Were you aware that around 200 years ago, the average lifespan of people in the US was only 35 years? Fast forward to these days, and that has gone up by more than twice.
Many historians agree that modern plumbing is a chief reason for that improvement. After all, without it, water treatment and sanitation wouldn’t exist. Wastewater and sewage management wouldn’t be around, either.
So, it’s no wonder Homeland Security considers plumbers as essential critical workers.
That’s also why hiring a plumber is your best bet for problems such as massive leaks and drain backups. However, that doesn’t mean it’s okay to hire any plumber you see on web search results.
Thus, we came up with this plumber hiring guide to help simplify things for you. Read on to discover the mistakes to avoid every time you hire a plumber (and what you should do instead).
Not Verifying Certification or Licensure
Ohio mandates a plumbing license for commercial plumbing contractors. It doesn’t set similar requirements for journeyman plumbers, though. However, local governments may require certification and registration for plumbing contractors.
One example is the City of Bedford, Ohio. It requires plumbing contractors to register before conducting any work in the City. Those who fail to do so will face hefty fines of up to $500.
One reason for those requirements is to help ensure the public’s safety. After all, plumbers applying for registration must first prove their eligibility and qualifications. One way to do that is by getting a license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.
Moreover, registration applicants must prove they haven’t committed multiple Building Code violations. Otherwise, they won’t qualify and, thus, won’t receive a certificate.
Plus, registered contractors must provide proof of insurance and bond. These protect their customers in case the contractors cause injury or property damage. By contrast, you may not have such protection if you choose to hire an unregistered plumber.
For those reasons, it’s vital to confirm the plumber you want to hire meets all those requirements. You can contact your local Building Department to confirm a plumbing contractor’s registration.
Ignoring Reviews
Studies found that consumers tend to leave more positive reviews than negative ones. However, those with bad experiences are more willing to share details online.
That’s why you should never disregard reviews about the plumbers you want to hire. Reading them can give you a better idea of how reliable and trustworthy a plumbing company is.
Be sure to check not only the reviews on their official websites, though, but also on social media. Their past customers are more likely to leave comments on their Facebook accounts.
Not Hiring a Plumber at All
Suppose you have a drain that clogged up for the first time. In that case, you can try some drain-unblocking hacks first, such as using a plunger or a plumber’s snake. However, if it’s a recurring problem or the DIY tactics don’t work, it’s best to call a plumber.
Otherwise, the clog will keep growing and ultimately cause a complete blockage. You may also have multiple clogs, which, over time, can cause your drains to back up.
If that happens, you and your family can be at risk of health hazards due to wastewater. Remember: wastewater contains germs that can cause infectious diseases.
If cost is the only thing stopping you from hiring a plumber, don’t worry too much about it. For starters, some offer discount coupons. Those can help you trim your repair bills, so be sure to ask your local plumber about them.
Putting off Service Calls
Leaky faucets, pipes, and toilets are some of the most common plumbing issues you’re likely to face. Worse, they can waste a lot of water; pipe leaks alone can waste up to 10,000 gallons a year!
Aside from wasting water (and your money), plumbing leaks can also give rise to water damage. Water damage, in turn, isn’t only expensive to repair but can also attract pests.
On top of that is the mold growth that leaks can spur. Note that molds can cause health problems, including allergies and asthma attacks.
Water damage and mold growth can also affect how well your air conditioner performs. Both can even contribute to poor indoor air quality and even more health concerns.
Those should be good enough reasons not to delay hiring a plumber if you encounter any of those problems.
Forgetting to Check Their Business Hours
Although plumbers are essential critical workers, not all operate 24 hours a day. Some only make their services available during typical business hours (e.g., 8 AM to 5 PM).
The thing is, plumbing woes can arise at any time; for instance, frozen pipes can burst in the wee hours of the morning. After all, Ohio’s temperatures can dip below zero at such times, causing plumbing lines to ice up.
So, before you start dialing, be sure to check the plumber’s business hours first. Better yet, choose one offering emergency 24/7 services.
Failing to Consider Future Service Calls
Did you know that one in 50 insured homes in the US files a water damage/freezing claim each year? Some of those, in turn, have to do with malfunctioning plumbing components.
That’s why it’s wise to get your plumbing system inspected and serviced regularly. Doing so can help prevent future breakdowns and clogs and thus, protect your home and wallet.
What’s more, you can get all those (and more) with a service partner plan. This program guarantees not only a scheduled tune-up but also a priority service. You can even enjoy further discounts if you sign up for one.
Avoid These Plumber Hiring Mistakes
There you have it, your ultimate guide on the mistakes to avoid when hiring a plumber. So long as you keep these (and our tips) in mind, you don’t have to worry about paying for subpar service. Most importantly, you can keep your plumbing system in tip-top condition for less.
If you’re in Bedford, Oakwood, Solon, or nearby areas and need to hire a plumber ASAP, our team here at My Guys can help. Ring us up now, and we’ll be more than happy to take care of all your plumbing (and even HVAC) needs.
