Hiring a plumber can be a stressful experience, especially if you’ve never done it before. There are so many things to consider before you choose a contractor, from their certification to their pricing. It’s natural to want to make sure you hire someone competent and reliable who finishes the job on time and within your budget. But as someone who has hired a plumber on more than one occasion, here are some things we wish more people knew before hiring one for their next project.Whether you’re replacing a toilet, unclogging a kitchen sink, or upgrading your bathroom’s fixtures, hiring a professional plumber is almost always the best decision in any given situation. They’ve been trained in the latest safety protocols, have access to specialized equipment, and know how to properly dispose of waste materials. But hiring a plumber isn’t always an easy task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when hiring a plumber so that the experience goes as smoothly as possible.

You don’t do enough research.

Yes, a lot of research goes into finding the right contractor, but it’s important to make sure you actually do it! Before you make any calls or send out any emails, make sure to do your homework. Check online for licensing boards and reviews that will tell you if the contractor is reputable and reliable. If you’re working with a company, be sure to research their customer service and communication protocols, as well as their turnaround times. You don’t want to be surprised by any unexpected delays when the work is already underway.

You don’t ask for a sample of their work.

This one is kind of a no-brainer, but it’s something people forget to do almost every time. When you’re interviewing potential plumbers, make sure to ask to see some examples of their work. Plumbers have different specialties, so you’ll want to make sure you’re hiring someone who specializes in your area of need. If you’re replacing a toilet, a plumber who specializes in kitchen and bathroom plumbing might not be the best fit. But if you’re having your master bath renovated, you want to make sure they know how to handle the extra-tough stuff.

You don’t test their work ethic.

We’ve all been in the situation where we hire a contractor and they show up a couple hours late, or don’t show up at all. It’s frustrating, and we’re sure you’ve probably cringed at your own reaction in those moments. However, if you’re hiring a plumber, you need to make sure to test their work ethic before you hire them. You can do this by giving them a small project to complete first, like a small repair or maintenance job. If they’re a reliable contractor, they’ll complete the task and show up on time.

You don’t negotiate the price.

There’s no need to worry if the price seems too good to be true, because it probably is. Plumbers are professionals, and they know how their services should be priced. However, you should always negotiate the price. If the contractor is reasonable and willing, you can probably get the price reduced by at least a few dollars. If the contractor is being stubborn, it’s best to find someone else. There are plenty of other contractors out there who will be happy to work for less.

You don’t follow up after the job is finished.

One of the worst things you can do after hiring a plumber is to simply forget about them. You need to follow up after the job is finished, and make sure they’re happy with their work and want to come back if you have more upcoming projects. If a plumber does a great job for you, they’ll tell you if they’re willing to work with you again. If they’re not, you’ll know not to call them again.

Bottom line

As we mentioned, hiring a plumber is almost always the right decision. However, it is important to do your research, ask the right questions, and test their work ethic. Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to finding the right plumber for your next project!