Finding a plumbing company that you can rely on can be somewhat frustrating. While there are thousands of plumbing companies in the world, discovering one that you can trust is another story altogether. The first step towards selecting a plumbing company is to ask around for referrals. Nearly everyone needs to hire a plumber at one point or another, and personal referrals are a lot more valuable than you may think.
Speak with your family members, neighbors, and friends. Ask them about the plumbers that they use, and compare services based upon this information. Alternatively, contact a general contractor or builder that you are familiar with. Often, these professionals hire plumbers that are recommendable.
If you don't know any contractors or builders, your former real estate agent may be worth a try. Real estate agents know many different kinds of professionals, and they may be able to steer you in the right direction. If you have to resort to the phone book or Internet in order to find a plumber, there are just a few simple rules that you should follow before choosing a plumbing company.
Ask to speak with the manager of a plumbing company from the start. This way, you can get a feel for the kind of company that you are dealing with. If you live in a rural area, the plumbing company that you contact may be an independent general contractor. In this case, speak with the contractor directly, ask a lot of questions, and try to determine whether or not he or she can complete the job at hand.
Another good way to ensure that you are contacting a reputable plumbing company is to ask for a plumber's license number. This way, you can ensure that you are dealing with a qualified professional who has every necessary paper in order. Once you decide upon a plumber for the job at hand, make sure to gain a written price quote before you decide to hire any professional.
Lastly, ask the plumbing company of your choice to provide a work guarantee. Most professionals should be able to guarantee their work for an acceptable period of time. The exception to this rule is old and rusty pipes that cannot be guaranteed for any length of time. Still, any professional plumber will be glad to guarantee his or her work. Following all of these steps should guarantee a plumbing company that you can count on.
