Hiring a plumber is not a decision to be taken lightly. After all, this person will be responsible for the upkeep of one of the essential systems in your home—the plumbing. There are roughly 124,997 plumber businesses in the United States in 2022. However, picking the best company can be daunting since many factors exist. When looking for a reliable plumber, several key factors must be considered before deciding on the contractor to hire for your home or business’s plumbing work.
This article outlines 7 factors you need to consider when hiring a plumber, including years of experience, training and certification, areas of expertise, availability, service cost, recommendations and reviews, licensing and insurance. Make sure you take the time to properly research your plumbing contractor to ensure you get the best service for your job.
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1. Years of Experience
You will want to ensure that you hire someone with the knowledge and experience to get your job done right. Of course, the more jobs they’ve completed, the better, especially if you’re looking for a plumber to do a more complicated task. When a plumbing job is done the right way, it will give you service for many years. However, it’s good to note that a plumber with lots of experience will change you more than one who has just started.
2. Training and Certification
Ensure that the plumber you hire has the necessary training and certifications. This will guarantee that they are properly trained and certified to work the plumbing you want. For instance, you can rest easy knowing that the installation or gas repair they do won’t result in any gas leaks that could put your home at risk of fire.
3. Areas of Expertise
When it comes to plumbing, you want to hire a knowledgeable and experienced professional in the specific area you need help with. There are many specialties within the plumbing field, so it’s essential to find someone with expertise in the specific area you need assistance with.
4. Availability
It’s also important to consider a plumber’s availability when you’re hiring. You’ll want to ensure they can come to your home or business when needed. Some plumbers may only be available during certain hours or days, so it’s important to check their availability before you hire them. Furthermore, if you need a plumber sooner, checking their availability helps you get one not engaged elsewhere.
5. Cost of the Service
Plumbing services can vary widely in price, so it’s essential to get a few estimates before you make a decision. Ask about any offers or promotions that might be available and any hidden fees that could be lurking in the fine print.
6. Recommendations and Reviews
The internet is an excellent resource for finding a qualified plumber in your area. Before hiring a plumber, ensure you do thorough research on their company. Ask friends and family for recommendations. You can also check online reviews to get a rough idea of the plumber’s quality of work.
7. Licensing and Insurance
Plumbers should be licensed and insured in case of any damages or accidents that may occur during the job. This is important because it prevents you from taking responsibility and liability if something went wrong. Ask to see the plumber’s license and insurance information before hiring them.
Conclusion
Hiring a good plumber is never a walk in the park. When looking for a plumber, you should always seek referrals from friends or family. If you cannot get a referral, you can go online and check reputable plumbing companies and see what they offer. Once you get a few plumbers, you should call each and ask about their experience, licensing, and insurance before settling on the one you like. Be sure to ask for quotes from each plumber to compare prices.
