Finding a reliable plumber can seem like a daunting task. On one hand you have large companies with a giant team of technicians and customer service reps. These types of plumbing companies can offer fast services but often come with a higher price tag and a less personal feel. On the other hand, you have Joe the plumber who does side work in his free time and comes highly recommended by Stacy from spin class. He does great work… when he shows up.
Add on top of the many choices of technician the fact that you’re most likely hiring a plumber because you have an issue that you want fixed. You don’t have time to vet all the choices. You do some searches, make some calls, and the first person that shows up is the one that you hire.
The Benefits of Finding a Reliable Local Plumber:
You might be saying to yourself, there’s always a plumber to hire so who cares about a reliable local plumber? Well, all it takes is a quick search on the internet to find some horror stories about plumbing projects gone wrong. Projects that take way longer than you expected, services that were more expensive than they should be, and people you’re inviting into your home that you probably shouldn’t.
What Can a Reliable Local Plumber Offer?
- Personalized service: A local plumber will have less customers and a smaller, more tight-knit team of technicians and customer service specialists. This allows them to have a more thorough understanding of your plumbing system and any possible issues you may face. You’ll deal with the same plumbers and customer service reps each time you call, removing the need to worry about rapport building.
- Access to local networks and trades: Just as you are on the search for a plumber, you may be on the search for other trade companies, such as contractors, basement waterproofers, electricians, etc. Reliable local plumbers often have a network of other local companies that they trust and can recommend. It’s easier to hire a company off the recommendation of another trusted company you’ve already worked with.
- Accountability: These people are your neighbors and friends. Reliable local plumbers serve their communities who in turn keep them accountable for the quality of their work and the care with which they operate.
- Quick response times: Being local means they can get out to you fast. Many local plumbers will even prioritize appointments for homeowners in their immediate service area.
- Peace of mind: Having a reliable local plumber that you can go to whenever you need help with a plumbing project will give you peace of mind. If you trust them, the quality of their work, and the fairness of their price then it makes the decision to hire a plumber that much easier. Especially if it’s an emergency and there’s no time to vet your options.
How to Find a Reliable Local Plumber You Can Trust:
As we touched upon earlier, most of the time when you’re looking for a plumber it’s because something currently needs fixing. However, if you own a home or a business or are planning to in the future it’s best to do your research ahead of time. This will help prevent rushed decisions when looking to hire a plumbing. Here are 7 tips you can follow to find yourself a reliable local plumber:
1. Ask Around
How do you find people you trust? Ask other people you trust. If you have friends or family that have recently had plumbing work done ask about their experience with their plumber. Would they recommend them? Why or why not? If you have other trusted tradespeople that you work with, like a carpenter, don’t be afraid to ask them for their recommendations as well.
2. A Simple Google Search
A simple google search can tell you a lot about a company. It’s important to remember that when something pops up at the top of the search results that doesn’t necessarily correlate with the quality of service. There are a few things you can look for when search for a reliable local plumber online:
- How close are they to you?
- How are their reviews? Do they have a lot? What is the average rating? Read some of the reviews and make sure they’re not generic and express a similar sentiment.
- Look at their website and see how things are organized. This can be a peek into how the company operations are organized.
3. Local Facebook Groups
If you’re on Facebook you can look at local Facebook groups to join like Neighbors helping Neighbors, Moms Groups, or Your Town Connect. There you can ask for recommendations from other locals in your area. You can ask follow up questions and get a good understanding of who people in your town hire for plumbing.
4. Read reviews and testimonials
As you build your list of potential plumbing companies, be sure to spend some time really analyzing their reviews. Check across multiple platforms such as Google, Yelp, Angi’s, Thumbtack, etc. See that they have a consistently good rating across all platforms.
5. Compare rates and collect quotes
Once you’ve narrowed down your list you can start thinking about calling to ask each company for their going rates or request quotes for specific projects. The cheapest option doesn’t always mean the best. Striking a balance between quality and fair pricing is important. This will give you a chance to see what average rates across the industry are. Be careful here as some companies do charge for on-site assessments.
6. Ensure licensing and insurance
You should ask any plumber that you plan to hire for proof of licensing and insurance in the state you reside in. This will protect you in case of any issues that arise and demonstrate that they are a professional and legit company.
7. Ask for references
Go the extra mile and ask for references. A good plumbing company will be happy to provide you with some previous customers that you can reach out to validate the quality of their work, fairness of price, and ease of communication.
In Conclusion:
Finding a reliable local plumber can greatly benefit your peace of mind and your wallet. Large companies offer quick solutions but may lack a personal touch and come at a higher cost, while smaller, handy man plumbers might provide more personalized service but with less reliability. The key is to strike a balance and determine what qualities you need in a plumber based on your unique situation. Do your research ahead of time so you’re not left to make a decision in the heat of the moment if an emergency should arise.