Finding someone reliable and professional to entrust all the small and big repairs around your house is a pretty demanding task. Even though there seem to be thousands of “professionals” swearing by their dedication, very few are actually committed to the work they do. And, the ones known for good quality are already in high demand. Still, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find a good plumber for yourself, far from it. There are just a few things you need to pay attention to before you decide you’ve made a good choice.
This is what we advise:
- Plumbing license
Some people like to call themselves experts because it simply sounds good. Unfortunately, they aren’t even close to being titled that way. So, the first thing to do is to make sure that they have a plumbing license. Checking of his license isn’t just for show. You need to know you are working with someone who won’t turn a minor plumbing problem into a catastrophe that will flood both your home and the neighborhood!
- Get educated
Read online reviews, get two or more references. Don’t be afraid to ask for some of the work they have done. Another great way to “inspect” the way they are with their customers is to check their Facebook page and Twitter feed.
- Experience matters
Checking on your potential plumber’s experience matters for two reasons – first, the fact he’ll know what he is doing and second that he won’t disappear on your. What usually happens is that disreputable companies fade while reputable ones last, but sadly that isn’t always the case. There are plumbers, who, if they see their job is failing, they’ll call up their customers and explain the situation, leaving you space and time to find a substitute.
Also, don’t be too critical on those just starting out. They can be amazing professionals on the rise, you never know.
- Check the prices
Don’t be too haste in deciding which company to pick. Even though we’re accustomed to believing only expensive things are good things, chances are this isn’t always the case. There are freelancers or companies offering discounts because they are well aware of how competitive the market is and want to work with their customers on achieving the best possible solution. Go through offers of sever companies before you decide on one.
- Guarantee
You need a plumber who can give you a guarantee his work will last. A paper receipt, or a paragraph in a contract will do. If this person is flying solo with no company behind him then you’ll probably have to trust his word. Plumbers sure of their performance standards put their money where their mouth is.
- The way they handle customers
Apart from overall courtesy in handling customers you need a professional who isn’t giving false information about the work they do and the money it will take to get it all done. Every single customer will get frustrated with the situation where he/she is said one price over the phone while getting some other “because of some complicating factor” when they get to your home.
The real key is to get flat, fixed quotes so you know exactly what the plumber will do. Obviously, the small changes in price are indeed possible because nobody can diagnose how bad something is over the phone. But the difference in pricing can’t be ridiculous.
- Talk to your neighbors and friends
Word of mouth marketing is an exceptional thing in all lines of business. This is why one of the best techniques of deciding on a plumber is to ask your neighbors or nearby friends for plumbing referrals.
- Stay with your current company
If you already have an electrician, an A/C repair technician or a roofer from one company and you are satisfied with the way they do work, ask if they work with plumbers, too. Or, if they don’t – try asking them for a referral – they sure will know the best options out there. Plenty of plumber Sydney companies don’t have big advertisements but work amazingly well.
Once you contact the plumber based on reference, tell them straight away who referred you. They might even give you a discount.
Hopefully our little guide helped and you’ll be able to find yourself a good plumber sooner than you think!