A healthy plumbing network is essential to your home. As such, you should always have a professional plumber you can quickly call for emergency services and regular maintenance as needed. That said, how do you find a reliable one in your area? Here are some tips you can use no matter where you are.

1. Ask Your Inner Circle

Virtually all modern homes have plumbing. At some point, your friends, family, and neighbors have likely had a leak or clogged drain in their home. Did they call a local plumber for help? If so, they may be able to give you a direct referral for the plumber they used. Being able to get a direct referral from someone you trust can help cut down on your initial legwork. It can also pay to ask if there are any plumbers in your area to avoid. You might hear some horror stories!

2. Check Credentials

Always check the credentials of any plumbing contractor you consider. Plumbing is very specialized work that affects the sanitation and safety of your home. Therefore, you want to ensure that you have a trained professional on the job who knows what they're doing. Make sure that your local plumber has the right licensing required by your local region. A reputable professional shouldn't hesitate to show you proof of such licensing and bonding.

3. Ask About Services

As you likely know, professional plumbers aren't all the same. Some plumbers only specialize in commercial work, while others mostly work on residential properties. According to Gitnux, in 2020, 60% of plumbing services rendered were in residential properties. There are some plumbers you'll call to fix cracks in your piping, whereas others may install fresh piping from the beginning. Some focus more on drainage solutions or sewer issues. Whether you need installation, ongoing maintenance, or repairs, take time to find a plumber that can handle what you need. Of course, plumbing issues don't always happen between the hours of nine to five. Luckily, some plumbers provide emergency care, so ask if your potential contractor is one of them.

4. Compare Costs

Never take the first quote you get. Before deciding on the right plumber for you, get about three or more different quotes from different plumbers to ensure you're getting fair pricing. Remember, plumbers may charge a little more or less depending on their experience level and the type of services they offer. More in-demand plumbers can also charge a higher fee. Do what you can to make a fair analysis of which plumber is right for you and which one has a price that's worth it. Before you sign a contract, get a written estimate of all charges.

5. Ask About Warranties

Warranty coverage is an important protection for any client. Most reputable contractors offer some type of warranty or guarantee for their services. With a plumbing warranty, your plumbing contractor will return to do repairs without charging you an additional fee if there's something wrong with the initial work. A guarantee offers to give you all your money back within a certain period if you're not satisfied with the plumbing.

6. See What Other Customers Say

After reviewing prices, warranty, and certifications, you should also find out what former customers have to say about your potential plumber. Be sure to check their online reviews for direct insight from those who have worked with the company before. These reviews will tell the good and the bad about contractors such as the plumber you're considering. While you could always just take your friends' and family's word for it, it's better to get a broader view of their services to know what an average experience with them is like. Different clients may have different perspectives.

A professional plumber is vital to keeping your home safe and sanitary. After all, you don't want clogged drains or expensive leaks ravaging your home. When you pick the right plumber for your residential property, you can work with a contractor that you can keep going back to for ongoing services. Are you looking for an experienced plumber in the Nashville, TN area? Don't hesitate to call our team at Holt Plumbing Company LLC today for a consultation.