Look for These 3 Things Before Hiring a Plumbing Company
Finding a good plumbing company can be as difficult as finding a good mechanic or contractor. It often seems impossible to tell ahead of time whether they're honest and reliable, whether they do quality work, whether their prices are reasonable, etc. Of course, anyone with internet access can do some digging.
But researching and vetting every local company can be a time-consuming and tedious process. Not everyone will have that kind of time, especially if the toilet is hopelessly clogged or water is spraying out of a broken pipe! Even if the problem isn't an emergency, it's hard to find any spare time during the hectic holiday season. So to make the process easier and faster, here are a few key criteria to look for when shopping around for a plumber!
Do They Have Positive Customer Reviews?
The best place to start when hiring a plumber is with the customer reviews. These days, it's hard to imagine buying anything online without reading the reviews, and buying the services of a plumbing contractor is no different. Reviews on Google, Facebook, or other sites will offer a glimpse at the overall customer experience, which can speak volumes about a company's integrity.
It's probably not necessary to read every review. Still, one can learn a lot from skimming - keep an eye out for words and phrases along the lines of "professional," "on-time arrival," "reasonable prices," "quality work," and so on. Also, pay attention to the ratings, most of which are done on a 5-star scale. A company with many reviews and an overall high rating (4-star or higher) is likely a good bet. Every company will have a few negative reviews, but the best ones will generally post a response and make it right.
Are They Licensed & Insured?
Once the field has been narrowed down according to reviews and ratings, the next step is to check for licensing and insurance. If not advertised, reputable plumbing service companies will have this information listed somewhere on their website (often at the bottom of the home page).
Licensing is important because it means that the company and its technicians have the training, certifications, and industry knowledge necessary to perform plumbing work safely and according to the latest codes and standards. Benicia plumbers, for instance, are required by state law to hold the proper licenses and certifications to work on plumbing systems.
Insurance is important because it protects both the homeowners and the company from financial liability if the technician gets injured while performing their work or if any damage is done to the property due to the work. Any professional plumber worth hiring will be licensed and insured as a testament to their integrity and quality of work.
Do They Offer a Maintenance Plan?
Finally, the third criteria to look for in a highly rated, licensed, and insured plumbing company is whether they offer a maintenance plan or membership. These plans are becoming more and more popular, so any company whose aim is to remain competitive will offer one.
A typical maintenance plan is essentially a contract in which the homeowner receives regular maintenance visits and member perks in exchange for paying an annual or monthly fee. This service usually includes general water heater maintenance, plumbing system inspections, early leak prevention, and even basic drain cleaning.
Most plumbing maintenance plans also include added perks like waived fees, priority scheduling, and discounts on parts and services. In this way, a maintenance plan can end up saving homeowners more money over the long haul. A local plumber that meets all of these criteria is a gift that keeps on giving!
About Oak Plumbing
The locally-owned and award-winning Oak Plumbing has been Benicia, CA's trusted plumber since 2016. Their licensed, insured, and bonded technicians are background-checked and drug-tested for every customer's safety and peace of mind. Oak Plumbing offers same-day service, upfront pricing, and highly beneficial membership plans.