It always happens at the worst possible time. The sink backs up and the toilets won’t flush. The faucet springs a leak – a big leak. You need a plumber. How do you choose someone you can count on? Here are 5 things to help you decide.
- Who Answers the Phone? In this case, you don’t want the plumber to answer. You want to deal with a company large enough to have an office – and to have someone answering the phone 24/7. Now, ask how do they treat you? If you have an emergency, can they get someone there right away? If you’re scheduling an appointment, to they work to do it at your convenience?
- Are they Trustworthy? Start with the requirements in your area. Do they meet them all – that usually means licensed, bonded and insured. That’s your first indication that they’re professionals. How long have them been in business? That’s another good indicator of quality. Companies that don’t make customers happy don’t survive a decade or more.
- Are they Trying to Charge you More? Some charges just don’t make sense. You give someone the work and, then, they charge you’re a trip or service charge for coming to your home? Really! The same is true when the clock strikes 5 or a weekend rolls around. Look for a plumber who is willing to come at any time of the day and any day of the year – without charging you overtime, weekend or holiday rates or any other “extra” charge.
- Are they Available? You don’t want them to charge you extra on a weekend or holiday, but you certainly want them to be available. Plumbing problems can be an emergency – from flooding your home to having sewage backing up. There are times you can’t wait so when you choose your plumber find out if the company will always be there when you need them.
- What Do they Look Like? Take a look at their website. Have you seen their trucks on the road? You want a professional company and sometimes you can judge a book by its cover. You want company trucks that are likely to be fully stocked so time isn’t lost running after a part they didn’t bring. You want a professional who is neat and clean – maybe in a company uniform – and with the proper ID so you feel good about inviting them into your home.
When you are looking for a plumber, ask those questions. Make sure that you are hiring a licensed professional for a reputable plumbing company who is going to treat you and your home with respect and gets the job done right!