Appliances

Your Checklist for Hiring a Plumber

repair-checklistWhen you own a home, you never know what types of plumbing problems you'll run into. Sometimes it'll be an easy fix, like a leaky faucet. Other times, you'll need to hire a professional to do the job right. If you don't know the first thing about plumbing, it makes it hard to choose the right plumber. Rather than going in blindly, follow these tips to make sure you hire the best plumber for the job.

Get a Referral

Picking a random plumber out of the phonebook is the worst way to go about hiring someone. Instead, ask trusted family members and friends for recommendations. Make sure the recommendation is based on past experience, not just a personal connection. While someone's friend might be a good person, they aren't necessarily a good plumber. When you get a recommendation, find out what type of work your friend had done and how satisfied they were with it. Ask if they encountered any problems, and if they'd use the same plumber again.

Check Online Reviews

Review sites like Angie's List and Yelp can give you more insight into any potential plumber. Do a little research, and see if you can find any online reviews. Take online reviews with a grain of salt, however, because they aren't always real. If a plumber has a high number of reviews that are overwhelmingly positive, it's a good sign. Also check with the Better Business Bureau to see a plumber's rating and if there have been any complaints filed against them.

See Proof of Licenses and Insurance

Check with your local municipality to find out what types of licenses and special certifications plumbers are required to have in order to practice in your area. Then, ask any potential plumber to show you proof of their licenses and double check them with the state board. Also get proof of insurance. Check with the insurance company to make sure their policy is current. Never hire a plumber who doesn't have valid insurance.

Get a Guarantee

You've heard horror stories of people who've paid a lot of money for work on their house, only to have it all go wrong minutes after the workers leave. Before you hire a plumber, find out what guarantees they offer for their work. If something goes wrong, will they fix it again? How long does the guarantee last, and what are the conditions of it? It's not a good idea to hire a plumber who doesn't offer any type of guarantee for their work.

Go Over the Plan

Before you hire a plumber, go over the plan for work in detail with them. Make sure you get the right "vibe" before you hire someone. For example, Ritz Plumbing, located in Torrance wants to get your business, but stay to your plan. You don't want to be swayed by a smooth-talker, so listen closely to the details of the plan. How long will it take? What will the materials costs be? What are the options for fixing the problem? You want a plumber who will give you a good understanding of the problem and how they're going to fix it.

Before you sign any contract, make sure all your questions are answered. If a plumber is evasive with your question, can't provide any references, or doesn't return your calls in a timely manner, move onto the next candidate.

If you have any questions, please ask below!