For the Most Important Repairs in Your Home: Your Guide to Choosing a Plumber

Your Quick Guide to Choosing a Plumber Near You

The plumbing industry is not going down the drain.

In fact, it’s doing exceptionally well right now. The plumbing industry hit a whopping $107 billion in 2018 with a total of 120,333 businesses. That’s a 2.4% growth in the last five years!

Why?

Because most households don’t feel like fixing any problems outside the norm. That’s for numerous reasons (we’re sure you can name a few). That being said, many homeowners enlist the help of local pros for their plumbing needs.

When it comes to choosing a plumber, you’re in luck. With the number of practices out there, you’re at no loss for options. However, you’ve got to pick one with the right qualifications—otherwise, you could end up with more problems than you started with.

So we’re going to help you find the best of the best. Here’s a decision-making guide for the Head of House to reference during the process!

Qualities Your Plumber Needs to Have

Before you begin narrowing down your decision, it helps to have a general idea of what you’re looking for. What are the best practices a plumber needs? How can you ensure you’re choosing a professional?

Every plumber should have at least a few key qualities that make them stand out from the lazy Larrys. Here’s a good idea of traits to look out for:

Timeliness. Is your plumber on time to consultations and appointments? Do they get the job done on time?

Professionalism. Are they respectful in their conversations? Do they dress in a professional manner? Do they seem to respect boundaries and space?

Experience. Does it seem like you’re dealing with someone novice or expert? Do they have a good grasp on plumbing in general? On your specific problem?

Of course, evidence of these is obvious on the onset.

If you’re dealing with an unprofessional plumber, you’ll likely be able to tell right away. Don’t settle for anyone who gives you bad vibes—there are plenty of great plumbers to choose from. Steer clear of sketchy businesses.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Plumber

Let’s say you’ve now narrowed down your search to a few plumbing businesses near you. Now it’s time for the interview, or consultation, process.

Here are some good questions to ask any plumber.

Are You Certified/Licensed?

The odds are good that if you’re going with an established, reputable company, they will be certified or licensed. However, it’s crucial that you double-check this before committing to anything.

To get licensed in your state, a plumber will have to go through a series of tests to prove their knowledge and skill set. Ask to see proof of their certification before undergoing any work.

Do You Have Insurance?

Similarly, it’s essential to ask about their insurance. This is important for both the plumber and you.

If something unforeseen were to happen on the job, you could be responsible for any damages or injuries. But if a plumber has insurance (and they all should!), you, your home, and they will be covered by their insurance provider.

This is also useful knowledge in case something bad were to happen after the plumber has completed a job. Insurance could allow you to get the problem fixed (again) without additional costs.

Do You Have Transparent Testimonials?

Getting recommendations from friends is always a great way to help in choosing a plumber. There’s no denying the power of word-of-mouth. If your friend has had a terrible experience, they probably can’t wait to tell you about it.

And the same goes for exceptional experiences. Many people utilize the power of online reviews to convey either good or bad times with a company.

Make sure you check out the reviews of any business you’re considering.

How Much Experience Do You Have?

How long has their company been in operation? How many years of experience has the plumber you’re going to hire had in the field?

You’ll need to find someone mechanically-savvy who can diagnose and fix your problems the first time around.

What Are Your Rates?

And of course, the all-important financial question: how much do your services cost? Are your rates fixed, hourly?

Most plumbers offer estimates right away so that you can rest easy knowing how much you’re going to pay. You don’t need any surprises here!

Common Reasons You May Need One

So, what situations are crucial enough to call for a plumber’s assistance?

No hot water. A plumber’s diagnosis is vital for this one. Why?

Because lack of hot water could either be an expensive problem (like replacing the water heater) or a simple repair. Before you spend a bunch of money on a big fix, make sure you’ve consulted with a plumber.

Flooding. This problem is terrible for the foundation of your home and should get addressed immediately. If you’ve got broken pipes, a backed-up toilet, or even a clogged sink, an expert can find the source of the problem and diagnose it.

Installing a new toilet. This is a big DIY to take on yourself. For major repairs, renovations, upgrades, or installations, consider getting the help of a professional.

A leaking faucet. Not only is this problem annoying (hearing drip, drip, drip on repeat), but it’s costly. If you’ve noticed a higher-than-normal water bill, you could have a leaking faucet on your hands.

And of course, you’re more than welcome to get the assistance of an expert in any situation you want! Don’t let this list limit you.

It’s Hiring Time!

Now that you know that choosing a plumber isn’t difficult, it’s time to make a decision. Consult with your local Reno plumbers to find the one that’s right for the job.

Or we could save you one more step right now.

Give us a call to schedule an A1 consultation with plumbers who care!

A1 Plumbing
1611 Greg St, Sparks, NV 89431