1. A rating of 4.7 or better, over at least 30 reviews
A single five-star review proves nothing — it could be a friend or a relative. A meaningful sample starts at about 30 completed jobs. Do not look at the tidy average, look at the spread: if there are threes and twos in there, read what actually went wrong.
2. The first message is not a template
A pro who writes "Hello, happy to help, how much are you willing to pay?" has copy-pasted that into twenty other requests. A good plumber asks specifics: which tap, is there an isolating valve, can you send a photo. The chat tells you immediately whether they read your request or not.
3. A warranty of at least six months
A warranty is not marketing — it is a willingness to come back for free. If you are offered fourteen days on a ₾1,500 tap, that is a weak signal. Six months minimum, a year ideally. Ask in writing and keep it in the chat.
4. A clear quote before the work starts
A good pro names the price before opening the toolbox. If halfway through it "turns out" you need ₾800 of new supply hoses, that is either poor estimating or a setup. Agree in advance what the price covers, what is extra, and what you are expected to pay for yourself.
5. Their own tools and consumables
A plumber who says "buy some PTFE tape and washers first" saves you ₾50 and costs you two hours at the shop. A professional arrives with everything needed and builds the pennies-worth of sundries into the quote. It is basic courtesy — and a sign of experience.
The bottom line
You are not looking for "the best plumber in Tbilisi", you are looking for the right one for this particular job. On xFix you can filter by city and category, check ratings and reviews, and message two or three pros at once. Compare the replies and pick the one who read your request rather than sending a template.