If you need a plumber, it’s important to hire one who you can trust. Ask family and friends for recommendations and review online feedback. Look for how long they’ve been in business, what their specialties are, and if they offer upfront pricing for labor and materials to avoid surprise fees down the road. 

1. Reputation 

In addition to in-person referrals from friends and family, you can learn a lot about a plumber’s reputation online. Search for comments and reviews about their reliability, friendliness, and quality of work. Look for red flags like complaints about unprofessional behavior or upfront payment demands. 

Aim for a plumber with a proven track record. It’s also important to verify their credentials to make sure they are qualified and licensed. This includes state licenses, full-coverage insurance, and professional affiliations. It’s important to choose a plumber who will be there for you when your toilet backups or burst pipes strike. A trustworthy plumber should be able to provide you with a comprehensive quote that details labor and product costs. Getting this information ahead of time will save you from any surprises down the road. 

2. Experience 

When it comes to plumbing problems, you want to choose a company with extensive experience. They will be able to address complex issues more easily and quickly, which can save you money in the long run. 

You should also find out if they have worked on similar jobs to yours in the past. You can do this by asking for a list of customer references or reading online reviews. 

If a plumber has received several complaints, avoid hiring them. It is likely that they do not care about their work or customer service skills, and this can negatively affect you. In addition, you should ask if they use helpers or subcontractors. This will ensure that the person who comes to fix your plumbing has the same level of training and experience as the plumber you initially spoke with. 

3. Portfolio 

A plumber’s portfolio is a great way to see examples of their work. Ask to see photos or videos of their past projects to get a sense of the level of quality they can provide. 

Plumbing is a dangerous profession, and it’s important to find a plumber with the right skills to avoid accidents. Professional plumbers are trained to spot potentially dangerous problems, including slow or hidden leaks that can wreak havoc under the floor and behind walls. They also use tools that require a lot of upper-body strength and are adept at working in tight spaces. 

A good plumber can also help homeowners upgrade their property with new fixtures

and appliances. They can even handle more involved remodels like kitchen or bathroom redesigns. 

4. License 

A licensed plumber shows that they have undergone the necessary training and certifications to provide quality plumbing services, including plumbing maintenance. They should also be able to provide proof of insurance and workers’ compensation coverage for your peace of mind. 

Some jobs, such as repiping projects, require permits and inspections to be filed with the city’s DOB department. This can be expensive and time-consuming. Using the right plumber can ensure that these requirements are met, saving you money and headaches down the road. 

When evaluating potential plumbers, pay special attention to their communication skills. How quickly and consistently do they respond to your inquiries? Also, ask if they offer upfront pricing or estimates for certain types of projects. This will help prevent misunderstandings and unexpected charges down the road. 

5. Insurance 

In addition to ensuring they adhere to plumbing codes, you should make sure a plumber is licensed and insured before hiring them for a job. This will help protect you from shoddy work and unexpected expenses down the line. 

Ask about a plumber’s pricing structure and whether they charge hourly or flat rates. A reputable plumber should provide you with an accurate estimate once they have assessed your problem and are able to determine what will be required to complete the task. 

Having a trustworthy and reliable plumber can make dealing with clogged toilets, burst pipes and other plumbing emergencies much less stressful. By taking the time to choose a plumber with the right credentials, you can be confident that they will be able to handle whatever curveball your plumbing system throws at them. For information on reputable contractors, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-geelong/blocked-drains-geelong/ can offer a lot of good resources.