When you own your own home, you’ll likely find yourself doing a lot of DIY plumbing work on the regular. It’s a natural part of home ownership, and something that must be done periodically to ensure your home is safe for living and working. However, this doesn’t mean the actual process of hiring plumbing contractors becomes easy. It’s not uncommon for customers to hesitate to engage with a professional contractor because they fear the cost will be too high or the work too complicated. At the same time, do you really want your new neighbors knowing that you did all the plumbing work yourself? Probably not! With that in mind, here are some excellent tips for finding a reliable plumbing company that will work on your home at a price you can afford.

Look for a local contractor

First and foremost, you should only consider hiring a local contractor for your home plumbing project. While it might sound basic, this is important for a number of reasons. First of all, local contractors are typically more experienced and better equipped to handle your specific needs. Another reason is that they are typically more affordable than contractors who work on a national or even state-wide scale. This is because contractors working on a smaller scale tend to have less overhead and thus are able to pass those savings on to you as a customer.

Ask for recommendations

If you don’t know anyone who has hired a plumbing contractor, you can ask friends or family members if they have used one before. This is a great way to start your search, and you can even ask them if they can recommend a specific business. If not, you can turn to Google to find a directory of plumbing contractors in your area. Make sure to check online reviews as well, as this is one of the best ways to find a reputable contractor.

Get at least three quotes

While this might sound like an obvious step, it is important to get a few quotes before hiring a contractor. This will allow you to find a contractor you are comfortable working with while also making sure you get a fair price. How to do this is simple. Simply call a few contractors in your area and ask them for a price quote for the work you need done. Make sure to clarify exactly what you are looking for, and don’t be afraid to ask for references from previous customers. Even though this might seem like a lot of work at first, it can definitely help you find the best contractor for the job.

Ask for references and inspect the job site

Another thing you should do is ask the contractor for references. While this might sound like common sense, you would be surprised how many contractors will not provide you with references. In fact, the vast majority of contractors will provide you with references, so keep an eye out for this as you speak with potential contractors. This is also a great time to ask about the type of work they typically do, as this can help you determine if their services are right for your specific situation.

Check the contractor’s insurance and license

Finally, don’t forget to check the contractor’s insurance and license. While this might not be something you would normally consider, it is important to make sure the contractor has the proper insurance and is licensed to work on your home. This way, if anything goes wrong, you will be properly compensated for any damage.

Bottom line

Choosing a plumbing contractor is an important decision, and it can be stressful. This is especially true if you are hiring a contractor for the first time, as you don’t want to make a mistake. However, with these tips, you can make sure you find a contractor who will do a great job while also providing excellent customer service. Now all you have to do is pick a contractor and get to work!

Frequently Asked Question

  • Keeping the Water On During an Emergency
  • Overusing Drain Cleaners
  • Fixing Plumbing Issues on Your Own
  • Ignoring a Plumbing Issue
  • Using a Handyman Instead of a Licensed Plumber
  • Turning Off Your Heater in the Winter
  • Not Scheduling Plumbing Service
  • Have the Right Tools for the Job
  • Turn off All Water Before You Start
  • Use Natural Methods to Unclog Your Drains
  • Don't Put Trash in Your Garbage Disposal
  • Don't Overtighten Plumbing Connections
  • Don't Hesitate to Call for Help
Maintenance may also include inspection of your garbage disposal lines (and unit), dishwasher, and washing machine hoses and lines. Maintenance sometimes consists of a drain and flush of the water heater. If you've purchased a plumbing maintenance plan, read the fine print and always ask for clarification.
  • Over Tightening Plumbing Connections
  • Using Inappropriate Tape or Wrapping a Thread Tape Backwards
  • Using Drain Line Cleaners as the First Option
  • Handling Plumbing Jobs without the Necessary Spare Parts
  • Failing to Turn Off Water
  • Using Excessive Force on Valves Stuck on Shut Off