According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 469,900 plumbing jobs across the nation in 2020. Plumbing is one of the most important jobs out there, keeping water flowing in our homes and wastewater flowing away.
When something goes wrong with your plumbing, you need to find a Montgomery plumber you can rely on. But sadly, not all plumbers or plumbing companies are equal. How can you separate the best from the rest?
We’ve put together 7 tips to help you hire a plumber in Montgomery that won’t let you down. Let’s explore them together.
1. Make Sure You’re Calling the Right Kind of Plumber
If you wake up to a burst pipe, you don’t want to call the type of plumber that only specializes in installing new bathrooms. So think first, do I need repair or installation plumbing services?
There are some companies that provide comprehensive plumbing services. They are able to repair all plumbing installations, plus they’re happy to perform installations as needed.
Plumbing companies like these are very useful to know. They’ll also have an emergency number you can call out of hours when things go wrong. They can help with issues such as:
- Slab water and drain leaks
- Clogged pipes
- Find and repair hidden leaks
- Restore water pressure
- Fix faulty water heaters
- Fix issues with toilets, sinks, faucets, garbage disposals, and more
Keep them on speed dial so that if anything goes wrong, you can call them out right away.
Plumbing Services
To avoid things going wrong at the most inconvenient times, consider investing in regular plumbing services. You’ll get a thorough inspection from a qualified plumber. They’ll provide recommendations about repairs or preventative treatments that can save you money in the long run.
2. Check They’re Licensed and Experienced
All plumbers working in Alabama must be licensed.
Licenses are issued to journeymen and master plumbers. Apprentice plumbers are not issued licenses. So if the plumber you’re considering can’t provide you with their license number, the alarm bells should start ringing.
You can check if these licenses are up to date at the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining board website.
Master and journeyman plumbers are the best qualified and most experienced types of plumbers. According to Alabama state law, unqualified or apprentice plumbers must be supervised by a licensed plumber. So if the plumber you’re considering does not meet these criteria, run for the hills!
Unlicensed and inexperienced plumbers could do a lot of damage to your home. Never take the risk of employing someone who is not skilled to do the job.
Journeyman plumbers have completed at least two years as an apprentice of a master plumber. They must also have passed their journeyman plumbers exam. You know when you hire a licensed journeyman plumber that they have a good level of experience under their belt.
A journeyman plumber can take the master plumber exam after they’ve gained another year’s experience. Both journeyman and master plumber licenses must be renewed each year.
3. Are They Insured?
Accidents can happen – even to the best plumbers. That’s why it’s crucial to check that they have insurance in place in case something goes wrong.
Plumbers need several types of insurance. The ones that are of concern to homeowners are general liability and professional liability.
General liability covers you if you are injured or your property is damaged by the plumbers. Professional liability is there in case you need to make a claim for work that is not finished on time or to a high standard.
Reputable plumbers will be happy to provide you with information about their insurance policies for your peace of mind.
4. Customer Service Matters
If you’re having serious plumbing issues or a major new installation, you’re hiring a plumber to work in your house for a significant period of time. You need to feel comfortable with the plumber and happy to have them in your home.
Established companies are clearly getting something right. If people turn to them time and time again, they’re leaving satisfied customers. So check out how long they’ve been in business.
Also, read online reviews with a focus on how friendly and polite the plumbing crew was. This can put your mind at rest that you’re going to have a pleasant experience.
5. Do They Offer a Warranty?
If you’re having plumbing problems, you need to know that the problem will get fixed and stay fixed. It’s not enough that it works when the plumber leaves. It needs to work for months and hopefully years to come.
Ask them how long a warranty they provide for installation and repair services. Both the parts and work should come with a warranty – one year is standard. Hire a plumber who is proud to stand by their work!
6. Check Out Their References and Reviews
The best plumber near me is one who’s happy to provide references. They’ll have a whole load of satisfied customers in their wake who are happy to talk about their services. This can give you great peace of mind that they’re going to do a great job.
Also, be sure to check out their reviews on sites like Google. The best companies encourage their customers to leave reviews. They can give you a good sense of their level of workmanship and customer service.
It’s also a great sign when the company responds to reviews.
Even a great company can get the occasional negative review. Look out for how they respond to them. If they are courteous and offer to do what they can to put things right, that shows they truly care.
7. Compare Costs
It’s a good idea to source a few quotes before you hire a plumber in Montgomery, AL.
The cheapest quote is not necessarily the best. Take into consideration their experience and the quality of the parts they’re planning to use. Always make sure you’re comparing like for like.
If you get a very low estimate, be suspicious. This could mean that they’re not planning to do a thorough job or use substandard parts.
Hire a Plumber From Clark Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
If you’ve got plumbing issues in Montgomery, AL, you need to hire a plumber you can rely on.
At Clark Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we have over 30 years of experience in serving the Millbrook, Montgomery, Pike Road, Prattville, Wetumpka, AL areas. We offer a complete general plumbing service plus an emergency service when you need us the most.
Call us to discuss your plumbing issues at 334-449-7936 or schedule a service online today!
