Hiring a master plumber to repair and maintain your plumbing fixtures isn’t always an easy decision to make. There are numerous plumbing companies that are interested in earning your business, but like any industry, you’ll have to be aware of those who aren’t up to par.
Virtually all plumbing systems contain complex pipelines and hard-to-reach fixtures that will command the attention of a trained professional. While toilet clogs and faucets are sometimes solvable without hiring a plumber, you’ll need to reach out to the experts when you feel like you’ve got a repair that’s a little over your head. In this blog, we’ll show you some of the signs to look out for when hiring your next plumbing expert.
Honest Sales
Extensive repairs will happen, and it’s the duty of the technician to let you know when you’ll need some major work done. However, be cautious of professionals who try to turn minor fixes into huge replacements. Make sure the plumbers you work with are able to separate urgent repairs from those that can be handled later on. You don’t want to invest your time and money into someone who wants to pressure you into a complete upheaval of your plumbing system.
Plumbers should always be as straightforward as possible with you during every step of the process. Impromptu repairs can occasionally pop up, and if you have a malfunction in your system that you didn’t know about beforehand, it’s their job to make you aware of this newfound problem. However, it should always be done in a way that properly describes its level of urgency.
A pipe leak is something that should be fixed urgently, as it can cause the consumer to waste precious water and money for no good reason. What about a water heater that’s not emitting enough hot water for your whole family? If your plumber is jumping straight to potential replacements, you’re probably dealing with someone who’s trying to up-sell you at every possible chance. Don’t allow these types of salespeople to get the best of you and your wallet. If you don’t trust their judgment on something, try getting a second opinion from another trustworthy source.
Clear Communication
Good plumbers should always speak in layman’s terms so you can understand exactly what’s going on. Avoid working with a professional who overuses technical terms and phrases that the average civilian might not pick up on. This is a tactic some plumbers may use in hopes of impressing the customer and intimidating them into taking their word more seriously. In reality, the job of any professional is to make sure their client base is able to clearly understand the work they do and how it affects them. If your technician isn’t doing this, you’ll want to start looking elsewhere.
One thing to keep in mind is that a qualified plumbing expert is never going to resort to scare tactics in hopes of up-selling you. Our jobs consist of troubleshooting issues and identifying necessary repairs and replacements, but this shouldn’t involve manipulation tactics or mistruths. If you feel as though the technician you’re working with is exhibiting this type of behavior, walk away and get a second opinion.
Insurance and License Verification
When hiring a plumber, you’ll always want to verify their license. Nobody wants to entrust their home’s plumbing systems to someone who cannot truly handle the job. Taking a look at their Better Business Bureau and requesting customer referrals is usually a great way to learn more about the person you’re potentially hiring for your next plumbing job. Choosing master plumbers who are licensed, trained and highly regarded in the field is always the best option.
Plumbers in Houston should always be insured, and they should always be ready and willing to stand by their work. Try to look for plumbers who offer guarantees along with their services. If you’re working with someone who is willing to guarantee the quality of their work without trying to up-charge you for correction service appointments, you’re probably dealing with a great worker.
Positive Reputation
Developing close relationships with real estate agents and property developers can help you find the plumbers who are worthy of your investment. These professionals work with contractors, plumbers, and landscapers on a regular basis, and they most likely know some of the best workers in the area. In addition to using online search results to locate “plumbing services near me,” try networking with other professionals in your area. If you’re trying to find someone with years of experience in residential plumbing, a realtor could be a great resource to have standing by.
Cleanliness and Punctuality
Your home is your kingdom, and you probably always want to make sure it’s in pristine condition. A quality plumber will make sure they clean up their mess at the end of the day. Messes during a hard job are completely normal, and they happen often when a professional is repairing and replacing a plumbing fixture. Cleanliness and respect for your home is a great sign you have a plumber that’s worth keeping.
A Detailed Estimate
While estimates aren’t meant to be exact quotes, they should always be clear, detailed, and easy to understand. Make sure you know what to expect if the technician works longer than initially anticipated. Also, try to find out how long this estimate is good for. Some plumbing professionals will put an expiration date on the estimates they offer.
Finding the best plumbing company for your specific needs is not a process you should take lightly, but if you handle it diligently, you’ll be happy with the finished product. Led by our resident master plumber Robert Koster, Mission AC & Plumbing strives to provide you with the experts you need to perform plumbing services.
Contact us today to begin a service request.
