Approximately 7 in 10 US homeowners aren’t successful in fixing plumbing issues alone, and 50% call a plumber first for problems like leaky pipes. Good plumbing is essential to a healthy home environment, so professional plumbing services are trending for 2023, and this is expected to continue.
For this reason, you need to know how to find the best plumber services in your area. Although it can initially seem overwhelming, you just have to know where to focus.
Keep reading this guide to learn how to choose the best local plumber services!
Check Reviews and References
The first thing you need to do is start researching companies by checking reviews and references.
Google reviews are the best place to begin since it gives you a good idea of how current and former customers feel about the company you’re considering. Pay close attention to both positive and negative reviews and what the company does to solve problems.
Next, check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for complaints, ratings, and reviews.
Finally, visit the website of each company you’re considering. Look for customer testimonials and an overview of the services they offer.
Remember to check social media to see how active they are. A company that takes the time to share knowledge online is a company you want to look twice at.
Ask for Referrals
Getting referrals can make finding quality plumbing services much more manageable. The right referral often leads you to a plumbing company you can use long-term.
You can start by asking friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues for plumbing recommendations. Also, check what companies they’ve had negative experiences with so you know who to avoid.
Don’t forget to utilize professional referrals. If you already have an electrician or A/C technician, ask them about who they would recommend. Most of the time, these professionals have worked with a plumber in the past and know what companies are reliable.
Check for Experience
Whether you need a frozen pipe repair or a pipe patch, overall experience matters. It’s best to find a plumbing company that’s been in business for a long time and is familiar with your community.
Going with an established company reduces the risk of unfinished work, leaving you in a challenging situation.
Experienced companies know how to deal with plumbing issues in the home and will ensure it gets fixed quickly. They’re also more likely to use their own plumbing staff. To be sure of this, don’t forget to ask the company if they use subcontractors for their jobs.
If they do, get a good idea of how much experience these subcontractors have.
Check for Licenses and Insurance
Next, you must ensure the company you choose has the proper licensing and insurance.
Almost every state in the US regulates plumbing professionals and has licensure requirements. Plumbers have to go through various training stages, typically including apprenticeships. These apprenticeships pay plumbers to learn how to fix a broken pipe and other issues like:
- A leak under your house
- Repairing a pipe seal
- Piping repair and installation
- Maintaining fixtures and other plumbing equipment
- Fixing clogs and waste disposal issues
Since licensing boards differ depending on your state, you’ll need to search for state contractors’ board or plumbers’ examing board. Some states have this under the Department of Labor. You’ll be able to find licensure requirements and check the license of the plumber you want to hire.
Finally, all plumbing contractors need proper liability insurance. For example, commercial general liability insurance protects companies from property damage and bodily injury.
You should also check for workers’ compensation insurance. Most states require businesses to carry this type of insurance, and it’s a sign you’re dealing with a reputable company.
Don’t be afraid to ask for specific information if you don’t see it on the company website.
Ask About Plumbing Services
Ideally, you’ll want a plumber that offers various plumbing services, especially emergency ones. Finding a plumber with residential and commercial services is best if you own a business.
Also, it’s wise to look at your home and business to get a good idea of the type of plumbing services you could need in the future.
First, some plumbers have expertise in certain areas, like gas plumbing. Gas plumbing involves installing and repairing gas pipes as well as detecting leaks.
You might need a gas plumber for problems with your gas stove, furnace, or other heating unit.
The most common services to look for include drainage services to fix issues like clogged drains. This service is also helpful if you have difficulties with recurring clogs, slow-moving water, or flooding problems. You can use these services for kitchen, bathroom, or basement plumbing systems.
Finally, if you have an older home with cast iron pipes, you’ll want to work with a company like Advanced Plumbing Technology. These types of companies specialize in fixing and repairing cast iron pipes.
Compare and Understand Costs
Understanding and comparing costs is an essential part of finding a plumber. It’s best to get at least three written price quotes if you have specific work that needs to be done. This lets you get a good overall picture of the average price you’ll have to pay.
On average, you can expect to pay a minimum of $100 per hour plus other fees like a service fee. However, these rates can vary from $425 to $500 an hour, depending on the experience level of the plumber and the repairs you need.
For big jobs like burst pipes or a water leak, you can expect to pay over $1,000. Various factors can affect your overall plumbing cost, which includes:
- Where you live
- Cost of materials and supplies
- Labor and permit fees
- Expertise
- The complexity of the repairs
In addition, emergencies will typically cost more, especially if it’s outside regular business hours. You also have to consider the costs of diagnostics and inspections.
Some companies offer free inspections, so be sure to get this information when getting a price quote.
Also, large jobs requiring the plumber to replace fixtures will require the removal of old fixtures and materials. You’ll pay higher fees if there is a hazardous waste to remove.
Overall, be sure to get all the pricing details and any extras included in your price quote.
Finding the Best Plumber Services for Your Needs
Now you know how to find the best plumber services for your needs; you can take the next steps.
Don’t be afraid to talk to multiple professionals in your area and ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. Before you know it, your plumbing issues will be a thing of the past.
To learn more useful tips and tricks, be sure to check out the rest of our blog today!
