When you need a plumber, there’s no time to waste. Plumbing issues can lead to water damage and unpleasant home repairs, so the sooner you fix the issue the better. However, taking a moment to find a qualified plumber will save you headaches in the future.
If you pick an unqualified plumber, they might do a superficial job, or even make the original problem worse, leading to more problems and steeper plumbing bills. Keep reading to find out how to make sure you’re hiring the best plumber for the job.
Check Local Plumber Certifications
Before you hire a plumber, you should look up what the licensing and insurance requirements are in your area. Then you can make sure every potential plumbing company you look at is licensed to do the work.
Every state has different license and insurance requirements. In general, they require a training or apprenticeship program to earn a license. Many states also require that plumbers pass a trade exam before they can offer plumber services.
Insurance coverage is just as important as training. Even master plumbers can’t predict or prevent every accident. Plumbing companies need the same liability insurance as other businesses. Since they’ll be working in your home, you should make sure they have valid insurance to protect your home.
Compare Prices and Quotes
Once you have a list of local plumbers with the right certifications, you should compare their prices. See what each plumber charges for the same plumbing services to get the best price.
Check to see if any companies will give you a free quote or estimate for their services. Established companies with experienced plumbers are more likely to have a billing and invoicing system that allows for quotes.
Reputable businesses will be upfront about the estimated costs, and how much time the job will take. Businesses who want repeat customers will make sure they’re honest and fair from the beginning.
Read Reviews and Check References
A good way to make sure your expectations will match reality is to check the reviews and references for plumbers you’re interested in. Look at good and bad reviews, and see how plumbing companies respond to the bad ones.
Reputable companies will show that they can correct mistakes or missteps, rather than deleting negative reviews unanswered. However, when a company has far more good reviews than bad, it’s a good sign!
For a local plumber, you can talk to others in your community who may have used their services. Many companies will even provide you with a list of references if you prefer not to rely on online reviews.
Pick Your Plumber
Once you’ve gathered all this information, it’s time to pick your plumber. Taking the time to do some research before you hire a plumber will help make sure you have a great experience.
For more tips on home repairs, renovations, and how to pick local businesses, look through the rest of our household blogs. There are tips and tricks for everything your home could need.
