30 Plumber Interview Questions to Ask New Recruits in 2023

General Plumber Interview Questions

1. Why do you want to work in the plumbing industry?

2. What do you know about our plumbing company?

3. Why are you looking for a new opportunity?

4. What previous experience and/or training makes you qualified for this particular plumbing job?

5. Why did you leave your last job, and why do you want to work with us?

6. Do you have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record?

7. Can you email us a list of references?

8. Why did you apply for this specific position?

9. What do you like most about being a plumber?

10. ​​What is the most challenging part of plumbing?

Good plumbing interview questions help recruiters evaluate an applicant's qualifications and assess their character traits. While finding that perfect fit for your company can be difficult, asking the right questions helps to narrow the field.

Common questions that fall in the general category typically cover the soft skills of the trade, such as showing up on time, bringing the right equipment, having excellent communication skills, and cleaning up after themselves.

Dutton Plumbing General Manager Eric Falconer seeks plumbers who embrace his company’s core values. For instance, he won’t hire plumbing techs who fail to grasp the importance of providing friendly and professional service.

"I just look for someone that I can send to my mom, and she's not going to call me afterwards and give me a lecture on how creepy this guy was," Falconer says.

The key to his company’s success starts with recruiting and subsequent job interviews. When recruiting for plumbing jobs, Dutton applies these staffing tips:

• Cast a wide net, then reel them in fast.

• Trust your instincts.

• Hire for personality, not just skills.

"The more people we can talk to, the more likely we are to find that perfect candidate," Falconer says. "We're kind of vetting them the moment they walk into the room."

Ask these types of questions to assess a candidate's soft skills (and goal mindset):

1. Why do you want to work in the plumbing industry?

Hiring managers ask an open-ended question like this to gauge how a plumbing job candidate reacts and communicates when put on the spot. Look for someone who maintains good eye contact and displays confident body language as they answer with a prepared response.

2. What do you know about our plumbing company?

As they conducted their job search, how did they hear about your plumbing company? Did they do online research before applying or talk to a current employee about possible opportunities? Hiring managers view applicants more seriously when they try to learn more by visiting your company website, checking social media sites, and talking to your current or past employees.

3. Why are you looking for a new opportunity?

Does your current employer know you’re looking for a new job? Are you interested in making more money? Do you seek a better work-home-life balance? It's important for a hiring manager to understand a job seeker's motivations in determining whether their long-term career goals fit with your company's core values.

4. What previous experience and/or training makes you qualified for this particular plumbing job? 

Plumbing applicants offer details about previous jobs, education, apprentice training, trade licenses, or industry certifications on their resume, but a hiring manager should try to read between the lines to detect certain skill sets for success in the plumbing industry, such as a talent for working in confined spaces or propensity for customer service.

Most states also require plumbers to be licensed, so ask for proof of qualifications. Obtaining a license provides a plumber with knowledge to complete quality work, from fixing shower heads and leaky faucets to replacing broken pipes and installing new plumbing systems.

5. Why did you leave your last job, and why do you want to work with us?

Plumbing job applicants who were fired at their last job or routinely leave jobs after a few months should raise a red flag in the minds of hiring managers. Explore their reasons for leaving to determine whether the same issues could be problematic at your company.

6. Do you have a valid driver's license and clean driving record?

Technicians who repair or install plumbing systems for your company must drive to customers' homes in your company trucks. It's the responsibility of plumbing company owners to buy liability insurance to protect their company, employees, and customers against possible damage. Most insurance companies require plumbing technicians to hold a valid driver's license and clean driving record.

7. Can you email us a list of references?

You can assess an applicant's skill for written communication, as well as the ability to follow directions, by asking them to send references to you by email. Ask them to detail their relationship with the reference, how long they’ve known them, and to provide current contact information for each.

8. Why did you apply for this specific position?

More than just whether a candidate wants to work in the plumbing industry or at your company, you want to assess whether the applicant is right for the specific position they applied for, whether that be a plumbing apprentice or plumbing engineer. The answer to this question can help uncover the candidate’s motivation and fit for the job.

9. What do you like most about being a plumber? 

Ask this question to assess a plumber’s passion for the work they do and their commitment to providing quality service to customers. Look for applicants who derive satisfaction from solving problems and helping others.

10. ​​What is the most challenging part of plumbing?

All jobs bring some challenges, and you want to hire someone who displays a positive attitude when working through those difficult situations. Listen for an honest answer about a challenge and how the interviewee handles it.

Behavioral/Situational Questions 

1. How do you approach problem-solving on a new assignment?

2. Describe a time when you provided excellent customer service.

3. What was the most challenging task you performed as a plumber, and how did you overcome it?

4. Have you ever experienced a difficult interaction with a coworker? How did you approach the situation?

5. What safety precautions do you take while installing or repairing a plumbing system?

6. ​​How do you organize your workday when you have multiple service calls?

Behavioral interview questions give hiring managers more pointed, probing, and specific information about a job candidate. Situational interview questions explore the types of competency or behavior required for success. 

Hiring managers need to assess an applicant's ability for problem-solving, following safety precautions, and their overall comfort with using technology on the job.

