Guides for plumbing businesses
Call Forwarding Codes for Plumbers: Keep Your Number, Forward the Calls You Miss
You don't need a new phone number to stop missing calls. Keep the number on your truck, website and Google Business Profile, and forward only the calls you can't take to AnswerBack's line, +1 (334) 986-3795.
Which forwarding mode to choose
| Mode | When it forwards | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| No-answer / busy / conditional (recommended) | Only when you're busy, unreachable or don't pick up | Most shops. You still answer when you can. |
| All calls | Every call | Only when you intentionally want every call answered by AnswerBack, and you've worked out how return calls will be handled |
Carrier codes
Dial these from the phone line you want to forward.
Verizon
- Forward when busy/no answer: dial *71 + 334 986 3795
- Forward all calls: *72 + the number
- Turn off: *73
AT&T
- Forward when you don't answer: dial **61*13349863795#
- Forward all calls: **21*13349863795#
- Turn off: ##002#
T-Mobile
- Forward when you don't answer: dial **61*13349863795#
- Forward all calls: **21*13349863795#
- Turn off: ##002#
RingCentral
- Admin Portal → your extension → Call Handling & Forwarding → add +1 334 986 3795 as a forwarding number after your rings. Save.
Codes can vary by plan and phone. Carrier capability isn't an AnswerBack integration, so treat the codes above as a starting point. During your pilot, AnswerBack tests forwarding with you.
Using Google Voice? AnswerBack's setup guide currently lists Google Voice as unavailable/unverified for this path. Talk to AnswerBack before you rely on it.
Test before you trust it
Use a second phone and write down what actually happens. "Not tested" doesn't count as confirmed.
- Answered call: call your number and confirm the right person or AnswerBack answers.
- No-answer, busy and unreachable: test each condition your provider supports. One result doesn't prove the others.
- Ring delay and voicemail: count the rings, and make sure your voicemail doesn't pick up before the forwarding rule kicks in.
- Caller ID: check which number shows at AnswerBack and on your return call.
- Text path: confirm the follow-up text and reply path. AnswerBack's texts don't come from your own number.
- Rollback: write down the exact step to turn forwarding off, then call again to confirm normal calling and voicemail come back.
Keep your public number primary
Leave your existing marketing and Google Business Profile number in place. AnswerBack's line is a shared line, not a number assigned to your business, so keep publishing your own.
Can't reach the main line? The fallback is (205) 851-5102.
Frequently asked questions
How do I forward calls to an answering service on Verizon?
To forward calls when you're busy or don't answer, dial star 71 plus the answering service number. Star 72 forwards all calls and star 73 turns forwarding off. Codes can vary by plan and phone.
What is the call forwarding code for AT&T and T-Mobile?
To forward unanswered calls to AnswerBack, dial star star 61 star 1 334 986 3795 pound. Star star 21 forwards all calls, and pound pound 002 pound turns it off.
Do I have to change my business number to use an answering service?
No. With AnswerBack you keep your existing number public and forward only the calls you choose, such as busy or unanswered calls, to AnswerBack's line.
Should I forward all calls or only missed calls?
Most shops should start with no-answer, busy or conditional forwarding so they still answer when they can. Use all-calls forwarding only if you intentionally want every call answered.
How do I test call forwarding?
Call your number from a second phone and test answered, no-answer, busy and unreachable calls. Check ring delay, voicemail, caller ID and the text path, and note how to turn forwarding off.