Plumbing: Choosing the Right Plumber

If you are in the position of choosing a plumber for the first time, you likely wonder where to begin. When you need a large plumbing task completed, you need to know that the individual you choose is professional who will do the job well and charge a fair price. Since your home’s plumbing systems are crucial to your family’s health, well being, and comfort, choose carefully to ensure that the job is completed to your full satisfaction.

The first step in choosing one is asking friends or family about their experience with plumbing services in your area. You can also use local review sites to read third-party reviews of various companies. Use this information to create a short list of potential candidates.

Once you have a short list of potential plumbers, call a few of them. When you call, make note of the level of professionalism of the person who answers. If you cannot get a real person on the other end of the phone, find a different person. You need to talk directly to someone who can answer your questions.

Talk about pricing right away when you begin contact with the plumber. You need to know the cost of the plumbing job before he comes to your home. Unless your issue is unique or requires special care, the plumber should enough of an idea about what to expect to give you a price quote. If he starts working before providing a price quote, claiming that he charges by “time and materials,” he may let the job run a little longer than it should to pad his bill.

Plumbing is one area where a license is important. Ask him for his license number. A professional plumber will have this information ready, and will understand your reason for asking.

Look for a reliable person in your search. There is a lot of demand for this type of work. Therefore, when you find an excellent one you will also find that he has a tight schedule. Ask if it is possible to get an appointment window, to save yourself and the wasted time. If you choose to work with a plumbing company, ask if they can call before sending out the truck, so you can make the necessary arrangements for someone to be at your home to meet them.

Finally, evaluate his appearance. If he arrives with a shoddy appearance, without a uniform, and with poor grooming, you have a right to wonder what type of care he is going to take with your home. A professional will care enough to dress in uniform and take notice of his personal appearance.

Remember, when you open the door to let a plumber into your home, you need to feel comfortable and confident in the services you will receive. Shopping carefully for the right plumber and evaluating his interaction with you in your home will ensure that the process is stress-free for all involved, and also provide you with a go-to source when you need someone in the future.