Plumbing contractors and plumbing services are important in achieving and maintaining a well-functioning home. Not all plumbers are created equal, however, it’s important to know how to find a good and reputable plumbing contractor that can provide quality plumbing services. Whether you need residential or commercial plumbing services, opt for a reputable plumbing company that can help you with whatever you need, such as, gas control valve installation to fixing a broken water heater.
That being said, here are some ways you can find a good contractor to help you fix common plumbing fixtures and other complex plumbing problems:
Read Online Reviews
There are many things that can go wrong in a home’s plumbing system. From gas connections that are not fitted properly to leaks and bursts and other minor repairs, a home can have a lot of plumbing problems. Thus, addressing these problems with the right plumbers and plumbing contractors is important.
One way you can determine if a plumbing contractor is good or not is by reading reviews about them online. Oftentimes, customers would leave reviews – whether good or bad – about their experience with the contractor. You can check this by going to the website of the contractor and scrolling down to the “Reviews” section. If you can’t find any, then try looking for them on Google Maps, Yelp, Angie’s List or other similar platforms.
Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, Yelp, and Google My Business are some of the most popular platforms where customers can leave reviews about companies that offer plumbing services in Duarte, CA. These are reputable review websites that you can trust.
Hire a Licensed and Insured Plumbing Company
Since a basic plumbing system or complex septic system can be a big investment, it is important to ensure that your plumbers are licensed and insured. Many plumbing contractors today market their company as being licensed and insured, but you should still double-check by asking for their proof of insurance and license.
Even with basic plumbing needs, a plumbing business should be licensed and insured so you are sure that your property is protected in case something goes wrong. This way, you can have some peace of mind knowing that you’re in good hands.
This is especially important if you are going to have a commercial property plumbing system fixed. Commercial plumbing complies with a different set of rules and regulations depending on the state. Not following federal building codes and other regulations that concern plumbing can result in costly penalties, voiding of insurance, and even legal action.
Ask Plumber These Questions
There are many things you should ask a potential plumbing contractor that will work on your plumbing emergency problem. This is to ensure that they are not just guess working and that they really know what they’re doing.
Proof of license, registration, and insurance
Don’t just settle for one’s words. Ask for proof that they are really licensed and insured to work on your property. It can be a photo sent through your email or a scanned copy of their documents that you can download. This way, you can be 100% sure that you’re hiring a legitimate business
References
If they have been in the business for a long time, ask for references from their past clients. These people can attest to the quality of the contractor’s work. From there, you can contact these references and ask how their experience was working with the contractor. If they are new in the business, you can ask for a portfolio of their previous projects to get an idea of the kind of plumbing work they do.
Are they Experienced?
Professional plumbers should have deep experience in fixing plumbing systems. This is because a plumbing system is a complex network of interconnected pipes that needs to be handled with care. Any mistake could result in a leak or burst pipes, which could then lead to flooding
Thus, it is important that your contractor has the experience to back up their claims. Asking how long they have been in the business is a good way to gauge their experience. If they have been around for a while, then you can be sure that they have the experience needed to get the job done right
Payment Expectations
Plumbing contractors require specific payment for their services. Ask about their payment terms and conditions before you agree to anything. This way, you will know how much you are expected to pay and when the payment is due. For reference, most plumbers expect payment on the day of the service itself or in a timely manner where they send you a bill every month. So whatever it is that you want to get fixed, whether your home’s waste disposal system or a commercial property’s septic tank, knowing how much and how the plumbing job will be paid for is important to avoid any misunderstandings in the future.
Do They Offer a Warranty
Another important thing to ask is if they offer a warranty for their work. This is important in case something goes wrong after they have already left your property. Many plumbing contractors do everything. They install gas connections, install water heaters, and other complicated plumbing tasks. Since new equipment is often involved in these tasks, it is important that your contractor offers a warranty in case something breaks down. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can get the problem fixed for free if it is still under warranty.
Do They Offer Free Job Estimates
A job estimate is where a contractor tells you how much the entire job will cost. Ask if they offer this for free. Many do, but some charge a small fee. After the final inspection of septic systems or any other plumbing system on your property, the contractor will give you a document that contains the estimate of the entire job. This is important to know so that you can be prepared financially.
Get Recommendations
Ask a friend or your family whether they know of any good plumbing contractors in your area. This is a good way to get reliable recommendations since you know that these people have already tried the contractor’s services. Getting a recommendation is arguably the safest and fastest way to find a good plumbing contractor.
Consider Their Soft Skills
After listing all potential contractors, the next thing that you should do is schedule an appointment with them. This will give you the chance to interview them and see if they have the skills needed to work with you. Plumbing contractors should have good communication skills since they will be dealing with you on a regular basis. Communication will serve as a big factor in the success of the project. They should also be able to understand your needs and provide you with possible solutions.
Final Thoughts
Though it’s not easy to find a professional plumbing company, ensuring that you are working with one is critical for your safety and the success of your plumbing project. With that in mind, make sure to use the tips listed above to find a contractor that you can trust.
If you are in Duarte, or Monrovia and in need of a plumbing company, feel free to contact AK Plumbing today and learn how our expert plumbers and plumbing services can help you with your problems!