If you aren’t familiar with plumbing, it might be intimidating to hire a professional. There are several reasons for this, and you might worry about being taken advantage of or overcharged.
As with any hired service, if you’re looking for a plumber, there are several important factors you should bear in mind.
Things to Consider Before Hiring a Plumber
Here are 6 things to consider before hiring a professional plumbing service in San Dimas, CA.
- Look at Reviews
Turn to review websites or local blogs to learn more about local plumbers and their reputations.
Since plumber’s websites are usually enough to go off, reviews will help you figure out how good their work is. Even a company or plumber with glowing reviews will receive the occasional negative review, so don’t rule them out because of this.
Review websites are an easy and fast way to learn the caliber of a plumber and will also give you confidence in their work before they show up at your home. Check google, Yelp, and other sites that offer local reviews. - Family and Friends
If you aren’t convinced about what strangers on the internet have to say, why not ask your friends and family about their experience with a local plumber?
Hearing from a trusted source about the work they have previously had done will allow you to make an informed decision on who to hire.
Alternatively, if you have an electrician or builder you have worked with and trust, ask for a recommendation from them. They’ll definitely have trusted contacts they can pass on to you. Sometimes, you can even get a discount when you mention that a tradesman referred you. - Qualifications
Once you find a local plumber, check their qualifications before hiring them. Depending on what state you live in, basic qualifications might differ so make sure you know what to ask about. In most cases, the plumber should have trained for four years as a journeyman and have a state license.
You should also check that the plumber is certified by the correct authority and is legally allowed to carry out the type of work you are asking for.
Some plumbers now receive their education through online sources rather than hands-on experience. If you prefer a plumber with more real-world experience, choose one that went through the more traditional route of apprenticeship. - Check Prices
Before the plumber carries out your job, make sure you are given a very clear and truthful estimate. Some companies will give you a lower price quote, carry out the job and hit you with a much higher bill. To avoid this happening, discuss with them beforehand the following:- Their hourly rate
- How much the use of any equipment or materials will cost, and learn if there are cheaper alternatives
- Home visit fee
Sometimes the price estimate will only cover one or two of these, leading to an unexpected fee later on.
- Independent or National Company
There are benefits to choosing both an independent and national plumbing company, but one might suit your needs better.
For instance, independent plumbers might be more flexible with their work hours and prices, but they could be more disorganized. On the other hand, chain plumbing companies usually offer more standard and reliable services but could be more expensive and less knowledgeable in regard to location-specific problems.
If you’re looking for a plumber in San Dimas, CA take the time to do a little research before calling the first plumber you find on the internet.
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