When your plumbing troubles are too complicated for DIY fixes, you need the assistance of an experienced plumber. Finding quality residential plumbing services in a sea of companies and contractors is easy when you look for these key qualities:
Valid Credentials and Licensing
California plumbers are required by law to be licensed to prove they have the minimum training and experience for proper service. This specifically means they’ve spent at least four years as a foreman, supervisor, or journeyman, have at least one year of practical experience, and have passed the California Plumbing License Exam. This license has to be renewed every two years by the California Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB). Make sure your plumber’s license isn’t expired.
Your plumber should also carry full insurance so if something goes wrong during service you won’t be charged. You especially want to be protected if a major plumbing appliance, like a water heater or sewer line, gets further damaged during repairs.
Good Reviews and References
The easiest way to verify a plumber’s work is by visiting review sites and online directories of pre-screened plumbers. Though it’s impossible for a business to have all positive reviews as they serve more clients, you should look for plumbers with consistently high reviews. An unsatisfied customer here and there shouldn’t be worrisome.
Another approach is asking your neighbors, friends, and family for recommendations. They can help you narrow your choices to local plumbers who’ve had great results in the specific projects you’re looking for, like trenchless sewer replacement. You can trust their referrals because their motivation is to help you, not make profit. Other recommendation sources include magazines, newspapers, and other publications that have “Best of” awards for local businesses.
Experienced and Regularly Training
Look for a plumber who has years of experience and still trains themselves. There is always something new to learn, especially when plumbing technology and techniques are constantly evolving. The best plumbers are humble enough to recognize this, and are dedicated to training their assistants and co-plumbers the same.
Experience is the top priority if you need work on major projects like tankless water heaters, trenchless sewer replacement, and pipe repairs. Though every plumber starts with zero experience, you don’t want to trade safe plumbing for a possibly cheaper job. If you choose to work with a newer plumber, they should still be licensed and accompanied by somebody with plenty more experience.
Family-Owned Residential Plumbing Services in the Bay Area
Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating has provided quality plumbing services across the Bay Area since 1910. Contact us today to discuss our residential plumbing services. As a fully licensed and insured company, we are open 365 days a year to work on everything from major emergency repairs to simple fixes.
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