Ask around. Ask your friends, ask your neighbors and get referrals. Nothing is more powerful than the testament of someone who has had a local plumber in their home and can speak to his/her capabilities.
The great thing about hiring local contractors is the convenience. Since they are in the area, you can easily call them and they can easily get to you. Now, you may have a friend who once needed a plumber. Ask for recommendations. It can greatly improve your chances of reaching the best contractors for the job and of course, negotiate some plumbing repair and replacement discounts.
Certified. Just like any other professional, a plumber comes with a certification. Make sure that you hire someone that is fully certified as a reliable specialist. Never assume that all plumbing companies that offer these types of services come with a certification. Do your research.
There are undoubtedly jobs that require the services of a licensed plumber, such as when your toilet backs up into your tubs and sinks, or when you require putting in a new pipe line. However, there are jobs that require not just any Trustworthy plumber but an emergency plumber, such as when water uncontrollably runs out of your faucet and toilets starts flooding the house. However, they are at a premium. How do you know if there is a need for their services or not?
Your septic tank has to be emptied sometimes, and there's no easy answer to when it should be done. It depends on the size of the tank and the (sorry to mention it) consistency of the stuff going into it. Basically, if the septic tank isn't pumped out regularly, it will cause you thousands of dollars worth of problems. Ask your Local plumber for advice on your septic tank maintenance.
Watch what you put in your drain. Many commercial cleaners and solvents contain harsh chemicals that can damage your septic system. Always use an EPA-approved green drain cleaner. Be careful never to put grease, fat, or oils into your garbage disposal.
Hourly fees are another thing you want to check out before you hire a plumber. Call around and get a few estimates for a job. Ascertain if the plumber is willing to sign a quote and give you a price warranty before he begins working. You should also find out if the plumber will require you travel time to and from your job and how they will compute that time and prove it to you. Giving you a precise price may be challenging, but any plumber who can't give you a comprehensive explanation of how you will be billed with an estimate of the cost should be avoided.