Plumbing Industry Council

How to Pick a Plumbing Contractor, 06/05/2009
How to Pick a Plumbing Contractor… When the time comes to call a plumbing contractor, make sure you choose a professional. The health and safety of you and your family are on the line!

The Plumbing Industry Council offers these tips to help you make the right choice:

Ask a friend for a referral. Often times, friends who are satisfied customers provide the best referral.

Ask for references. Ask the contractor for names of previous customers in the area. Contact those people and ask their opinion of the work.

Check reputation. Call your Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the contractor. Also ask for the BBB’s grade for the contractor, which provides the consumer with information on how the contractor settles disputes.

Check local licenses. Many localities require that plumbing contractors are licensed to ensure that all health, safety and plumbing/building codes are followed. If the contractor or the person doing the work is supposed to be licensed, ask the for his or her license number.

Make sure the contractor has insurance. Ask to see the contractor’s proof of liability and workmen’s compensation insurance. This is to make sure you’re not liable for any accidents on your property.

Check into plumbing and/or building permits. Most localities require a plumbing permit or perhaps a building permit for plumbing repairs. Contact your local licensing or permit department to see if you need one.

Request a written estimate. To get an idea of the overall cost, ask for a written estimate. Choosing a contractor should be based on more than just the lowest estimate. The quality of work counts too!

Look into service agreements. Many contractors offer service agreements that provide periodic check-ups of your plumbing system.

This information is courtesy of the Plumbing Industry Council, a local, union trade association representing 165 plumbing and mechanical contractors who work in the eastern half of Missouri.