Based on figures from the 2023 Census Bureau data, there are approximately 2,270 plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in Chicago. If you are looking for a reliable plumber to fix the plumbing in your home or business premises, this is a huge number to sift through.
That would not be a problem if every plumber in Chicago were trustworthy. But that is not the case. While there are hundreds of good plumbers in the city and even some outstanding ones, there are also many rogue plumbers who will not hesitate to scam you.
The cost of hiring these dishonest plumbers goes beyond the financial losses you will suffer. As C&C Property Management warns, an inept plumber will impair the efficiency of your plumbing and also shorten its lifespan. In short, when you work with the wrong plumber, you will pay more to get less service.
That is why you want to have a system for ensuring the plumber you hire for your Chicago home or business is capable. With so many plumbers in the city, how do you do that? This post will explain the common mistakes to avoid when hiring a Chicago plumber.
Hiring an unlicensed plumber
There is a reason why unlicensed plumbers are usually cheaper. They take shortcuts when fixing your plumbing, they may not use the right parts, and most important of all, because they have very little to lose, they have no incentive to do the right thing. Conversely, a licensed plumber knows they could lose their license if they violate the standards of their trade.
A good plumber will not hesitate to share the contacts of past or current customers. But a bad plumber may also not have problems providing references.
Overlooking a plumber’s lack of experience
Experience matters not just because an experienced plumber will do a better job. It is also because a brand-new plumbing company might be a fly-by-night operation. Another reason is if a plumber has been practicing in a locality for a long time, it is probably because they are capable. It is hard for a bad plumber to remain in the same location for long.
Not following up on references
A good plumber will not hesitate to share the contacts of past or current customers. But a bad plumber may also not have problems providing references. That is because he knows most people will not contact the people on the list. When looking to hire a plumber, not only should you ask for references, you should check with those contacts.
Failing to ask if they are insured
The right plumber will not only have insurance, but they will have the right kinds of insurance. At the very least, you expect a plumber to have workers’ compensations, property damage and liability insurance. It is a huge bonus if they are bonded. But don’t simply accept a plumber’s words. Reach out to the insurer to verify that the plumber is insured by them.
Accepting a quote over the phone
No reputable plumber will try to give you a quote over the phone. Companies that provide estimates over the phone are more likely to overcharge or use dishonest means to get customers to pay more. They may do a shoddy job to ensure they can make a profit. If a plumber does not offer free on-site estimates, do not hire them.
Choosing the cheapest plumber
By comparing quotes from different plumbers, you will get a fair idea of how much it should cost to fix any plumbing issue. When comparing estimates, you want to avoid the two extremes. Just because a plumber is expensive doesn’t mean they will do a great job. On the other hand, a plumber who is very cheap will almost always do a terrible job. Shoot for a midpoint between costly and cheap.
It is always a good idea to have a firm written contract for all major plumbing jobs or when fixing issues with a significant risk.
Not getting everything in writing
A contract that is not in writing is not binding since there is no proof. You may not need a written contract for minor plumbing jobs, especially if there is a longstanding relationship between you and the plumber. It is always a good idea to have a firm written contract for all major plumbing jobs or when fixing issues with a significant risk.
Waiting until emergencies to find a plumber
The final mistake is to wait until you have a plumbing emergency before you start to look for a plumber. Negotiations-wise, you are at a disadvantage when under pressure to fix an ongoing emergency. You are likely to take the first plumber you find without asking too many questions. Avoid this situation by finding yourself a legit emergency plumber before you have a plumbing emergency.
To conclude, you will certainly find the best plumber for your Chicago home or business if you avoid these eight mistakes.
But if these steps seem like a lot of work or you have a plumbing issue that you need to fix right away, save yourself the trouble by contacting us below!
