There are a few jobs homeowners should never attempt to do on their own. Don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing wrong with DIY home maintenance and repairs. It’s a great way to save money and learn new skills.
However, some jobs are better left to the professionals. An error while working on your own plumbing, for example, can lead to disastrous consequences. You could miss a small leak that can lead to water damage and toxic mold growth over time.
Instead, protect your home by calling a local plumber. The only question is, how do you find a local plumber who’s perfect for the job?
We’re here to give you some answers. Keep reading for everything you need to know about screening local plumbing companies.
As for Recommendations from the Locals
One of the best places to start your search for the right plumber is with the people who would know best – other homeowners. Talk to your friends and family members who live in the area to see if they have any helpful information. You can also talk to your neighbors and co-workers.
Additionally, take your question online by logging onto Facebook and joining a community page. Find a St. Petersburg community Facebook page where members can buy, sell, trade, and share information. Here, you can ask for recommendations for the best local plumbing services.
Get a Free Quote or Estimate
Once you get a few local plumbing companies on your list, reach out to each of them and request a free quote or estimate. They may have you describe your problem over the phone or schedule an inspection.
Use this information to compare companies against one another to find the best price. However, remember that a cheap price isn’t everything. You need to consider all the other factors listed in this article.
Check Availability
Sometimes, trying to find a plumber comes down to availability. If you have a serious plumbing issue, you need a local plumber who can get to your house as soon as possible.
It may not be an emergency, but plumbing issues can affect an entire household. For example, clogged kitchen sinks can make cooking and washing dishes almost impossible. Clogged toilets can make entire bathrooms unusable.
In the event of a true plumbing emergency, you need local plumbing contractors that offer 24/7 emergency services. If you notice your hot water tank pouring water out of the overflow valve in the middle of the night, for example, you don’t have any time to waste.
Find Online Reviews and Testimonials
To find the most credible local plumbing companies, go online to find customer reviews and testimonials. Take a look at what other homeowners have to say about their services, pricing, and customer relations.
Was the plumber professional, competent, and helpful? Were there any hidden fees in their services? Did the plumber respond in a timely manner?
Ask About Licensing and Insurance
Before hiring a local plumber, make sure they are fully accredited to work on your home. They need a business license through the state as well as a plumber’s license.
However, they should also carry insurance. Professional liability insurance is vital for protecting your home against any accidental damages caused by the plumber. For example, if they don’t secure a pipe fitting and you end up with mold and water damage, their liability insurance will cover the repair costs.
Ask About Experience
There’s a reason you should always call a professional for plumbing issues. They have the experience, know-how, and proper tools to make sure the job gets done right.
When vetting your options for local plumbers, ask how long they’ve been operating in your area. If they’re sending out a technician to work on your home, ask what qualifications they have and how long they’ve been a licensed plumber.
Asking about their experience is especially important if you have a unique problem or a particularly complex situation.
Ask About Pricing
Earlier, we talked about getting a free quote from your local plumbing companies. However, when going over the numbers, it’s important to ask about the details of their fees.
Some plumbers have extra fees outside of their quote. This includes things like drive time, the cost of materials, and emergency response service fees.
Make sure you have a clear understanding of your costs before you sign a contract. As mentioned above, reading customer reviews is a good way to find out about expenses veiled under the fine print.
Find Out About Warranties and Customer Satisfaction Guarantees
A company with integrity stands behind its products and services. Naturally, this means customer satisfaction is one of their top priorities.
A local plumbing company should work exactly the same way. They need to stand behind their work and the materials they use with a customer satisfaction guarantee.
If the job was completed incorrectly or poorly, the plumbing company should rectify the situation. This includes subsequent issues that may occur months down the road.
Get Everything in Writing
Finally, before signing with a plumbing service, make sure you can get everything they promise in writing. This includes your quote, their guarantees, material warranties, and service dates.
Contracts are everything in the world of customer service. Don’t sign one until you’ve read it thoroughly.
Furthermore, don’t hesitate to tasks questions. If there’s something in the document you don’t understand, seek clarification. Local plumbing companies aren’t out to get you, but it’s important to understand what you’re agreeing to, especially in a binding contract.
Looking for a Local Plumber in St. Petersburg, Florida?
When your home is experiencing plumbing issues, don’t risk making things worse with DIY work. Call a local plumber to come by and make sure the job gets done right. It will save you time, frustration, and (probably) money.
Take your time to find the right contractor for your needs by using the information listed above. And if you’re ready to get in touch with someone who can help, contact us today. We’ll give you a free quote for our drain cleaning services, water leak detection, sewer line replacement and repair, and more.
