How Do I Find a Reliable Plumber Near Me?

Plumbers are one of the contractors that homeowners could need at the drop of a hat. Whether it is for a new home plumbing installation or an emergency repair, a reliable plumber could be the one person saving you from an at-home disaster.

However, put in a quick Google search for a “plumber near me,” and you come up with a long list of plumbers in your area. How can a homeowner know whether the plumber they choose will do a good job? You should know how to tell the difference between a reliable plumber and one who only appears to be one online.

Not only can a plumber appear differently online, but they put in a lot of work to make themselves look like a top choice to consumers like you. That’s why you need to take extra care to find a reliable plumber that provides budget-worthy work, while also completing the project on time.

At All Hours Plumbing, Heating & Air, our team of licensed plumbers has years of experience understanding what it takes to be a top-performing contractor in the industry. We collected a list of the top qualities to look for in a plumber so that you can save time when you search for a plumber in your area.

6 Steps to Follow When Looking for a Plumber Near You

Plumbers aren’t all the same. Put in the leg work, and you can find a plumber that matches your criteria before you contract them for your next project. These six steps will help guide you along the way.

1. Know What You Need

Remember when we said that not all plumbers are the same? Well, that means that not all plumbers can handle the same projects. Actually, most plumbers specialize in specific types of plumbing. Some plumbers usually work on service calls, others specialize in plumbing installations, and many are journeyman plumbers. There are also master plumbers that own the business and typically have journeyman plumbers that work for them.

Most states require special licensing depending on the work you can perform. As you search “plumber near me,” ask yourself what you need done and look for plumbers that individually list that type of work. Knowing that they can handle your plumbing project will cut down search time and ensure that they can handle the plumbing work you need done.

2. Check for Licensing and Insurance

You should only work with plumbers that have the correct licensing and insurance for their business. Not only is it essential for their company’s liability, but yours, as well. Our team at All Hours Plumbing, Heating & Air suggests that you check that the plumber’s insurance policy covers a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance. Also, make sure their workman’s comp policy is updated.

While your homeowner’s insurance could include some protections, you don’t want to get caught in a sticky situation where you are unsure whether you are covered. Ask for insurance certificates, verify licensing, and check your state’s website to make sure everything is legitimate. These precautions could come in handy no matter what happens during your plumbing project.

3. Read Online Reviews

You might have heard it before, but we will say it again—read customer reviews. You should look most carefully at recent reviews, rather than ones from years ago. These reviews can give you a behind-the-scenes look at how a plumber works while in a customer’s home. If you are working with a plumbing company like All Hours Plumbing, Heating & Air, you can also search online reviews for the exact plumber working on your home.

When reading these reviews, look for comments that include specific details. Some of the key points to look for include:

• Timeliness
• Politeness
• Efficiency
• Communication
• Job Performance

4. Look at Referral Sources

Along with reading online reviews, you can also look at referral sites for more in-depth information. You can look at Google, Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, or Facebook. These online referral sources can be just as valuable as a personal referral. However, don’t solely rely on these sites when making your ultimate decision. You must vet every potential plumber before you make the final cut.

5. Assess Personable Skills 

Another important aspect to consider when looking for a plumber is how personable they are as you speak with them. Are they polite? Do they care more about you or their bottom line? Plumbers can spend a considerable amount of time in your home, which is why you must consider the little things during your first interaction with them. Pay careful attention to how your personalities work together. Some plumbers might be unfitting for you and work wonderfully for others.

6. Ask Important Questions

When going through the vetting process, you should also ask your potential plumber a variety of questions. Here are a few that our team suggests:

• Have you done this type of project before?
• Do you guarantee your work?
• Do you specialize in a particular plumbing service?
• What is your experience in the industry?
• How long will the project take?
• How much should I expect the project to cost?

By asking these questions and following the steps listed above, you will be well on your way to finding a reliable plumber in your area. For more information regarding All Hours Plumbing, Heating & Air or to find out if we are the right plumber for your project, contact us today.