Choosing a plumber is a risky business because unless youre operating on a referral
, you just dont know what youre going to get. Some companies have unethical business practices, while others simply dont know what theyre doing!
Here are some tips to help you make the right decision when selecting a plumber:
Look for one that charges by the job. Some homeowners are shocked to find out later that the plumber they hired charged by the hour. This results in much higher bills, especially if you happen to select an unethical plumber who seemed to take as long as he possibly could just to fix a minor leak. You can circumvent this problem completely by hiring one who works on a flat fee rather than hourly.
Ask for their license number so you can verify that they are actually licensed in your area. If theyre licensed, then there is a good chance that they play by the rules. In some cases, you may choose to tell them that you need their license number so that you can include it on your homeowners insurance claim.
Ask about their service warranty. Most reputable plumbers offer a warranty on their service. This may be for six months or a year. You should get the warranty in writing and make sure it is stated on the website.
Look For Online Reviews. Most established plumbing companies will have some reviews online. It is not uncommon to find a few negative and positive reviews, so don't place to much value on the negative. The most important thing is that they have reviews showing they have been around for awhile.
Look for Crimshield Certified plumbing companies. Some plumbers offer a protection program and Crimshield techs. Crimshield ensures that the plumbers coming into your home are "crime-free". You want to make sure that the person coming into your home is safe.
Choosing a plumbing expert doesnt have to be scary as long as you know what to watch out for. The good news is that if youve chosen wisely, youll know exactly who to call the next time you have an issue.