Finding a reliable, honest, and skilled plumber is crucial whenever you have a plumbing emergency or need plumbing repairs, replacements, or installations in your home. With so many plumbers to choose from, the process of selecting the right one can seem daunting. However, by doing your research, asking the right questions, and getting referrals, you can find a top-notch plumber to address all your plumbing needs.
Do Your Research
The first step in finding a good plumber is to do some research online and gather a list of potential plumbers in your area.
Check Review Sites
Head to popular review sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Angie’s List. Read through reviews for local plumbers, noting factors like professionalism, thoroughness, timeliness, affordability, and overall customer satisfaction. Look for plumbers with consistently positive reviews.
Search Plumbing Company Websites
Search for “plumbers near me” and browse company websites. Look for experienced plumbers who offer a wide range of residential plumbing services. Take note of professional associations and certifications. Reputable companies will have licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers on staff.
Ask Neighbors and Friends
Talk to people you know who have used plumbers recently. Find out if they were satisfied with the plumber’s work and customer service. Personal referrals from trusted sources are often the best way to find a plumber you can rely on.
Interview Plumbers
Once you’ve identified a few potential plumbers, take time to interview them over the phone. Prepare a list of screening questions to help you determine which one best fits your needs.
Ask About Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that the plumber has an active license in your state. Make sure they carry general liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation. This protects you in case of accidents, property damage, or injuries during service.
Inquire About Pricing
Ask how they determine pricing and get estimates. Good plumbers will provide a detailed breakdown of parts, labor, fees. Be wary of extremely cheap or vague bids. Make sure to confirm if there are fees for estimates or trip charges.
Find Out Emergency Response Time
Ask how quickly they can respond for emergency plumbing issues. The best plumbers will be available 24/7 and will arrive promptly when you need urgent repairs. Slow response times are a red flag.
Request References
A reputable plumber should have no problem providing references from recent customers. Speaking with past clients gives insight into work quality, professionalism, timeliness, and overall satisfaction.
Look for Red Flags
When interviewing and researching plumbers, be on the lookout for any red flags that indicate you should avoid them.
Lack of License
Plumbers must be licensed by your state. Hiring an unlicensed plumber puts you at risk and could invalidate your home insurance. Always verify active licensing.
Unable to Provide References
Quality plumbers will have happy customers eager to recommend them. Be wary of any hesitancy or excuses when asking for references.
Vague Pricing
The plumber should provide a clear, itemized estimate for expected costs. Avoid those who give broad quotes or are pushy about payment upfront.
Poor Communication
Red flags include being difficult to reach, slow to return calls/emails, or providing unclear answers to your questions. Good communication is key.
Negative Online Reviews
Take note if a plumber has multiple recent negative reviews citing issues like dishonesty, unreliability, bad workmanship or rudeness. These are signs to avoid them.
Verify Licenses and Insurance
Before hiring a plumber, take steps to validate their credentials. This ensures you’re working with a true professional.
Check License Status
Visit your state contractor licensing board’s website to verify the plumber’s license is current and active, with no disciplinary actions against them.
Call Insurance Providers
Contact the plumber’s liability insurance and workers’ comp providers to confirm up-to-date policies in the company name. Document policy numbers and coverage details.
Request Proof of Bonding
For major plumbing projects, plumbers must be bonded to protect you against theft or property damage. Require documentation from the bond company.
Ask for Certifications
Reputable plumbers often hold professional certifications indicating experience and expertise. Look for members of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers or certificates from manufacturers.
Get a Detailed Written Estimate
When comparing bids from plumbers, be sure to get a complete itemized estimate in writing. This allows you to accurately evaluate your options.
Itemize Parts and Materials
The estimate should provide a breakdown of all parts and supplies needed, including items like pipes, fittings, valves and fixtures. Compare material costs between plumbers.
Specify Labor Charges
Look for an hourly or flat rate labor fee and estimated hours for the project. Beware if labor seems inflated or vaguely defined. Ask about weekend/evening fees.
