Being handy around the house is great – you can do many repairs all by yourself and thus save some money. But while DIY has its good sides, there are tasks and fixes that require professionals. In the case of your home’s plumbing systems, a good plumber can spare you a lot of trouble.
More on plumbing DIY do’s and don’ts read below:
When you need emergency plumbing services, finding a good, reliable plumber becomes tricky. There might be many contractors in your neighborhood, but are they all good solutions? You need someone licensed, insured, reputable, and experienced within their niche.
It might seem like a lot of requirements for plumbing work, but only certified professionals can get the job done well. The work of an unlicensed contractor will typically result in poor workmanship and safety risks, which will eventually cost you a lot of money and nerves. So be ready to dig in and research your options before hiring a plumber.
Look for Licensed Local Plumbers
When you face a plumbing emergency, you need someone to act fast. The solution is a local plumber who can come to your address fast. So start your research by checking local contractors. You can look at online directories for your area, which usually list nearby service providers.
Sites like Google Business, Yelp, and Angi can give business information with customer feedback ratings about any contractor within the selected area. Upon shortlisting, visit the websites or social media pages of selected plumbers.
Check whether they offer the services you need. It’s a good way to learn more about their expertise through shared certification and licensing details. Every reputable contractor should have their license numbers and accreditations visibly displayed. These show whether the business can be trusted.
You can also use this information to verify the plumbers’ credentials. Licensed contractors are usually listed on the websites of official licensing boards for your state. You can type in the business details or simply a plumber’s name to get more details on their licensing. This way, you can find out whether these contractors are legally qualified to do the plumbing job.
Check Insurance
As already said, all legit plumbers must have valid licenses and insurance status before hiring. The first requirement showcases their competence and expertise. It shows whether a contractor fulfills all training needs and legal standards to work within the plumbing trade with proper safety measures and effective outcomes.
In the case of insurance, it’s an absolute must for every licensed contractor. It’s kind of a safety net for customers in case of property damage or work injuries. The coverage comes from liability insurance and worker’s compensation, so you can have peace of mind. Unfortunately, that’s not the case when you work with unlicensed plumbers, so don’t take that risk.
Don’t hire contractors who refuse to show their license numbers or proof of insurance. Reputable service providers are always willing to disclose this information to potential customers and show that they provide safety and premium service.
Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Formal qualifications tell a lot about plumbers’ skills and expertise. But genuine reviews and comments from previous customers matter, too. These statements explain how reliable and professional a plumbing contractor is. So your next stop is unbiased review platforms.
Once again, sites like Yelp and Angi can be of great help. Comments from former customers reveal future expectations from your selected service provider. Those with repeatedly good comments and high ratings usually prove to be good choices. The key information to note in reviews is how well the contractor meets deadlines and provides quality work.
It’s also good to find out how they treat customers, that is, how they communicate and handle complaints. Also, are they transparent about their rates and price changes down the road? This information will help you choose a plumber wisely.
Pay attention to warning signs that include consistent complaints about high rates, shoddy work, and communication problems. You don’t need someone who doesn’t understand and appreciate customers, so move along to someone with an excellent reputation and happy customers.
Get Recommendations
Other great sources of information about local plumbers are your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. You can ask them to recommend a contractor they’ve worked with recently. Their honest feedback about their experiences can be a good guideline for your decision on hiring a specific plumber.
Don’t hesitate to ask about details, like, whether the plumbing contractor provided good work, respected timelines, and dealt with complaints well. Were there any costs out of the given quotes? The set of questions will help you decide whether a plumber would be a good choice for your needs.
Another place to look for recommendations is local hardware stores or even real estate agents. They’ve often worked with these contractors, so they can give you helpful tips to identify a reliable plumber who delivers high-quality service and great value to clients.
Contact Professional Plumbing Associations
For major projects like home renovations and upgrades, you should only consider licensed plumbing professionals. They’re usually members of trade associations which gather the best plumbers from the state. These organizations (for example, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)) and local plumbing boards keep records of authorized professionals who follow industry guidelines.
Trade association membership means that members must keep up with current niche standards and industry regulations. Plumbers who want to stay licensed and legit must improve their knowledge and skills all the time. They’re also obliged to follow best practices and work ethics at all times. See here which qualities good plumbing contractors must have.
Plumbers’ association membership gives you an extra assurance that you work with a professional who will deliver top-notch service and maintain strong business morale. If you’re not sure whether your chosen contractor is a member of any professional association, don’t mind asking. This detail can make or break your hiring decision.
Having the phone number of a reputable plumbing expert will prevent headaches when an emergency pops up. Finding a licensed contractor will bring you peace and ensure you get high-quality service while avoiding the risks of shoddy work. The extra effort now can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.