A home plumbing system is quite complex, and you should always call a professional to sort it out. When you’re hiring a new plumber, you ought to find the one with all the right certifications and a lot of experience.
In this article, we’ll tell you all about finding the right plumber for your home and how to make sure you’ve made the right choice.
Plumbing License
In most states, every plumber should have a working permit and a license to work. After finishing the formal education, apprentice plumbers have to spend at least a couple of months working with a mentor that will allow them to take the final exam.
Another way to check a plumber or a plumbing company is to determine whether they have any formal complaints filed against them. If you visit your government’s website, you can see all active licenses as well as complaints.
Once you’ve made a thorough background check, it’s time to call the service and make an appointment. That's what this Mississauga plumber recommends to clients and those who do not check all the licenses and certificates a plumber might have.
Experience and References
The majority of plumbers need at least a few years to acquire the basics principles of plumbing standards. They start as apprentice plumbers, later become journeymen with a state license, and finish as mater plumbers.
Some of them specialize in working on the home piping systems, while others specify swimming polls, buildings, spa centers, etc.
Only master plumbers are allowed to open their company while providing services as they’re equipped to educate others and work on complex projects.
Independent Contractors vs. Big Companies
When you start browsing for a new plumber, you’ll have to choose between independent contractors and large companies. The upsides of working with a reliable plumbing service are the number of all service plumbers they have on disposal and the prompt response to any problem you might experience. Once you call them, they might be there in half an hour and fix the leakage in no time.
Independent contractors sometimes have more on-hand expertise, but you’ll notice how most of them are often overbooked and don’t have time to solve anything urgent. What’s more, the apprentice plumbers available lack experience as master plumbers are always booked a month in advance.
Ultimately, it all comes down to the urgency of the problem. For example, if you want to renovate your kitchen, it would be worthwhile to find an independent contractor and wait until they become available. But if you have a broken pipe that’s leaking, the company could send a plumber in an hour to fix everything.
Customer Reviews
When you’re looking for a new plumber, make sure to ask your neighbors and friends to recommend someone experienced. For many people, it’s the best way to find someone dependable and has a history of satisfied customers.
You can find a good plumber online, but it will take some time until you find the right company. Check the comments, feedback, and anything that might raise a red flag.
Before they come to your home, try calling someone from your plumbing service. This way, you’ll gain a better understanding of how they work and if they have prior experience fixing issues like the one you have.
Insurance and Warranty
Even though you may have house insurance, always ask your plumber whether they have workman’s compensation and liability insurance. If the plumbers are working on a big home renovation project, insurance will cover their expenses in case of injury.
Also, make sure that your new plumber gives you a warranty on the fix. Should you experience any problems, leaking, or anything else, you’ll be able to call the service and ask them to fix it free of charge. Every serious plumber has to give you a written confirmation of the fix to work as a warranty.
Hourly Rates
Of course, every plumber has a set hourly rate, and the more companies you contact, you’ll be able to find out an average hourly cost. Be mindful that traveling time is added to your bill, and in some cases, it’s better to call someone closer to your home.
Since wasted time means higher costs, the best way to sort it out is to have everything ready before a plumber comes. Clean the kitchen, remove anything unnecessary from the bathroom and make a list of all the problems that need the plumber’s attention.
Find a Plumbing Pro
Now that you know more about hiring the best plumber, you can start searching for a contractor or a company to work on your house.
Once you have at least five companies, make sure you do your research and call them to see whether they have enough experience to work in your home.
