Tips: How to Choosing & Finding the Best Plumber?

February 13, 2023
A wise man once said, he/she who finds a good plumber, findeth a good thing.

What would we do without plumbers? Think of all the inconveniences a pipe leak, a clogged sink, or a sewer backup can cause.

We have all been there: flush a toilet and those things stare at you in defiance and refuse to go down. Whoever said "they tried to bury us, but they didn't know we are seeds," most likely found himself in that dilemma.

When your home suffers leaks, clogs, running toilets, frozen pipes, gas leaks, or any other plumbing problem, you need a credible plumber to fix whatever the problem might be. Not just any plumber. But a reliable handyman that won't leave your plumbing worse than they found it.

For today's show, I'm going to reveal salient tips on finding the right plumber for you. But first things first, are plumbers necessary?

Why Do You Need A Plumber?

Getting a professional plumber is the best thing you can give to your drainage and utility supply systems. However, there are minor plumbing issues you can resolve yourself.


With experience or after watching related or expert YouTube videos, you might be able to fix a leaky faucet, mitigate drain clogging, caulk small fixes, or carry out any minor repairs that don't infringe on your city's building code.


Of course, to DIY, you have to have the right tools like a caulk gun, plunger, adjustable wrench, plumbing tape, etc. 


On the flip side, there are plumbing problems that require more than a YouTube video. You will find that certain problems with your toilet, faucet, sewer, gas, etc., will need the attention of a plumbing expert. I mean, there is a reason they are called experts.


Besides just the expertise they bring to the table, experts are also authorized to carry out certain installations, repairs, and maintenance that require a license. This means without a license, it is an infringement on state building codes to carry out certain plumbing activities.


If your home requires professional plumbing services, how will you find a good plumber?



How To Find The Right Plumber

As mentioned earlier, she who finds a good plumber finds a good thing. This is because a reliable plumber can save you tons of money and fix the inconvenience plaguing your plumbing system. Below are some of the best ways to find the right plumber:


1. Through recommendations ï»¿

2. Google search

3. Through plumbing associations

4. Through your local government

5. Through plumbing gadgets suppliers


Through Recommendations

Most people close to you would know a plumber that performed magic on their plumbing system at some point. You might forget your first love, but it is hard to forget that plumber that saved your family from embarrassment once or twice.


You can find an excellent plumber by reaching out to friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations. They might have experienced similar plumbing problems and so would readily connect you to a reliable plumber.


The best part about this is, you are more likely to trust their recommendations than an ad simply because they are not trying to sell to you. Their recommendations are sincere and often worth it.


Google Search

A recent study shows Google accounts for over 84% of the global search market. This is why organizations like plumbing services companies, list their business on Google.


With these listings come online reviews. When you search for a particular service close to your location. Google's search result page will display service providers who are in or close to your area.


From there you can go through pages and read reviews from other individuals who have patronized these companies. 


Google doesn't just list these companies, it also provides their contact details and reviews to help you make a better choice.


The reviews are gems because they are like a rap sheet or the plumbing company's track record.


Through Plumbing Associations

Like most licensed service providers, professional plumbers belong to trade associations. With these associations comes adherence to ethics and codes of conduct.


This means besides just having access to the contact details of reliable plumbers through the associations' directory, you also have the backing of the association.


Organizations like
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of The United States and Canada (UA), Plumbing Contractors of America (PCA), Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), etc., can furnish you with the details of a worthy plumber.


Belonging to these organizations is usually based on certain requirements. There is a high likelihood of accessing reliable plumbers through the associations because:

  1. Acceptance into these associations is based on merit 
  2. They train their members
  3. They have strict codes and ethics
  4. They ensure members abide by these codes.


Through Your Local Government

Your local government building officials have a responsibility to ensure that buildings and plumbing systems follow statutory building codes and standards.


They also have a record of major plumbing projects in the city and reliable plumbers. This is why the local government building authority is the right place to access information on reliable plumbers within your neighborhood.



