What should you look for when hiring a plumber to work on your home? In our opinion, there are a few key qualities a plumbing pro should have.
Clear, upfront pricing. Price is often the deciding factor for most people seeking a plumber. Choose a professional who offers clear estimates and upfront quotes with everything included and doesn’t charge hidden or surprise fees after work is completed.
Licensing. In California, plumbers must hold a valid C-36 Plumbing Contractor License for jobs valued at $500 or more. Don’t be afraid to ask potential hires to see their license before agreeing to hire them.
Insured. Insurance protects you and your plumber from being liable for damage to your home and its contents. Never take the risk of hiring an uninsured plumber.
Compare estimates. It’s always a good idea to shop around a little and receive multiple estimates to determine a reasonable price for the services you need.
Avoid unrealistically low quotes. If one quote is significantly lower than all the rest, proceed with caution. Quality plumbing services have baseline costs that will be reflected in the price — a very low quote often indicates shortcuts and corner-cutting that may cost you more in the long run.
Check reviews. Always read through the positive and negative reviews of any potential plumber to learn what their past clients have to say.
Choose local. Whenever possible, work with someone who lives in your community. Not only is it great to support local businesses, but they’ll also bring local industry knowledge and their expertise in working in homes like yours to the job.