Qualities of a Good Plumbing Company in Arlington
It’s important to know the signs of a good plumber in Arlington if you need work done. Choosing an established, reputable plumbing business gives you peace of mind because you know that your job will be done properly, on time and on budget. However, you may not know how to find a good plumber in Arlington. Take a look at the eight qualities of a good Arlington plumbing company.
They’re Certified
Don’t allow anyone to touch your home’s plumbing, pipes or septic system without proper certification. Plumbers should have state certifications and licensure. In addition, you want to make sure that the company you choose is registered as a business in the state.
They’re Bonded and Insured
In addition to being licensed and certified, a plumbing business should be bonded and insured. This is simply part of doing business as a contractor in Arlington. A contractor bond is a form of underwriting that provides backup funds in the event that something goes wrong during a project that prevents the customer from paying. Liability insurance for contractors protects you and your property against liability for any damage caused to your property by a contractor. If something goes wrong, you’ll be able to file a damage claim with the contractor’s insurance company to be compensated.
They Are Eager to Show You Previous Work
Reputable plumbing companies should be willing to show you examples of previous work. In most cases, they have photos of past work completed for clients displayed on a business website for you to browse. You should also feel free to ask a plumber to see photo examples of specific types of projects if you don’t see what you’re looking for on a website. This will help you to see the “finished product” that is similar to the type of project that you need done.
They Have Good Reviews and Customer Testimonials
A company that’s been around for a while should accumulate a fair number of online reviews. Check around to see if a company has mostly positive reviews posted online. If a company excels at customer service, you will often see real customer testimonials posted on the company’s website or social media pages. It’s okay if not every review left for a plumber is a glowing review. In fact, a plumbing business that only has extremely positive reviews may be using “fake” reviews. It’s statistically likely that even the best plumber will receive some negative feedback.
They Provide Clear Estimates Before Beginning Work
A reputable plumber will conduct a full assessment to provide you with a clear estimate before beginning work. Plumbers should always have your consent before beginning any work. Here’s a look at what should be worked out in a plumbing estimate:
- Hourly labor rates.
- Rates for parts and equipment.
- The estimated time needed to complete the project.
While plumbers can’t know how long it will take to complete a job down to the minute, they should be able to provide a fairly accurate assessment of the time needed to finish a project based on their experience with similar projects. An estimate is designed to allow you to make an informed decision about whether or not you’d like to move forward with a project. Keep in mind that a plumber should also ask your permission to work on anything that is not within the scope of the estimate if they uncover new problems after beginning the project. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends reading your estimate carefully and checking warranties before giving your approval for a plumbing job.
They Show Responsiveness
You can learn a lot about how much a plumbing business values a customer’s time very early on. Most plumbing companies are very responsive because they know that many customers are contacting them about plumbing emergencies. If you’re having a hard time getting a hold of someone, the company you’re trying to contact may not be a good fit for you because it doesn’t have the bandwidth to respond to new clients. A slow response can also be a sign that a plumbing business doesn’t prioritize customer service.
They Don’t Bother With Jargon
When a plumber shows up for an estimate, the goal should be to explain their findings to you in a way that’s as clear and easy to understand as possible. Be wary of any plumber who uses complicated phrases and technical terms that are impossible to understand without a plumbing background. You should feel like you’re receiving an honest assessment that’s designed to help you make the best decision possible.
They Know Building Codes and Permits
A confident plumber is highly familiar with all state and local building codes and regulations that apply for your property. When you ask questions about permits, your plumber should be able to provide answers about what’s needed before a job can be started. They should also be able to tell you about general costs and wait times for specific permit types.
Find the Best Plumber in Arlington
Use these tips to find an expert plumber in Arlington! While you may be tempted to choose the first company that you find online, taking just a little time to go through reviews and photos of past projects will help you to know what to expect. Tracking down plumbing contractors that specialize in the type of work you need done can also save you time.