When you’re hiring a plumber, either for your own family home or for a real estate renovation project, you obviously want to choose someone who does the job to a high standard without ripping you off. But if you’re not a plumbing expert, you might not know the features that differentiate a good plumber from a bad one.
That’s where you should find this guide helpful. We’ve outlined the seven things you should look for in a quality plumber, so you can spend your money wisely on someone who does the job properly and charges a fair price for the work completed.
Valid License
Before you even ask a plumber for a quote, your first step should be to check that they’re licensed in your state. Some plumbers, like Military Plumbing, will share this information on their website, while others may need to be contacted directly. Ask to see photo evidence where possible.
Proof of Insurance
Hand-in-hand with a valid license is insurance. A plumber should carry both liability and workers’ compensation insurance, which covers accidental damage to your home as well as medical costs if they get injured while working on your property.
Clear Pricing
You want to understand exactly what you’re paying for in advance, and that means choosing a plumber who offers clear pricing upfront. Whenever you’re asking for quotes, confirm with the plumber that these will cover all work required. The last thing you want is to be hit with an unexpected bill midway through the project.
Experience
We all have to start somewhere, and experience is something that’s gained over time. That said, you need to look for a plumber who, at the very least, has a year or two of experience working in the specific job you require. That way, you’ll have the reassurance of knowing that you’ve hired a competent expert who won’t make any beginner’s errors.
Great Reviews
Reviews tell you a whole lot more about the quality of a plumber’s work than their own website or promotional materials. While you should take reviews with a pinch of salt, they can be a great way to get an understanding of the service you can expect. Look elsewhere if you see a lot of poor reviews that mention things like mistakes and damage, work getting pushed back or taking longer than expected, or bad communication.
Guarantees on Work
If your plumber stands by the quality of their work, they should offer guarantees and warranties without hesitation. These will typically include a labor or workmanship warranty, typically for one year, that covers how the work was carried out, and a parts or materials warranty, usually between one and 10 years. Your plumber may also offer a no-leak warranty of one-to-two years for new pipe installations.
Good Communication
Even the most competent plumber might let you down if they communicate poorly. So, when you’re hiring a plumber, you want to make sure they’re communicating well from the get-go. If there are any red flags (like taking ages to return your calls, changing details on their quote, or pushing back work before it even begins), choose someone else.
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