Are you looking to hire a plumber in the Redlands, CA area?
If so, you shouldn’t just hire the first plumber that you find on Google. On average, people spend a few hundred dollars on a plumber. But, depending on the services you need, you may need to spend a lot more- upwards of a few thousand dollars.
Therefore, if you don’t hire the right plumber, that could easily be a few hundred to a few thousand dollars down the drain (no pun intended).
But, there are dozens of plumbers in Redlands, CA. How do you make sure you hire the right one?
Check out this guide to learn how to find a plumber in Redlands, CA.
1. Read Reviews and Get Recommendations
Chances are, you have someone in your life who has recently hired a plumber, be it a family member, friend, or co-worker.
So, when you begin your search for a plumber, the first thing you should do is ask for recommendations from those around you. The great thing about asking people you know for recommendations is that they have no stake in the game, and they’ll, therefore, be able to give you unbiased reviews.
If you’re having trouble finding someone in your social circle who has recently hired a plumber, then we suggest reading reviews online. Both Google My Business and Yelp are great resources for customer reviews. You can also call your local Better Business Bureau to see if the company that you’re thinking about hiring has any outstanding complaints filed against them.
Also, keep in mind that a negative review or two is normal, so if you come across one, you shouldn’t automatically discount a company. If the majority of their reviews are outstanding, then you’re good to go.
2. Price
Price is a major factor when choosing a plumber.
And, it’s important to keep in mind that price policies vary greatly from plumber to plumber. Some plumbers charge an hourly rate, while others charge by the service. Usually, it’s better to hire a plumber who charges by the service, as this way, you’ll have a better idea of how much you’ll be paying.
When you have a handful of plumbers you’re thinking about hiring, you should get a quote from each of them. Also, make sure that you get this quote in writing, otherwise, they can charge you a higher price and you won’t be able to do anything about it.
And, keep in mind that if a plumber offers you a quote that’s much cheaper than everyone else’s, it’s usually a red flag. A super cheap price usually means that they’re also using cheap materials and providing cheap service, so it’s best not to hire them.
3. Licensing and Insurance
Pretty much every state requires that plumbers hold a license, with the exception of New York and Kansas.
If you’re living in a state that does require licensing, be sure to check that the plumbing company you’re considering hiring has up to date licenses and that they don’t have any complaints filed against them.
In addition to licensing, you also want to make sure that the company you hire is properly insured. It’s very important that you ask to see a plumber’s insurance. Otherwise, you may end up being held responsible for any injuries they acquire while on the job.
4. Subcontractors
It’s completely normal for plumbers to hire subcontractors to help them complete their work.
But, it’s important that you enquire about the subcontractors beforehand. In addition to asking about their experience, you should also ask if they’re licensed and insured.
Just like plumbers, subcontractors also need to be insured to guarantee that you won’t be the one footing the medical bill in the event of an injury.
5. National vs Local Company
Another thing you want to consider is whether you should hire a local company or a national company.
While national companies have built up a reputation of trust, they may take longer to get to your home and their services may be more expensive.
Local companies, on the other hand, will know the area well and will likely be able to serve you almost immediately. Plus, they’re usually more cost-effective and offer a more personal and friendly service.
6. Check Their Website
Before hiring a plumber in Redlands, CA, it’s also very important that you check their website.
A professional website demonstrates that they take their business seriously. You want to look for a website that has license and insurance information, information about the company’s experience, a list of services, reviews and testimonials, and, a contact page that offers multiple ways of getting in touch with the company.
7. Availability
When choosing a plumber in Redlands, CA, it’s important that you know their availability.
For example, if you need emergency plumbing services, then you need to make sure you hire a plumber who is available 24/7. Some plumbers also only operate their business Monday-Friday, so if you’re only available to let them in on the weekends, make sure you check that they have availability then.
Knowing the response time of a plumber can be a major deciding factor, as you don’t want to have to wait 8 hours if a pipe burst in your home.
8. Satisfaction Guarantee
Last but not least, you want to make sure you hire a plumber who offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Otherwise, if they do a poor job, you’ll have no way of getting your money back.
A satisfaction guarantee is a good sign that a plumbing company is reliable and trustworthy, so be sure to look for a statement of this on their website.
How to Find a Plumber: Wrap Up
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best plumber in Redlands. CA.
If you have any questions about how to find a plumber, drop us a comment below.
And, keep in mind that our plumbing services are available 24/7, so get in contact with us today if you need a plumber.
