Reasons Why You Don’t Just Hire Any Local Plumber

Are you struggling to find the perfect plumber in Rancho Cucamonga? While it can be tempting to skip your research and hire the first plumber you see on Google, this can land you with a higher than necessary bill or even subpar work. In this article, we’ll explain the warning signs of a bad plumbing service, what qualifications to look for, and the simple ways you can find the perfect plumber for your home.

Warning Signs of a Bad Plumber

Most of us have heard a horror story from a friend or family member about being scammed or swindled by a plumber or ending up with a ‘repair’ that actually makes the problem worse. The good news is that you can easily avoid these unfortunate events from happening to you. All that is required is vigilance and a basic understanding of what to keep an eye out for.

Below are five warning signs that a plumber doesn’t have your best interests in mind and might just wreak havoc on your home.

1.   They only offer the most expensive option

While you certainly don’t want to hire a plumber that only uses the cheapest materials, you also don’t want a plumber who only provides you with one option. Usually, this happens when they are replacing a part and offer you an option that is many times more expensive than is necessary. It’s a good idea to do some sleuthing of your own to figure out a reasonable price range for the work being completed.

2.   They discourage you from looking at other plumbing companies

Of course most plumbers are going to try hard to sell their services to you. This is completely normal and to be expected. However, you should not expect a plumber to try to force you to not even consider other companies. These sales tactics aren’t acceptable and could be a sign of a less than stellar plumber.

3.   They cut corners

Be very wary of a plumber that only uses the cheapest materials and tools, skips repairs, or does the bare minimum. While their services might seem cheaper now, chances are you will face much more expensive repairs later on.

4.   Has a bad reputation

A rudimentary online search should reveal what your local community thinks of a plumbing company. Similarly, ask neighbors, family, and friends if there are any plumbers you should take care to avoid working with.

5.   Charges by the hour

Plumbers will either charge you by the hour or for the entire job. Those that charge by the hour might be inclined to take as long as possible to finish the job, including taking long breaks and lunches. Not only will this be an inconvenience, but it will result in a much higher bill as well.

Read More: Tips In Finding Commercial Plumbers You Can Really Trusts

How to find the best local plumber

Now that you know what to avoid when hiring a plumber, here are a few tips and tricks to help you find the best local plumber in Rancho Cucamonga for the job.

• Check Online Reviews: Perhaps the first thing you should do when you start the process of hiring a plumber is to check review sites like Yelp or Angie’s List. These websites will typically give you a clear indication of a plumber’s standing within the community. Just remember that a few bad reviews should not discredit a plumbing company if the vast majority of reviews are positive.
• Get a Referral: Family and friends are always good sources for referrals, but you might also want to check with a local handyman or electrician who you have worked with in the past. Oftentimes, they’ll have contacts and will be able to refer you to someone whose work they trust and value.
• Ask for Quotes Beforehand: Before you have a plumber evaluate your problem in person, ask them over the phone or via email what they typically charge for these types of repairs. While this is a preliminary quote and might not reflect how much you have to pay in the end, it’s a good way to compare the prices of local plumbing companies.
• Make Sure They Respect Your Home: it’s a very good sign when a plumber treats your home with respect. They should do everything in their power to make sure the structural integrity of your home isn’t affected by their work, that the worksite remains clean and contained, and that they provide you with a realistic estimate of how long the work will take. This proves that they respect you and your time.

Qualifications

A quick way to ascertain the skill level and trustworthiness of a plumber is to ask for their qualifications and credentials.

While qualifications vary state to state, plumbers in Rancho Cucamonga should adhere to California plumbing requirements. This means that plumbers will be registered either as a Journeyman or will meet the requirements to obtain a State contractors license. Generally, Journeymen work on projects that do not exceed $500 in terms of materials and labor. Any job that is more expensive should be carried out by someone who has a contractor’s license.

This distinction might not seem important, but licensed contractors must prove they have years of experience and working capital.

You might have more peace of mind when hiring a contractor because they have already proved themselves in the field.

 The bottom line

Hiring a plumber isn’t something that should be done on a whim. Poor work on your home’s sewage system could result in serious complications later on, meaning more inconvenience and money spent.

It might seem like a hassle to research multiple local plumbers, but it will be worth it in the end. That’s because you’ll find someone with years of experience as a plumber who is respected within the local community for their work. Remember, you’re inviting someone into your home to help correct a problem. You should be able to build a professional relationship with them based on mutual trust and respect.