There are a lot of things that can go wrong with the plumbing in your home or office. Most of these are problems you don’t even know exist, speak less of how to prevent or fix them. But choosing the right professional plumber can ensure the longevity and efficiency of your plumbing.
As Crossroads Property Management says, a good plumber helps your plumbing work efficiently, improves your quality of life and saves you a lot of money. That is because issues in your plumbing can directly impact your comfort and the sanitation of your surroundings; they affect your health and well-being.
Plumbing problems can also result in massive damage to your building. Undetected or poorly-resolved plumbing issues will damage walls, ceilings and flooring. If those issues are allowed to go on long enough, they can weaken the building’s foundation and eventually hurt the property’s value.
The way to prevent these problems is to ensure that the plumber responsible for maintaining the function of your plumbing systems is top-notch. But with so many plumbers, how can you know that the plumber you intend to hire is the best for your building?
This post will help you answer that question.
Factors to consider when choosing a professional plumber
Company location
The first thing to check is whether this is a local plumbing company or a national chain. National chains have all the right experts and up-to-date equipment, but they often lack the personal touch that comes with a local plumber. Managing a building’s plumbing requires the plumber to develop an intimate knowledge of the system. That only happens if the same plumber is handling the plumbing for a long time. It is usually not possible with a national chain. Moreover, local plumbers are quicker to respond to emergencies, and they are more flexible.
A reputable plumber should have no problems showing you their credentials. The right plumber should be adequately licensed to practice in your locality.
Licensing and insurance
A reputable plumber should have no problems showing you their credentials. The right plumber should be adequately licensed to practice in your locality. In addition to having the proper professional training and certifications, their affiliations also matter. It is best if they are a recognized member of the local chapter of their professional body. Having strategic partnerships with key suppliers and organizations in the building industry is a plus. You should expect the plumber to have adequate insurance and to be able to provide proof of this. They must have workers’ compensation, liability and property insurance. A plumber who is bonded is a big plus.
Reputation: reviews, references and referrals
One reason to hire a local plumber is because you can easily verify their information. Ask the plumber for a list of old and existing customers to serve as references. These people should live in your locality and must be genuine customers. You also want to see what the online community thinks of the plumber’s services. Look out for negative customer reviews and how the plumber handles them.
Experience
The plumber’s experience counts more than their licenses and certifications. Experience matters because it takes time to understand the plumbing issues common to buildings in a specific locality. It is easier to verify the credentials and reputation of a plumber if they have been operating within the same locality for a long time. A new outfit should not be trusted unless this is an established plumber who has just started their own company.
Type of plumbing services offered
Only hire a plumber if they have expertise in plumbing systems similar to yours. If you are trying to solve problems in a residential plumbing system, do not hire a commercial plumber, and vice versa. What are the common issues that happen in your plumbing? If you need drain cleaning services, sewer line replacement, water heater repair, or leak detection services, ensure they have expertise in that area.
Emergency services
Can you call the plumber if you have a burst pipe in the middle of the night? What plumbing emergencies will they not handle? The plumber should have expertise across the entire spectrum of plumbing emergencies. If they do offer emergency plumbing services, what is their average response time? Your preferred plumber should have clear answers about availability and average response times. There should be phone numbers where you can contact them quickly.
Cost and payment options
How do they charge for their services? How do their fees compare to those of other plumbers? What are their payment terms and the payment options available to you? Will you get a detailed written estimate binding on them before they commence a job? Will they accept credit card payments, or do they require cash payments? Avoid plumbers who want you to pay upfront or in cash.
Finally, when looking to hire a professional plumber, you want to talk to at least three plumbing companies. Evaluate all three companies using the criteria listed above and choose the one that best meets your needs.