Falconer says Dutton Plumbing approaches the job interview as a way to learn more about a candidate’s personality, experience, technical skills, and their ability to solve problems, while also sharing the company’s standards and vision.

"We try to be very clear and transparent about who we are, how we operate," Falconer says. "That either pushes people away or draws them to us. We talk a lot about how we continuously try to improve the company and take it to the next level.

"The person doing the interview is generally just trying to get to know the person because the technical skill sets of the trade are absolutely important. But what's more important, is this person going to fit with our company?" 

1. How do you approach problem-solving on a new assignment?

How job candidates respond to this interview question demonstrates their ability to tackle complex or unexpected plumbing issues and find solutions. Plumbers should be able to apply reason and logic to solve plumbing problems on any job assignment. 

2. Describe a time when you provided excellent customer service.

The response reveals an applicant's interpersonal skills and willingness to deliver good customer service. Productive and conscientious plumbers who go the extra mile play an important role in creating customer satisfaction and growing your plumbing business.

Bonus points for candidates who are familiar with customer experience software, which helps exceed customer expectations. ServiceTitan’s product lets you send appointment reminders and technician bios via text so customers know what and who to expect when your truck arrives. In addition, it gives customers the ability to text questions and a link to track the truck in real-time.

3. What was the most challenging task you performed as a plumber, and how did you overcome it?

Give job candidates an opportunity to address their hardest project to date, from solving water pressure issues to installing conventional water heaters or sump pumps. Their answers give hiring managers good insight into an applicant’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as their problem-solving skills. 

4. Have you ever experienced a difficult interaction with a coworker? How did you approach the situation?

How an applicant responds to this question tells you a lot about their personality, attitude, and interpersonal style. When conflicts arise, you want an employee who can stay level-headed and come to a compromise. 

5. What safety precautions do you take while installing or repairing a plumbing system?

Safety plays a key role when installing or repairing plumbing systems, whether it means following proper safety protocols in a customer's home or business, or preventing injury while on the job. Assess the job seeker’s knowledge for plumbing work safety, then use their answers to improve your company's safety training procedures or remove unnecessary rules.

6. ​​How do you organize your workday when you have multiple service calls?

A great plumbing technician candidate possesses strong time management and organizational skills. Whether they’ve managed their time independently or received schedules via service scheduling software, they should be flexible and have great attention to detail.

Scheduling software allows dispatchers to schedule up to weeks or months in advance and flag jobs for special tools needed, languages spoken, prior rescheduling, and more to make sure your techs arrive prepared.

Technical Skills Questions

1. What are some common tools used for plumbing repair and installation?

2. How would you assess and repair a customer’s clogged drains and pipes?

3. Which material would you recommend for drainage pipes: Copper or PVC?

4. How would you describe the process of waterproofing a basement?

5. If you encountered safety code violations, what did you do about it?

6. How would you start installing a plumbing system for an entire floor of a building?

7. What do you think of chemical drain cleaners? What would you recommend to clean a clogged pipe?

8. How would you test for leaks in a plumbing system?

Staffing requirements for plumbing jobs vary, depending on whether you're hiring for an apprentice, a journeyman, or a master plumber. A licensed plumber is responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems/fixtures, whereas an apprentice works under their supervision.

While plumber applicants need some technical training, many companies prefer to train new hires on the technical aspects of the job, so they learn their own company's best practices and get familiar with their specific equipment or tools.

Hiring managers should ask job candidates if they're comfortable doing sales, says Darius Lyvers, Chief Operating Officer at F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical. Techs who naturally sell plumbing services with ease help to grow your company faster.

“You’re not just assessing them for technical aptitude and personal abilities; the other side is even more important,” Lyvers says. “You can train a lot of the technical (stuff). Training sales is definitely harder.”

To get a good idea of an applicant's technical skill set, consider asking the following questions: 

1. What are some common tools used for plumbing repair and installation?

Plumbing job applicants should be familiar with these common plumbing tools and how they’re used on the job:

• Adjustable pipe wrench

• Faucet valve seat wrench

• Faucet valve reseating tool

• Faucet packing and washers

• Tubing cutter

• Teflon tape

• Cup plunger

• Flange plunger

• Closet Auger

• Sink Auger

2. How would you assess and repair a customer’s clogged drains and pipes?

If pouring hot water down the drain fails to remove the blockage, most plumbers try opening the pipes under a sink to remove the clog or using a sink auger to clear it. As a professional drain cleaner, a plumbing candidate needs to explain their step-by-step process for diagnosing and fixing clogged drains. 

3.  Which material would you recommend for drainage pipes: Copper or PVC?

The job applicant's answer should demonstrate their knowledge and work experience with various materials, such as copper and PVC. Candidates should provide detailed answers for why they recommend either material, and hiring managers should ask thorough questions about the candidate's past job experience involving drainage pipes.

4. How would you describe the process of waterproofing a basement?

This interview question forces an applicant to think about and articulate the technical skills required to waterproof a basement. Ask plumbers to explain their step-by-step process for waterproofing, what tools are required, and what safety precautions they should take.

