If you have a plumbing problem, finding a reliable plumber is essential. But how do you know which one to choose?
You should always check online reviews, but it is also helpful to look at the way the plumbers themselves interact with customers. Seeing how they communicate, whether it be through email or on the phone, gives you a good idea of their professionalism.
Ask for Referrals
If you have a trusted friend or colleague who can recommend a plumber, ask them. It’s not uncommon to find a great plumber this way, and it will help you avoid getting scammed or having your plumbing problem fixed incorrectly.
You should also check out a plumbing company’s reputation online. Look for reviews on their website, social media accounts, and online rating services such as Yelp or Angie’s List. A reputable plumbing company will readily share customer reviews on their websites and will be consistent with their star ratings across platforms, check out here.
Make it easy for your clients to refer your business by adding a custom field to your client database that automatically syncs with your email or text marketing platform. Create an email template that includes this new field and use it to encourage your clients to share your business with others. Be sure to follow-up with a phone call or handwritten note to thank your clients for their referrals, too!
Check Online Reviews
When an emergency happens, like a flooded basement from a burst water heater tank, homeowners don’t have the luxury of doing their research in advance. They just want someone to come out and fix the problem as quickly as possible, which is why online reviews are so important for plumbing companies.
When choosing a plumbing company, check to see if they have a website that shares online reviews and testimonials from previous clients. If they don’t, that could be a red flag. You should also look for an active social media presence and a physical address listed on their website.
It can feel awkward to ask for a review from customers, especially when the job is finished. But, if you drop subtle hints throughout the process, like adding a short link to Google reviews in your email signature and including instructions on how to leave a review on your invoice, then most people will oblige.
Ask for a Free Estimate
A traditional in-home estimate requires you to be home for a multi-hour window while the plumber arrives and evaluates the problem. This can be a huge drain on your schedule and budget.
A high-quality plumbing company will offer free estimates. They’ll also be honest about what the repairs will entail and what they will cost, so you can make a decision that fits your needs.
Ask about the company’s service area, what scheduling and services they offer, how much their rates are, and if they have any specials or coupons available. You may also want to find out whether their plumbers are licensed and insured, and if they run background checks on employees. They should also be able to tell you about how they’ve helped other clients in the past, and provide you with a list of references to look at. The best plumbers will be able to give you detailed information and explain their reasoning for choosing the solutions they recommend.
Get a Warranty
A plumbing warranty is a great way to protect yourself from shoddy work that leads to further problems. Make sure that the company you choose offers this and is willing to stand behind their work.
If you are unsure of which plumbing company to choose, ask for referrals from friends and family members who have used a plumbing service in the past. These people are unlikely to be biased and can give you an honest picture of what to expect from the plumber.
Conclusion:
It is also a good idea to ask a plumber for an estimate over the phone. However, it is important to note that it is difficult for plumbers to give an accurate quote over the phone because they need to see the problem firsthand to determine how serious it is. Therefore it is best to choose a plumbing company that recommends coming to your house for a consultation and inspection before giving a final quote.
