Ways to Find a Good Plumber

Almost all of us will find ourselves in need of a plumber at some point in our lives. It could be a major catastrophe involving major water damage and a major expense, or just be a minor, relatively inexpensive issue like fixing a dripping faucet. Finding a plumber that you can trust to do the job well for a fair price is very important for your peace of mind, as well as your bank balance.

Having managed properties both domestically and commercially, I’ve learned some valuable lessons over the years about maximizing the chances of finding a plumber who will be skilled, reliable, professional, and fairly priced. Below is a list of the nine main approaches that you need to consider and employ.

9 Tips for Finding a Good Plumber in Your Area

1. Don’t Leave Problems Until the Last Minute
2. Word of mouth.
3. Research Online
4. Ask Your Local Hardware Store.
5. Ask a Professional That You Trust.
6. Make Sure They are Licensed and Insured.
7. Get Multiple Quotes and Compare.
8. Length of Time in Business.
9. Ask for a Warranty.

I will examine each of the above tips in more detail below.

1. Don’t Leave Problems Until Last the Minute

Tackling a problem before it develops into a full-blown emergency is always advisable. If you are in a panic, the temptation is to call the first plumber that you find and just wish for the best. Calling any plumber during out-of-office hours is also more expensive. Allow yourself time to do some research. In fact, it’s a good idea to make a list of all the professional help that you might need (roofer, A/C repair, etc.) and have contact details for each.

2. Word of Mouth

Obtaining the firsthand experiences of friends, coworkers, and neighbors can be invaluable in choosing a plumber. If you have the time, it’s always worth asking, calling, knocking on doors, or requesting recommendations from friends on social media. The opinions of people that you know and trust is difficult to beat. They can often also tell you who to avoid as well as who to pick.

3. Research Online

Some dedicated research of online reviews can be useful for assessing the relative merits of local plumbers, especially if used in conjunction with referrals from friends and others. Online directories, such as the Better Business Bureau, can be useful for checking out if plumbers have complaints against them, as well as for finding reviews. Also check out each company’s Facebook page, if they have one, to see how they interact with their customers.

4. Ask Your Local Hardware Store

Another useful source of knowledge is often your local hardware store. The employees will usually know local contractors and handymen and can give you a recommendation. Hardware stores are also great places to find traditional print adverts, business cards, and contact information for local companies.

5. Ask Another Professional That You Trust

If you have had a good experience with another professional, such as the person who fixed your A/C unit, washing machine, or roof, ask them if they can recommend any plumbers. If they work for an established business, it’s likely that they will have some good contacts to share.

6. Make Sure They Are Licensed and Insured

Most US states require plumbers to be licensed. If you want to check if a plumber is licensed, you can try using Angie’s list license check. Insurance is important too, as you don’t want to deal wit\h the expense of a flooded home if a catastrophe happens.