Out of all the decisions you make on a daily basis, choosing a plumber might not seem like the most important. However, failing to choose the right person for the job comes with many consequences. With these tips, you can find the best plumbing services and know that your plumbing is in good hands.
Ask Around
Who do your friends and family members call when they have plumbing troubles? If you’re on the lookout for a reputable plumbing company, start out by asking the people in your circle for recommendations. Ask your friends, co-workers, and family members who they suggest for a plumber.
Once they give you a recommendation, ask for specific details. Why do they recommend the plumber? How many times have they used the company? Even though you’ll do your own research, you can learn a lot from your friends and family.
Request Credentials
If you ask your friends or family members for referrals, you might be eager to hire the person they recommend. But you shouldn’t be hasty with your decision. A friend may love working with a certain plumber, but it doesn’t mean they have the right credentials.
As soon as you have a few names for plumbers, research them. Are they certified to operate in your area? Typically, a licensed plumber will have their license number on their website or will offer it up when you ask them for it.
Credentials are essential. If you work with an unlicensed plumber, you have no guarantee that their work is up to local standards. Meanwhile, a licensed plumber must be aware of county codes and comply with them.
Ask About Insurance
In addition to checking for a plumber’s license, you should also look into their insurance. You could hire an uninsured handyman for a repair, and you may save some money up front. However, an on-site injury could leave you on the hook for damages. Likewise, they could make a mistake during the repair and leave you to foot the bill for the damage.
If you work with an insured company, you can take comfort in knowing their insurance covers any damage or losses. Furthermore, their up-to-date insurance policy shows the company’s professional nature. It’s never a good idea to hire an uninsured plumber because it will cost you in the end.
Find Out Their Rates
Before you buy a product, you probably ask about the price. And you should do the same with your plumbing service. If you don’t ask a plumbing company about their rates, you could end up with a bill you can’t afford. Rates tend to vary significantly, so it’s essential to ask for an estimate before you agree to hire a company.
Instead of asking for an hourly rate, request an estimate. Although it’s impossible for a company to deliver a 100% accurate estimate every time, they should be able to give you a price range for the job. Keep in mind that the only chance of a fair estimate is to have the plumber visit your home. If a company attempts to give you an estimate over the phone, you should doubt the number.
During the repair, there may be a few unexpected obstacles. If you pick a reputable company, they will explain any charges that surpass your quote. Just know that most companies charge extra for emergency service. Ask about the regular rate versus the emergency rate.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
To learn more about a company, read their online reviews and testimonials. It’s always useful to start with the company’s website and social media accounts. What do prior customers have to say about their experience? While a company won’t post negative reviews on their website, they might show up on social media. Facebook reviews can be informative, as can Yelp reviews.
If you read one bad review, don’t give up on the company. It’s rare to find a company with no negative reviews. When you read through the reviews, look for common threads. Does everyone rave about the customer service? Or does the company have numerous complaints about showing up late?
Find Out About Emergency Services
Even if you’re not in the midst of a plumbing emergency, you could be at any moment. You could hire a company that doesn’t offer emergency services, but where does that leave you when you have no hot water or a massive leak? If you want to be prepared for anything, you need to have a plumber who offers emergency service.
Most people aren’t sure what qualifies as a plumbing emergency. This is another reason to seek out a company that offers emergency services. If you’re not sure about the nature of your plumbing problem, you can call them and ask. You won’t need to wait a week to deal with a gas leak or repair water damage because a plumber couldn’t get to you in time.
Consider Their Communication
Although there are several qualities you should look for in a plumber, excellent communication is one of the most important. From the beginning of the job to the end, the company should remain in touch with you. They should respond quickly to your inquiries and communicate the problem to you.
To assess how a company handles communication, call them. Pay attention to how the receptionist answers the phone and how they treat you. If they can’t give you the time of day, then look elsewhere.
Call Us for the Best Plumbing Services
Are you looking for the best plumber in Stewartstown? The search for an experienced professional can be stressful, to say the least. After all, there’s a lot at risk. An underqualified plumber might not perform a repair properly or diagnose the real issue. If you hire the wrong company, they could overcharge you for a simple repair.
With so much at stake, you deserve the best plumbing services. You can stop looking and start getting your plumbing in working order. To learn more, call us at Reliability Home Services. Whether you have an emergency or a minor repair, you can rely on us.
