to be licensed in Ontario?

Yes. Plumbing is a compulsory trade in Ontario, meaning only those with a Certificate of Qualification can legally perform plumbing work.

How many quotes should I get?

Get at least 2–3 written quotes for any job over $500. This ensures you understand the fair market rate and can compare scope.

What should a plumbing quote include?

A detailed breakdown of labour, materials, permits, disposal fees, timeline, and warranty terms. Avoid vague lump-sum quotes.

Can I do my own plumbing in Ontario?

Homeowners can do minor plumbing in their own primary residence, but anything involving permits, gas lines, or backflow prevention must be done by a licensed plumber.

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