Tacoma plumber red flags

Side sewer red flags

• A side sewer repair quoted with no permit. Tacoma requires a permit for every side sewer repair, on your lot and in the right-of-way. (Tacoma S-205)
• A permit fee on a quote for clearing roots or a clog. Tacoma needs no permit for that work. (Tacoma S-205)
• A crew ready to dig in the street or alley without a licensed and bonded contractor. The City requires one in the right-of-way. (Tacoma S-205)
• A plumber who says you cannot touch the pipe yourself. Tacoma lets owners repair the portion on their own property. (Tacoma S-205)

Diagnosis red flags

• A drain cleaner whose snake cable cannot reach from your side sewer to the city main, which is often under the street or alley. The City tells owners to check. (Tacoma S-205)
• A dig quote with no camera footage of the break.

Bid red flags

• One bid, and pressure to sign it today. Tacoma recommends three to five bids for side sewer work. (Tacoma S-205) L&I lists "sign today" pricing as a warning sign. (L&I F625-084-000)
• No written contract or complete bid. (L&I)
• A bid with no plumbing contractor license number on it. Since July 1, 2021, nobody may bid plumbing work without that license. (RCW 18.106.400)

License and payment red flags

• No L&I certificate card and photo ID on the plumber. (RCW 18.106.020)
• A company that employs plumbers but holds no plumbing contractor license. (RCW 18.106.020)
• Cash only, a big deposit, full payment up front, or a check to a personal name. (L&I)

If the price scares you

A high side sewer bid is not a red flag by itself. Tacoma offers low-interest Sewer Conservation Loans for side sewer work; call Site Development at 253-591-5030. (Tacoma S-205) Then read the Tacoma side sewer guide or how to hire an emergency plumber in Tacoma.