The 7 Red Flags When Hiring a Plumber

Plumbing is nothing to gamble with.

So neither is choosing your family plumber.

While choosing our doctor and dentist is a top priority, we tend to delay selecting a plumber until an emergency occurs. So when you’re faced with the task of finding a trustworthy plumber to safeguard the well-being of your home, how can you discern the right one?

Looking for a plumber that won’t disappear like your missing socks? Tired of turning your home into a water park? Well, buckle up because we’re about to dive into 7 telltale signs that’ll help you fish out the perfect plumber for your family!

Finding A Plumber You Can Trust: Red Flags To Look For

Here are the seven main red flags to look for when searching for a plumber you know you can trust.

Red Flag #1 – Working unlicensed and uninsured

In the 21st Century, there is a prevailing belief that every individual in the business sphere is undoubtedly licensed, bonded, and insured against potential damages or losses.

This is not always the case.

A homeowner or commercial property owner may find themselves unexpectedly responsible for not only the additional costs of the original repair, but also any bodily harm to the plumber and the company’s equipment.

First impressions carry significant weight when it comes to evaluating a plumber’s potential capabilities. If they arrive in a dilapidated vehicle, with unsanitary residue from their previous assignment, it is likely that they will also leave a disorder in their wake at your premises. Furthermore, they may be cutting corners with essential aspects such as insurance, qualifications, and licensing.

Such a presence should serve as an indication of the caliber of their craftsmanship, as well as their reliability and trustworthiness.

Ensure to inquire about their licensing, insurance policies, and bonding agreement, which validates their successful completion of a testing procedure prior to obtaining their license. If in doubt, confidently request to review the pertinent documentation.

Washington state has a designated minimum insurance requirement; however, not all individuals purporting to be plumbers adhere to this standard. It is noteworthy that highly competent plumbers surpass the mandated insurance prerequisites as a demonstration of their commitment to excellence.

Some plumbing companies also employ a mix of licensed and unlicensed personnel. Therefore, it is imperative to verify the credentials of all individuals involved in the project, ensuring that everyone working in your residence is fully licensed. This is crucial to guarantee the quality of work and the safety of your home.

You can inquire and search for professional licenses, business licenses, insurance, and bonding at the Washington Department of Labor and Industries.

Red Flag #2 – Using the correct tools for the job

A decent plumber isn’t just someone with a few rusty tools and a banged-up old truck. It takes more than that to fix your pipes and your day!”

A credible plumbing professional will possess a professional van or small box truck equipped with all necessary tools and equipment. This includes the tools required to effectively and efficiently address any plumbing task, such as installing new pipes. Demonstrating the conscientiousness to use the appropriate tools for each specific requirement reflects a commendable level of care for both your home and plumbing system.

When it comes to drainage and sewer lines, the professionals have access to modern scoping equipment to accurately identify the location of the issue. Furthermore, they possess the expertise to rectify the problem, frequently without the need to excavate your yard. At the very least, they can offer recommendations for reputable excavation companies.

Speaking of sewer lines, when a blockage refuses to budge despite your best efforts with store brand drain cleaners, it’s probably the sewage lines outside your home causing all the trouble!

Depending on the age of your property, the drainage pipes may require a specific tool designed for their diameter and material. Tree roots are known to penetrate sewage pipes, leading to clogs. Using a blade that is too small for the pipe’s diameter would necessitate a revisit by the plumber in the near future. For residential properties, the size of the family, and for commercial locations, the number of customers, will influence the frequency at which these pipes become clogged.

Reputable plumbing professionals welcome inquiries while accompanying them. When encountering a pipe rooter with a diameter of less than 3 inches, it is advisable to inquire about its suitability for the size of the pipes on your property.

Red Flag #3 – Showing up uninvited or phone solicitation

Two situations that always make us raise an eyebrow are the surprise visits from “emergency” plumbers who mysteriously materialize at our door, and those enticing phone calls promising unbelievable deals, only to deliver something completely different. It’s like a real-life comedy show, but without the laugh track.

Even in this contemporary era, there exist families who travel across the country as work crews, offering a wide range of services from paving driveways to conducting comprehensive inspections of plumbing and electrical systems. Making a discerning choice in such a scenario can be challenging, given the presence of reputable individuals across all such settings. However, inquiring about their warranty terms and the timeliness of their guarantee fulfillment can reveal whether they are suitable for hire.

