Many of the prevailing and repetitive problems in a household have to do with plumbing issues. There’s a good reason for this. Plumbing lines are often overworked, considering water use is a basic necessity. The plumbing systems are basically the workhorse of any household. Therefore, having a few plumbing problems should not surprise you.
Even the smallest plumbing repair can be a huge expense, so you’ll have to go for the best plumber to do the job. Skimping on your choice of a plumber could mean further issues, given the tendency for the problem to escalate when not handled properly. With that, it’s essential to learn how to filter through the pool of plumbers in your area
In this article, let’s explore a few characteristics that make up a great plumber. This read will help you hire the right man for the job whenever the need arises in your home.
- Trustworthiness
Homeowners must be vigilant about who enters their homes, one of whom is the plumber. You’ll be letting the plumber in your home whenever a problem occurs. Therefore, it’s important to screen plumbers based on their overall reputation and feedback from past clients, as these would prove their trustworthiness.
Always review the feedback before hiring one, so you can immediately look for any potential red flags. If something about them seems sketchy to you, follow your instinct and look for another one with good reviews instead.
- Credentialed
Another trait that makes a reliable home plumber is their credentials. They don’t necessarily need a degree, but training and certification are very important. These credentials are the only way to give you the confidence that they know how to solve the plumbing issue you’re asking them to deal with.
An excellent plumbers will always take the time to improve their skills and learn more. You can get a gist of this through the certifications they show, which shows they’re always looking to improve and learn more. Remember, plumbing is a highly technical profession requiring much expertise. It’s not something someone can claim to have mastered overnight.
- Experienced
When a plumber looks at something and tells you, ‘I’ve never seen that before…’, take that as a red flag. If you can politely tell them that you’ll look for another one instead, then do so. Those words may mean they’re not experienced. The last thing you’d want is to have a plumber make changes in your plumbing system and attempt to fix something they aren’t capable of fixing yet.
Whether it’s something as simple as a blocked drain, a heating problem, or a significant issue that calls for a replacement of certain components, you’ll always be in good hands with the expertise of an experienced plumber.
- Appropriately Insured
Compared to electricians, plumbers don’t have to face a lot of hazards in their job. But those risks are still present nonetheless. Beginner plumbers may not bother to have insurance, but those who have a long-standing track record of plumbing experience have all the necessary insurance.
You never know when an accident may happen while they are doing repair work in your home, which can cause a big blow to your budget. Choosing a plumber with insurance gives you peace of mind because you won’t have to pay for any medical expenses should an accident ensue.
- Clear Communication
If a plumber is unresponsive or difficult to contact, it is a sign of unprofessionalism. A plumber who values good communication is to be prized. This means they value not just their reputation but also the time and money you spend when hiring them.
A plumber that is difficult to reach may not be the best one to partner with. There are many plumbers with good communication lines, so hire them instead. Along with ease of communication, a reliable home plumber is also transparent right from the get-go with matters like:
- Their fees and the inclusions of the fees;
- The scope of work to be done and the cost of obtaining supplies, if needed;
- The coverage of guarantee on the work they do, as most plumbers do a free follow-up repair or work within a certain period, if necessary.
The Bottomline
Because plumbers are so in-demand, many more tradesmen have ventured into becoming plumbers. However, that doesn’t mean all of them to exhibit the same qualities. Some have a better experience than others. And with a job as important as fixing and maintaining your home’s plumbing, there’s no settling for anything less than the best. Narrow through your selection with the qualities above that make an excellent plumber.
