Finding a plumber you can trust and one who won’t rip you off can be time-consuming and challenging. The last thing you need is to add to your stress levels. Plumbing emergencies occur at the most inconvenient times – and in the worst-case scenarios, it’s stressful not knowing if you are picking someone reliable, cheap, or fast.
That’s why Vancouver’s top plumbing contractor has done all the hard work for you. Let us know your budget and location to connect you with our expert local plumbers near you, who can provide free upfront quotes. It is as easy as that! Read on to learn how to find a plumber for your needs.
Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations
Your local plumber might be a great choice, but it’s best to get recommendations. Ask them if they have had work done by a plumber that they would recommend. They might mention reliability, good customer service, cost-effective solutions, or even fair pricing. Ensure you ask people in similar situations like yours when asking around for recommendations (i.e., homeowners looking for someone to do general plumbing work).
Find Local Plumbers Online
Many websites offer listings of local businesses, including plumbing companies and other service providers such as electricians or contractors who specialize in building new homes or remodeling existing ones. These sites allow users to post reviews about these businesses so that other customers can learn more about them before making an appointment or calling them up for service work at their home or office building!
You can also use Google or Angie’s List to find local plumbing companies in Seattle. Search by city or zip code and look at reviews from past customers before making a choice. Once you’ve found some solid options, it’s time for you to start narrowing down which ones fit your needs best. Consider looking up the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating for companies that interest you and see where their customers usually live.
Ensure They Are Licensed
Even if you decide to do the work yourself, it is essential to know if the plumbing in your house or apartment has been done correctly. A good plumber will be able to explain to you exactly what needs to be done and should have no problem finding out for you whether or not your home’s electrical system is up-to-date.
Ensure that any plumber you hire does not just have a license but also a certificate from an accredited trade school stating that they are indeed licensed. If a plumber cannot provide proof of their license, ask them for their certificate instead.
Make a List of Potential Service Providers and Call Them
Unlike asking friends or family for recommendations, you’ll follow a different strategy with your list of potential service providers. Instead of asking if they are good at their job, you want to ask them about their services, qualifications, and experience:
- Do you offer [insert the service I need]?
- What qualifications do you have?
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you licensed?
- Do you provide free estimates?
- Do you have insurance and liability coverage?
- Can I get references?
Questions help determine which company will best fit your needs. It can help to write down what each plumber has to say while they speak so that when they are all done, your notes will make it much easier to compare companies. In addition, ask the plumber to explain the process they would use to fix your problem so that you can see how knowledgeable he is about his work.
Request an Estimate
Once you’ve narrowed the list down to a few candidates, ask each one for an estimate. If a plumber tells you that he can’t give you an estimate over the phone, cross that person off your list. Plumbing companies should be happy to provide written estimates so that you have a clear idea of how much the work will cost before it begins.
The same goes for guarantees and warranties: Ask what will happen if something goes wrong with the work performed by that plumber. The best companies offer 100 percent satisfaction guarantees and warranties on their work, so get both in writing before signing any contract.
Finding a good plumber is never easy whether you are a homeowner, a tenant, or need repair work. The key to success is asking around and hiring the best person. While many online resources help narrow your search, it’s still important to talk to friends and family or local businesses to find out who they would recommend. And then be sure to check out those recommendations before you make your final decision.
