Some jobs are do-it-yourself by nature. Others require assistance. And while many homeowners often try and mix the two, taking on more chores than they have the knowledge or skills to complete, the results can be disastrous. Water and DIY don’t mix.
Yet for many homeowners, the thought of hiring a plumber can be almost as terrifying. Where do you find a “good” plumber? How do you know who to trust? And we agree; the decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. Plumbers are responsible for repairing some of the most important parts of your home. Who wants to lay awake at night worrying if your water heater is going to burst.
Disaster is not the point in time to attempt to find a good plumber. Instead, do your research early. Hire for little jobs. Ask for recommendations. And when you have a “good” plumber in your pocket, keep their number available for easy reference when the unthinkable happens.
Here’s what we recommend looking for.
Longevity and Skill – Ask the plumber how long he has been in business. Larger companies will have plumbers at various stages in their careers, but it’s still a good idea to ask. When someone has worked for a company for years, it’s a sign they’ve worked through a lot of different problems requiring a variety of skill sets.
Licensure – The state of Georgia requires plumbers to hold a license before they perform work on your house. Ensure both the business and the plumber who will be working on your home is fully licensed, and that no formal complaints have been filed against the plumber you are considering.
Insurance – Plumbers should be insured. Insurance will protect both you and the plumber in case accidents or injury occurs on the job.
Warranty – All plumbers should guarantee their work, including the parts they use in the process. Ask about the type of warranty they offer, including how long it will last and what is covered. If the plumber refuses to guarantee his work, or is vague about the details, move on.
References and Reviews – It’s easier than ever to find reviews about the plumber you are considering. Take the time to do a little research online. What do people have to say? You can also dive into their websites to find out what organizations they belong to and follow the links to ensure they are members in good standing.
Pricing – While we know “how much” is important to you when you call, never use that as your only deciding factor. Instead, look at how the plumber prices out the project. Is everything detailed out? Does it make sense? If you received multiple estimates, does it stand out for being “too low?” Too low can be an indication that they cut corners or plan to use inferior parts.
Do you have the right plumber to call the next time an emergency hits in your home?