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Unfortunately, most people don’t think about hiring a plumber until they actually need one. For this reason many home and business owners end up paying too much for plumbing, or they hire a plumber that doesn’t do a good job because they simply don't have time to vet him.
Even if you don’t need a plumber right now, it’s a good idea to use the following steps to locate a reputable professional in your area. That way, you know that your plumbing work will be done right the first time by a competent tradesman that will charge you a fair price.
What Kind of Plumber Do You Need?
Some plumbers only perform repair work, like repairing bathroom or kitchen faucets while others focus on the installation of central heating. There are also plumbers that specialize in residential work and others that specialize in commercial jobs.
Once you have a clear idea on the work you need done, try to find a plumber that is a specialist in that area.
Find a Plumber.
It is highly recommended that as the first step in evaluating contractor bids, you get a quick quote from a number of different plumbers. This can be a little time consuming, but it is the best way to find a goodplumber that charges a fair price.
Just remember — avoid plumbers that charge substantially lower than average, as this is a generally a good sign of dishonesty or substandard work. Of course, in some cases, it might be a new tradesman just trying to break into the market,it is still a red flag.
Make Sure that the Plumber is Licensed.
In the United States, there is no federal licensing for plumbers. A plumber must be licensed by state authorities; a plumber from Texas, for example, should be licensed with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. It must be this way since building codes can vary widely from municipality to municipality.
State licensing boards maintain the databases of licensed plumbers. It is a smart rule of thumb that you ask for the plumber’s license number and check it against the database before signing a contract.
A licensed plumber is required to have proper insurance, which protects you from losses that may be caused by the him. Such insurance should also cover the cost of hiring another worker to complete the work. Note that you, as a homeowner, need your own new construction or remodeling insurance for your protection.
Get References.
A reputable tradesman should be able to provide references from former customers. Call the references and confirm the plumber’s claims about the quality of his workmanship.
If the plumber has no references, you must always check with the state authorities or the BBB to see if there have been any unsettled complaints lodged against him.
Get a Written Contract
A reputable plumber should give you a contract before work begins. Ask for a description of the work, including cost estimates in writing, and a standard contract. Read the contract carefully before you sign it. If the job is bigger than just a few day thing, be sure to have in writing how draws will work. Usually, this boils down to certain percentages of completion established with both you and the building inspector being satisfied.
Having a contract will make it easier to settle any sort of dispute that may arise between you and the plumber. It will also make it easier to take the plumber to court if something goes wrong.
Fortunately, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 400,000 plumbers working all over the country, most of whom are competent professionals. You should have no trouble finding one if you follow these five steps to hiring a plumber.
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