Bringing a tradesperson into your home can be costly and stressful. That’s why it’s so important to find someone you can trust, especially if you need plumbing work completed quickly.
Finding a reputable plumbing company will help you tackle renovation projects and also give you a quick option should an emergency occur. Here are seven tips for finding a reputable residential plumber.
Ask for Referrals and Testimonials
Start by asking your network for recommendations and referrals. If you’re posting on social media, don’t hesitate to confirm that the person making the recommendation has used the services they’re suggesting. Sometimes people will recommend their friends or acquaintances without having first-hand experience with the company.
It can also be beneficial to search for local plumbers and read online reviews from other customers. Remember to take these reviews with a grain of salt, looking for overarching themes from one review to the next.
Check Licensing and Insurance
Skilled plumbers have nothing to hide. Ask the company you’re considering for proof of their licensing and insurance. The licensing indicates that they’ve met industry standards and regulations and are certified in their trade. Insurance shows that if something goes wrong, your assets will be covered.
Ideally, the plumber you choose will have a minimum of $500,000 insurance. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it’s better to be prepared for the worst case scenario.
Check the Better Business Bureau for Complaints
Before you hire a plumber, take a few minutes to look them up on the Better Business Bureau’s website. Check their overall rating and if there were any significant complaints filed against them. If there were complaints, note when they occurred and how they were dealt with.
It’s not uncommon for companies to go through growing pains at some point, or be faced with problem-causing employees. However, if it’s a recurring issue, look for an alternative residential plumber.
Ask About Their Warranty
Another critical consideration when choosing a residential plumber is their warranty offerings. A skilled plumber won’t hesitate to stand behind the quality of their work, and should offer coverage on parts and labor for at least a year after the service is complete.
Investigate Their Other Specialties
If you have multiple renovation projects coming up, it can be beneficial to look for a company that offers other services as well as simply plumbing. According to the experts at Morris Jenkins, plumbing interacts with other core systems in the home, such as venting, HVAC, and so on.
Working with a service provider that offers a variety of specialities will simplify the work of finding reputable contractors and tradespeople for all of your projects.
Consider Their Experience
In addition to the company having years of experience, there are different kinds of experience you should consider when choosing a specific plumber. Depending on how long they’ve been in the plumbing industry, a plumber could be an apprentice, journeyman or a master plumber.
It’s important to understand which service level the technician has who will be working in your home. There’s no problem with hiring an apprentice plumber or journeyman, but it does indicate a difference of expertise in complex projects and plumbing emergencies.
Evaluate Their Customer Service
While the quality of a tradesperson’s work is important, it’s not the only factor to consider. You’ll also want to work with a company that offers exceptional service and values your home and money.
Look for a plumber with a proven reputation for excellent customer service. They should be friendly, responsive, and professional. They should be clear about what’s happening, and clarify the proposed solutions and costs involved. Having a plumber that cares is helpful during stressful situations, like unexpected surprises during renovations.
With these simple considerations, you can find a reputable plumber to help with your next renovation project or plumbing emergency.