Confirm Service Fees
Find out if there are fees for the estimate, trip charge, or diagnostic testing. Understand all the potential costs so surprises are avoided.
Require Signature and Date
A signed, dated estimate shows the plumber stands behind the price and details. Require this from all plumbers bidding on your project.
Check References Thoroughly
Speaking to past customers is the best way to determine if a plumber does quality work and has a good reputation.
Inquire About Specific Work
Find out if references had projects similar to yours completed. A plumber experienced with tankless water heater replacement may not be the best fit for repiping your home.
Ask About Workmanship and Professionalism
References can provide insight into the plumber’s skill level, quality of materials used, cleanliness, timeliness, priciest, and adherence to the estimate.
Check Reviews and Ratings
If possible, review the plumber’s profile and ratings on Angie’s List or other review sites. Look for consistently positive feedback on their customer service and quality of work.
Consider Longevity
A plumber with many years of satisfied customers is a good sign. This indicates a solid reputation built on repeat business. Be wary of new companies with no references.
Sign a Detailed Service Contract
Before work begins, have a written service contract stating project details, materials being used, timeline, warranty information, payment schedule, and more.
Specify Project and Payment Details
The contract should define the exact plumbing project being completed, as well as down payment terms and final payment requirements upon completion.
List Contact Information
Have the contract include the plumber’s full company name, address, license number, and contact information for reference. Make sure it matches the business name on their license.
Warranty Information
Look for a minimum one-year parts and labor warranty, longer for major jobs. Understand what is covered if repairs are needed under warranty.
Confirm Timeline
Dates for project start and completion should be included. This protects you from delays and gives recourse if deadlines aren’t met.
Require Signatures
You and the plumber should both sign and date the contract indicating understanding of the defined terms before any work begins. Keep a copy.
Pay Carefully
Avoid plumbing scams by following smart payment practices and never paying 100% upfront before work is completed.
Stick to Schedule in Contract
Don’t deviate from the payment schedule defined in your service contract without good reason. Never pay in full upfront.
Pay with Credit Card
Use a credit card to provide additional fraud protection. Avoid risky payment types like cash, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards.
Get Receipts
When making payments, request an invoice or receipt clearly documenting the amount paid and what it covers. Keep these for your records.
Hold Back Final Payment
Do not make the final payment until the work meets the contract terms and you have fully inspected the finished project.
Trust Your Instincts
If a plumber pressures you to pay in suspicious ways or provides no contract, warranty, or license info, cancel the job.
Watch Out for Red Flags During the Job
Even when plumbers seem professional at first, issues can arise once work begins. Watch for these red flags.
Aggressive Upselling
Quality plumbers recommend only necessary repairs. Be wary if yours points out endless “problems” needing expensive fixes right away.
Change Orders and Price Hikes
Scope creep from tacked-on fees and change orders inflate costs. Insist on sticking to the original contract with good reason for changes.
Lack of Building Permits
For major jobs, your plumber must pull proper permits. If they start work without permits, this risks fines for you and is illegal.
Unsafe Practices
If the plumber works unsafely without precautions, protective gear, proper equipment or fails to clean the worksite, consider this a red flag.
Threats or Intimidation
A reputable plumber remains calm and professional if issues arise. Threatening behavior, aggression, or intimidation tactics are unacceptable.
Get a Second Opinion for Big Jobs
It’s wise to consult an additional plumber to review the proposed work and estimate for expensive, complex plumbing repairs or remodeling.
Describe the Project in Detail
Provide the second plumber with specifics on the scope of work needed and objectives, giving them access to inspect the site if possible.
Compare Materials and Methods
A second opinion may shed light on preferable pipe types for repiping, superior fixture brands, or more modern installation methods than proposed by the original plumber.
Review the Itemized Estimate
Another set of expert eyes may spot unnecessary charges, redundancies, or savings in the first plumber’s estimate that you can discuss with them.
Consider Pros and Cons
The second opinion may affirm your original choice as the best option, or reveal reasons why a change is wise. Either way, you are better informed.
