Let’s face it – every trade has the good, the bad, and the ugly. There are those tradesmen who work to see what they can get from a customer today and never look beyond tomorrow. The fact of the matter is that most broken pipes and pipe leaks occur because of crappy plumbing work completed years earlier. Why do some homes never experience a pipe leak, yet others in the same neighborhood do? You could go back to the original installation of the pipes, and in most cases, it’s the same plumber. You wouldn’t think that plumbing contractors who go through many years of apprenticeship and schooling would perform poorly, but there’s a small minority that does.
What Should You Expect From A Larger Plumbing Company?
If a plumbing company has more than one truck and they’re in their own facility, chances are you’re a very conscious business owner. However, you are relying on others to perform to your expectations. That leads to a whole new level of business ownership.
When you’re looking to hire a plumbing company that dispatches their own plumbers, this is what you look for:
- Ask for a contractor’s license number #986152.
- Check reviews on Google My Business, Yelp, And Facebook.
- Ask if their plumbers had received a background check.
- You can also ask a friend or family member for a referral.
Don’t Just Look At The Obvious When Choosing A Plumber
What would you look for when trying to find a good plumber? Aside from the obvious, like referrals and reviews, look for a plumber or plumbing company willing to invest in themselves. A company with a clean, well-branded truck, a nice business card, a well-done website, a clean well-branded uniform, and a firm handshake will usually never steer you wrong. Likewise, plumbing companies that invest in themselves and take pride in what they do know that great service and value are the best advertising. That holds true for any industry.
When It Comes to Crappy Plumbing Work, The Homeowner Must Do Their Diligence
Remember, you can’t put crappy plumbing work solely on the shoulders of the plumber YOU hired. Of course, as consumers, we’re always looking for a good deal on goods and services. But let me reassure you that finding the cheapest plumber to accomplish your task isn’t always the best way to meet your plumbing need. So be wise when deciding who to hire for your job.
Most Plumbing Contractors Work From Home
Many plumbing contractors work right from home. However, they may have a helper to get them through their busy day. These plumbers prefer working in a small business environment, and that’s good. Some of the frills of a big plumbing company don’t interest them. They may not have a beautiful website or have a big call center answering their phone, but they’re respectful, well-groomed, and offer good service at a good value.
What To Expect From A Small Plumbing Company
The only reviews they get are usually unsolicited, so you may not have much to go on. On the other hand, if they’re a good plumbing contractor, most of their work comes from word of mouth. Maybe they were referred to you by a friend or family member. If the plumber has a good reputation, then the chances are your call may go to voicemail because they’re so busy. That’s one downside to working with a small plumbing company. When you make contact, ask for their contractor’s license, and in one minute, you can check their license status. These plumbing contractors usually have the best value because they have no overhead expenses. Still, you may also find that it’s usually harder to clear up any problems if something goes wrong.
What To Check When Hiring A Small Plumbing Company
- Are they well-groomed when they come to your door?
- Do they have a clean branded truck?
- Although they may only have a few reviews, have you checked them?
- Are they a member of the BBB?
- Did you ask for their contractor’s license?
- Did they answer your call or return your voicemail message in a reasonable time frame?
- If they have an apprentice or helper, is that person covered by workman’s compensation insurance?
- Have their helpers received drug testing and background checks?
Most Licensed Plumbers Will Treat You Right
Most licensed plumbing contractors will treat you right and do a good job. But even the best contractors will have setbacks and make mistakes, especially those that have a team of trained plumbers. Maybe one of their technicians makes a mistake. Under those conditions, the best rise to the top. The best plumbing companies will fix, mend, and ensure a customer is taken care of, even if it means leaving money on the table.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of sorrow
By doing a simple search online, you know if a plumbing company is bonded, insured, or if they carry workman’s compensation insurance on their employees. Always ask for a contractor’s license; you can check any license here.
