Advice for finding the best plumber for the job

It might take a bit of effort and some time to find a good plumber, but here's some advice to help you find the best one in town.

Finding a local plumbing professional might seem overwhelming to some homeowners, especially to those who are new to an area; young; first-time homeowners; or simply looking to change plumbers after a previous job.

• It might take a bit of effort, but finding a good plumber is worthwhile – because you can’t put a price on peace of mind.

The Internet is a great place to start doing research.

• A good rule of thumb when researching just about anything is the bigger the sample size, the more likely you are to find a consensus.
• Use social media to ask your friends about plumbers they’ve had a good experience with.
• Read reviews online and consult different Web sites that collect reviews of contractors. The more you know, the better off you are.

As with any kind of contractor, ask the plumber you want to hire for references, and be sure to verify his or her certification. So what should you look for in a plumber? Be on the watch for:

• Plenty of experience, reliability, attention to detail, and availability for emergency plumbing call-outs.

If you are looking at having a new shower installed or having some repairs done to the basement plumbing, it is a good idea to understand as much about the project as possible.

• Do your research at stores and trade shows and try to learn more about what’s involved.
• Even if you don’t know exactly how to clear out a rough-in, you can have a basic idea of what is involved and what has to be done.

For example

• If you are hiring a plumber to put in a new sink or install a water-saving toilet, know what type of fixture you want, how much you are willing to pay, and the basic types of piping involved.

If you’ve done some research, both on the Web and with real people, and you’ve narrowed down the list to three or four local plumbers, ask each of them for an estimate and a timeframe for your project.

• Calling various plumbers for quotes is a great way to figure out how much you ought to pay for your project.

Most bathrooms fixtures and plumbing components come with warranties, but service is not always covered.

• Ask any plumber you hire if they offer it. The answer you get will go a long way in helping you figure out if their plumbing services are right for you.

Most experienced master plumbers offer a service warranty on their work, and the length of the warranty is a good indication of how strongly the plumber believes in the quality of his or job. Do your homework and shop around to find the very best plumbing expert for you and your home.