Plumbing disaster with red wine and a white shirt. You know how it feels. At midnight, the floor of the kitchen becomes a wading pool. You’re standing there with your phone in your hand, saying things that aren’t pleasant. Why do pipes always break at the worst times? Affordable service is closer than you think—contact plumber near me.

If you type “plumber near me” into your phone, the universe will give you a thousand choices. Some superheroes don’t wear capes; they carry a wrench and smell like pipe glue. The trick is to figure out who is worth their salt and who is just a lot of talk.

Janet, your neighbor, can help you. She is the unofficial mayor of the neighborhood and somehow knows which plumber also works as a magician on the side. Or just look at the star ratings as most of us do. Five stars? Maybe it’s the plumber’s long-lost relative. Read the real reviews. Look for rants, raves, and stories of pipes coming back to life.

Some plumbers say they’ll be there “soon.” Vague promises, such saying to a kid, “We’ll leave the park after one more slide.” Ask for details. Not just a someday, but an ETA. If they’re already shady, don’t expect them to show up before your basement turns into Atlantis.

Price can be like throwing darts without seeing them. Get a rough idea of the cost. It might not be true, but it provides you a hint. When quoted, dodgy? Warning sign. Be careful of plumbers who see money in every drop and gurgle.

Warranties are important. You want that in writing if they say, “We’ll fix it if it leaks again.” Otherwise, you’ll have to get a second mortgage and get to know your plumber by name. No one wants the same repair vehicle to show up over and over again.

See if the plumber has a license. No, not a license to thrill, but make sure someone is keeping an eye on them. They also need insurance. If your bathroom turns into a waterfall, you shouldn’t have to pay for it in more than one manner.

But here’s the thing: personality is important. You’re letting someone into your private space, even if it’s just the bathroom downstairs. If they talk to you like you’re five or behave like every question is a pop quiz, keep looking. Good plumbers talk upfront and don’t treat your wallet like a secret piggy bank.

So, the next time you type “plumber near me” into Google, remember to do some research, verify references, and ask actual questions. If you like high-stakes roulette, don’t just pick the first name that comes up. Netflix is the place for drama. Thank you for your pipes and floors.