When it comes to the plumbing in your home, you can’t risk hiring any plumbing company from the street corner. While most plumbing issues may seem simple, it’s not worth the risk of involving anyone who can’t guarantee quality plumbing repair services. Unfortunately, fraud and dishonest contractors in Florence, SC are becoming more common as people look to cut costs in a tough economy.
You might be wondering whether hiring a reputable plumbing company is necessary. After all, plumbers have to unclog the sink or fix a leaky pipe, so why does it matter who you hire?
The answer is simple: Plumbing projects require more than just a wrench and a pipe. Trained and experienced plumbers understand the complex plumbing systems in your home, and they know how to fix plumbing issues correctly and safely. For example, your home’s water source and sewer line are two systems that can intertwine with one another, and if mishandled, the consequences can be dire.
Your ideal plumbing company should provide a variety of plumbing services to save you the hassles of moving from one technician to another to find the right one to solve your specific plumbing issues. Your contractor should be able to provide all the required services, including:
When faced with any plumbing problem in your home or business, you must be certain you’re working with a trusted plumbing company near you. Here are the best tips to help you avoid being scammed by a dishonest plumbing contractor:
If a plumber claims they’re licensed and certified, don’t take their word for it. Confirm the contractor’s insurance, license, and bond in person. Any plumbing company serving Florence that doesn’t have the applicable certifications isn’t a legal business and should be avoided.
While insurance and bonding requirements vary from state to state, they’re meant to protect you, and the plumber should any damages or injuries occur while working on your project. On the other hand, a bond is the sum of money set aside if the plumbing contractor fails to meet their contractual obligations. Plumbing technicians who are legally bonded and insured are required to provide you with proof of insurance.
Most plumbing contractors in Florence, SC will provide you with an upfront free estimate for the job. The estimate should outline the work to be done and the expected costs. If any unexpected issue arises when the project is still in progress, they should pass it by you before proceeding. If a plumbing company has hidden charges or something about pricing that doesn’t sit well with you, trust your gut and look for a different company.
However, giving an accurate price over the phone or through a website might be impossible. Plumbing needs vary greatly from one home to another, and without an in-person evaluation, it’s impossible to tell how much the job will cost. Similarly, it’s impossible to contact an auto mechanic when troubleshooting a car issue and get exact pricing over the phone without the mechanic checking the car in person. The same logic applies to plumbing services.
When choosing a plumber near you, look for those with a proven track record of success. Often, the contractor everyone is talking about in your area must be what you need to resolve your plumbing and sewer line troubles. These plumbers must have earned their reputation through hard work and quality service delivery.
Aside from word of mouth, you should conduct your due diligence and research online to learn what other homeowners say about their experience with the plumbing company you intend to hire. Check out their website, and read customer reviews and ratings on Yelp, the BBB, and Google. Honest and reliable companies will have positive reviews from past and current customers. If you find a contractor with too many negative reviews, you should immediately cross them out of your list.
Oscar Wilde famously said that ‘with age comes wisdom,’ which is especially true for plumbers. Unfortunately, most well-meaning homeowners make the mistake of inquiring about a plumber’s age as a sign of experience, which isn’t wise. Others ask the first person they talk to in person or over the phone. Plumbers with no experience can easily lie their way out and make you believe they’re the best person for the job.
You should always inquire about how long a plumbing company has been in the industry, and the number of similar projects they have handled. Plumbers who have been in the business for a long time and have a constant steady stream of clients must have gained the trust of their locals and kept them satisfied over the years.
The last thing you want is a plumbing disaster occurring in your home or business, only to find out that the contractor you hired isn’t available 24/7. Plumbing emergencies, such as a gas leak or a burst water pipe, can’t wait for regular business hours, and they never take a break. However, working with a plumbing company that provides round-the-clock emergency services is the best way to ensure that when something goes wrong, you can reach someone quickly and have it remedied in no time.
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, we’re all about relationships and providing unmatched plumbing services that keep you coming back whenever you need us. Over the years, we have earned a reputation for the quality and professionalism of our service. We welcome all our customers in Florence, SC to check our online reviews, references, and certifications before hiring us.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence today at 843-484-7790 and experience the difference!
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