How to Find the Right Plumbing Company
Whether one of the faucets in your home is leaking or you’re considering renovating your bathroom, hiring a plumbing company allows you to complete this project in a timely manner. However, not every plumbing company provides the same level and quality of service. If there are a large number of different plumbing companies in your vicinity, you’ll likely need to perform some research to determine which one is right for you and your home.
Get Recommendations and Read Reviews
First, you should focus on obtaining recommendations from friends and family. You should also read online reviews to gain a better understanding of the plumbing companies you’re thinking of hiring. If a friend or family member has worked with a plumber in the past who has delivered great service, their recommendation can mean more to you than an online review from someone you don’t know.
Keep in mind, however, that personal recommendations aren’t the only pieces of information you should have before you select a plumbing company. Always verify the company’s qualifications ahead of the project. You can do so by looking through online directories to read reviews about plumbing contractors and companies. Even though it’s normal for every plumbing company to have a few negative reviews if they’ve been in business for an extended period of time, you should avoid companies that have a large number of negative reviews.
Check for Licenses and Credentials
Another step you should take when researching plumbing companies is to make sure that they have been certified, insured, and licensed in the state they operate out of. The company should have up-to-date credentials while also carrying full insurance that protects you in the event of an accident or issue. If an uninsured plumber is hurt while performing a project at your home, they could charge you.
Keep in mind that not every plumbing company that shows up in a Google search has the same credentials. Some states require plumbers to have a state license before they can provide plumbing services, which is something that you should be on the lookout for.
If a plumber doesn’t have a license and their work ends up not passing inspection, you won’t have any protection against what happens next. It’s possible to check references for plumbing companies online. In the event that someone you know has hired the company in the past, you can use this information to determine if the company’s credentials are legitimate.
Look Out for Potential Red Flags
There are numerous red flags that you should be on the lookout for when you’re trying to choose the right plumbing company. Some plumbers operate without having a license or advertising their services in an attempt to take your money without providing you with the work you hired them for. Some of the potential red flags that you should look for include:
- No proof of credentials or licensure
- No receipt or invoice available for the work
- Lack of references
- No written quote
- Asking for a sizable upfront payment
Trustworthy plumbing companies are willing to provide potential customers with a detailed and comprehensive explanation of all the work that needs to be done. These professionals will also have their credentials and references ready when you request them. In the event that a plumbing company rushes you to make a decision or is vague about some of the questions you ask, they might not be reputable.
Ask About Their Costs
Before you make a final decision, you should ask what the costs are for hiring the plumbing company in question. This company should provide you with an accurate cost estimate for the services they offer before you hire them. Certain companies are able to deliver more competitive prices without needing to lower the standard of their services.
If you request a cost estimate, you should also determine what aspects are affecting the expenses you’re set to pay. You should fully understand what you’re paying for. If a plumbing company you’re thinking about hiring is unable to answer a question about their rates or fees, you shouldn’t hire them.
Make sure that you never select a plumbing company that requires you to pay for everything before the job has started. In many cases, plumbing companies that request upfront payments are trying to scam you.
Compare Rates
After you request estimates from companies you’re considering hiring, you should compare rates to determine which one you should hire. Many people assume that the plumbing company with the lowest rates is the best. However, this isn’t always true. Some of the plumbing companies that charge very low rates are scams that will likely attempt to take your money before the project begins.
The strength of a plumbing company’s name also doesn’t mean as much as it does in other industries. If you’ve heard of a plumbing company’s name numerous times throughout the years, this doesn’t indicate that the company is reputable, which is why more research is often needed to find the best plumbers.
The same is true when comparing rates between companies you’re thinking of hiring. For one, travel time can factor into a cost estimate. If a more reputable company needs to drive a longer distance to reach your home than a less reputable company, their rates could automatically be higher, which is why it’s highly recommended that you don’t immediately go with the company that offers the lowest rates.
If you’re on a strict budget, compare your cost estimates with your research about the credibility and reputation of different plumbing companies. These comparisons should help you find a great plumber at relatively affordable costs.
General Tips to Consider
Before you go forward with hiring a plumber, there are some general tips to consider. Even though not every state requires plumbers to have licenses, most of them do, which is why you should only consider licensed plumbers. As mentioned previously, only plumbers who are able to provide you with proof of insurance should be considered.
If you want to hire an experienced plumber who knows what they’re doing, ask them how long they’ve been working in the industry. Companies or individual plumbers with more experience are usually able to provide higher-quality services. Make sure that you ask about guarantees that the plumbing company is able to provide.
Questions You Should Think About Asking
There are several questions that you should ask before you hire a plumber. Be sure to ask if they charge a flat rate or hourly fee. Are all potential costs listed in their estimate? Are they insured and licensed? What will happen if they damage your home? Who is expected to perform the work? You also want to inquire about satisfaction guarantees and labor and parts warranties.
Reach Out to Our Professionals Today
At BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair, we offer a wide variety of plumbing services, including everything from pipe and drain repair to rooter services and water heater repair. If you’ve had difficulties finding the right plumber in the Las Vegas area, our professional and licensed plumbers have the expertise required to meet your expectations. We can also provide standard drain cleaning services to keep drain clogs at bay. In addition to plumbing work, we provide a full range of HVAC and indoor air quality services, including duct installation and sealing. Call BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair today to schedule an appointment or request a quote!
