Everyone has heard a horror story about a plumber. Maybe they charged an exorbitant amount for what ultimately amounted to tightening a nut. Or maybe a few days after you paid for service you discovered that the problem wasn’t fixed after all! However, with a bit of up-front research, you can reduce the odds that you’ll have your own horror story to tell. Here are the key things to look out for when choosing a plumber.
Testimonials
Look for testimonials from past customers. A plumbing company that does great work will have no problem getting a few testimonials and ratings from their customers. Of course, testimonials are not a guarantee, but if the company’s other customers are happy, there’s a good chance that you will be, too. Review sites can be a good resource for this.
Licences and Qualifications
Check that the plumber has all the required qualifications and licenses required in your state to carry out the work that you need doing. Remember that certain types of plumbing work require specializing certification, such as installing a particular type or brand of product.
Price
Naturally, your available budget and the price of the plumber will play a role in your decision. Try to get quotes from at least three different companies. Just because the price is lower doesn’t mean they are the best choice. Tell higher-priced companies you have found someone cheaper and ask why they are charging more. There may be good reasons for the higher price, or this line of questioning might nudge them to lower their bid a little.
Guarantees
Check whether they offer guarantees for the work. Sometimes a plumber will offer insurance-backed guarantees, or discounts if the work goes beyond the agreed time-scale. This can give you peace of mind because you know you can get some form of compensation if they do a poor job.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is run by small-town boys Kelly Wiser and Stan Kincannon. They have decades of plumbing experience between them, and service plumbing needs of all kinds. The company is based out of Lakeport, CA. You can also follow them on Twitter for more updates.
