When it comes to plumbing, you should never take any chances. It's a complex and often dangerous system that if not handled properly, can lead to disastrous consequences. That's why it's important to know what to look for when choosing a plumber.
Here are six things you should pay attention to.
Experience
Make sure the plumber you're considering has experience dealing with the type of issue you're facing. There's a big difference between someone who knows how to fix a leaky faucet and someone who knows how to replace a faulty water heater.
Plumbing is a complex trade requiring both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Look at the reviews and feedback from the previous clients to get a sense of the plumber's workmanship and whether they were satisfied with the job.
Location
The location of the plumber is also important. If you're dealing with a plumbing emergency, you want someone who can get to your home or business quickly. For example, if you are based in London, go for this London plumber that has a track record of dealing with such. Otherwise, you may be looking at serious damage. Make sure to check out the reviews before you make your final decision and if they offer the service you need.
Insurance
Whether or not the plumber is insured protects you in case something goes wrong during the job and the plumber is injured. It also covers damage to your property that may occur as a result of the work being done. For instance, imagine the plumber accidentally breaks a pipe while working on your water heater. If they're properly insured, their insurance will cover the cost of repairs.
On the other hand, even if they don't have insurance, a good plumbing contractor will stand behind their work with a warranty. For example, if a pipe that was replaced starts leaking a few weeks later, the plumber will come back and fix it at no cost to you.
Certifications And Licenses
All plumbers must be licensed by the state in which they work. In addition, many states require plumbers to be certified by trade organizations such as the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) or the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).
These certifications and licenses show that the plumber has the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job correctly.
Customer Service
Pay attention to the way the plumber treats you during the estimate process. Are they professional and courteous? Do they take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns? This is a good indication of how they will treat you once they're on the job.
Pay attention to the recommendations and guidance from the plumber and if you're not comfortable with them, look for someone else.
Pricing
The old saying goes "you get what you pay for" which is true when it comes to plumbing. If a plumber's estimate seems too good to be true, it probably is. In addition, be wary of plumbers who charge by the hour as they may take longer to do the job to increase their billable hours.
Get at least three estimates from different plumbers before you make your final decision. This will give you a good idea of what the average cost is for the job.
These are six important factors to pay attention to when choosing a plumber. By taking the time to do your research, you can be sure you're hiring a qualified professional who will get the job done right.