Through Plumbing Gadgets Suppliers

Plumbing gadget suppliers usually have a contact of reputable plumbers in the city. They can furnish you with details of exceptional plumbers close to you, especially of plumbers they trust or have worked with in the past.




10 Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Good Plumber

Licensing and Certification

There are tales of individuals who hired unlicensed plumbers and got burned.


Having a license means a plumber is legally and professionally equipped to handle not just your plumbing system, but other aspects of the job like great communication and adherence to building codes.


It is a risk to have an unlicensed plumber touch your drainage, water, or gas systems. It is almost like having an unlicensed doctor treat you.


Plumbing is probably the most sensitive part of every home, like a vein, the intestine, or other body networks. You don't want an unlicensed handyman putting you at harm's risk. This is why it is advised to hire only plumbers who are certified by appropriate bodies.


Experience 

To choose a great plumber, you have to consider the experience or number of years the said plumber has dedicated to their craft. 


The statement, experience is the best teacher, is not a fluke. A plumbing expert with two years of experience is obviously not going to be as knowledgeable and skilled as a plumber with ten years of experience.


In selecting the right plumber, you also have to ensure the handyman you choose is sufficiently equipped with the kind of experience that makes for mastery and excellent service delivery.


Reputation 

In your quest to choose a plumbing expert, you will realize some of the recommendations you will receive, include plumbers with a solid reputation.


Most have built their reputation through an impeccable track record, while other plumbers carve their reputation by networking or through charisma that impresses clients.


One of the ways to gauge a plumber's reputation is to search for them online. Reviews from past clients can give you an inkling about your potential plumber and what other people think about them. 


You can also judge a plumber's reputation through recommendations from people you may know.


Cost
 

This is one of the most important aspects of the selection process. While you are gauging the plumber's reputation and other factors, it is important to factor in the rates charged for services.


This will help you evaluate your choices bearing in mind the cost implications. This helps you select a plumber whose rates are affordable or budget-friendly. You can also place this side by side with the quality of their work, so your choice is cost-effective yet efficient.


Availability

This is not a credibility criterion, but you have to ensure the licensed handyman you need for the plumbing job is available. 


Availability here is dependent on the timing, date, or location. This is usually important in the case of an emergency. It is a known fact that most plumbing problems require emergency attention, hence the need to know the plumber's availability status.


Insurance

Your ideal plumber must have both liability and workers' compensation insurance. The first is necessary for you and your properties, the second is beneficial for the plumber that would be carrying out the fixtures.


Warranty

One of the marks of an ideal plumber is a warranty. As a sign of good faith, both the materials and services offered by the plumber should carry a warranty.


A warranty improves trust between the plumber and their clients. It also makes the plumber committed to providing only products and services that can stand the test of time.


Communication
 

It is one thing to find a highly skilled handyman. Finding someone who is invested in carrying you along during the whole work process and even afterward is a different thing entirely.


Communication is key. An excellent plumber must not only know the best plumbing methods but also be able to explain things and relate most civilly with their clients.


Specialization

Specialization is one aspect of plumbing that cannot be overlooked. It is absolutely important to find a plumber who specializes in the field or aspect of plumbing that you need assistance with.


Getting a plumber whose niche is different from your plumbing problem, is like going to a dentist when you have a heart problem. It just doesn't work.


Get a plumber with a proven track record, who specializes in the area you need help with.


Professionalism 

Being a professional plumber means adhering to certain ethics and working along standards that govern your career or craft.


One aspect of professionalism is the ability to perfectly solve a plumbing problem. Another aspect is advising on how to solve the problem or ensure the solution lasts.


There are also certain ethics in relation to how the plumber treats you as a client, your home or office, and also discretion in certain matters. This is one aspect of the selection process that would determine how satisfactory a plumbing job will be.


Need a Reliable Plumber in Georgia?

Usually, getting a reliable plumber in Georgia is tricky. This is why this body of knowledge was packaged.


We aim to assist you to access excellent plumbing services in Georgia. While
Patriot is rated as the best plumbing company in Georgia, you can also carry out due diligence in your search for good plumbers in Georgia.


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