7 Red Flags To Watch Out For When Hiring A Plumbing Company | Florence, SC

Plumbing issues are inherent to owning a home or brick-and-mortar business in Florence, SC. These could range from dripping faucets to complete sump pump failure. However, a reputable plumbing company can help care for these plumbing issues and safeguard your family’s health. While there are many plumbing companies to choose from, finding the right one for the job is easier said than done.

In this piece, we’ll highlight a few red flags to look out for when hiring a plumber.

No License or Insurance

Even a seemingly legit and well-established plumbing business may not hold a business license or valid insurance. That’s why it’s important to ask to inquire about both before engaging with any business with a plumbing company.

All businesses in South Carolina need a valid license to operate, so a plumbing company without a license in Florence, SC is illegal. It also means the company contravenes government regulations, some of which are designed to protect you, the customer. Working with an unlicensed plumber is asking for trouble.

Besides the license, it’s also a good idea to inquire about insurance. Insurance shields you from liability in the event of property damage or work-related injuries. That way, you won’t have to pay any out-of-pocket costs in case of these events.

Steer clear of any plumber without a valid license and proper insurance, regardless of how cheap they are. It’s also worth noting that an expired license isn’t valid. The same goes for insurance policies.

The Company is Pushy

No plumbing company should pressure you into scheduling an appointment with them. While most plumbers work on a tight schedule, they have no right to inconvenience yours. Plumbing companies that use pushy sales tactics are worth questioning.

Such companies only want to get your money and could care less about your plumbing issues. They’re likely to send you an estimate before getting a firm grasp of the problem at hand. This estimate is a watered-down version of the actual costs and is only meant to entice you. You’ll likely pay a lot more than the original estimate once the job is done.

Moreover, these pushy sales tactics are a turn-off and will likely leave you with a bad taste. If you want the most value for your money, you should avoid such companies. Instead, settle for a plumbing company that’s direct and actually interested in meeting your plumbing needs.

The Price is Ridiculously Low

Everybody loves a discount, but it’s best to think twice when the deal is too good. Most companies offer outrageous prices to dupe unsuspecting prospects. The low prices are an advertising gimmick, and you’ll likely pay more in the end,

Any reputable plumbing company understands its worth. They’ll charge a reasonable price enough to cover the service costs and get a little profit. Companies with cheap estimates likely offer substandard services or use defective equipment. Ultimately, you’ll get what you pay for or pay more than the original price.

However, this doesn’t mean that you should settle for the most expensive company you find. Expensive doesn’t always equal good. The best approach is to find a decent company that matches your budget and go with it.

Terrible Online Reviews

Be sure to check out online reviews to learn volumes about the plumbing company you have in mind. Reviews are first-hand experiences of other customers with the company. You can know what to expect from the company in question by reading a handful of them.

Any company with more negative than positive reviews is not worth your time. Negative reviews mean the company offers poor services or is illegitimate. Either way, it’s best to avoid such companies at all costs.

However, it’s worth noting that one or two negative reviews are normal. Even the best plumbing companies can’t be perfect. However, if the negative reviews exceed the positive ones, it’s best to look the other way.

No Referrals

Reputable plumbing companies typically have a solid reputation in the region they serve. As such, they’d happily refer you to a few of their previous clients to attest to their excellent work.

A lack of solid references is a huge red flag. This could mean the plumber’s work is subpar, or you’re dealing with an illegitimate company. New companies will have at least one or two references to prove their worth. If the company you have in mind has zero references, you best explore other options.

Up-front Payment

Tread carefully with any company that asks for payment in advance. Paying the plumbing company in advance could work to your disadvantage. The plumber could either end up delaying the work or disappear completely. To be safe, avoid any company that asks for advance payment.

Unclear Estimates

Reputable plumbers are direct with how much they pay for their services. Companies that are sketchy and unclear with their estimates are not worth your time. These companies will likely delay the final estimate while trying to upsell you on their services. Others will charge you separately for each service. This tactic is a ploy to get you to pay more for standard services, most of which are typically free.

Bringing Extra Workers

Another sneaky tactic employed by unscrupulous plumbers is bringing extra workers. The customer then has to pay an hourly rate for all the workers involved, leading to extra costs.

While it’s normal for the plumber to have a few extra hands, you shouldn’t pay separately. The estimate should include all labor costs, all workers inclusive. Any company that charges you more for extra workers is a waste of time and money.

Reputable Plumber at Your Service

Finding a reputable plumber can be an uphill task. However, the information above should help you avoid the bad apples. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence is the best plumbing company in Florence, SC. Contact us today for professional plumbing services.

See our previous post on this topic here!

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