Plumbing repairs and problems typically come at the worst time, the busiest time, or at the most unexpected time. When it comes to plumbing emergencies, we put very little thought into the plumber we hire for the job. This is because our main objective is to fix the plumbing problem or water leak as soon as possible, while juggling the rest of life’s responsibilities at the same time. With everything else on our plate, we homeowners often “jump the gun” when it comes to finding responsible and reputable plumbing services. Unfortunately, this can further your plumbing issues. A good plumber will repair or diagnose a problem accurately and efficiently, while an experienced contractor may overlook underlying issues that can cause even more problems, and monies spent, down the road. Fortunately, it is easy to identify the good plumbers from the rest of them, so long as you know what to look for.

Continue reading to learn the most important qualities to look for in a proficient and responsible plumber.

A State License

Many wannabe plumbers can claim they have qualifications and experience in the plumbing industry, or have provide “handyman work” for many years; however, true master plumbers are actually state licensed and carry a license number to prove it. If a plumber does not have a state-issued license, then they are not master plumbers. Without this license, you can assume that plumbing is just a hobby of theirs. A licensed plumber, on the other hand, retains the proper equipment and training to carry out minor to major plumbing repairs and projects. The first thing to ask for is their license number. It should be a six-digit number accompanied with a physical permit or paper describing their expertise. You can also enter their license number on state regulated websites to confirm it is a valid and active license.

Experience and Credentials

Yes, all plumbers must start somewhere; but that’s what apprenticeships and entry-level positions are meant to provide. If you need a plumber, be sure they are already experienced. The more experience under their belts, the more knowledgeable and well-versed they should be when it comes to plumbing systems and repairs. At least one decade of experience is a good place to set your bar. Credentials are equally important. All plumbing companies should have some type of professional qualification; such as a BBB membership, awards, or Angie’s List Approved.

Customer Reviews

No one says it better than a previous customer or client. Look up a plumber’s credentials by reading customer reviews online. The better the reviews, the more trustworthy they prove to be. Don’t let one bad review ruin it though; it is important to remember there is always going to be an unsatisfied client or customer somewhere. Use your best judgment and read all the reviews, basing your judgment on the consensus of them all. If you cannot locate any customer reviews online, this could be a bad sign. In this day and age, most reputable services offer a website and online customer review portals to prove their competence and professionalism. If you are dealing with a new or start-up company, or a plumber that is not mastered and licensed, they probably won’t have these tools for you to use. You might want to move on; or you can simply ask them for actual client references.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Call Mark Weilhammer, master plumber and owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. Just dial 317-784-1870 to speak with Mark or one of his friendly plumbing service representatives today. We offer a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. We are state licensed master plumbers (#106214) with more than 60 years of experience! Call 317-784-1870 and ask a licensed Indianapolis master plumber about plumbing repair services and recommendations today.