Finding a plumber might seem like a simple task. With the internet at your fingers, you can just search for “plumber near me” and be on your way. Unfortunately, things aren’t that easy. You can find a plumber in Chatsworth that way, but it won’t be the most trustworthy plumber. If you want to be able to trust the person you choose, you need to know how to look for a reliable plumber. 

Take Your Time

Before you begin your search, set your expectations. This process won’t happen in a few minutes. The search for a plumber should take time because it’s a major decision. If you don’t make the right decision, your plumbing and your home is at risk.  In the case of an emergency, you don’t have days or weeks to find a person for plumbing repair. Therefore, you need to have a name ready to call in the event of an emergency. Do your homework and find a plumber long before you actually need one. When you first move into a home, start researching plumbers. 

Ask Around

Do your friends and family members have a plumber they trust? You’ll never know if you don’t ask them. If you don’t have any friends or family who have recommendations, ask your co-workers and neighbors.  Take the recommendations with a grain of salt. Instead of going with the first plumber someone recommends, do a little more research. You might find a better option out there. Asking for recommendations is just the starting point. After you have a few names, make a list and delve into the next step – research.

Get On Your Computer

The internet is one of the best places to find someone for plumbing repair, as long as you know where to look. First, check your favorite search engine for a plumber. Then, look at the reviews. Which plumbers have good reviews? No one will have perfect reviews, but you can tell a lot about a company from their reviews.  Read both the good and bad reviews and look for common threads. If three people complained about the company’s communication, that’s probably an ongoing issue. Be sure to check the reviews of your list of recommended plumbers to make sure the companies are what you’re looking for. 

Check Social Media

While you’re online, get on Facebook and your other favorite social media platforms. First, check your local groups for recommendations. Community groups often have suggestions for plumbers. Secondly, use social media to check out a company’s online presence. Although not all plumbing companies have social media accounts, many of them do. If you find a page for the company, check their reviews and activity. If everyone seems to have a positive experience with the company, you’re on the right track.

Check Into Licensing And Insurance

As a homeowner, you’re responsible for anyone who comes onto your property. If you allow an uninsured and unlicensed plumber to work on your home, you could be liable for their mistakes and for an on-the-job injury.  To find out if a plumber is licensed and insured, check out their website. They might provide the information on the home page. In some cases, you need to call and ask about their status. If a company is unwilling to provide you information or says they’re not insured or licensed, don’t do business with them. All reliable plumbers have a license and insurance. Meanwhile, someone who only does plumbing as a hobby or cuts corners is likely to be unlicensed and insured. If you want to protect yourself and to have the best work done, check into their qualifications.

Make Some Calls

Once you have a few names for plumbing companies, you can take your research one step further. Call up the companies to learn more about them. When you call, there are a few things you should pay attention to:

Ask About Their Experience

When it comes to plumbing problems, experience is key. Plumbers undergo training, but they do most of their learning on the job. If you work with a plumber who only has a year of experience, they may not be able to handle a complex repair. Before you choose a company, find out how many years the company has been in business. Do they hire experienced plumbers? If you can’t find the information online, ask them over the phone. 

Their Offerings

Some plumbing companies specialize in certain areas, while others do it all. Depending on your needs, you should find out more about the services offered by the company. Is their specialty in residential or commercial plumbing? Do they repair water heaters?  If you’re trying to find one plumber who can handle all of your plumbing needs, only choose a company that offers a long list of services. You should also pick a company that has emergency services. In the event of a plumbing emergency, you’ll know who to call for immediate assistance.

How They Communicate

If you work with a plumbing company that doesn’t communicate well, you’re in for a bumpy ride. They might show up hours late to a service call or fail to communicate an issue with you.  In any case, poor communication could leave you stranded. When you call the company, listen to the voice on the other end of the phone. Do they sound happy? Are they eager to answer your questions or trying to rush you off the phone? There’s a lot you can tell about a company from a phone call. Before you pick up the phone, make a list of questions on a notepad. Take notes during your call, or you could forget which company you like the best.

Are You Still Looking for a Plumber Near Me?

As challenging as it might seem to find a reliable plumber, you should know that there is someone you can trust. Here at Rooter Shark Plumbing, we offer a long list of plumbing services in Chatsworth. Whether you need maintenance, a repair, or an installation, we can help. To stop your search for a plumber near me and get the help you need, call us today. Your plumbing problems don’t need to wait.