Phone solicitation, also known as Bait and Switch, frequently leads to substantial plumbing expenses. Initially advertised as a ‘free water heater inspection,’ these solicitations often result in upselling unrelated plumbing issues. What begins as a seemingly cost-free service can swiftly transform into a dire need for a new water heater and additional pipes. The justification provided sounds plausible, yet only serves to escalate the final expenses.

Red Flag #4 – Estimating a job sight unseen

Let us address this matter directly. It is prudent to be cautious of any service provider who provides an estimate without physically inspecting the job, as this may result in inflated charges upon completion.

Although it may be possible to provide a ballpark estimate based on photographs and discussions with the homeowner, it is unlikely to be a precise figure.”

Although experienced plumbers are likely familiar with the usual expenses, they prefer to assess the situation firsthand as you may not possess sufficient knowledge of plumbing to accurately describe the issue. Moreover, unforeseen factors specific to your property, plumbing system, and accessibility can significantly impact the final cost.

One should aim to avoid unexpected outcomes, and it is likewise advisable for the other party to do the same.

When inquiring about their pricing for a house call, it is important to ascertain whether this fee is inclusive of the overall service cost. Seasoned plumbers commonly do not impose a fee for evaluating the issue and submitting a final proposal.

Red Flag #5 – Money matters

Plumbing and renovation projects encompass a wide range, varying from minor, swift tasks to substantial, costly undertakings with extensive scope. In any case, it is imperative to have a clear understanding of the anticipated costs based on the plumber’s appraisal and the scale of the project at hand.

The first thing to do if you’re faced with a very large and costly plumbing project is to contact your bank.

This scenario illustrates how banks can assist in safeguarding individuals from exploitation by repair or remodeling firms. One option is to secure a modest home loan for the renovation expenses, with the bank subsequently assuming the responsibility for disbursing payments to the contractor.

The plumber is guaranteed payment, and you receive added protection against deceptive workmanship.

When dealing with minor plumbing issues, exercise caution if the plumber requests payment before completing the job, and/or insists on receiving cash.

Red Flag #6 – High 1st hour rates and bringing extra workers

Look closely at the estimate…

When a plumber insists on a fixed initial hour rate but proceeds to continuously add additional charges, it is a clear indicator of price gouging.

Another useful strategy involves bringing at least one additional worker, and sometimes several, to a job. If a crowd gathers for a relatively small task, it is advisable to politely request that they leave as the matter is already being attended to. However, it’s important to note that this may not always be applicable. In the state of Washington, trainees are required to undergo a 4-year training period with a Journeyman Plumber.

Red Flag #7 – Padding and lowballing the estimate

Additional red flags are padding the estimate and lowballing other plumbers’ bids. Always be wary of these tactics when choosing a plumber. Such practices can indicate a lack of honesty and integrity, potentially leading to subpar work or unexpected costs down the line. When seeking a professional to handle your plumbing needs, transparency and fairness should be non-negotiable.

When you notice something seems amiss with the pricing of the parts in the estimate, it’s crucial to investigate further. Your attention to detail could save you from unnecessary expenses and ensure a fair deal.

Here’s where a few helpful smartphone apps come in handy. Many chain-operated home improvement companies offer apps that allow you to conveniently check prices on their full range of products. It’s important to note that there are usually markups on materials, and it’s worth considering that most plumbers do not purchase their supplies from big box stores or online retailers.

A trustworthy family plumber aims to provide fair pricing without compromising on the quality of parts and services.

When the price is too low, there is a concern regarding potential compromises in quality or unexpected issues in the future. Conversely, if the price is too high, it may indicate an excessive addition of unnecessary costs.

So, if this so-called ‘professional’ comes in with a bid that’s lower than a limbo champion’s backbend, kindly inquire about the provenance of their parts. In such a scenario, the plumber is likely to suddenly remember a call they forgot to attend and execute a swift disappearing act.

Always ensure that your plumber is licensed, bonded, and insured to protect against any defects in parts, workmanship, and injury or property damage. Additionally, inquire about their availability, including whether they are accessible 24/7.

And lastly, it is crucial to ensure the longevity and establishment of the company. Selecting a reputable and long-standing company is essential as you need assurance that they will support their work in the future. Be cautious of unusually low quotes, as they may indicate the presence of unreliable, transient, or inexperienced plumbers.

Find A Plumber You Can Trust

At The Local Guys Plumbing and Drain Services, we take our plumbing as seriously as a penguin in a tuxedo! Expect top-notch service with a side of good old-fashioned honesty. Get in touch with The Local Guys today to track down a Spokane Plumber who’s so trusty, they make your grandma’s apple pie seem suspicious!