How To Hire A Plumber

Before you select and hire a plumber, there are some things you should be on the lookout for as you engage in the selection process. Otherwise, you could end up with costly follow-up repairs and even damaged personal property resulting from water leaks.

Homeowner Homework

First, check them out online, no matter how small the job. Search for reviews and testimonials, but read skeptically. The anonymity of the internet makes fibbing an easy and attractive option for less-than-principled contractors. Don’t discount the importance and availability of offline, interpersonal reviews. If someone had a strongly negative or positive experience, they’re probably willing to talk about it. If you find that others had a bad experience with the company, it’s likely that yours may not be so great, either.
Before having a plumber so much as knock on your door, check to see what the company’s service and trip call fees are. A lot of companies will charge just to come out and tell you what work needs to be done, but there are also places that won’t.

The In-home Interview
Ask how many years the company has been in business, and ensure they’re state licensed. There are plenty of inexpensive plumbers running around without a license, but the state of Ohio mandates licensure. If a plumber cannot provide you with a license number, keep looking.
It’s also a good idea to ask whether the plumber uses plastic or copper pipes, as plastic pipes and glue don’t hold up as well as copper and solder over time.

Once your plumber arrives, check to ensure that his or her vehicle is company lettered. Also, your plumber should arrive in attire with a company logo. These small but important things help ensure the company you’re working with is reputable and real.

Foregoing these simple steps may save you some time in the short term, but it could really cost you later on down the line. If you get a plumber who doesn’t know what he is doing, you could end up with hidden leaks behind walls or sinks, mold, and damage to flooring, ceilings, and personal items.

Once you find a reliable plumber, don’t try to cut costs by buying materials from a big box store. Most often, goods sold to consumers at big chains are of inferior quality when compared to the goods furnished by plumbers, so by allowing your plumber to supply materials, you’ll end up with a better product.

Bryan Rutkosky is licensed in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. His company is based out of Brunswick and serves all of Northeast Ohio. Contact BERS by phone at 330-764-1011 to schedule a free estimate, or visit the BERS HVAC website.