Your home is likely your most significant investment. Whether you own a historic property with character or a modern residence, your plumbing system is the lifeline of your daily comfort.
When a pipe bursts or a water heater fails, it’s tempting to call a general handyman for a quick, low-cost fix. However, in California, that “bargain” can quickly turn into a legal and financial nightmare. Here is why hiring a locally licensed expert like Prushko Plumbing is the only way to protect your property, your family, and your peace of mind.
The Hidden Risks of the “Handyman Special”
In California, any plumbing job totaling over $500 (including labor and materials) legally requires a state-issued contractor’s license. Hiring unlicensed labor might save a few dollars upfront, but it carries three massive risks:
- Voided Homeowners Insurance: Most insurance policies will deny claims for water damage if they discover the work was performed by an unlicensed individual. If a handyman’s repair fails and floods your home, you could be stuck with the entire repair bill out of pocket.
- Liability Traps: If an unlicensed worker is injured on your property, they are often not covered by workers’ comp. In the eyes of the law, you may be considered their employer, making you personally responsible for their medical bills and lost wages.
- Code Violations & Resale Issues: Plumbing work must meet specific safety standards and building codes. Unlicensed work often fails to meet these requirements, which can lead to failed inspections and major headaches when you eventually try to sell your home.
The Licensed Advantage: Professionalism You Can Trace
When you hire a CSLB-licensed plumber (C-36), you are hiring someone who has passed rigorous background checks, four years of journey-level experience, and comprehensive trade examinations.
At Prushko Plumbing, our license is our promise to you:
- We Carry the Risk: We are fully bonded and insured. Our liability and workers’ compensation insurance act as a shield for your property.
- Expertise in Local Systems: We understand the specific plumbing challenges common to our region, from mineral-heavy water issues to the complexities of aging infrastructure and neighborhood-specific water pressure.
- Permit Handling: If your project requires a permit, we handle the paperwork. We ensure every job—from a simple repipe to a water heater installation—is 100% legal and up to California’s Plumbing Code.
What to Expect When You Work With Prushko
We treat your home with the highest level of professional respect. We don’t just “patch” problems; we provide long-term solutions that prevent future emergencies.
- Transparent Diagnosis: We use high-definition video line inspections to show you exactly what is happening inside your pipes—no guesswork, no hidden fees.
- Up-to-Code Execution: Every repair is executed to the highest industry standards, ensuring your home remains safe and compliant with state regulations.
- Clean & Courteous Service: We know how much you value your living space. Our technicians wear shoe covers, use protective drop cloths, and leave your home cleaner than they found it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a handyman legally fix a leaky pipe?
In California, a handyman can only perform minor repairs if the total cost is under $500. For anything involving the main water line, gas lines, or permanent fixtures, a licensed C-36 plumbing contractor is required by law.
What happens if a plumber isn't insured?
If an uninsured worker causes damage or is injured, your own insurance company may refuse to pay the claim. You would be forced to deal with the financial loss personally, which can be devastating.
How do I verify a plumber’s license?
You can check any license number on the California State License Board (CSLB) website. We encourage all our customers to look us up! We are proud of our standing and our history of professional service.
Protect Your Home Today
Don’t gamble with your home’s infrastructure. Whether you are dealing with a midnight emergency or planning a renovation, choose the team that prioritizes safety and professional standards.
Experience the difference that local expertise and professional licensing make.
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