This is what you need to look for.
From midnight plumbing emergencies to long-term renovation projects, a trusted plumber will stand you in good stead for years. Finding the right plumber and sticking with them is a lot more beneficial than making rushed calls to different plumbing services every few months. So take your time and take your pick. Here are some tips to make it easier for you.
1. Choose a certified plumber
Not young Joe from next door, for instance. Plumbing is skilled work and a trained plumber has expert knowledge of things like piping systems and septic tanks that most people can’t even begin to comprehend. All plumbing professionals require a state license. Although requirements vary between states, a certified plumber is guaranteed to have the knowledge, skill and experience you need.
2. Determine how much experience your plumber has
Experience is the most important credential for any plumber – gained through years of apprenticeship and a vocational or trade school. Do you need a plumber who’s experienced with emergencies or aspects of plumbing like drainage systems? Do you perhaps need one with experience in home renovations? Hey, maybe you need someone who’s experienced in all these spheres. Don’t be afraid to ask your plumber to recount their resume to you – as a paying customer you have a right to know what you’re paying for.
3. Can you talk to your plumber?
Do you find it easy explaining what your problem with the drain is? Do you understand what the plumber says in reply? If the plumber sketches out two or three options for you, is it done clearly and simply? All these things matter because if you can’t communicate properly with your plumber, you will never be able to find a solution to your plumbing problems.
4. Choose a plumber that lives close by
You definitely don’t want one who’s about an hour and a half away. Plumbing emergencies can happen at anytime and they nearly always need to be tackled immediately. Having a plumber in or around your neighborhood will make a huge difference.
5. Assess their coordination skills
This is a surprisingly useful way to assess how competent your plumber is. Plumbers usually work in small spaces and use different pieces of equipment in a single session while navigating their way through that cramped, unfamiliar space. So you can see why a plumber with no coordination skills is probably not a good plumber.
6. Don’t forget punctuality
You call in a plumber when you have a problem or a project. (And let’s face it, projects so often turn out to be problems anyway.) This means that your life has already been disrupted to a certain degree and the last thing you need is a tardy plumber. Choose someone who respects your schedule. And pay attention to their reaction if they do turn out to be late. If they don’t care about what time they arrive to start the job, it’s safe to assume they won’t care about the job itself.