When you’re in need for a plumber, you want one you can trust. Someone who will solve the problem the first time, and someone who is trustworthy, professional, and friendly. So, how do you find a plumber you can trust? That’s what today’s blog is all about!
First, you should only look at licensed plumbers. Not every plumber has a license, because not every state requires licenses. In Arizona, plumbers do need to pass the Trade Exam and a Business Management Examination. So ensure that they are properly licensed before hiring them!
Choose an Insured and Bonded Plumber
If a plumber is not insured, walk away. A lot of things can go wrong during plumbing jobs, especially larger jobs. Insurance and bonds will protect both of you if the plumber gets hurt while working at your house. A surety bond protects you if the plumber does not fulfill their end of the agreement.
A bonded and insured plumber demonstrates their commitment to your home. We cannot overstate how vital insurance and bonding are for your plumber selection.
Ask for References
The internet makes it easy for anyone to learn about all kinds of service providers. You can read online reviews on Yelp, Facebook, Angie’s List, and many other websites. These sites can be a great place to start your research. But take these reviews with a grain of salt. Some people love to complain. Many customers are more likely to share their negative experiences instead of their praise.
When it comes to reference, ask for them right from the source! If a plumber doesn’t want to share them, then they may not be as trustworthy as they first appeared.
Most will give you written reviews from happy customers. Some might even provide you with contact information for past clients. Prepare a brief list of specific questions for those people before you call them. Here are a few suggestions:
What work did you have done?
Was the project completed on time?
How accurate was the initial estimate?
How well did the company communicate with you?
Would you hire this company again?
You can also ask around on social media. Chances are you friends in the area will have used a couple plumbers and will have some valuable information for you on their work ethic, professionalism, and timeliness.
Do They Communicate Well With You?
We all dread hearing the “a service rep will be at your house between the hours of 12 and 5pm.” But it’s a good sign to get that message. It means the company is making an effort to stick to a schedule, while giving you an estimated time period. But good communication extends beyond just that.
While this may seem like an unnecessary point at first, being able to communicate openly with your plumber is essential to getting what you need done right the first time. Make sure they are listening to you and responding appropriately. If you’re talking about a clogged sink and they ask about burst pipe, chances are, you’re not their sole focus right now.
But if you’re calling about a clogged sink and they ask about drain maintenance and cleaning, then you know you’re on the right track.
A good and trustworthy plumber will listen to your concerns and get to the problem in a timely and reliable manner. Build trust with your plumber to ensure that you always have someone to rely on – even when it means making an emergency call during absurd hours of the day.
Make Sure They’re Qualified For The Job
Not all plumbers can handle repiping a home at a moment’s notice, and not all are equipped to handle being the lead plumbing contractor for a new home build. While most plumbers can do emergency work, just be certain that you’re calling the right person for the job.
For non-emergency projects—a remodel or remedial work on your plumbing—you need a pro who understands residential-system design and knows the code in your area.
This tip ties into the referrals and reviews — if reviews say they left the place dirty, or didn’t put down protective sheets first, then pass on them right away. Those reviews are telling you that the plumber in question isn’t used to working in a finished environment, or they don’t care about your home once the job is done.
To do the job done right, your home should be in better shape when the plumber leaves, not worse. That means no vacuuming up dust, no holes in the wall, and nothing left unsealed.
Once you’re sure that your choice plumber has checked all of the boxes, give them a call! Or, we’ll make it a little easier: call us at the BC Team. We’re your neighborhood plumbers who offer premier service for all of your plumbing needs. Don’t believe us? Check us out online!