Your pipes have burst and your basement is flooding. Or maybe, your toilet is clogged and you have guests coming over. Who do you call that can fix the problem ASAP?
Naturally, you call a plumber. The question is, which one? There are almost 500,000 plumbing professionals in the US, and not all of them are as qualified as you might think.
Choosing the best plumber can seem difficult, especially when you’re caught up in an emergency situation. That’s why we’re here to help.
Read on for our quick guide for smart homeowners who need professional plumbing services.
Look for Licensing and Insurance
Check out the websites of plumbing professionals in your area and seek out their credentials. First and foremost, make sure the plumbers you consider are licensed. In many states, licensing is a legal requirement, but even where it isn’t, a licensed plumber has more credibility and can better guarantee good work.
Next, ask about insurance. Any contractor you hire should have liability insurance that protects both your property and the contractors from financial strain. When you hire uninsured plumbers, both the potential property damage and any injuries that may occur on your property become your liability.
Check Reviews
Once you’ve narrowed down your options to only those plumbers who are licensed and insured, it’s time to check reviews. Head to websites like Google Reviews and Yelp to see what previous clients have to say.
Were they able to tackle that hair clogged drain or those frozen pipes? Did they show up on time and charge a rate that was close to the provided estimate? Were they professional and respectful?
When you look at reviews, you save yourself from making the same mistakes as previous clients. Don’t hire a one-star plumber when a five-star plumber is around the corner.
Ask for Estimates and Satisfaction Guarantees
Now, it’s time to think about your budget. While you may not want to go with the cheapest option available, it’s important that you know that the plumber you hire is within your price range. Ask for an estimate to better prepare.
You can also ask about satisfaction guarantees. What happens if the plumber arrives but doesn’t fix the plumbing issues as promised? Will you still have to pay the same rate or pay more for additional services?
A satisfaction guarantee means that you’re paying for a real outcome, rather than unsuccessful labor.
Don’t Settle for Less Than the Best Plumber
You never know when a plumbing disaster is going to strike but now you know what you can do about it. With our guide, you don’t have to worry about hiring a plumber that isn’t equipped for the job. Never settle for less than the best, and that includes the best plumber.
Being a homeowner comes with a ton of responsibilities. Take a look at our home and garden content to find out how you can improve your property value, make affordable updates, and stay on top of regular maintenance.
