Plumbing affects so much of our daily lives. A plumbing issue can cause significant disruption to a workday, leisure, or family time. Plumbers are highly trained, and skilled professionals who can avert any crises your drains, pipes, sewers, and water tanks face. These are technicians who are committed to getting your life flowing again.

When hiring a plumber, the minimum requirements to look for are:

• A valid license (in applicable States)
• Valid worker’s liability insurance
• A warranty that covers parts and labor
• They are bonded (if regionally relevant)
• References or reviews

Five Additional Elements to Look For

Many people are trained in this craft, but what makes a plumber great is the genuine care put into the job. According to the website of All Service Plumbers, a true professional should treat your home as if it’s their own. In short, good plumbing is about quality service.

Here are a few other essential aspects to consider when searching for the right plumbing professional.

1. Range of Services Offered

From clogged sinks to sewer inspections, plumbers with a versatile skill set are the most valuable professionals you can hire. If they specialize in multiple areas of plumbing, they might be more effective with diagnostics and pinpointing an issue more effectively. If a plumber wows you for one service, they can become your go-to for future related services. It’s also important to hire professionals who are eager to serve all of your needs, whether they are emergencies or minor repairs. No job is too small.

2. Availability and Timeliness

Unfortunately, plumbing problems can happen at any time of day. When looking for a plumber,
availability is hugely important. Even if you need a plumber for a non-emergency situation, consider an individual or company with open availability. That way, you can establish a relationship and can hire them for a more high-stakes issue like a burst pipe in the middle of the night! Another important factor to consider is the plumber’s reputation for timeliness and punctuality. It’s fairly to find out how a plumber is rated by clients in this regard through some quick online research.

3. Tools and Technology

When considering a plumber, investigate what tools and technology they use in their practice. Plumbers who use modern and top-notch equipment are clearly on the pulse of industry innovation. If a plumber or team of plumbers are up-to-date with their equipment, it is fair to assume they value keeping their skills up-to-date as well.

One example of modern plumbing techniques is Hydro-Jet plumbing. Hydro-jetting involves using a high-pressure water stream as a scrubbing mechanism for pipes, drains, and sewers. Other top-notch tech and materials include PEX piping and drain inspection cameras. If any of these things are mentioned online or by the plumber, it’s a sign that their practices are cutting-edge.

4. Investigative Service

Like most services, plumbing should have a holistic approach. Great plumbers should be able to use their expertise and resources to discover the root of an issue. This “detective work” should be mentioned as a critical service they offer. For example, many plumbers use cameras to inspect pipes and drains to find clogs or sources of leaks. You can tell that a plumber is committed to their craft if they engage in investigations and inspections.

5. Prevention and Maintenance

You can tell a plumber their customers’ best interests in focus when they offer proactive services. While the ability to fix an immediate plumbing issue accurately and efficiently is crucial, performing repairs and maintenance to prevent future problems is vital. Since many expert plumbers are also investigators, they can predict potential plumbing problems. They can offer advice, recommendations, or actual repairs to ensure your minor issue doesn’t become an outright disaster down the road. If a plumber promotes this as a key service, you can be assured that they look at the overall picture of plumbing and are likely well-rounded technicians.

It’s imperative to hire the best possible craftspeople for any complex issue for your home or business. Knowing the descriptors of great plumbers and asking them the right questions will empower you to make the best possible decision. Making informed decisions gives you back a sense of agency in a stressful situation, regardless of the outcome. All that being said, ethical plumbers should tell you who they are in terms of skill and service philosophy through their web presence and references. Ideally, their service will prove their abilities, and you’ll have a great experience and be able to move on from a disruptive plumbing issue quickly.