When you're a homeowner, one of the most important things you need to do is maintain your plumbing. According to FieldCamp, a service scheduling software, more than 480,600 licensed plumbers are currently working in the United States, so you have several to choose from. If you're unsure of how to find the right plumber for your residence, here are some things to consider.

Get a Referral

Is everyone in your life still relying on an outhouse? If not, they have modern plumbing and probably have had to call a professional plumber at some point. Call upon your friends and family for a plumbing referral. Don't forget to ask some of your neighbors as well, as they can also refer you to a contractor who may already be making the rounds in the neighborhood. The more referrals you have, the more options you can choose from, as you should have more than one plumber to call.

Look at Online Reviews

There are several sites that provide customer reviews. Check sites like TrustPilot, Reddit, and Google reviews for customer perspectives. Additionally, your plumber may have a website that has customer testimonials listed. Glassdoor also has reviews from both users and employees.

Check the Better Business Bureau

When looking into how reputable a contractor is, checking the Better Business Bureau is a must. The BBB is a source that lists any unresolved issues that customers have about a business. They also grade each company based on the academic grading system starting with letters A and ending with F. So, if a business has a rating of D or F, you should pass on using them. It's also a red flag if a business isn't registered with the BBB.

Use Social Media

In addition to websites, social media is a major source for getting customer feedback about a product or a service. Some contractors even make fun posts about staff or their reviews on sites like Facebook. You may find some direct customer responses on these posts. Use hashtags related to the industry you need a service for. In this case, you could use "#plumbing," "#plumbers," or "#plumbing services." Search for those hashtags and see which contractors come up.

Get a Few Quotes

Don't go for the first plumbing service you find. Even if you get a good referral, try to find at least a couple of other competing ones to compare. After all, you may need different services than the person who gave you the referral. According to Forbes, the magic quote number is about three. Compare their prices, services, and reviews to make the best decision. Additionally, you'll want to confirm how they determine charges for their services. Some contractors charge hourly, while others may charge a flat rate. You should also make sure to get an estimate in writing, especially once you've decided to move forward with a plumber. This will reduce the likelihood of any miscommunication regarding costs and guarantee you have tangible proof so the estimate can't be denied or disregarded.

Confirm Their Payment Schedule

When you receive a quote from a plumbing company, it may not include a payment schedule. You'll want to make sure you confirm when payment is required. If a deposit is expected after the first service visit, it's important for you to know that before hiring a plumbing professional. Since different companies use different systems, it's in your best interest to have a complete understanding before moving forward.

Ask About Their Services

All plumbers aren't created equal. You can find a local plumber that has special training beyond general plumbing repair. Your pipes may need special care if you live in a cold environment, so pipe thawing and insulation will come in handy. Do you have ongoing drain issues? Find a plumbing service that provides expert drain cleaning. They may also offer electronic leak detection services that can save your home from water damage, extra bills, and mold.

Check Out Their Emergency Services

Unfortunately, toilets don't wait to overflow between the hours of nine to five, so you may need an emergency plumber at some point. An emergency plumbing situation is anything that can't wait for an appointment since it poses an immediate threat to your commercial or residential property. Such emergencies include sewer backups, burst pipes, and gushing water leaks.

If you do encounter a plumbing emergency, turn off the water and the fixture itself, and call the local plumbing service of your choice. It's best to have one on hand that can provide emergency and regular care so you don't waste time fumbling for phone numbers as sewage backs up into your home.

Ask About Experience

It's best to try to find professionals that have as much experience as possible. The more experience they have, the more efficiently they can solve your problem. They may also have a larger crew and be able to handle a wider range of problems compared to a new contractor.

Check For License and Insurance

Any contractor you hire to work in your home should be licensed to do that specific job. Different states and regions have different licensing requirements for plumbers. So, when you hire a plumbing professional, they should be certified to work in your state. Your plumber may have a license as an apprentice, journeyman, or master plumber. They shouldn't have any problem showing you their license and will likely list accreditation information on their website.

You should also check that they have valid insurance. Insurance coverage will protect their workers in case something goes wrong on their job. In other words, if they get hurt doing work in your home, you won't be liable for it, as their insurance will cover the issue.

Ask About the Brands They Use

What brands of appliances does the plumber use? There are a wide range of different brands that plumbers can work with. While some of them are more prominent and dependable, like Delta or Kohler, others are less reputable. Working with the more well-known brands is an indicator of industry authority and legitimacy. Additionally, plumbers who work with higher-quality brands can also provide a higher quality of work.

Consider Location

Location always matters when finding a good contractor. Try to find a contractor that's as close to you as possible, especially if you need to use one for emergency care. As mentioned, plumbing issues can happen at any time, and the closer a plumber is to you, the more likely you are to get faster service. Additionally, by focusing on a local professional, you'll give work to a small local business, which is great for your local community.

Any homeowner or commercial business owner needs access to the right plumber for regular inspections, fixture updates, or repairs. A healthy plumbing system is vital for sanitation and comfort. Without good plumbing, it's hard to shower properly, wash your hands, clean your house, and more. As you can see, there are many ways to find the right plumbing services for your needs. Use this guide as a step in the right direction, as you're bound to find certified plumbers with the steps listed above. Make things easier by contacting Holt Plumbing Company today for excellent plumbing services. Our experienced licensed plumbers have 35 years of experience in the industry, and we can't wait to assist you as soon as possible.