When something goes wrong with your home’s plumbing system, you need a plumber you can rely on to make repairs quickly and correctly. Hiring local Plumbers in my area is advantageous compared to relying on large national chains or out-of-town technicians. Establishing relationships with reputable, licensed plumbers in your neighborhood can give you peace of mind knowing help is there when you need it.
Signs You Need a Plumber
Some of the most common signs that it’s time to call a plumber include:
Clogged Drains
Clogged kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, tubs, and toilets are very common plumbing issues homeowners face. If you have standing water that is draining slowly or not at all, a clog is likely blocking the pipes. Plumbers have specialized tools like drain snakes to clear the obstruction.
Leaky Faucets
The constant drip-drip-drip of a leaky faucet drives homeowners crazy. While fixing a leaky faucet yourself seems simple enough, often there are underlying issues at play. Mineral deposits or deeper problems within the faucet may require a plumber’s expertise.
No Hot Water
Lack of hot water is extremely inconvenient and frustrating. Your water heater likely needs maintenance or repairs if you aren’t getting enough hot water for bathing, washing dishes, etc. Plumbers can troubleshoot water heaters and restore your supply of hot water.
Strange Noises in Pipes
Sometimes plumbing problems announce themselves with weird rumbling, knocking or high-pitched squealing sounds in your home’s pipes. This pipe noise indicates pressure issues or blockages. Plumbers have the know-how to diagnose the problem based on the sounds and make necessary repairs.
Benefits of Hiring a Local Plumber
Hiring a plumbing professional from your city or neighborhood has some major perks compared to hiring remote plumbers or national franchises including:
Quick Response Times
Local plumbers can get to your home faster when you’re experiencing a plumbing emergency because they are based close by. Fast response times mean less water damage and restoration needed.
Familiarity with Local Codes
Each region and municipality has its own plumbing codes and regulations. Local plumbers understand the lay of the land and stay up-to-date on code changes, enabling correct repairs.
Established Reputations
Talk to friends, neighbors or check online reviews about the reputations of plumbers in your area. Hiring local plumbers with great reputations for on-time arrival, quality work and fair pricing ensures your satisfaction.
How to Find Plumbers in Your Area
Use these tips to find qualified, reputable plumbers in your neighborhood:
Ask Friends and Neighbors for Referrals
Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the best ways to find a good plumber. Ask homeowners you know if they can recommend someone. Satisfied customers usually are happy to pass along the names of plumbers who did right by them.
Check Online Reviews
Online review websites like Angie’s List, Yelp and Google provide customers a platform to weigh in on local service companies like plumbers. Read through the reviews and star ratings to identify standout plumbers in your location.
Angie’s List
Angie’s List has a strict review policy requiring reviewers to verify they are actual paying members of the site before leaving feedback. This cuts down on fake reviews.
Yelp
Yelp is perhaps the most well-known and widely-used review site. The sheer number of reviews for plumbers in a given location provides helpful insight.
Google Reviews
Searching for plumbers on Google Maps lets you view ratings and comments from customers posted on plumbers’ Google business listings. These reviews are easily accessed right in local search.
Verify Licenses and Certifications
Before hiring, check that a plumber has active licenses required by your state as well as up-to-date plumbing certifications. This ensures you are working with qualified professionals. The state Contractors License Board is a good verification resource.
Questions to Ask Potential Plumbers
Screen plumbers thoroughly by asking the right questions like:
How Long Have You Been in Business?
Look for plumbers that have established histories in your area for 5+ years. Length of time in business indicates ability to perform quality work customers rely on.
Over 5 Years Established
Seek plumbers operating locally for over five years, demonstrating stability and service staying power. They have stood the test of time.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
Choose only plumbers licensed in your state with current insurance policies protecting you from liability. Ask to see documentation as proof.
Protects You as a Customer
Hiring licensed, insured plumbers means you have recourse should something go wrong. Plumbers carrying insurance pay for damages, not you.
What is Your Availability for Emergencies?
Ask if the plumber offers emergency repair services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If not, make sure after-hours availability fits your needs.
24/7 Ideal
Optimal plumbers provide round-the-clock emergency service. Clogged drains don’t wait for business hours, so neither should your plumber.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Steer clear of plumbers displaying warning signs like:
No License Number Advertised
If no license number appears on a plumber’s website, ads or truck don’t hire them. Lack of license indicates limited accountability.
Cannot Provide References
Reputable plumbers have no shortage of happy customer references. Be wary if one won’t provide recent references.
Very Low Bids on Big Jobs
Super cheap bids signal cut corners and inexperienced plumbers. Pay fair rates for professional service.
The Benefits of Hiring a Reputable, Local Plumber
You’re making an investment for the long haul when choosing local plumbers. Consider advantages like:
Higher Quality Long-Term Repairs
Established local plumbers have access to better equipment and materials, enabling solid repairs that don’t require return fixes.
Access to Better Parts/Materials
Trusted local plumbers build trade partnerships providing prompt access to higher grade replacement parts and pipes.
Accountability Through Licensing
Thoroughly vetted, licensed local plumbers must provide quality service to maintain licensing. You have options for recourse if disappointing service occurs.
Direct Relationship Established
When using neighborhood plumbers, you know exactly who performed the work in your home, no middlemen. An ongoing relationship builds over years of service calls.
Conclusion
Having go-to neighborhood plumbers makes homeownership easier. Lean on positive word-of-mouth referrals within your community to find plumbers with proven excellence. Online reviews also showcase reliable local plumbers. Check documentation to confirm required licenses and insurance. Ask the right questions about experience, availability and past jobs before you hire. Reputable local plumbers deliver better response, material access, workmanship accountability and direct relationships—quality service from plumbers in your area who care about their customers.
FAQs
What should you ask a plumber before hiring?
Before hiring plumbers, ask how long they’ve been in business, if employees are licensed and insured, what their availability is for emergencies, if they can provide references, and more. Vet plumbers thoroughly beforehand.
What are signs you need a plumber?
Some signs you need a plumber include clogged drains or toilets that won’t unclog, drips and leaks from pipes or faucets, complete lack of hot water, and strange noises coming from pipes like rumbling or high-pitched squeals.
Should you hire a local plumber?
It is highly advantageous to hire a licensed, local plumber rather than a large national chain. Local plumbers respond faster, understand regional building codes, have established reputations, and build ongoing relationships through quality work and dedication.
What are red flags when hiring a plumber?
Red flags when hiring a plumber include no advertised license number, inability or refusal to provide recent customer references, very cheap bids on big jobs, and pushy techniques bullying you into hiring them.
Why are local plumbers better?
Licensed local plumbers do superior work because they use better materials and parts sourced through established trade partnerships. They possess specialized knowledge fixing regional homes. Outstanding customer service ensures repeat business and referrals.
