Frequently asked questions
Whether you're dealing with a burst pipe tonight or planning a routine trade job for next month, these are the questions Washington homeowners ask us most about using Emergency Trades Washington.
Below you'll find answers on how a request turns into a local plumber, electrician, HVAC technician, or other trade professional showing up at your door — what it costs, how we vet the people we match you with, how our verification-code safety process works, and what happens if a job doesn't go as expected. If you can't find what you're looking for here, our Help section has more, or you can call us directly.
How does Emergency Trades Washington work?
Call or submit a short form describing the job. We qualify your location, trade, and urgency, then work to connect you with a local independent tradesperson who can take it on.
Is it free to submit a request?
Yes — submitting a request costs nothing. You only pay the tradesperson directly for the work they quote and complete.
Do you employ the tradespeople?
No. We're a matching service, not a staffing agency. The pro who takes your job is an independent local tradesperson, not our employee — but every partner goes through our application and verification process before they can accept jobs.
How do I know the person at my door is really the one you matched me with?
Every job gets a private verification code, shown to you on screen and by email, and given to the matched pro separately. Confirm the code matches before you let anyone in — see our Safety page for the full walkthrough.
What if no one is available right away?
We keep your request on file and keep working to match it. If it's a genuine emergency (fire, gas, medical), call 911 first.
Can I use this for non-emergency jobs too?
Yes. While we're built to move fast on urgent problems, plenty of requests are routine — a fixture install, an inspection, a remodel quote. Submit a request either way and we'll match it appropriately.
What if I'm unhappy with the work, or a tradesperson isn't paid?
Log in to your account and file a report — you can attach photos, videos, and notes, and the other side gets a chance to respond with their own evidence before our team reviews it. See our complaints process for details.
I'm a tradesperson — how do I get matched to jobs?
Apply through our For Trades page. Once approved, you'll receive qualified local leads matching your trade, service area, and availability.
What's unique about home emergencies in Washington?
Washington homeowners deal with heavy Pacific Northwest rain and windstorms most of the year, occasional winter ice, and roof and drainage issues that come with near-constant moisture. Contractors and electricians are licensed through L&I, and plumbers are registered with the state as well. You can verify any license directly with L&I before work begins.
Still have a question?
Call us at (800) 555-1803, or use the Contact page to reach our team directly.