If your water heater is acting up, garbage disposal is backed up, and drains are clogged (hopefully not all on the same day), you don’t have time to deliberate over finding the perfect plumber. But making a rash decision about the plumber you employ could result in more problems down the road.
You want to find a plumber whose advice you can trust and who offers long-term results. While you can’t avoid plumbing problems entirely, you can avoid having to fix the same problem several times.
We know that price is an important part of making your decision, but it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. Sometimes plumbing companies offer the lowest possible price over the phone but then add on charges once they get to your home and properly inspect the problem.
So how do you find the right plumber for your home? Here are seven tips to help you make your decision:
MAKE SURE YOUR PLUMBER IS LICENSED AND INSURED
This goes without saying but is the most important factor in finding the right plumber so bears repeating. Ask if they are licensed and make sure they carry insurance in the case of a catastrophe.
ASK HOW LONG THEY HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR
As with most services, you want someone with the most experience performing repairs on your home. A plumbing company that has been established for decades is likely to employ knowledgeable plumbers and have a well-known reputation. They’re also less likely to disappear on you halfway through your repair.
INQUIRE ABOUT WRITTEN ESTIMATES
A reputable plumber often won’t give you an estimate until they have properly assessed the problem in your home. Once the problem has been determined but before any work is performed, inquire about a written estimate that includes labor and part costs.
CHECK REVIEWS AND REFERENCES
When making your decision, don’t rely on the website or advertisement of the plumbing company alone. A good aspect of the Internet is that it forces businesses to be transparent about their services. If a plumber offers subpar work, a quick Google search will reveal past customer experience.
COMPARE COMPETITION
You may not know much about plumbing when looking for a plumber, but you certainly know how to look for a company that delivers more than others in their industry. Check to see if the plumbing company has been given awards voted for by their industry and customers. Another good indication of the plumbing company’s values is to see if they take an active part in their community or regularly shares their knowledge online.
PERSONAL REFERRALS
Ask your friends, neighbors, and colleagues if they have a go-to plumber or have had positive experiences with a local plumbing company. Often, asking someone you trust for a referral is how you find a hidden gem.
PROFESSIONAL REFERRALS
Don’t be afraid to ask you’re A/C technician, electrician, or construction worker for a referral. Often they will know the best plumbers in your area and mentioning their name may result in a discount!