How we select plumbers

The short version

Every plumber on Top10Plumbers holds a current licence, has a consistent record of genuine customer reviews, and clearly states where it works and whether it answers after hours. We rank on those things. Payment never changes a business's position.

Step 1: Build a long list

For each city we start with every plumbing business we can find serving that area, from Google Maps, the state licensing register and local directories.

Step 2: Confirm the licence

Each business must hold a current plumbing licence on the public register run by that state's regulator, such as the QBCC in Queensland. Businesses we can't match to a current licence are removed.

Step 3: Check reputation

We look at each business's Google rating, how many reviews it has, and how recent they are. A high rating from a handful of reviews counts for less than a strong rating built over years.

Step 4: Map coverage and hours

Service areas and after-hours terms come from each business's own website. Where something is unclear, we check by phone. We note whether a business answers 24/7, how fast it says it arrives, and whether the rate changes at night or on weekends.

Step 5: Rank the final 10

The final order weighs reputation, coverage, emergency availability and how openly each business prices its work. Each listing explains why it made the list, so you can judge the fit for your own job.

What doesn't affect ranking

• Payment. Some businesses pay for a sponsored listing. It gets a highlighted card and a clear "Sponsored" label, never a higher position. See our advertising disclosure.
• Business size or advertising spend. A one-van operator can outrank a large company.

Keeping lists current

Each city page shows when it was last reviewed. We recheck licences, ratings and contact details at every review, and remove businesses that no longer meet the standard.