Over the past few years, the plumbing industry has grown tremendously. This is partly due to emerging trends and the demand for better plumbing products and services.

With a very huge number of plumbers to choose from, picking the right one can be a challenge, especially if you do not know what to look for.

When choosing a plumber, whether commercial or residential, there are several things that you need to consider. You need to know what to look for beyond the adverts and the referrals that you might get.

The right tips will help you choose a reliable, experienced, and trustworthy plumber, who will deliver high-quality services. Here are five things that you should consider before hiring a plumber.

1. Licensing and Insurance

One of the very first things that you should ask a plumber before you hire them is whether or not they are licensed. While every state has its unique policies concerning a plumbing license, several states do require plumbers to have a license.

In the District of Columbia, for example, a plumber needs to have some experience and also pass the licensing exam before they are licensed to operate. Hiring a plumber with a license means that you are hiring a trained and experienced professional who can deliver quality services.

Try to confirm that the plumber has proper licensing before you hire them. You may also want to ensure that they have liability insurance and workman’s compensation.

This way, should an accident happen while on your property, you will not have to pay to fix the problem or compensate an injured worker.

2. Experience

If you need to get a service done right the first time, it is always a good idea to hire a service provider who has been in business for some time. While there may be some exceptions to this rule, you need to consider the number of years that a plumber has been in business before hiring them.

The more on-the-job experience they have, the better the quality of services. Know more about the plumbing services they provide and how long they have been providing them.

While checking out their experience, you may also want to know more about what they specialize in. Just like any other experts, plumbers can also specialize in certain types of services. Ensure that the plumber you choose specializes in the work that you need them to do.

Otherwise, you might end up hiring one that, despite their experience, might know very little about your plumbing needs.

It might be a good idea to consider hiring a plumbing company that has several trained and licensed professionals in various plumbing services. This way, you can be sure that you will get the right plumber. It is also good to hire a plumber who also offers emergency services—just in case.

3. Warranty

While several plumbing fixtures come with a manufacturer’s warranty, a good plumber should be able to offer warranties as a guarantee for their services. This is a mark of professionalism and quality of customer service delivery.

Plumbing installations and repairs should always come with a guarantee. Therefore, check if the plumber offers a warranty and also the type of warranty that they offer. This way, you can be sure that the plumber is offering reliable services and will be able to fix any other problem that might arise within that period.

Be careful with plumbers who offer no warranties or guarantees with no reasonable explanations.

4. References and Reviews

It is always a great idea to ask a plumber to refer you to some of their previous or current clients before you hire them. This should not be a problem if they offer quality services and treat their customers professionally.

Try not to engage a plumber who cannot provide you with a few references. How transparent a plumber is with their reviews and references will say a lot about them. Talk to the people you have been referred to and ask them about their experience with the plumber, what they liked least, and what they liked most about them.

You can also read reviews from the plumbers’ website or check other review sites like Yelp, Angie’s List or Google to know what other people are saying about them and their services. A good company will have a lot of positive feedback on their social media pages and other review websites.

Also, when choosing a plumber check the BBB rating for the plumbing company. This is also a great way of knowing if they deliver high-quality services.

5. Pricing

Before you hire a plumber, you should ask for price quotes and look at the prices versus the plumbing services that you need. Get quotes from different plumbers and compare them so that you can only choose one that offers quality services at a reasonable price.

You do not want to hire a plumber simply because they have quoted the least amount. Try to make sure that their prices are competitive.

Professional and experienced plumbers are always able to provide an accurate estimate for every service because they know all that is involved, including extra costs for the unforeseen problems. The plumber might ask to inspect the issue if need be, and after that, give you a breakdown of all fees.

Consider These Tips Before Choosing a Plumber

These tips will come in handy when choosing a plumber.

Remember, first impression matters. Do not forget to take note of how the plumber treats or communicates with you from the first contact. Hire a prompt, clear, and precise plumber who takes time to listen to you and explain the services to you.

At Plumb Time Plumbing, your satisfaction is our priority. Having been in operation for more than 28 years, we have the experience and knowledge to offer you high-quality plumbing services that will meet your needs.

We are licensed, insured, and a favored Master Plumber in Columbia, South Carolina. If you are looking for a plumber, whether to install, repair, maintain, or even respond to an emergency, you can count on us for excellent services.

Contact us today for more information.