Finding the right plumber is an important decision. The right plumber can help you save time, money, and a lot of hassle.
You want someone professional, reliable, and reasonably priced. You also want someone who will stand behind the work they do.
The following advice will help you locate the ideal plumber:
Get a list of references
Tap into your local community and ask for references. Go to your friends, family and neighbors for their personal referral.
A plumber who’s been around would be well known within the communities they operate in. They would have built up a reputation reflecting their work.
You can ask about what they liked and disliked about their experience with the plumber.
If you hear a negative experience or review, ask for more detail on the experience. Do this so you can determine if it was a one-off issue or if recurring problems would lead to problems down the line.
Be sure the plumber is certified, bonded, and insured
You should ensure that the plumber you hire is certified, bonded, and insured.
Specific trades need the appropriate certification in order for trades people to operate. Here in Ontario, these trades are called compulsory trades. Plumbing is among the trades in which licensing is compulsory here in Ontario.
You can check to see if the plumber you are hiring is registered with the Ontario College of Trades. You can do so by accessing and searching the public register.
Here, you can see if they have the needed certifications as regulated by the province.
Check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) listing for any unresolved complaints against them. If you discover your prospect has many ongoing disputes, consider another plumber.
Ask if they guarantee their work
How long is the guarantee for? A typical warranty lasts one year. This begins from when you hire them to do the work. But, some companies offer lifetime guarantees as a part of their service package.
How does this warranty work? Some plumbers will give you cash back if they cannot make good on your claim. This happens when something outside their control occurs (e.g., a storm knocks down power lines).
Others may provide refunds or discounts on future jobs. They’ll do so if they can’t fix something right away due to unforeseen events—such as an unexpected leak.
Is the plumber willing to stand behind the price quoted?
Always be sure to get project costs in writing during the quoting process. This way, you will know the price breakdown before you start any work.
But, if in the end you are not satisfied with the price quoted, ask why. If they are confident in their work, they should be able to provide a reasonable explanation.
For instance, the project may need extra materials or labor to complete. Cost of supplies to complete a job can vary as well.
If they’re able to explain why they’re charging more than you had expected, then there’s no reason to worry.
But, if they’re unwilling to stand by their quote—or worse yet, if they can’t explain why the price is higher than estimated—you should look elsewhere for a plumber.
Ask the plumber how long they have been in business
It’s important to ask how long the plumber has been in the industry. Their duration is an indicator of their experience and ability to handle complicated plumbing issues.
The longer a company has been around, the more likely it is that they are good at what they do.
If you’re looking for a local plumber, ask how long your potential plumber has lived in your area—and whether they know any reputable contractors in the area.
Check reviews
Besides word of mouth referrals, you can also check online for customer reviews from past clients. Check the website of each plumber you’re considering. You can also check Google for reviews on your local businesses.
It’s best if those reviews are from people who have used the same kind of plumbing problem as you do. For example, if you need a toilet replaced or water lines repaired, look for reviews of those jobs.
Would also be a good idea to check out how many positive reviews for the company are out there online.
For instance, if one company has only three stars on Yelp while another has four-and-a-half stars out of five possible stars on Google Reviews, it might be worth giving that second company another shot.
Conclusion
You’ve made it through the entire list! We hope these tips will help you find a great plumber. The most important thing to keep in mind is that as soon as you notice something isn’t working, get it fixed right away!
Leaving things unresolved can cause problems down the road. It will always end up costing more money than if you had just called a professional from the beginning.
Plumbing Repair With True Service Plumbing
If you’re currently experiencing a plumbing issue or require expert advice, call our professionals at True Service Plumbing.
We are available 24/7 to take your call and respond to emergencies as quickly as possible.
Our licensed plumbers will assess your home’s plumbing system and determine the root cause of your issue, and perform the services necessary to get your plumbing up and running again.
From burst pipes, leaky faucets, to drain rooting and more – True Service Plumbing has your back when it comes to all things plumbing.
