Sometimes, hiring a plumbing contractor is part of a home improvement plan. Other times, it's an impromptu response to a leak or some other emergency. When that happens, the path of least resistance is a flip through the Yellow Pages and a quick, random call. That's also a great way to hire an unreliable or even unscrupulous plumbing contractor. You can avoid this and still act fast.

1. First things first, manage the emergency.

If you're dealing with a leak, then shut down the main water supply. The valve may be in the house or outside near the water meter. If you're dealing with malfunctioning machinery, such as a washing machine or dishwasher, disconnect the appliance from the power.

2. Call your family, friends and neighbors.

Stabilizing the emergency has given you some time, so relax. Now, make a call to family, friends or even neighbors; anyone you trust who lives in your area. Look for someone who has had a plumbing emergency and who recommends the plumbing contractor they hired.

3. Call the plumbing contractor.

Call the contractor, explain the situation and ask for a guesstimate. Remember, that unless you get lucky, there'll likely be an extra fee for the emergency response. Tell them thanks and that you'll call them right back.

4. Get a second guesstimate.

Pick one of the large ads in the Yellow Pages. Call them and give them the same information you gave to the first contractor. The goal here is to make sure these guesstimates are in the ballpark. If not, then you may need to make an extra call or two until you find out which contractor is off.

5. Make a quick call to the Better Business Bureau.

Do a quick check with the BBB just to make sure that the contractor does not have a history of dissatisfying customers. If not, then call him back and ask him to come ASAP.

6. Ask for ID before the plumbing contractor starts working.

If you live in a state where plumbers require licensing or certification, ask for proof. Ask for proof of insurance, which all states require. Without insurance, you might be on the hook if things go badly.

Your instinct may be to act as fast as possible, but it's important to be prudent. These steps won't take more than an hour and they'll help ensure that you hire a reputable plumbing contractor.