Do you tip plumbers?

What is tipping etiquette for plumbers?

Tipping a plumber is generally not expected. It does happen occasionally, but offering a tip (of any amount) to your plumber is not necessary. 

But what if your plumber did a fantastic job and went above and beyond the scope of work? In this case, you may want to give them cash to show them your appreciation.

Before you offer a tip, keep in mind that some companies may not even allow their employees to accept tips. So, if you want to tip your plumber, check with the company to see what the policy is. Ask if it's allowed, and go from there.

Factors that impact tipping.

While tipping your plumber is not expected, you may feel a tip is warranted in some situations.

Here are some factors that could impact whether you tip your plumber and how much that tip amount should be:

• If your plumber goes above and beyond their duties. If you call a plumber to fix a leak and they also help you move heavy furniture out of the reach of water, offering a tip is a kind gesture that acknowledges their hard work.
• If they’ve come out after hours or on their day off. While some larger plumbing companies staff their operations 24/7, smaller companies may not have a full rotation of staff on evenings or weekends. If your smaller plumbing company was able to fit you in at the last minute or rearranged their schedule to suit your needs, it might be worth offering a tip.
• If they offer help beyond the scope of the job. If your situation turns out to be much more complex than initially quoted, but your plumber doesn’t charge you for the difference, it could be nice to acknowledge their thoughtfulness with a tip.

Regardless of why you choose to tip, people who tip tend to offer around $20 or a maximum of 20% of the quoted invoice. 

Alternate ways to show your plumber appreciation.

While cash is traditionally the way we acknowledge hard work, it’s not the only way to show your gratitude. Here are some general tips for showing your plumber you appreciate them without offering cash:

Leave a positive review.

Another great way to support your local plumber is to share your positive experience online. This is especially true if you’re working with a small business. A glowing review detailing how they helped you can go a long way in supporting their business and growing their local reputation.

Share before-and-after photos.

If your plumber recently finished a significant project, sharing before-and-after photos with them or on your social media could boost their credibility. This way, they have proof of their great work when a new client calls about their toilet or water line.

Refer them to friends and family.

The next time a neighbor, friend, or family member needs last-minute leak repair or requires someone to help them upgrade their faucets, enthusiastically share the name of the plumber who served you so well. A word-of-mouth referral is one of the best ways for companies to land new clients.

Offer them a drink or snack.

A small gesture like offering a refreshing drink or a quick snack can go a long way in expressing your appreciation. It doesn’t need to be big — something as simple as a fresh cup of coffee, a water bottle, a can of soda, or a bag of chips they can snack on while they finish up your drain cleaning can help tide them over until their next meal break.

Find your next plumber on Thumbtack today.

Now that you’re more familiar with typical plumbing etiquette, we hope you feel more comfortable hiring a new plumber. To help simplify your search, download the Thumbtack app and search for plumbers in your area today.