1. Observe and protect
Note what’s happening, stop the damage from spreading if it’s safe to do so, and pull together whatever history exists on that fixture or line.
2. Evaluate the house and site
A sound diagnosis walks through fixture behavior, what the pipe is made of, pressure, drainage, venting, shutoff locations, access, and prior repairs.
3. Define a written scope
Put it in writing — prep, protection, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, restoring finishes, exclusions, and how a change order gets handled.
4. Compare providers
Check credentials first, then weigh the reasoning behind each proposal, not just the number at the bottom.
5. Inspect closeout
Before signing off, confirm testing results, that cleanup is done, get documentation and warranty paperwork, and know what maintenance is still yours.