Although no one wants to ever make a call to a plumber inevitably it is going to happen. Regardless of the plumbing issues that you might be facing, choosing a plumber by going with the lowest price or referal alone is not the best way to go. As with other skilled trades, every plumber has different levels of training and expertise. The requirements and expectations for each plumber varies by state, and there could be additional competency requirements for plumbers in your area. Here are some factors and resources to consider before hiring a plumber.
Resources for finding plumbing companies in Houston
One of the great things about the internet is all the research you can do on any company right from your phone. You can easily collect consumer reviews from other people in the Houston area with plumbing issues, and unlike asking family or friends, you’ll get a detailed layout of the that customer’s experience. You can evaluate their overall satisfaction with the work done, the plumber’s timeliness, professionalism, price point, plumbing jobs offered, and more. Here are just a few sites that we recommend in your search for a plumber:
If you already have a plumber in mind you can also review their services on Facebook in the reviews section, or even Yelp.
Plumber Accreditations and Certifications
After performing a basic search for plumbers in Houston, now it’s time to review their accreditations and certifications to determine the level of skilled work they can offer you. You’ll want to know factors like are they insured, are they a registered tradesperson or an employee of a large company, and how long have they been in business. If you opt to work with a company know that you do have the option of asking which plumber will they be sending to your home, and are they a licensed plumber with a valid and current plumbing license.
It’s also important to note that in the state of Texas certain types of plumbing jobs can only be performed with the obtainment of certain licences. According to USAplumbing.com these plumbing licenses cover the following services:
-
License for Responsible Master Plumber covers unlimited plumbing work including sanitary drainage, water supply, storm drainage, and natural gas piping. Every company is required to have a Responsible Master Plumber on staff to perform plumbing work, pull permits, and maintain state insurance requirements.
-
A Journeyman Plumbing license covers unlimited plumbing work including sanitary drainage, water supply, storm drainage, and natural gas piping while under the supervision of a Master Plumber
Be sure to inquire about these licenses to ensure that you’re getting the right person for the job.
Cost for Plumbing Repairs
The cost for plumbing repairs, especially emergency repairs can be substantial. Although you might want a ballpark figure repair costs can vary. Complications like unforeseen conditions surrounding the repairs needed can affect your estimate. It’s important to see if a plumber can physically come to your home and evaluate your needs to determine a more accurate estimate. Once you are given a quote ask if it includes the cost of materials and labor. Be sure to also ask if the rate quoted is a flat rate, or if you’re being charged by the hour. Be sure to also ask if you can pay in installments, or is payment to be remitted in one lump sum?
Customer Service Reputation
In your search of finding a good plumber with the right credentials at a fair price, remember to consider customer service reviews in addition to service feedback. You don’t want to have a hard time getting a person on the phone when you have an issue, or waiting around for a plumber that is never ontime. Mission AC and Plumbing understands that our customers are often looking to us in a time of need and deserve to have a good experience, despite the inconvenience of the repairs needed. Not only are our plumbers committed to ongoing training to refine their skills and knowledge, but our technicians are also fast, clean, and always professional.
Whether you’re in need of plumbing leak repair, looking for a water heater professional, installment of plumbing fixtures, or simply plumbing system maintenance, Mission AC and Plumbing always provides exceptional services. Give us a call at 713-520-2012, or fill out and submit a Contact Us form found here and discover why we are one of the leading plumbing companies in Houston.
