Services like Consumers' Checkbook and Angies' List are good places to start when you are looking for a plumber. Remember though that there's no strong relationship between price and certain plumbing jobs. Prices among firms vary widely so get several bids and make sure you use a licensed plumber for your job.

We seldom think of plumbers except when a pipe bursts or leaks or the facilities just don't work according to plan. Then again, we might need a plumber to install a new faucet, tankless water heater, sump pump or to layout rough plumbing for that new bathroom or kitchen. Plumbers are also needed when you want to install a natural gas fireplace and hook up a gas range. And don't forget the plumber if you are installing a solar water heating system.  There are several things you can do to make sure you select the right plumber for your particular job.

Tips for Finding the Right Plumber
Keep in mind that some plumbers specialize in commercial jobs and others in residential plumbing. Avoid the commercial firms if you are doing residential plumbing. Any company or person that calls themselves a plumber should be licensed by the respective States they are working in. Anyone that wants to be a licensed plumber has to learn the trade by serving an apprenticeship for many years, passing State exams, and gaining experience as a Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber. All licensed plumbers have a good understanding of the building code. This is very important when you are hiring a plumber to do rough plumbing for a new bathroom. Photo below courtesy of Renovatemyspace.com in Orange County, California

Here's a short list of to get you started:  

1. Find lists of plumbers who do residential work and are rated by people that used them. Consumers' Checkbook is a
2. great place to start if they cover an area you live in. They currently cover firms in Boston, Chicago, Delaware Valley,  Puget Sound Area, San Francisco Bay Area, Twin Cities Area and Washington DC Area.  You may be able to find a copy in your library or can subscribe to it. Also there's an online version which may come in handy. Plumbers are rating on several criteria and are given scores on quality of work and price.
3. Angie's List is another good place to look since people like you rate companies and plumbers' performance
4. Talk to your neighbors and friends. Chances are that they have a plumber that they know and rely on that is dependable and does good work for a reasonable price.
5. If you are installing natural gas logs or appliances, a good source for plumbers may be your local natural gas utility or appliance store
6. No matter who says what, it's always a good idea to check to see if the plumber is licensed in the State where you live. Most plumbers and companies proudly display there State license number on their service vehicles or business card. They also go out of their way to tell you that they are bonded and insured.
   
   
   
   
7. Plumbers actually specialize. Some only deal with water closet or faucet installations, others with scoping and reparing old sewer lines, while others specialize in rough plumbing that is required when you remodel. When in doubt ask before you request a written estimate so you focus on plumbing companies that do the kind of job you have in mind.
8. Insist that for new water water heaters, natural gas appliances, etc. that the plumber pull a permit and have the work inspected by the local authority if required. If you have questions, call up the County and ask. This is a must for rough plumbing, so pass on any plumbers that say it's not necessary. 

One thing to keep in mind with plumbers is that there is no relationship between price and specific plumbing jobs like replacing your water heater, etc. Prices vary widely so it pays to get several written estimates. To help you to compare bids, type exactly what you want done. Try to specify the make and model of faucets, water heaters, toilets, sinks, showers, etc.

Also remember to stipulate that you want at least a 1-year warranty on work performed and specify whether you or the plumber will be providing the faucets, sinks, tankless water heater, etc.

Finally check references by calling or visiting those former clients, especially the ones who did similar work to the kind you need done. Be skeptical if your plumber's references are for work that is very different than what you are proposing. That might signal that the firm doesn't have a lot of experience in the kind of job you want them to do.