Hiring Residential Plumbers: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As you are aware, plumbing is not a task that can be undertaken by someone who is attempting to hone their skills. Approximately 75% of DIY plumbing jobs cause severe damage to the house’s plumbing and necessitate professional assistance. It’s best to contact your local plumbing professionals to resolve any plumbing issues you may be experiencing at home.

How then do you know if you’ve selected the right person? If you choose the wrong person, you could end up losing so much money and causing property damage.

Here are some of the most common errors when hiring residential plumbers and how to avoid them.

Prioritizing on Price Over Quality

Though the price is essential, it should not be the only factor determining the plumber you choose. You should focus on the value of the services you will receive and not the number of pennies you will save.

Most of the cheap plumbers out there may offer you a lower price, but they are likely to do low-quality work. However, qualified plumbing professionals will not charge low prices since they are confident about their work.

Thus, when you get the estimated from potential and before comparing plumber costs, consider;

Quality

If a plumber does a quality job, you will not need to repeat the same costly repair any time soon.

Guarantee

A plumbing contractor should provide a written contract that guarantees a quality job. Additionally, the contract should clearly state whether it includes labor, parts, or the overall task. Also, ask whether there is any other fees not included in the estimate.

Time-Frame

You need to know how long the job will take. A low-priced job is likely to cost you more as it may take a long time to complete.

Not Asking for License

Plumbing contractors must obtain a license before they begin providing plumbing services. However, licenses may be issued to individual plumbers or businesses in some states.

A license is only issued to qualified plumbers or a contractor company. Plumbers must pass a contractor exam after the license application is approved.

Thus, you can be at peace when hiring a plumber with a proper license. It is a clear indication they are educated and trained to do the job.

Though unlicensed plumbers may charge less, they are more likely to do shoddy jobs that will cost you more in the long run. Therefore, ask yourself whether it is worth risking hiring a company that is not licensed.

Ignoring the Insurance

Whenever you hire a plumber to do some repairs in your home, you must ensure they have insurance cover.

You will take the worry out of the equation when hiring a plumber with the necessary insurance covers. Accidents are bound to occur, someone might get some injuries when working on your plumbing system, or your property might get some damages.

To avoid such unforeseen risks, plumbers for homes should have;

Commercial General Liability Cover

This policy will cover any accident that might damage your property. When a plumber is working, the risk of water damage is always present. Additionally, a plumber might be injured when working with heated or sharp tools.

General liability insurance will cover these common risks that are always present.

Workers’ Compensation

This type of insurance covers medical bills and lost wages when a plumber is severely injured while working on your property. Avoid being liable for expensive damages by hiring a licensed plumber.

Not Reading Online Reviews

You may be tempted to go with a readily available plumber during emergencies.

But, you should resist such temptations and spend a few minutes reading online customer reviews. Plumbers who have done an excellent job will have plenty of positive reviews.

Happy clients will provide you with the confidence you need before hiring a plumber.

Not Asking About the Experience

You must consider the experience and qualifications of a plumber before hiring them.

Often, plumbers undergo a lengthy apprenticeship before they become professionals. Additionally, a plumber should have ten years of residential plumbing experience. This experience will give you the confidence that you need.

An experienced plumber can handle any plumbing problem since they have already overcome countless of those plumbing issues. You should not shy from asking a plumbing contractor about their experience. You probably need a plumber who can access a situation faster and determine the right actions.

Not Communicating Clearly

A plumber should be a good listener who will listen to clients attentively. This will make you confident that they have understood the problem.

Since there are several options for plumbers, you also need a plumber who will communicate effectively about the areas of services they offer. This will be your first step in finding a plumber who matches your needs.

Additionally, plumbers need to communicate the nature of the problem and recommend the right course of action.

Forgetting References and Referrals

You should not forget to ask family and friends about the plumber they use. Referrals are usually unbiased as they are based on the excellence of the job the contractor has done.

Additionally, references provided by a plumber may also offer you an honest opinion about the quality of their work. Thus, don’t forget to ask potential plumbing contractors for references to learn about their work and ethics.

Avoid Common Mistakes When Hiring Residential Plumbers

Do you want to find the right plumber? Then, you should focus on avoiding common mistakes when hiring residential plumbers.

Are you looking for plumbing services in Tacoma, Lakewood, South Seattle, and Aubum, WA?

At Service Plumbing Tacoma, we offer you same-day service. Our services include; toilet repairs and replacement, faucets and plumbing fixtures repair, water heater installation and repair, and kitchen and bathroom remodeling.

Contact us today to get a free quote.