5. If you encountered safety code violations, what did you do about it?

This question allows a job seeker to demonstrate an understanding of relevant plumbing safety codes and regulations. Plumbing candidates should explain in detail how they repaired a plumbing safety code violation to bring plumbing systems up to date, and how they assessed the home or business for other potential problems.

6. How would you start installing a plumbing system for an entire floor of a building?

This question helps assess a candidate’s ability to plan and execute complex plumbing projects. A skilled plumber should be able to outline the key steps in this process, from site assessment and materials selection all the way through to inspection and code compliance. 

7. What do you think of chemical drain cleaners? What would you recommend to clean a clogged pipe?

Today’s homeowners look for effective and safe products and services. Not only do chemical drain cleaners end up in the water supply, but they can actually damage a home’s plumbing pipes. Ensure your plumbing candidate understands these risks and opts for safer solutions like plungers, drain snakes, or a baking soda and vinegar mixture. 

8. How would you test for leaks in a plumbing system?

Testing for leaks in a plumbing system is a fundamental task for any plumber, as it directly affects the system's functionality, efficiency, and the prevention of water damage. A competent plumber should possess the knowledge and skills to accurately identify and address leaks promptly. They should describe their approach to leak testing, which typically involves visual inspections and pressure testing.

Technology and Tools Questions

1. How do you view mobile technology and its role in the future of the plumbing industry?

2. What is your experience with using mobile technology on the job?

3. After diagnosing the problem, what tools have you used to explain options to a customer?

While interviewing plumbers, be sure to ask about on-the-job experience with technology and other tools, such as CRM software. Today’s plumbers utilize field service technology to increase efficiencies, enhance communication, and grow ticket sizes. 

Use the opportunity to learn about the candidate’s experience, ask about specific tools and software, and understand their views on how technology enhances the workplace.

1. How do you view mobile technology and its role in the future of the plumbing industry?

Plumbing contractors increasingly rely on technology to streamline business operations and boost technician efficiency. How an applicant responds to this question tells you a lot about their knowledge of current technology and industry trends. If your business already uses plumbing software, asking about technological skills can help you determine whether they’re the right fit.

2. What is your experience with using mobile technology on the job?

This question helps you understand a plumber’s previous experience, as well as their level of comfort using technology in the field. It’s also a good indicator of the amount of training the candidate needs. Plumbing technicians often provide estimates, communicate with dispatch, and collect payments from their mobile devices. 

3. After diagnosing the problem, what tools have you used to explain options to a customer?

While in the field, plumbing technicians need to clearly articulate the problem and all available solutions. Modern plumbing software helps techs present varying levels of service, such as good-better-and-best, so customers can understand their options and make an informed decision. 

Look for plumbing software that comes with a field service app, which enables plumbers to boost efficiency in the field. ServiceTitan Mobile lets technicians view detailed job histories before servicing a customer. Once on site, they can build professional estimates in just a few taps, and even close sales right from their device. 

You’ll likely realize new recruits not only have experience using plumbing technology, many want to work for a forward-thinking company with a knack for tech. A lack of experience shouldn’t automatically disqualify a candidate; it just means you’ll need to provide additional training.

Plumbing Payroll Questions 

1. What are your wage expectations?

2. Have you ever worked for a company that uses performance-based pay?

3. What are your expectations for bonuses or spiffs?

Most applicants don't feel comfortable asking about pay, but salary expectations matter a great deal when considering one job applicant over another. As the laws of supply and demand drive salaries up, plumbing business owners need to be prepared to pay market-competitive salaries and offer enticing benefits to attract new talent and reduce costly turnover rates.

For instance, if your company offers performance pay versus hourly rates, new recruits need to understand how your commission and bonus structure works. If you expect plumbing techs to sell more services on every call, be sure to make that clear.

Some simple payroll questions include:

1. What are your wage expectations?

2. Have you ever worked for a company that uses performance-based pay?

3. What are your expectations for bonuses or spiffs (sales performance incentive fund)?

In a highly competitive job market, it's important to weed out the window shoppers from the serious plumbing job candidates. Asking the right questions from the get-go can help you find new recruits worth investing your time and money in, who will stick around and grow alongside your plumbing company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Still want more tips to enhance your hiring process? Check out these FAQs.

How do I choose the best plumbing interview questions?

While the questions compiled above provide an excellent starting point, tailor your questions to the open position. For example, consider how senior the position is, what services your company offers, and whether you serve residential or commercial customers.

What should I look for when hiring a plumber? 

You of course want to ask questions regarding the candidate’s technical skills, but you also want someone with good interpersonal skills and who would be a cultural fit for your company.

“When we're in the interview, that's the thing that we're talking about, is the culture,” says Warren Lentz, co-founder of YellowStone Local, a recruitment and branding company. “It's the intangible piece. It’s the character. It’s the inspiration, the motivation of the person. We're talking about those things because I think that's where the distinction lies.”

What should I ask in a plumbing apprenticeship interview?

For a plumbing apprentice, you don’t need to spend a lot of time assessing their experience and technical skills. Instead, look for someone who is eager to learn and grow. Check out this full list of plumber apprentice questions.