Dripping faucet, running toilet, clogged drain - the small stuff you can often handle yourself. But when it's a burst pipe, sewage backing up, water heater failing, or anything touching your main line, that's when you need a licensed plumber. Doing it wrong means mold, structural damage, and a bigger bill later.
Good plumbers show up on time, give you a price before they start, and don't disappear mid-job. They also flag things that are about to fail - a 15-year-old water heater, corroded supply lines - so you're not calling them again in six months. If a plumber can't give you a written estimate, walk away.
Hourly rates in the DMV area run $100-$175/hr, plus parts. Water heater replacement typically runs $800-$1,500 installed. Ask about their warranty on labor - a good plumber stands behind their work for at least 30 days. Avoid anyone who only takes cash.