What a fair plumbing quote includes in Seattle

The lines to look for

• Coming out. If there is a charge to come out, ask whether it comes off the repair.
• Labor, by the hour or flat. Either is fair if it is written down before the work starts.
• After-hours charge, if any, and the hour it kicks in.
• Parts, listed by item.
• Permit, if the job needs one, and who pulls it.

We found no local survey of Seattle plumbing prices, so we don't print any. Compare written quotes against each other instead.

Permits in Seattle

Public Health Seattle & King County issues plumbing and gas piping permits in Seattle. (King County) Side sewer work goes through Seattle Public Utilities. (SPU) A quote for either should say who files the permit.

On a side sewer, the quote should also say which stretch of pipe it covers. SPU says your side sewer runs past the property line all the way to the main. (SPU)

Names and numbers on the paper

• The business name, matching the name you pay.
• The plumbing contractor license number. Any business that employs plumbers has needed one since 2021. (RCW 18.106.020)
• The license is backed by a $6,000 bond. (RCW 18.106.410, read Oct 18, 2026) On a large repair, ask whether the company also holds a general contractor registration, which carries a $30,000 bond. (L&I)

Payment terms

L&I advises getting three written bids and not paying in full until the job is done. (L&I) At 2 a.m. with water on the floor, three bids will not happen. Get the price by text for tonight's fix, and bid out the full repair in daylight.

On a big job, ask for lien releases from suppliers. Unpaid suppliers can lien your property. (L&I F625-084-000) Then read how to hire an emergency plumber in Seattle.