It’s that time of year again when everyone is getting their homes ready for winter. The air feels colder, the days are shorter, and your heater works overtime to keep you warm at night. But what happens if your plumbing goes out? What do you do then?
Whether it’s an emergency or not, there are some things that you should know before hiring someone to come in and help. Here are a few tips on selecting a plumber in your area.
Check Reviews of Plumbers on Yelp and Google
Most people are advised to check reviews before hiring a contractor, and the same advice applies to plumbers. Find out what other people have experienced with that particular company before you hire them yourself. What kind of service did they receive? Were there any complaints or issues in the reviews? If so, find someone else.
If you find a plumber that looks promising, give them a call and ask if they have any reviews on their company. Don’t forget to check other review sites as well, like Yelp or Google+. You can usually search for “plumbers near me” these days and get some good leads since most plumbing companies are rated.
Ask Friends and Family for Referrals
It would help if you also asked friends, family members, and co-workers for referrals. They may not give you an exact quote on the services or materials needed, but they can help point you in the right direction. The more information you have about a plumber will allow you to make a better decision when it comes time to choose one of them.
Most plumbing services may be willing to offer you a list of past customers that they have worked for. This can be a way to find out more about the plumber and if they have done good work in the past. If you live in an area where there are many different firms, such as Northern VA, this list is not really useful, but it may still help you narrow down your choices so when you do call them, you will know what to ask.
Consider the Type of Services Offered
There are many types of plumbers out there, so it is essential to understand what they offer before hiring them. If they only provide one kind of service, ask yourself how beneficial that will be for your home. For instance, if the plumber offers water heater services but not gas line repairs, something may go wrong with your furnace, and you won’t have a person to help you.
You should also look at the services they offer and see if there is a possibility of working out a package deal for a few different repairs in your home. For instance, one plumber may charge double what another charges because he offers twice as many services or has more experience than his competitor. You can get all of these services for a lower price by finding a plumber specializing in what you need.
With so many plumbers in the area, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. If you know someone who has had a positive experience with a plumber, ask them for the name and number of that company. You may also want to check online reviews on Yelp or Google before making your decision.
