Hiring a plumber online can be a daunting task, what questions do you ask? What certifications should you look for? We have the answers.
Do you have some nagging problems with your home’s plumbing? Are you searching for a plumber online but do not know how to find a good one?
Data reveals that there are over 480,000 plumbers in the United States. Moreover, analysts predict that the plumber job market will further grow through 2026.
With so many plumbers available, it is crucial to determine the best ones from the rest. If you need a plumber and you fail to screen one properly, your plumbing issues may even turn for the worst.
But how do you find a plumber the right way? What are the key factors you should consider? What are the essential questions you need to ask?
Continue reading below as we teach you how to find a plumber the correct way.
1. Determine the Plumber You Need
When searching for the right plumber online, start by determining the type of plumber you need. As we mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of thousands of plumbers in the country. And these plumbers have their niches and expertise.
There are three main classifications for plumbers. There is the apprentice plumber, the journeyman plumber, and the master plumber. An apprentice plumber is someone who is in the middle of an apprenticeship program.
Here, he goes through extensive training for newbies. Generally, it is the non-union contractor organizations, the union locals, or the private plumbing companies that conduct the training. The training lasts at least three to four years.
After passing the apprenticeship, the plumber can take a journeyman license. The licenses differ by state. Some states do not require any license. The majority of plumbers belong to the journeyman category.
As for the master plumbers, they have years of experience as journeyman plumbers. They also earned training from a vocational school. Some of them even hold an associate’s degree.
To become one, they must pass a rigid exam. This exam consists of a written and practical application of knowledge. Master plumbers are often the owners of the plumbing business.
They also ensure that their team of journeymen plumbers have the right knowledge and comply with existing plumbing regulations.
If your problem is a minor leak, then an apprentice plumber can handle it. But for complex ones, you will need a journeyman plumber at the very least.
2. License is a Must
Another important thing you need to research is the plumber’s license. This is one of the most crucial elements you need to ensure that the plumber has the right knowledge. This also assures you that he is following the rules and regulations surrounding the plumbing industry in your area.
Most states require a license before a plumber can start taking job orders. Thankfully, there are government websites that offer a database of professional license holders.
These include your professional plumbers.
For starters, you can check this list from the National Contractor License Service. Here, you can confirm if a particular plumber carries a license in your state.
3. Plumber Online with a Quality Website
When doing your research online, carefully examine the website of the plumbing companies. Is the website well-maintained? Since the website serves as your point of contact with the companies, it should never give you any headaches especially if you’re trying to reach them for their services.
Furthermore, their respective websites must come with all the important information you need. These are the details explaining their services, business hours, and other valuable information.
Also, check if they have links to their social media accounts. Check their Facebook and Instagram pages to see some of their sample works.
4. Check with the BBB
And while you’re online, consider checking with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB can tell you if the plumbing companies in your shortlist have pending complaints.
Try to go for plumbing companies that have BBB accreditation. Companies with BBB accreditation mean they are legitimate. This also sends a message that you can trust them for following ethical standards.
Furthermore, the BBB website lets you access reviews from the company’s customers. Here, you can tell if people are happy with the company’s services.
In line with their BBB accreditation, you should consider asking around your network. Talk to some of your friends and relatives who already experienced hiring the plumbing companies.
You want to get their feedback regarding the plumbers’ quality of work. You want to ask them if the plumbers were professional in dealing with them.
5. How Much are their Rates?
After trimming down your shortlist, you can start looking into their rates. The key is to get at least three estimates from three plumbing companies.
Know how much you will pay depending on the type of services that you need. You want to find a plumber that offers these plumbing services.
For example, if your problem involves drain-clearing services, expect the plumber to charge you around $70 per hour. As for sewer lines, the rates will go up to about $125. But if you need emergency plumbing, expect to pay a little bit more.
In case you require some planned remodeling, ask if the plumbing company offers a payment schedule. Financial flexibility matters especially when you require extensive plumbing work.
7. Go for Bonded and Insured
You also want to look for a bonded and insured plumber. Some states do not require professional licensing bonds. However, insurance coverage is a must.
Insurance means you will not have to worry about anything in case the accidents happen during the plumbing repairs. It protects you from expenses in case the output results in damages to any part of your house.
Start Hiring the Right People
Knowing how to search for the right plumber online will ensure that you are getting the value for your money. It will also equate to safety and quality results. But learning how to find a plumber is not enough.
Start hiring the right professionals for your various home improvement needs. Check out our different blog posts where we share tips that will point you in the right direction.