Maintain Positive Relations
If you do decide to change plumbers after seeking a second opinion, notify the original politely, maintaining positive relations in case you need to call them for future work.
Vet Ongoing Maintenance Plumbers Thoroughly
For plumbers you’ll rely on regularly for maintenance and repairs, take extra care to check them out.
Require Upfront Screening
Have phone interviews, verify licenses, check references, review contracts thoroughly and take other steps before committing to an ongoing relationship.
Review Long-Term Pricing
Compare service plans from maintenance plumbers to balance coverage options with affordability for your home over time. Make sure pricing is competitive.
Understand Response Policy
Ask about guaranteed maximum response times for various types of plumbing emergencies to ensure fast service when you need it.
Request Sample Invoices
Ask the plumber to provide redacted past invoices to give you an idea of typical charges for parts, service fees, and labor rates for common repairs.
Start with Trial Appointments
Before signing any maintenance contract, consider starting with single visits to assess work quality, communication skills, professionalism, and punctuality.
Address Problems Constructively
If issues arise with your plumber during or after the work, remain calm and take proactive measures to get the optimal resolution.
Discuss Issues Respectfully
First, speak directly to your plumber about problems in a constructive, solution-focused way. Misunderstandings or isolated mistakes can often be resolved positively.
Review the Contract Terms
Check the service contract for clauses related to warranties, guarantees, and dispute resolution procedures. Use these to support your case if needed.
Request Manager Involvement
For unresolved issues or more serious mistakes, ask to speak with a manager who may be authorized to provide refunds, repairs, or other recourse.
Consult Consumer Resources
Depending on the nature of the problem, useful resources include licensing boards, the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, and your state or local consumer affairs office.
Consider Legal Action
For plumbing work resulting in extensive damages or losses, you may need to pursue formal arbitration, mediation, or civil lawsuits as a last resort if the company refuses to adequately address the matter.
How to Find a Good Plumber: Key Takeaways
Finding a high-quality plumber involves researching options, verifying licenses, checking references, reviewing estimates closely, and signing a detailed contract. Exercise caution with payments and watch for red flags. For ongoing maintenance, vet plumbers thoroughly and start with trial appointments. Address any problems constructively but firmly. With diligence and care, you can find plumbers who meet your needs reliably.
FAQs About Finding a Good Plumber
How do I find a qualified plumber?
Search online review sites and plumbing company websites for licensed plumbers. Ask neighbors and friends for referrals. Screen plumbers in phone interviews and verify licenses, insurance and bonding.
What questions should I ask when hiring a plumber?
Key questions include: Are you licensed and insured? How are your rates/fees determined? What are your emergency response times? Can you provide customer references? Do you offer warranties on labor and parts?
What should you not pay a plumber upfront?
Avoid paying 100% of the cost before work begins. Stick to scheduled payments in a service contract tied to project milestones. Don’t deviate without an excellent reason.
How can I avoid plumbing scams?
Do research to find reputable plumbers. Require detailed estimates and contracts. Check references. Pay carefully with credit cards and get receipts. Hold back final payment until the work is complete and has been inspected.
What are red flags to watch for with plumbers?
Red flags include lack of license, vague pricing, inability to provide references, bad online reviews, aggressive sales tactics, no building permits pulled, unsafe practices, change orders, and intimidation.
Should I get a second opinion for big plumbing jobs?
For expensive or complex repairs, having a second plumber review the proposed work can provide added insight into options, potential savings, better materials, or installation methods.
How do I resolve problems with my plumber?
First discuss issues positively and check contract terms. If needed, request manager involvement and consult consumer resources or licensing boards. Legal action is a last resort for unaddressed damages.
So in summary, finding a good plumber takes research, attention to details like licensing and insurance, scrutinizing estimates, checking references, and signing comprehensive contracts. Avoiding scams means verifying qualifications, making payments carefully per a schedule, and watching for questionable behavior. Address any problems constructively but firmly to achieve the best outcome. With diligence, you can find plumbers who meet your needs.