The last thing anyone wants to do when they are struggling with a plumbing problem or plumbing emergency is to go scouring the internet or directory for a trustworthy plumber. If you don’t know what to look for, you might end up selecting someone who doesn’t know what they are doing or who will shock you with the cost of service at the time of payment. To avoid any unwanted problems and make the whole process easier, you should know what to look for in a plumber so you can choose the right one for all your plumbing needs.
Here is what you should look for in a plumber:
1. First Impressions
Never underestimate the power of a first impression. As you start researching the local plumbers,(the team at The Irish Plumber in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, made a list of Plumbing and Drain services you should find at your local plumber : HERE) be on the lookout for phony promises and gimmicks, like discounts that are too good to be true or unpolished websites. Some promises are solely meant to get you hooked and then spring unfavorable surprises like hidden fees or terrible workmanship later on.
If you want to find a great plumber, look for a professional website with honest information, friendly customer service representatives, and testimonials. Try to find before and after photographs if those are available, too. You will be able to learn a lot about the service just by looking at how the company presents itself online, over the phone, and in pictures.
2. Qualifications
Always check to see if the plumbing group you want to use is indeed holding the necessary qualifications and credentials. Are they certified? Is their knowledge up to date? This information should be available on their website. If they don’t have a website, you should call and ask.
3. Experience & Know How
While everyone deserves to have a chance to get experience during their job, the last you want is an inexperienced plumber trying to tackle a problem they have never encountered before. You want the plumber to be both professional and knowledgeable about their trade. Choose a plumbing company that has been in service for at least 20 years and has had plenty of customers to be references.
4. Insurance
A legitimate plumber is going to be insured. You want to make sure that the plumber you are hiring is insured, because if something was to happen, you wouldn’t have to foot the bill to have the damages repaired yourself. If you can’t find out on the website whether the company is insured, give them a call.
5. 24-Hour Emergency Services
When you are choosing a plumber, make a special note of their availability. Should a pipe burst in your home over the weekend, or your boiler breaks on a holiday, who are you going to call? Knowing a plumber with 24-hour emergency service is going to give you peace of mind. After all, whenever there is a plumbing emergency, time is of the essence. You don’t want to have to wait 8 hours or longer for the earliest dispatch!
6. Online Reviews
There are plenty of places online to check out how the public views the plumber you are researching. Are the reviews more positive or negative? The more candid reviews and engagement you see, the more reliable the company will be. You can even ask the company for some references if you want to talk to people.
Now that you know what to look for, you shouldn’t have any problems finding a reliable and professional plumber. Check websites for accreditation and insurance, and don’t forget to read reviews!
