Choosing the wrong plumber can mean shoddy work, unexpected charges, and problems that come back weeks later. Here’s how to find a reliable plumber in Melbourne and what to check before you hire.

1. Check Their Licence

In Victoria, all plumbers must hold a current licence issued by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). This is non-negotiable.

How to verify:

• Ask for their licence number
• Check it on the VBA website (vba.vic.gov.au)
• Ensure the licence covers the type of work you need (plumbing, gasfitting, roofing, etc.)

Never hire an unlicensed plumber. Their work won’t meet Australian standards, won’t be insured, and could void your home insurance.

2. Confirm They’re Insured

A licensed plumber should carry:

• Public liability insurance — Covers damage to your property during the job
• Professional indemnity insurance — Covers faulty workmanship
• Workers’ compensation — If they have employees

Ask to see proof of insurance before work begins. A professional plumber won’t hesitate to provide this.

3. Look for Experience and Specialisation

While any licensed plumber can handle basic work, some jobs benefit from specialist experience:

• Hot water systems — Different brands and types require specific knowledge
• Gas fitting — Must hold a separate gas licence
• Drainage — Complex blockages and sewer work need specialist equipment
• Renovations — Experience with bathroom and kitchen fit-outs

Ask how long they’ve been in business and whether they have experience with your specific type of job.

4. Read Reviews — But Read Them Properly

Online reviews are useful but need context:

• Look for patterns — One bad review among many good ones is normal. Consistent complaints about the same issue are a red flag
• Check multiple platforms — Google, Facebook, and product review sites
• Read the responses — How a plumber handles negative feedback says a lot
• Be wary of only 5-star reviews — No business is perfect; a mix of ratings is more trustworthy

5. Get It in Writing

Before any work starts, you should receive:

• Written quote or estimate — Not just a verbal figure
• Scope of work — What exactly they’ll do
• Timeframe — When they’ll start and estimated completion
• Payment terms — When payment is due and accepted methods
• Warranty details — What’s covered if something goes wrong

Avoid plumbers who won’t commit anything to writing.

6. Ask About Their Guarantee

A confident plumber stands behind their work:

• Workmanship guarantee — Covers their labour for a set period
• Parts warranty — Manufacturer warranties on parts and materials
• Compliance certificate — For regulated work like gas or backflow

If a plumber won’t guarantee their work, find one who will.

7. Watch for Red Flags

Be cautious of plumbers who:

• Can’t provide a licence number
• Won’t give a written quote
• Demand full payment upfront before starting
• Pressure you into unnecessary work
• Bad-mouth other tradespeople
• Don’t return calls or show up late without notice
• Can’t explain what they’re doing in plain language

8. Ask the Right Questions

Before hiring, ask:

• “Are you licensed and insured?”
• “Do you have experience with this type of job?”
• “Can you provide a written quote?”
• “Do you guarantee your work?”
• “What’s your availability for this job?”
• “Do you clean up after the work is done?”
• “Will you issue a compliance certificate if required?”

Why Choose Hankook Plumbing?

At Hankook Plumbing, we tick every box:

• Fully licensed with the Victorian Building Authority
• Fully insured — public liability and professional indemnity
• 15 years of experience across all residential plumbing
• Transparent quoting — written quotes with no hidden fees
• Guaranteed workmanship — we stand behind every job
• Bilingual service — English and Korean speaking
• Servicing Melbourne’s eastern suburbs — local knowledge and fast response

Call 0407 756 172 for a reliable plumber you can trust.