When it comes time to hire a plumber, it’s highly important that you choose the right one for the job. If you receive anything less than outstanding service, you could end up paying in expensive repairs later. So how do you know you’ve found a professional plumber who can tackle your next home plumbing repair? Here are some tips to keep in mind as you look for a plumber in your area.
Look into licensing
A great plumber, of course, will be licensed to work in the particular state where you are located. To verify the license of the plumber you are researching, you can usually go to your state’s occupational and professional licensing website and look up the business in question. In Utah, for example, you can verify a license by searching within the Utah Division of Occupational and Divisional Licensing website.
Look for additional certifications
Your region may very well have other certifications beyond simple licensing to set outstanding businesses apart from the rest. In Utah, for example, you might see a seal of approval that reads “Gephardt Approved” at the bottom of a company’s web site to distinguish the most trustworthy companies in the state. You can also visit the Better Business Bureau website to get connected with businesses that people recommend and trust.
Ask about insurance
In addition to being licensed, a plumber needs to be insured. Insurance protects both you and the plumber in case any injuries or accidents arise during the course of your home’s project or repair.
Look into experience
It’s never a bad question to ask a plumber how long they have been in the business. Needless to say, you’ll want to go with a plumber who has an established track record of providing great service.
Get a quote
One measure of great customer service is how willing a plumber is to communicate with you about pricing beforehand. Ask your plumber to meet with you over the phone or in person to discuss your plumbing needs, and ask for an open and honest estimate of how much services will cost.
Ask for references
A great plumber keeps an updated list of references and won’t hesitate to share it with you upon request. Don’t be too shy to ask for one, and be sure to follow up on these references when you get them.