Plumbers in North Carolina
We list 1,997 plumbers in 425 North Carolina cities and towns. Pick a city to compare them, or send one request and let local plumbers come to you.
Cities in North Carolina
Smaller towns (230)
How to choose a plumber
Check the state license
Most states license plumbers, and many license well drillers and septic installers separately. Ask for the license number and look it up on your state licensing board's website before work starts. Make sure the license is active and covers the type of work you need.
Get proof of insurance
Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability, plus workers' compensation if the company has employees. A leak or a collapsed trench can cause expensive damage, and you do not want that landing on your own homeowner's policy. A legitimate company will send the certificate without fuss.
Ask for an itemized quote
A good quote lists parts, labor, permit fees, haul-away and any trip or after-hours charge separately. For a water heater, it should name the brand, tank size and fuel type. Vague one-line quotes are hard to compare and make it easy to add charges later.
Confirm who pulls the permit
Water heater swaps, repiping, new wells and septic installs usually need a permit and an inspection. The contractor should pull the permit, not you. Be wary of anyone who suggests skipping it to save money.
Watch for pressure tactics
Be cautious if someone insists on a full replacement before diagnosing the problem, or asks for most of the money up front. A camera inspection or a second opinion is reasonable on any big sewer, well or septic job. Do not pay in full until the work is finished and has passed inspection.
What it typically costs
These are typical US price ranges, and prices in your area may be higher or lower.
After-hours calls and clogs deep in the main sewer line cost more than a single sink.
Tank size, gas versus electric, and code updates like new venting or an expansion tank move the price.
Tank size, time since the last pump-out and how hard the lid is to reach all affect the cost.
Depth to water and local rock conditions drive most of the cost, so this price varies more than most.
Common questions
How much does a plumber charge per hour?
Many plumbers charge somewhere between $50 and $200 an hour, and some add a service call fee for the visit. Rates are usually higher at night, on weekends and on holidays. Ask whether the company charges by the hour or a flat price for the job before work begins.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
A burst pipe, sewage backing up into the house, no water at all, or a leak you cannot stop are all worth an after-hours call. A slow drain or a dripping faucet can usually wait for regular hours. If water is spreading, shut off the main water valve first, then call a plumber in your area.
How often should a septic tank be pumped?
Many households pump their septic tank every three to five years, but the right interval depends on tank size and how many people live in the home. A septic company can measure the sludge level and tell you when it is due. Waiting too long can push solids into the drain field, which is far more expensive to fix.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in your area?
Often yes, because most US cities and counties require a permit for water heater replacement. The permit and inspection check gas lines, venting and the pressure relief valve for safety. Ask the plumber whether they will pull the permit, or check with your local building department.
How deep does a water well need to be?
There is no single answer, because it depends on how deep the groundwater sits where you live. Some areas reach good water fairly shallow, while others need wells several hundred feet deep. A local well driller will know typical depths in your area and can often point to records from nearby wells.
Should I repair or replace an old water heater?
If the tank itself is leaking, replace it, because a leaking tank cannot be repaired. If the problem is a part like a thermostat, heating element or valve, a repair is usually cheaper. If the heater is old and keeps needing repairs, ask your plumber to price both options so you can compare.