Tips for Hiring a Plumber

Hiring a plumber or a plumbing contractor can be a challenge, as there are some people who claim to be professional plumbers when simply not. Homeowners run into several problems when searching for plumbers. These problems include the large amount of plumbing contractors who are unlicensed and uninsured as well as plumbers who were not trained properly. Many of these unqualified plumbers seem skilled and competent and homeowners are misled into hiring them. For these homeowners, the end result is often a faulty plumbing job. Hiring a qualified plumber is extremely important as damage could result from a faulty plumbing job. Improperly installed pipes, in the worst case scenario, could lead to a serious and damaging flood in your home. Don’t hire any handyman who claims to be skilled in providing plumbing repairs. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Family and Friend Recommendations Your family and friends can be the best resource when searching for a plumber. If your friends or family were happy with a plumber, then chances are you will be, too. Spend time asking your friends and family questions about the plumbing contractor they used. Include questions about whether the job completed on time; and whether the plumber agreed to come back for any necessary work. References References are extremely important when hiring a plumber. It’s important to ask for references and to speak to the homeowners the plumber has worked for. A good plumbing contractor will be proud of his work and should be willing to provide you with this information. Online Resources There are several reliable Web sites on the Internet that provide information on dependable contractors in your area. These sites have reviews of contractors and usually list only licensed plumbers. Better Business Bureau (BBB) The Better Business Bureau is a good source for researching information about a specific plumbing company. You can also do a search for plumbers who are in good “A+” standing. You can search the BBB online or contact your local BBB branch office. If the plumber you are interested in had a complaint against him, find out the nature of the complaint and how it was resolved. Proper Credentials Almost every city and state requires plumbing contractors to have a license. Make sure your plumbing contractor is licensed, insured or bonded if required in your area. Plumbers should also have liability insurance and a workers' compensation certificate. Ask to see licenses and make sure they are valid. Contract and Warranty Be wary of a plumber who does not want to give you an estimate and or contract in writing. You should be provided with a detailed estimate, including the cost breakdown of supplies. A timeline should also be included. Additional Tips: •           Customer satisfaction – How important is customer satisfaction to you? A plumber who is pleasant to work with is a good sign that your contractor cares about what he is doing. •           Do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions. •           Conduct a search on the Internet of the name of the plumber and of the company. See if you find any questionable information. •           Never pay for the entire job up-front.