How to choose the right plumber

Most people only call a plumber in an emergency. Maybe there’s a water leak or a pipe bursts and you need it fixed fast. 

But there are also times that you need a plumber when there’s less time pressure. Maybe you’re doing a remodel or you want to install a new bidet.

In these cases, you have more time to do some research to find the best plumber for your needs and not just the one that appears first in your Google search. And then you have also researched someone to call when you have time sensitive issues later on.

Choosing a plumber that meets your standards and expectations will save you a lot of headache in the long run and possibly even prevent serious plumbing mistakes. After all, plumbers range in their experience, specialty, professionalism, and price. 

That’s why we’ve put together a list of 9 things to consider when choosing a plumber:

1. Location 

The closer the plumber is to your address, the less expensive they will be. This is simply because they have less distance to travel to get to you. Plus, if you choose someone local, they’ll be more motivated to do a good job because they want to build a good local reputation.

2. Speciality

There are many different types of plumbers. You want to choose one that specializes in the issue you need addressed. 

For example, some plumbers do installations and replacements, while others do drain cleanings. Some do inspections and maintenance, while others focus on leak detection and repairs. Whatever you do, pick a plumber whose skill set matches your needs.

3. License

Get a licensed plumber. Most states require plumbers to have a license anyway. This ensures that they know what they’re doing and have the credentials to back it up. It’s not a bad idea to ask for a copy of their license just to be sure.

4. Insurance

Most of the time, licensed plumbers are required to carry insurance and bonding (but not always). This protects you and them in case anything goes wrong—a botched job or an injury, for example. 

When vetting a plumber, you should ask to see proof of their insurance. Review what it covers and keep a copy on hand. This way, you don’t take on any unnecessary risks when letting a plumber work on your house.

5. Experience

Not all plumbers are at the same skill level. Some are just starting out, while others have years of experience under their belt. 

The more experienced your plumber, the better job they’re likely to do. So ask how long they’ve been in the industry for. You might also ask whether they plan to use any subcontractors so you can know exactly who will be doing the work.

6. Reviews

Of course, your plumber should have good reviews. So check to see what past clients have said about them online. Or ask for references. A good plumber won’t have anything to hide so they’ll gladly share what their satisfied customers have said about them.

7. Availability 

If your plumbing project isn’t urgent, availability might not be an issue. But if it is, you want a plumber who’s available when you need them. Ideally, they’ll offer 24/7 service so they can respond in good time. That might mean you have to pay a premium for after-hour service requests, but it’s probably worth it in an emergency.

8. Pricing

Pricing is always a key factor. Establish your budget first and then stick to it as you shop around for the best deal. 

Your plumber’s pricing should be reasonable, and they should be able to give you a clear estimate before writing up a contract. Do they charge by the hour or is it a fixed project price? These are important questions to consider before signing under the dotted line.

9. Customer service

No matter how a plumber ranks on the points covered so far, it’s vital that they deliver good customer service. Nobody likes dealing with someone who is rude or hard to work with.

So pay attention to how a plumber treats you from day one and let that help you determine whether or not you want to give them your business. After all, if it’s a big project, you may be working with them over many weeks.

Final Tips

Well, if you made it this far, you’re well prepared to choose a good plumber. 

Just remember to do your due diligence and don’t be afraid to switch plumbers if you find you don’t like the one you initially chose. You should be 100% satisfied with your plumber and their work.

Once you find the right one, you can continue to use them for years to come. So the sooner you find the right match, the better.