That tiny leak in your bathroom or kitchen that you’ve been brushing off for weeks can easily turn your home upside. If that leak is left unchecked, it can end up causing water damages worth thousands of dollars. It can also disrupt your home for weeks. Hiring a reputable plumber in Vancouver prevents this outcome from being a reality.
But with all the local service providers to choose from, how do you find the right plumber? Here are several tips you can use to find and hire a qualified plumber.
How to Find a Qualified Plumber
Before you can hire a qualified plumber, you need to find a qualified one. Here are a few tips on how to find a qualified plumber.
Ask Your Friends and Family for References
The first place you can find a qualified plumber is through references from friends and family. There is a probability that someone you know has worked with a plumber before. With their references, you can find the right plumber for your project.
Read Reviews
You can also use the internet to find a qualified plumber. Start by visiting several online directories. With the help of an online directory, you can find a list of several plumbers with excellent ratings. Also, ensure you read the reviews available for the various contractors and companies you choose. If you see any negative reviews, staying away from that plumber would be best.
You can also use social media platforms like Facebook and Quora to verify the authenticity of the plumbers you choose.
How to Hire a Qualified Plumber
Now that you have a list of qualified plumbers, how do you find the right one to hire? Here are several tips on how to sift the wheat from the chaff.
Look at the Qualifications
It’s no secret that plumbing is a highly skilled professional. So, start by asking the plumbers on your list for their qualifications. The qualifications you should ask for include:
Training Credentials: While a college degree isn’t required to become a plumber, they need to attend a trade school. An apprentice plumber receives training under the guidance of a master plumber. The apprenticeship program involves three to four years of course work for one to become a master plumber.
License: Like any other profession in the United States, plumbers require a license to operate. States have their own set of requirements for licensing. Therefore, ensure you ask the plumber for proof of licensing. A license is a proof that your preferred plumber is experienced and has received ongoing training. It also shows that your plumber stays updated on the latest plumbing trends in the industry.
Insurance: You also need to see proof of insurance from the plumber. General liability insurance protects you as the business or homeowner from paying for damages or injuries during the job. So, make sure you ask for proof of insurance before hiring your plumber.
Plumbers should have liability insurance to cover the costs of accidents if they do happen.
Ask Questions
Once you determine that your preferred plumbers have the necessary qualifications, the next step is determining if they are right for your project. This you can do by asking specific questions related to your project. Some questions you should ask include:
Who Will Be Doing The Work: You need to know beforehand who will do the work once you hire the plumber. You wouldn’t want to risk having someone with less training and experience in plumbing handling your project.
Is Your Rate Fixed or Hourly? You need to clarify the mode of payment to ensure there are no welcome surprises at the end of the project. If your plumber tells you it’s an hourly rate, inquire about the duration it would take to finish the repairs. If the rate is fixed, ensure you ask for a rough estimate of the entire project.
Guarantee of Work
Ensure you ask the plumber for a guarantee of work. Most reputable plumbers offer their clients warranties. They also guarantee the quality of services and labor with all the tasks they handle.
Review Their References
Make sure you request a list of references before hiring a plumber. A plumber with a good reputation is always prepared with references. Ensure you talk to those references and inquire about the plumber’s work experience.
If their references had issues with their work, moving on to another plumber would be best.
Hiring a qualified plumber isn’t easy, but by using the tips above, you get close to finding the right one.
