Only Work with a Licensed and Insured Plumber

Not all plumbers are licensed and insured. However you find your plumber, know that it’s your responsibility to ask for their credentials. Contact them and ask them whether they are licensed and insured. 

If the company doesn’t have insurance or a license, you can’t trust them to do the job. For one, they’re not professional. But there’s a bigger problem that comes from working with an unlicensed and uninsured plumber. An on-the-job accident could leave you with a hefty bill. Save yourself the money and the headache by working with someone who has the proper credentials.

Ask About the Age of the Company

If you choose to work with a company that only has a few months in the plumbing business, you may not get the best service. The industry is complex and requires an experienced hand. You deserve an established company with a strong reputation. 

That’s not ro say that new companies aren’t qualified. However, they don’t have much of a reputation for you to scrutinize. A company could have three five-star reviews, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best plumbers in Red Oak. Unless the company has years of positive reviews, you can’t be sure they deliver quality service. 

Get Written Estimates

If a plumber tries to give you a full estimate without seeing your home and the issue, they can’t be trusted. No plumber is able to provide an accurate estimate without setting eyes on the problem. Before you agree to anything, ask for a written, in-person estimate.

The company should be willing to accommodate you, or they’re not worth your time. When you get a written estimate, find out whether or not parts are included. Depending on the repair, the parts could significantly increase your estimate. 

Read Reviews Closely

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s something many homeowners fail to do when they’re looking for a plumber. Although it’s useful to read reviews, it’s not enough to scan a few reviews and make a decision. You should read reviews closely and look for common threads. 

Similarly, don’t only read reviews on one website or platform. As you research a company, check out their social media reviews, Google reviews, and more. Keep in mind that almost every company will have one or two negative reviews. As you read reviews, don’t only dwell on the positive or negative.

Compare the Top Competitors

Even if you lived in a remote town, you would have more than a few plumbers to choose from. To help you make the right call, compare all of the top competitors. What services do they offer? How do they differ?

As you compare companies, consider what awards they’ve received. If one company seems to be particularly active in the community, consider hiring them. A plumbing company that cares about its community is more likely to do a great job.

Ask for Personal Referrals

One way to find a good plumber is to talk to your friends and family members. Is there someone they always trust for their plumbing problems? If so, you should consider giving them a call. You might find someone who does excellent work.

Get Professionals Referrals

Do you have an HVAC technician or pest control company you trust? They probably have heard about local plumbers and know the good and the bad. When you ask them for referrals, you gain invaluable insight into your options. 

Check with the Better Business Bureau

When people interact with a company, they usually tell the Better Business Bureau. A quick online search with the BBB can tell you about a company’s reputation. If the company has a low rating and scam complaints, heed the warnings and look for someone else. 

Find Out About Services

Some plumbing companies only offer limited services. For instance, they may not provide water heater repairs or offer emergency services. It’s crucial to find out precisely what services a company provides and to make sure they can help you. Otherwise, you will need to have multiple plumbing companies on speed dial. You’re much better off being able to rely on one plumbing company for all of your needs. In addition to saving you time, using the same company saves you money.

Reach Out to the Companies You Like

After you come up with a few plumbing companies that seem legitimate, pick up the phone. You should always try to speak with someone from the company before you make a decision.

When you make the call, ask all of your questions about the company. Even if you don’t have specific questions, you should still reach out to them. Speaking to an employee tells you more about the responsiveness and customer service of a company. By calling, you might also hear about coupons or discounts.

Hiring Licensed Plumbers in Red Oak

You may want to hire a plumber for one of two reasons. First, you might be new to an area or home. This is the best scenario because you can take your time finding a suitable plumber. The other reason people search for plumbers is to fix an issue. If you find yourself with a leak in your pipes or a broken hot water heater, you need a plumber.

When you’re on the hunt for licensed plumbers in Red Oak, you need to do your homework. Following the tips above is one way to find a qualified plumber. However, there’s an even easier way to make the right choice. Call us at Combat Plumbing and you know you’re making the best decision for your plumbing. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you with your next repair.