Having a trustworthy plumber to call on can be important to a homeowner. So what do you look for in a plumber when shopping for one to clear a clogged drain, install a new water heater, or handle any other plumbing job?
Proof of current license and insurance should always be top of the list. No reputable plumber would hesitate to provide you with these upon request. When these documents are provided to you, make sure and check the expiration dates. An expired license or insurance certificate should not be accepted, no matter what excuse is given. A plumbing contractor who can’t take care of keeping these important business items current is not someone you want to do business with.
If they’ve provided you with the proper evidence of current licensure and insurance, your next request should be references of other customers they service. Again, don’t simply take their references at face value, take the time to call and verify the references they provide for you. Reputable business owners will appreciate your thorough investigation and the opportunity to have you hear customer recommendations first hand.
Licensed, insured and recommended. That’s a good foundation for any service related business. Next you may want to ask how long they have been in business; the more experience the better.
You’ll also want to find out if they provide emergency service and what their standard service charges are. You want to be sure they’ll be available if you need them, and that the bill for service won’t be an unexpected surprise.
Finally, what are their standard procedures for service calls? Can they give you an estimated time of arrival? What measures do they take to protect your home during a service call? Professional plumbers will be timely in their arrival and courteous of your home and property.
