We have all heard horror stories of plumbers who show up, make the problem worse, charge an arm and a leg, and then mysteriously vanish. Nobody wants to flush money down the toilet like that (no pun intended), so how can you avoid it? This article discusses how to hire a quality plumber, the questions you should ask, and red flags to watch out for.
Ensure They Are a Licensed Plumber
This is the first thing you should confirm before hiring a plumber. Make sure that they are properly licensed, certified, and insured. This will provide you peace of mind and increase the chance of quality workmanship.
What is a Licensed Plumber?
A plumber is required to pass the necessary exams and has adequate experience to become a licensed plumber. They need to have minimum education levels and a clean criminal and driving record. They also need to complete both an apprenticeship and on the job training. Becoming licensed allows them to legally perform plumbing work. It also allows them to accurately and fairly evaluate a situation to determine the proper course of action.
How to Check If A Plumber is Licensed?
You can ask the plumber to prove that they are licensed. This is often the easiest and fastest way to confirm. If they fail to provide proof or avoid the request this is a major red flag.
You may be wondering how to check their plumbing license yourself. Numerous government websites allow you to verify this. In Ontario, these sites will help you check their trade, determine if they are certified, and confirm if they hold a Certificate of Qualification.
Make Sure They Are Properly Insured
Most plumbers will be fully insured for the work they perform. This means that any damage that may occur can be properly resolved. If the plumber is underinsured and an incident occurs, you will have to sort out the costs with the plumber directly. This is not a situation you want to find yourself in. It can be stressful and costly.
Investigate A Plumber’s Work History & Experience
While licensing and qualifications are crucial, the experience is equally important. Ideally, you want a plumber who has seen it all before. They should be able to fix the issue effectively and efficiently. Find out how many years they have been in business. Read a bit about their company and its history. Doing your due diligence will pay off, trust us.
Check out the plumber’s reviews. Most companies will have testimonials posted directly to their website. You can also read through their Google reviews. If they have an online presence, look through their social media. This can help you learn more about them and their performance. A lack of online presence does not necessarily mean they are a poor plumber.
High-quality plumbers usually offer some type of guarantee on the work they perform. Make sure to ask what type of warranty they offer before hiring them. A plumber who is willing to stand behind their work tells a lot about the quality of their service.
