What To Look For When Choosing A Plumber in Michigan

When plunging your toilet or snaking your drain won't get the job done, it's time to call in the reinforcements. Contacting a plumber is the most effective method for quickly and efficiently resolving plumbing issues.

While you might be tempted to ask your next-door neighbor who their go-to specialist is, we highly recommend spending more time doing research. Choosing a plumber is a task that shouldn't be taken lightly. The right plumber is the difference between receiving high-quality, professional service and having to pay for a less-than-stellar job.

You should consider numerous factors when looking for plumbing experts, including:

• Proper licensing and certification
• Experience and expertise
• Insurance coverage
• Pricing
• Reputation and reviews

We'll take a closer look at each factor to ease the process of finding a plumbing expert who is knowledgeable and experienced in their field.

If you're ready to get in touch with an experienced plumber, contact us today to schedule a service. We offer a wide selection of services to meet your needs, including water heater installation, pipe leak repair, water quality, and sump pump repair and replacement. Since 1989, our team of honest and professional technicians has offered fast, convenient scheduling and no-surprise pricing. Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee and thousands of 5-star reviews, we're the preferred plumbing company of countless homeowners in Farmington Hills and beyond.

As you search for a reliable plumber, verifying their legitimacy is paramount. Reputable plumbers possess appropriate accreditations that reflect their qualifications. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the various types of certifications available as they determine the scope of work the plumber is qualified to undertake.

Other key certifications to look for include the Journeyman Plumber Certification, the Master Plumber Certification, the Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification, and the WaterSense Labeled Faucet and Fixture Installer Certification. If your chosen plumber doesn't have any licenses or certifications, this likely means they do not have the knowledge, skills, or experience needed to do their job correctly.

For instance, if the plumber is to work on an oil heating system, look for the Master Oil Heat Specialist Certification to validate their expertise in this area. Additionally, watch for other essential certifications such as the Journeyman Plumber Certification, the Master Plumber Certification, the Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification, and the WaterSense Labeled Faucet and Fixture Installer Certification.

If your chosen plumber lacks any licenses or certifications, it clearly indicates that they may not possess the necessary knowledge, skills, or experience to perform the job correctly. Protect your plumbing and ensure peace of mind by selecting a plumber with the appropriate qualifications and certifications to handle your specific needs.

While licenses and certifications indicate a plumber's skills and experience, they don't tell the whole story. You want to ensure the specialist you choose has experience in the specific field you're looking for.

For example, if you're searching for a plumber to repair a gas leak, confirm they're fully qualified to perform work on gas appliances. It's also a good idea to ensure they've performed this kind of work in the past. Verifying this in advance will give you peace of mind that you're working with someone who knows their area of expertise.

Most plumbers and plumbing companies offer various services to meet homeowners' needs. Whether you're looking for an expert to repair your burst pipe or replace an outdated plumbing fixture, ensure they have ample expertise and experience in whatever service you seek. A good way to do this is by consulting online reviews. Look specifically for reviews that speak to the plumber's expertise in whichever area you need work.

Plumbing often involves dangerous work, so it's crucial to determine whether your plumber is properly insured. If the expert does not have proper insurance coverage, you could be held liable for any plumbing-related injuries while the plumber works in your home. It's in your best interests to request proof of the plumber's bonding and insurance. This will help give you peace of mind and protect you from getting embroiled in unwanted legal trouble. Not every homeowner remembers to take this important step, but ensuring the expert you work with is fully insured is vital.

Too many homeowners are caught off guard by the bill they must pay after the plumber completes their work. This can be very frustrating, especially for those on a budget. Before hiring a plumbing professional, request a free estimate for the work they plan to do. Most reputable plumbers will gladly provide you with a quote at zero cost. If they insist on charging you for an estimate or decline to provide one, think twice about working with this person or company. An honest plumber will always offer transparent, upfront pricing with no surprises.

When looking for knowledgeable plumbing experts, remember to read their online reviews. Reviews written by past customers will help shed light on the expert's plumbing reputation. Most plumbers feature favorable reviews more prominently than honest, potentially negative ones. Don't be afraid to dig around a little on their website to find genuine opinions expressed by homeowners like you. This will give you a more complete picture of the kind of worker they are, which can help build trust.

In addition to reading online reviews, talk to other homeowners you know who have worked with that plumber in the past. By starting a conversation with a trusted friend or neighbor, you can get an unbiased opinion on the expert's plumbing professionalism and skill. This will also give you a better idea of whether the specialist fits your unique needs.

When it comes to plumbing professionalism, we have it in spades at Thornton & Grooms. Give us a call at (248) 644-7810 or schedule an appointment online to receive a FREE estimate.