Before you hire a plumber or plumbing company, Mike Testa, owner of Mike Testa Plumbing, suggests you first do some fact checking. “Look for third-party validation of the type provided by Diamond Certified or other ratings companies that evaluate quality and trustworthiness,” He says.
Mr. Testa also suggests giving preference to companies that have been in business a long time and have a reputation for good service. “You can ask friends and neighbors to recommend a good plumber. Another good strategy is to ask real estate agents. Nothing will delay a home sale faster than plumbing problems, so realtors often have a list of reliable, fast-response plumbers.”
Odds are you’ll find a few reputable plumbers in your area. Mr. Testa says the next step is to pick a plumber you like and feel comfortable doing business with. “Your gut instincts are usually worth following. Even if it means paying a few dollars more, you’ll save that much in anxiety,” he explains.
Consciously or not, many plumbers give preferred treatment to loyal customers. So it’s a good idea to establish a relationship with a local plumbing company before you need one in a pinch. If possible, hire them to do non-emergency repairs or fixture installations during normal business hours. When you have an actual emergency on your hands, you’ll find it much easier to get your plumber's attention if you're a regular and not a panicked stranger.
