Plumbing Contractors
Finding and Hiring Plumbing Contractors
If you’re building a new home or doing some major renovations, you’ll probably need the services of a plumbing contractor at some point. Your general contractor may use plumbing contractors on the job site, subcontracting that part of the job to the experts.
Plumbing contractors have the team members, the expertise and the experience to design systems that include your sinks, toilets, baths, showers, hot water heaters, pipes, vents and insulation work. Plumbing contractors also install water conditioning equipment, back-flow prevention equipment and even gas earthquake valves.
The best plumbing contractors design efficient systems that minimize your utility expenses and your energy footprint.
How to Hire a Plumbing Contractor
Typically, your builder or general contractor has a reliable plumbing contractor already selected. If you’re doing your own general contracting, though, you’ll have to find reliable plumbing services on your own.
A good place to start is at the store or outlet where you’re purchasing your pipes and fixtures. Talk to the manager or salespersons and see if they have a standout service to recommend. You can follow up with a call to the Better Business Bureau to see whether they have recommendations.
Online plumbing service sites include searchable databases of plumbing contractors. These listings often include feedback from previous clients, allowing you to judge overall customer satisfaction with the contractor’s work.
Don’t underestimate word of mouth when looking for plumbing services. Friends, family and coworkers may be able to make recommendations and let you view a contractor's work.
Contact several recommended plumbing contractors and ask for project estimates. Don’t assume that the lowest estimate is necessarily the best choice. Low estimates may indicate a lack of experience, or that the plumbing contractor has overlooked some costs, in which case unexpected costs could creep into the final bill.
How to Contract Plumbing Services
Verify that the plumbing contractor you plan to hire holds the required license. Reputable plumbing contractors are happy to provide their license number and a copy of their license certificate.
Check that the plumbing contractor has sufficient insurance, especially worker’s compensation insurance and liability insurance. Hiring an uninsured contractor could leave you liable for damages or injuries sustained on your property.
In addition to estimates, ask for a plumbing contractor’s references. Call all of these references and ask about the quality of the contractor’s work, even if the contractor was recommended by word of mouth.