Have you found yourself searching online for “a Plumber Near Me,” but you don’t know who to trust?
by Nevie Sessoms, Owner One Stop Plumbing
These days, the easiest way to find a plumber is to search online for “a plumber near me.” The challenge, though, who to trust? Say you have a clogged toilet or a burst pipe on your hands — you realize you need a plumber but have no idea where to turn. Choosing a plumber is a critical decision. It’s important to hire a plumber with the right experience and qualifications for the job. If you don’t, you might end up with even more expensive plumbing crises and repairs in the future.
But what should you look for when hiring a plumber?
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of what to look for during your next online search for “a plumber near me.”
1. Certifications and Licenses (Plumbing and Gas)
Before hiring a plumber, the very first thing you should do is check their credentials. Most states require plumbers to get specific licenses before they can work in-state. In Virginia, plumbers and gasfitters must get a journeyman or master plumber license before working. Ask your local plumbing company for their credentials. Then, double-check what they tell you with your local government. To get licensed, plumbers have to go through extensive study and formal training. That means you can rest easy knowing that a licensed plumber has the experience required to help you out!
2. How much Experience does “a plumber near me” have?
When you’re researching plumbers, it’s important to talk to them directly and ask them questions. Ask them about their experience and what types of services they typically provide. After all, not every plumber has addressed every possible plumbing problem. The more experienced a plumber is, the faster they’ll be able to identify and address your plumbing crises.
3. Years in Business
You should also ask plumbing companies how long they’ve been in business. This is a good metric to determine how much experience a plumber has and how effective they are. If a plumbing company has been around for several years, they have likely been doing quality work.
4. Reviews, Testimonials, and References
You should always check customer reviews before moving forward. You can find reviews on a plumber’s website and on independent platforms like Google and Facebook. These reviews can answer any questions you may still have about a plumber’s professionalism and timeliness. Testimonials and references can also help you learn more. Ask friends and family if they have any experience with the plumbing companies you’re looking at! You can also ask plumbers for references from past clients they’ve worked with. Then, you can talk to past customers about their experiences.
5. Bonded and Insured?
Any time you search “a plumber near me,” you should ask them whether they are bonded and insured — and ask them for evidence. This is critical because you want to protect yourself in case anything goes wrong. Good insurance protects you and the plumber if someone is injured or if anything breaks on the job. You should never hire a plumber who doesn’t have insurance!
6. Specific Services
Next, do some research on what specific services a potential plumber offers. Does the plumber offer a wide range of services, or do they specialize in certain repairs? If have a really stubborn clog, do they offer Hydro Jetting? Do they have a gas fitter license? Most people don’t associate gas with a plumber, but many do both! Are they qualified to perform remodels? You want to find a plumber who offers a wide range of services. Otherwise, you may end up needing to find a different plumber every time you have a problem and need to search for “a plumber near me!”
7. Estimates and Pricing
A plumbing crisis can be overwhelming, but it’s important to check a plumber’s costs ahead of time. An experienced plumber should give you a precise cost estimate before doing any work for you. For large plumbing jobs, make sure you get the best service and price, get quotes from a few different plumbers in your area. That way, you’ll know what typical plumbing costs look like, and you can be wary of any extreme outliers. You can also ask plumbers how their costs are calculated and if there are any other fees you should know about.
One Stop Plumbing is your answer when you search for “a plumber near me!”
If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to make the best choice for your plumbing needs. Here at One Stop Plumbing, we are transparent about our services, costs, and licensing. We service Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads Virginia area. We are your plumber when you’re searching for “a plumber near me!” We’re locally owned and operated, unlike large plumbing corporations. Our customers are our neighbors, and we want to see our community thrive.
If you’re ready to take the next step and hire a plumber, give One Stop Plumbing a call today at (757) 321-8874!
Nevie Sessons is the owner of One Stop Plumbing. As a locally owned and operated company, Nevie built the company from the ground up starting in 2005. He is a Master Plumber licensed by the Virginia Department of Professional Occupation and Regulation (DPOR) , and he is a Master Gas Fitter.
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