Most of the time, when homeowners are thinking about hiring a plumber, it’s because something is wrong or going wrong with their plumbing system.
This usually means that there is some kind of urgency to getting the plumber chosen and scheduled. But, regardless of how quickly you need a plumber to come to your home, you should always be thoughtful of who you invite.
That is what you are doing after all, you are inviting an expert into your home to complete a service that you and your family will count on for several tasks that you complete on a daily basis.
So, you want to make sure that the person you are hiring, meets some very specific and important guidelines.
Here are a few tips for how to hire a professional plumber that you can count on:
- Licensed. Make sure that the plumber that you are hiring is licensed. And, that their license is in good standing without any suspensions or major infractions.
- Insurance. Professional plumbers should always be insured. This protects you as well as the plumber in the cause of an injury or accident.
- Longevity. While it is not always the rule, it is a good idea to compare plumbers based on how long they have been in business. In the case of plumbers, reputation is a big part of keeping a healthy and thriving business. And, reputation is earned with time.
- Price. While it is near the bottom of the list, price is always a factor in hiring a plumber. Collectively, along with the other factors, it plays an important role in your hiring decision. You might be willing to pay a little more for a plumber who has been in business for several years and has a good reputation.
Once you narrow down your search, ask for references. A reputable plumber will be happy to forward you the contact information for people he or she have asked to be references. You might even start your search by asking friends and family for recommendations. A good referral can make a plumbing business, as many plumbers rely on word-of-mouth.