How to Choose the Best Plumber for Your Home Repair Work

Plumbing issues can turn into emergencies very quickly. During an emergency isn’t a great time to be deciding on a plumber, so it’s a good idea to select one ahead of time. That way, you know that you have a trustworthy plumber on call who can come in for regular maintenance as well as any plumbing emergencies that may arise.

But how do you know that a plumber is the right one for you?

Step 1

Look for a Local Plumber

A plumber who lives and works locally can often be the best option. They may be able to respond more quickly if you have a plumbing emergency because they’re already close by. Someone who operates farther away may not be able to get to you as promptly.

Step 2

Read the Plumber’s Reviews

Before you call a plumber in for any reason, whether it’s an emergency or not, it’s a good idea to check online for reviews. Online reviews can show you other clients’ experiences with that plumber, both good and bad. If a plumber isn’t willing to show their reviews or isn’t willing to provide references when asked, that could be a bad sign.

Step 3

Check the Plumber’s Credentials

No matter where you live in the US, plumbers are required to be licensed. You can check online before you hire someone to make sure that they have the proper credentials for working in your state. Often, you can find this information either with your local government or with your state’s Department of Labor.

Step 4

Confirm the Plumber’s Insurance

Before you hire a plumber, it’s a good idea to check that they have insurance. If they don’t, then you’ll be on the hook for the costs of any problems that may arise. Ask the plumber for proof of insurance. If you haven’t yet checked the plumber’s credentials, you can actually ask the insurance company to verify the plumber’s license.

Step 5

Ask the Plumber If the Company Conducts Background Checks

If the plumbing company has more than one employee, ask if they conduct background checks. Because the plumber does have to come into your home to work, it’s important for you to feel comfortable with anyone that the company sends out.

Step 6

Verify the Plumber’s Professionalism

If you’re having difficulty getting in touch with the plumber, then that’s not a good sign. The plumber you choose should respond to you promptly and communicate clearly with you. You should be able to tell that the plumber is organized and good at managing their schedule. Ideally, the plumber you select will be the plumber you call for any of your plumbing needs going forward and you should feel comfortable that they will respond to you in a timely fashion and communicate clearly with you.

Step 7

Examine the Plumber’s Costs

Before you decide whether to hire a certain plumber, it’s a good idea to check how much the work will cost. You may want to shop around so you can get a better idea of how much is a good rate for the work you need to be done. If a plumber asks you to pay the full price up-front, that’s a sign of a possible scam. The plumber you hire should be able to answer any questions you have about their rates and how their charges are calculated.

Step 8

Pay Attention to the Plumber’s Timeliness

If the plumber shows up late, or can’t complete repairs promptly, that’s a sign that you may want to keep looking. Plumbing emergencies with other clients can come up that might force your plumber to reschedule your repairs if they’re not as urgent. But if this happens, the plumber should clearly and quickly communicate this with you so that your appointment can be rescheduled at a time that works for both of you.

Step 9

See How the Plumber Responds in an Emergency

During an emergency is when you most need your plumber to be timely and professional. If a plumbing emergency occurs and you can’t get a hold of your plumber or they can’t fit you in quickly, then you should look for a plumber that can. Emergencies don’t confine themselves to weekdays during office hours, so if your plumber doesn’t have someone who can respond on the weekends or in the evening, you should look for a different one.