1. Licensed journeyperson plumbers
In Alberta, plumbing is a compulsory certification trade: the work must be done by a certified journeyperson or a registered apprentice working under one. Gas work requires a gasfitter certificate. Ask who will actually be doing the work.
2. A City of Edmonton business licence
Contractors working in Edmonton need a business licence, and it's one of the details EPCOR requires on invoices for the backwater valve subsidy.
3. Permits pulled when required
Gas water heaters, gas lines, backwater valves, sewer work and new fixtures generally need permits. A plumber who suggests skipping the permit to save money is putting the risk on you, especially for insurance claims and when you sell.
4. Insurance and WCB
Ask for proof of liability insurance and a WCB Alberta clearance letter. If an uninsured worker is hurt in your home or damages it, you could be stuck with the bill.
5. Upfront, written pricing
"We'll see when we get there" isn't a price. A good plumber diagnoses first, then gives a written price you approve before work starts. Compare to the typical ranges in our Edmonton plumbing price guide.
6. A written warranty
Parts carry the manufacturer's warranty; ask what the plumber guarantees on their own workmanship, and get it on the invoice.
7. Real, recent reviews
Read recent Google reviews, especially the negative ones and how the company responded. A pattern of no-shows or surprise bills is a red flag.
8. Local knowledge
Edmonton plumbing has its own quirks: Poly-B, hard water, frozen garage lines, root-filled clay sewers, sump pumps and the EPCOR subsidy. A local plumber will bring these up before you do.
9. Respect for your home
Shoe covers, drop sheets and cleanup should be standard, not extras.
Red flags
- Cash-only with no invoice, or no GST number.
- Pressure to decide immediately on a big replacement.
- Recommending replacement without showing you the problem (ask for photos or camera video).
- No physical address, business licence or insurance on request.