How to use this checklist
Click each toggle to cycle through: Yes, No, or Unsure. Your score updates in real time. Items you haven't checked count as partial credit.
Vetting Score
Significant Concerns
Multiple concerns flagged. Consider getting quotes from other plumbers to compare.
0 of 16 items evaluated
Category Breakdown
How to Find Out
Has active Arizona ROC (Registrar of Contractors) license
Look up any contractor at azroc.gov — search by name or license number. No active license = illegal to do plumbing work in AZ.
Carries general liability insurance
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI). Any reputable plumber will provide one on request.
Workers' compensation coverage
If they have employees, AZ law requires workers' comp. Without it, you could be liable for on-site injuries.
License has no complaints or disciplinary actions
Check the ROC complaint history at azroc.gov. Also search the BBB and your county's consumer protection office.
+ 12 more items to investigate
Why This Matters
VETTING PLUMBERS IN ARIZONA
Arizona requires all plumbers performing work over $1,000 to hold an active license with the Registrar of Contractors (ROC). This isn't just bureaucracy — it's your primary consumer protection. Licensed contractors carry bonds, maintain insurance, and submit to state oversight. Unlicensed work has no recourse if something goes wrong.
Phoenix-specific risks: The desert climate creates unique plumbing challenges. Extreme heat accelerates pipe degradation, hard water with high mineral content causes scale buildup, and expansive clay soils shift foundations, leading to slab leaks. Your plumber needs to understand these conditions — not just general plumbing.
Common scams to watch for: Door-to-door "plumbers" offering free inspections who then quote inflated repairs. Unlicensed handymen advertising plumbing services on social media. Companies that demand full payment upfront or refuse to provide written estimates. Any plumber who says they don't need a permit for major work is either lying or breaking the law.
Verify any contractor: The Arizona ROC maintains a free, public lookup tool at azroc.gov. Search by business name or license number to confirm active status, check complaint history, and verify insurance. It takes 30 seconds and could save you thousands.
What Sets Phoenix Plumbers Apart
- Experience with hard water systems — water softener integration, tankless descaling, and PEX repiping for mineral-damaged copper
- Slab leak expertise — electronic leak detection and trenchless repair for homes on concrete foundations
- Heat-rated materials and code compliance for Maricopa County's specific permitting requirements
- Monsoon season preparedness — backflow prevention, sump pumps, and flood drainage for July-September storms