When your drains clog up, gas boiler starts acting up or your pipes start leaking, the most obvious thing to do is call a plumber in Cork or local area. Unfortunately, when it is all going wrong, you do not really have time to deliberate over who to give the call. However, it is essential to remember that employing the wrong plumber can lead to more problems down the line.
Finding the right plumber can be daunting for any home, property or business owner. The plumbing industry, like any other, has a mixture of both experienced experts and unreliable workers. With that in mind, it is crucial to tread carefully when searching for a plumber.
How to Choose a Plumber for Home and Commercial Needs
Ensure they are Licensed and Insured
When hiring a plumber, the first and non-negotiable factor you should check is whether they are licensed and adequately insured. Plumbers, like other professionals, must undergo the necessary training and pass required exams to acquire a license. So, hiring a licensed plumber ensures you get a professional who can perform plumbing work safely and effectively.
Besides a license, your plumber should be adequately insured (liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance). Liability insurance covers your property in case there is damage during the plumbing work. The worker’s compensation coverage ensures you aren’t held liable if the plumber gets injured while working on your plumbing issue.
Check Online Reviews
Another thing you should consider before hiring a plumber is online reviews from previous customers. You want to make sure the expert you are hiring for the job is not only qualified but knows exactly how to fix the plumbing issues you are dealing with. Reading online reviews gives you realistic answers to some of the questions you might be asking yourself, including the quality of work they offer and how realistic their estimates are.
You can find customer reviews on the plumbing company’s website or third-party sites, such as Yelp, Trustpilot, Google and Facebook reviews. Ensure you consider both the positive and negative reviews to get a complete picture of how good the plumber is before you hire them.
Look for Referrals
Besides reading customer reviews, asking for referrals is one of the best ways to find a reliable plumber for your home and commercial needs. Reach out to friends, family, neighbours or even co-workers and find out if they have had a positive experience with a plumbing service. Word-of-mouth recommendations are excellent since they offer you valuable insights into a plumber’s work quality, reliability and professionalism.
However, to make the most of referrals, ensure you turn to trustworthy sources and be prepared with specific questions about the plumber’s reliability when it comes to handling plumbing issues.
Ask about Prices
When hiring a plumber, it is crucial to inquire about the prices associated with the work you want done. The cost of plumbing work can vary depending on various factors. For starters, a certified and more experienced plumber will typically charge a higher fee than an individual who’s just starting. Additionally, the charges will depend on the type of plumbing work you want to be done – minor repairs will cost less compared to major installations.
Ask the plumber to provide you with a detailed quote for the plumbing work you need. A professional plumber should be able to provide a clear breakdown of labour, materials and any additional costs you may encounter as work goes on.
Ask About Their Experience
Experience is the other factor you should keep in mind when hiring a plumber. The level of experience has a significant influence on the quality of work a plumber will offer. Plumbing companies that have been in the business for a long time are more likely to have the knowledge and expertise necessary to handle your needs.
To assess a plumber’s experience, consider the years they have in the industry, specialisation, past projects and their problem-solving track record. However, it is essential to note that just because a plumber has been in the industry for a longer time doesn’t mean they have all it takes to complete the job as required. So, experience should be considered among the other factors in hiring a plumber.
Ask about Warranties and Insurance
Before you entrust a plumber with your upcoming plumbing project, it is wise to inquire about the warranties they offer and insurance coverage. Even if you are working with an experienced plumber, there are unforeseen accidents and issues that may occur. For that reason, working with an insured plumbing company that provides warranties helps protect your finances in case something wrong happens during the plumbing project.
Be sure to check for workmanship warranty, product warranties, liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.
Ask about Their Location
Asking about the location of the plumbing company is important, especially if you are dealing with an emergency plumbing issue. It influences their availability and response time, which can be the difference between a leaky pipe and a flooded property.
Although it depends on how urgent you need the services, it is always wise to hire a local plumber. Besides ensuring quicker response times, a local plumbing company will ensure easier follow-up if issues arise after they finish the project.
Compare Competition
Before you settle on a particular plumber, it is wise to compare and asses multiple plumbing companies around your area. Examining and comparing these plumbers gives you a clear understanding of what you get from each option, which can help you make a more informed decision.
It is easier to compare your options if you gather multiple quotes, evaluate the services offered and check customer reviews. So ensure you research correctly to get the information you need to effectively compare your options and choose a plumber that suits your needs.
Conclusion
The importance of hiring the right person to fix your plumbing issues cannot be overstated. From busted pipes and leaky faucets to clogged drainage and faulty gas boilers, these issues require immediate attention, lest they wreak havoc on your property. Unfortunately, with so many options to choose from, finding the right person for the job can be relatively challenging. That’s why it is essential to consider the factors above before hiring a plumber.
If you are currently dealing with a plumbing issue or anticipate one in the near future, don’t leave things to chance. Contact Complete Plumbing Solutions today for all your plumbing needs in Cork. Our certified and experienced team of experts are ready to deliver efficient, reliable services at a pocket-friendly price. Our services include gas boiler service, gas boiler replacement, pump services and power flushing. We understand the importance of a perfectly functioning plumbing system, and we have the expertise to handle any repairs and installation work.
Do not hold back until your minor plumbing issue becomes a crisis. Reach out to Complete Plumbing Solutions today to book a consultation or get a free quote and start your journey towards a smoothly running plumbing system.