3 Common Misconceptions About Plumbers

Q: Are professional plumbers licensed?

Yes. Professional plumbers complete formal training, ongoing certification, and state licensing. In Georgia, licensed plumbers must meet experience and exam requirements and pull permits for many jobs. Allgood operates under license # MP208443 (GA Reg. CR109660). Always confirm a plumber is licensed before hiring.

Q: Why do plumbers charge a service fee?

A service or diagnostic fee covers the licensed technician’s time, travel, and the on-site inspection needed to identify the real problem before quoting a repair. Reputable plumbers price the job after examining it, not sight-unseen over the phone, which protects you from surprise upcharges. Allgood provides upfront, transparent pricing.

Q: Is it worth hiring a professional plumber instead of doing it myself?

For minor tasks, DIY can be fine, but most plumbing problems have hidden causes, a clog can signal a broken line, a leak can point to failing pipe. A licensed plumber diagnoses the root cause, does code-compliant work, and prevents costly damage, which usually makes professional service the better long-term value.

Published: June 04, 2024 - Last Update: August 19, 2026

The most common misconceptions about plumbers are that they are sloppy, that they overcharge, and that they are not well educated. In reality, professional plumbers are licensed and trained, keep your home clean while they work, and provide upfront, transparent pricing. A skilled plumber masters science, math, code, and technical diagrams, far more than just turning a wrench.

You’ve seen the movies where a housewife calls a plumber and he shows up in dirty jeans, no belt, and a greasy shirt. Plumbers haven’t been painted in the best light and the stereotypes couldn’t be further away from the truth. Your top Atlanta plumbers are here to dispel the myths and let you in on what professional plumbers are really like.

“Plumbers Are Sloppy”

Let’s begin with the most popular misconception. Plumbers are thought to be messy individuals who play with gunk and pipes all day. At Allgood, we wear booties (for leaky situations), clean clothes (you won’t be able to tell what we had for lunch) and we tidy up after ourselves, leaving your home the way we found it…minus the plumbing issue.

“Plumbers Charge Way Too Much”

Here’s where you can begin to separate the professionals from the amateurs; or better yet, the trustworthy from the dishonest. A dishonest plumber will provide you with a quote over the phone before examining your issue leaving plenty of room for an upcharge. We pride ourselves in offering transparent affordable rates. With us, you’ll never have to worry about losing your arm or your leg.

“Plumbers Aren’t Educated”

A professional plumber’s mastery spans far beyond the use of a screwdriver. They need to master physical science, have mathematical skills, and participate in ongoing licensing and certifications. They also need to be able to read and understand detailed, technical drawing plans. Most plumbers are also knowledge about electrical wiring. In order to diagnose and offset any unforeseen issues, a professional plumbing contractor will have a broad range of tools and skillsets.

For the record, Allgood is licensed in Georgia (License # MP208443, GA Reg. CR109660), has been in business for over a decade, and background-checks every technician, so the "uneducated" stereotype does not hold up.

“Any Handyman Can Handle Plumbing”

Swapping a washer is one thing, but most plumbing work involves code, permits, and water and gas lines where mistakes cause real damage. A licensed plumber knows the local code, pulls the right permits, and guarantees the work, which a general handyman usually cannot.

“A Small Drip Isn’t Worth Fixing”

A drip seems harmless, but a single leaking fixture can waste thousands of gallons a year and quietly rot cabinets, subfloors, and drywall. Catching a small leak early is almost always cheaper than repairing the water damage it causes.

“Chemical Drain Cleaner Is a Safe Fix”

Store-bought chemical drain cleaners can corrode older pipes, harm septic systems, and rarely clear a serious clog. For anything beyond a minor surface clog, a professional drain cleaning is safer and more effective.

We’ve been in business for the past decade with a proven track record. For an “Allgood” Experience, give us a call now and save $50 off your waterline repair or replacement.