How to Vet a Plumber: 7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Plumbing Services

Have you ever picked a random plumber for a plumbing emergency, only to get disappointed with the service? We get it; water damage can worsen with every tick of the clock. However, the fastest plumber to arrive doesn’t always guarantee reliability. Sometimes, doing a quick background check can save you from bigger headaches by avoiding services that don’t meet your expectations.

The trick here is to ask direct questions to gauge whether or not a plumber is right for the job. You don’t have to spend hours thoroughly comparing every plumber you find online; just a few quick questions to ensure you’re getting the service you truly deserve.

Here’s what to ask before booking plumbing services.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Expertise is non-negotiable when it comes to paying for professional home services, especially plumbing services. Plumbing solutions are cheap, so always ensure you’re getting what you paid for.

Inquiring about the plumber’s license and insurance is the very first question to vet their expertise. Expert plumbers aren’t anyone who knows how to use a plumbing tool or two. They’re professionals who have gone through proper training and certification and passed the required exams. It is a sign that they know what they are doing.

Insurance, on the other hand, protects both you and the plumber if something goes wrong. Without insurance, you could be held responsible for any damages or injuries that occur while work is being done on your property. Thus, always ask for proof.

2. How Much Experience Do You Have?

Not all plumbing problems are on the same level. Clogs and leaks might live in the same house, but they’re not in the same league. 

One plumbing repair can be more complex than others and requires a more seasoned hand. This is where years of experience truly count. A seasoned plumber has likely seen many variations of your issue and will know how to handle it efficiently.

Experience also builds problem-solving skills. Such practical skill ensures that the plumber will not be relying solely on guesswork. Be sure to ask how long they have been working in the field and what they specialize in. Some are experts in water heaters but are not proficient in sewer plumbing repair. Always pick a plumber who matches your needs. 

3. Do You Offer Upfront Pricing?

The last thing you want to add to your plumbing stress is paying for surprise costs. Don’t let dishonest plumbers charge you with hidden fees once the job is complete.

Always ask if a plumber offers upfront pricing. They should break down their pricing structure and all that needs to be paid before the work starts. Upfront pricing helps you understand what you are paying for, whether it is the labor, parts, or any additional services. This kind of transparency also builds trust and helps prevent confusion or arguments once the bill arrives.

4. What’s Included in the Service?

The thing with many plumbers today is that they’re not only experts on solving pipe troubles. They’re also good at marketing their services. However, some plumbing companies would go overboard and rely on deceptive advertising to get leads. 

So, you have to remember that not all plumbing services are the same. Even if they are advertised under the same bundle or name, always clarify what’s included in the service you’re booking. Some plumbers might only handle the main fix, while others include inspection, cleanup, and testing in their service.

It is important to know what you are getting for your money. Ask if the quote includes everything from start to finish or if additional fees may apply depending on the scope of the work.

5. Can You Provide References or Reviews?

If your purpose is to vet a plumber, then there’s this one mistake you should avoid at all costs: taking their word for it. This is not to say that you simply can’t trust every plumber out there. But you need to understand that no plumber will ever speak badly about their own services. 

So, instead of merely asking them what they have to say about what they can offer, ask them for actual customer reviews. You can check their reputation online by reading Google or Yelp reviews. It’s one of the fastest ways to know what kind of service you’ll be getting.

Good plumbers will have satisfied clients. They’ll gladly point you to homeowners they’ve helped. If a plumber hesitates or has no reviews at all, that’s a red flag.

Look for patterns in their reviews. Are people praising their punctuality? Their pricing? Or are you seeing complaints about poor work or unfinished jobs? A quick read-through can save you from future regret.

6. Do You Offer Warranties or Guarantees?

Plumbing work isn’t just about fixing a current problem. It’s about preventing that problem from coming back.

That’s why a warranty or guarantee matters. A plumber who stands by their work will offer one. If something goes wrong after the job, you won’t be stuck with more costs.

So, ask if they offer a guarantee. Is it for the parts, the labor, or both? Also, ask how long it lasts. This shows their confidence in the quality of their service.

7. What’s Your Emergency Response Time?

Plumbing disasters don’t follow business hours. Burst pipes and backups can happen at 2 a.m. So, if you’re hiring a plumber, ask how they handle emergencies. Can they come right away? Do they offer 24/7 services? And how fast is their typical response time?

You want someone who’s not only reliable but also reachable for emergency plumbing needs. If a plumber can’t show up when it counts, they may not be the right one for you.

Don’t Gamble Your Comfort on Random Services, Go Straight to Hardy Plumbing for Proven Plumbing Solutions

Finding a plumber isn’t a problem. There’s a sea of plumbing companies you can find online. But the problem is that not all of them are worth calling. Many are reliable, while there are a few who can bring more stress than solutions. And that’s the last thing you want after already dealing with stubborn pipe troubles.

At Hardy Plumbing, you’re not just paying for reliable services; you’re also investing in your peace of mind. We’re a team of licensed and insured plumbers who bring extra care to every job we do. Our service? 5-star rated from over a hundred reviews. We’re also locally owned and operated, giving you extra protection from cookie-cutter services. From routine maintenance to emergency plumbing, we’re the team you can trust.

Call us now, and we’ll be there to help, without delays!