How to Hire a Plumber for Your Home

Today, I’m sharing shopping tips on how to hire a plumber.  If you own a home, at some point you may need a plumber.  Leaking pipes, clogged toilets, backed up kitchen sinks are some of the problems that home owners encounter during their daily living.  You may even encounter problems with outside faucets.  So, you’re probably wondering how to hire a plumber to fix your problem.

Unfortunately, every industry has good and bad employees.  So, you want to choose someone who will do quality work at a decent price.  Furthermore, you want to hire someone who has a reputation for being timely, has great communication skills, and will fix your problem without creating a bigger mess.  Check out my tips on how to hire a plumber for your home.

How to Hire a Plumber:

Check Customer Reviews  

Most plumbers will have a rating generated by past customers.  Angie’s List is the perfect place to check out plumbers in your local area.  Read the reviews, and if possible ask questions.  Customers will share their experiences good and bad, and rate the plumber accordingly.  Furthermore, they will let you know why they hired the plumber too.  Hopefully, someone has experienced the same problem you’re currently having.

Make Sure they are Certified

You want to hire a plumber who has gone through the necessary training to became a master plumber.  Most plumbing programs take approximately two years to complete.  An apprentice ship could take an additional two to five years.  Master plumbers will have experience in residential plumbing as well as commercial and industrial piping.  They will most likely be more expensive than someone doing an apprenticeship, but their skill set will be higher.

License requirements will be different in each state.  So, check the requirements for your state before hiring a plumber.

Consider How Long They’ve Been Business

Most business will be happy to let customers know how long they’ve been in business and what their  specialties are.  For example,  residential plumbers will specialize in slow drains, clogged sinks, backed up toilets etc.  Plumbing contractors will specialize in wells, septic systems, and new home or business construction.  Either way inquire about their experience and their employee’s experience.

Make Sure They Are Insured

Most importantly, make sure the plumber or plumbing contractor you want to hire is licensed and insured.  You want any accidents to be cover by their insurance.  Accidents do happen, so it’s always best to prepared.

Furthermore, if you fill out a form on Angie’s List or the plumber’s website, a plumber will get back to you.  Be specific about your problem when you’re filling out your form.  Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions when you get the call back.  Once you get off the phone with the plumber, verify what you’ve been told by doing a little research.  Make an appointment to meet with the plumber and get a written quote.  If they can’t give you one the spot, have them email the quote to you.  Ask additional questions if need to while the plumber is there.  Most will be happy to give you a free quote.

Last, I recommend getting several quotes.  You want to make sure you’re getting the best work for the best price.  I hope my tips on how to hire a plumber has helped you feel more confident in hiring a plumber for your household or business plumbing issues.