Every year the Better Business Bureau receives thousands of complaints against plumbers. What is really troubling is that about a quarter of these complaints are closed as unresolved. Cleary, thousands of Americans a year are unhappy with the work done or service provided by their plumber. Here are a few steps you can take to avoid becoming one of these dissatisfied customer.
First, don’t just call the first plumber you find on the internet or in the phone book. Try to get some referrals and do some research to find a few good, reputable plumbers in your area. Choose a plumber who has an established business address and phone number and who has been in business for years under the same name. Make sure the plumber is licensed and insured and check for complaints with the BBB and on internet review sites.
Next, for any big job like a sewer lateral replacement, new water heater, water line repairs, or kitchen remodeling project, get a written estimate and go over it with the plumber to make sure that you understand what work is included and the cost. You should also understand what problems could potentially arise and the approximate additional costs that could be incurred. This is the source of many complaints about plumbers.
Unfortunately, it is the nature of plumbing that it can be difficult to predict what types of unexpected problems will arise in a big plumbing job. When these issues come up, your plumber will need to do more work and the cost of the project will increase beyond the original estimate. Many homeowners become upset at the plumber when this happens, but the plumber has no way of knowing in advance whether or not these issues will arise. Thorough communication with your plumber ahead of time will prevent hard feelings later.
Finally, don’t pay for the job in full up front. Your plumber may ask for a third or half of the payment in advance, but never make the final payment until the job is completed to your satisfaction.
Blog post provided by St. Louis Plumbers
