Why Licensing and Insurance Matter When Choosing a Plumber

Have you ever hired a plumber and realized afterward you never even checked if they were licensed or insured? It’s easy to overlook in the moment, especially when the price sounds good and the job seems simple. But that small detail you skipped is the same one that makes some homeowners nervous the second something doesn’t look or feel right after the work is done.

Because here’s the truth: not every plumber operates with the same qualifications. Some show up fully licensed and insured… and some don’t. And the difference between the two only becomes obvious when there’s a problem.

So, before you hire your next plumber, make sure that you’ll avoid paying twice, fighting denied claims, or dealing with repairs you never saw coming. Let’s break down why licensing and insurance matter to a plumbing job.

Why Licensing Matters More Than Most Homeowners Realize

Choosing a plumber is an important decision since they work on the critical water lines and systems that protect your home from leaks and damage. Just as you wouldn’t trust an unlicensed person to perform surgery, you shouldn’t hire an unlicensed plumber. Here’s what a licensed local plumber provides that an unlicensed one cannot:

1. Proven Skill and Real Training

A licensed and expert plumber has gone through real classes, hands-on training, and exams. They’ve learned the right way to handle pressure issues, old pipes, and hidden leaks. You’re not paying for guesswork, you’re paying for someone who actually knows plumbing repair. 

2. Work Done to Code (and Approved by Inspectors)

Licensed local plumbers follow plumbing codes to keep your home safe. It means they install things the right way, with the right materials, so you’re not dealing with surprise problems a few months later.

3. Insurance Protection if Something Goes Wrong

This is where many homeowners get burned. If an unlicensed worker causes a flood or damages something, your insurance can deny the claim. A licensed and expert plumber has insurance, so if an accident happens, you’re not the one who is liable.

4. Accountability You Can Rely On

Licensed local plumbers answer to a state board. If something isn’t done right, they can’t just disappear or blame the situation. There’s an actual system in place to ensure they make it right.

5. Long-Term Safety for Your Home

Licensed work lowers the risk of hidden leaks, mold behind walls, pipe failures, premature fixture damage, and low water pressure. These issues may start small, but they can turn into expensive headaches fast. A licensed and expert plumber helps prevent them before they snowball.

When a Plumbing Mistake Becomes Your Problem: Why Insurance Matters?

Insurance is the safety net most homeowners don’t think about until it’s too late. A licensed and expert plumber carries liability coverage that protects you if something unexpected happens, a pipe blows during a plumbing repair, a fitting fails, or water leaks into your walls or flooring. With proper insurance, the damage is covered. Without it, the cost falls straight on you.

That’s the gamble with hiring an unlicensed or uninsured worker. If they break something, injure themselves, or cause a bigger issue inside your home, you become financially responsible. And since unlicensed plumbers aren’t held to any standards, you’re also at higher risk for code violations, failed inspections, and plumbing repair work that needs to be redone, meaning you pay twice for the same job.

How to Verify a Plumber’s License and Insurance

Checking an expert plumber’s credentials takes less than five minutes, and it can save you thousands in mistakes and damage.

Here are some things you need to verify:

• Ask for Their License Number: An expert plumber won’t hesitate to give it to you. Write it down, you’ll use it for the next step.
• Check the License Online: Visit your state’s official licensing lookup website and type in the number. Every state has an official government site where you can search for contractor or plumber licenses. Make sure it’s active, valid, and shows no violations.
• Request Proof of Insurance: Ask for a copy or photo of their liability insurance and, when applicable, workers’ compensation. Never rely on verbal “yes, I’m insured.”
• Verify the Insurance Is Current: Look at the expiration date and the coverage amount. If anything looks off or outdated, ask questions.
• Look for Permitted Work in Reviews:  Search for reviews that mention passing inspections, following code, or pulling permits, which indicate the expert plumber actually works under licensing rules.
• Trust Your Gut: If someone refuses to share credentials, avoids questions, or pressures you into making quick decisions, view it as a major red flag.

A few quick checks can tell you everything you need to know. It prevents you from hiring someone who leaves you with repairs, fines, or insurance gaps later.

Protect Your Home by Choosing A Licensed Plumber

When it comes to plumbing, the safest choice is the one backed by a real license and real insurance. If you want work that’s done correctly, inspected properly, and protected from liability, your next step is to hire a professional who’s qualified to do the job.

Cornwell Plumbing meets all these requirements. We are licensed, insured, and know the local codes. With us, you can be confident that your plumbing job will be safe and compliant. When you need service, just give us a call!