There are now over 490,000 plumbers in the US. When you need a commercial plumbing service, narrowing down your options can feel like a hassle. You could waste valuable time trying to compare one business with the rest.
That’s time you could spend focusing on your business instead.
Here are seven tips that can help you vet your options for plumbers. With these tips, you can find an experienced team you can trust. Their commercial plumbing experience will ensure you don’t encounter any issues.
You can have peace of mind knowing the best team is on the job. Then, you can keep your attention on what matters: your customers.
Start your search for a commercial plumbing company with these seven tips today.
1. Gather Referrals
First, talk to other business owners within your professional network. Ask if they’ve hired a commercial plumbing service in the past. You can learn more from their firsthand experience.
Make a list of questions you want to ask, including:
- Did the company arrive on time
- Were they professional and knowledgeable
- Were they able to diagnose and fix the problem
- Would you hire them again
- How much did their services cost
Talking to your professional network can help you develop a list of options for plumbers. At the very least, it will help you determine which companies to avoid.
Don’t sweat it if your network can’t point you in the right direction. Start your search for a plumbing company online instead. You can search “commercial plumbing company near me” to build your list.
While you’re online, consider each company’s service area. Make sure they’re able to reach your commercial building.
Otherwise, make sure you won’t have to pay a surcharge to have them reach your business.
Consider reading online reviews instead if you can’t learn about each plumbing company from your network. You can find reviews on each company’s Google My Business and Better Business Bureau listings. Try to read a handful of reviews from each source.
Look for a company with a solid professional reputation. These companies have earned the trust of other business owners in the area.
2. Check Their Credentials
As you start vetting your list of commercial plumbers, check each company’s credentials.
First, make sure to find a certified plumber. You’ll want to choose someone with knowledge and training you can count on. Otherwise, they might struggle to diagnose and fix your plumbing issue.
Ask each plumber on your list if they’re up-to-date with local codes and regulations they’ll need to meet. If they’re not, the plumber might do more harm than good.
Make sure they know how to use the right tools for the job safely.
You should also make sure their certification is up-to-date. Professionals need to get recertified every year. Otherwise, they might fall behind current building codes and practices.
Choose a plumber that’s completed government testing. Confirm that they’ve received their county, regional, or state certification.
If a plumber you contact isn’t licensed, cross them off your list. They might fail to pull the proper permits before getting to work. You could get fined as a result.
3. Look for Experience
Before choosing a commercial plumbing service, learn more about each team.
First, determine how long the company has existed in the area. Try to find a long-established business. Otherwise, make sure the owner has years of experience in the industry.
An established business has likely worked out operational issues over the years. These teams know how to work efficiently as well. A business owner with years of experience in the industry will learn to avoid common mishaps.
Determine who will arrive at your business, too. Ask if the plumber has years of hands-on commercial plumbing experience.
Having an experienced commercial plumber arrive will give you peace of mind. You can feel confident knowing they won’t cause damages or additional issues.
4. Ask About Insurance
Before choosing a commercial plumbing company, ask if they have insurance.
Determine if they have general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. If the plumber damages your commercial building, you shouldn’t have to pay for repairs. If someone gets hurt on the job, they shouldn’t hold you liable.
If there’s an accident while the team is on the job, their insurance will handle it. You won’t have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses.
5. Consider Emergency Services
Ask each company on your list if they offer emergency commercial plumbing services.
You never know when an emergency might occur. A company that offers 24-hour emergency services can help. You can have peace of mind knowing they’re available for any situation.
If they don’t offer emergency services, that’s okay. Ask if they provide preventative services instead.
Leaks can waste about 10,000 gallons of water a year. An experienced plumber could help you save money in the long run.
Otherwise, make sure they offer the specific services you need.
6. Gather Quotes
Before choosing a commercial plumbing service, ask at least three companies on your list for a quote.
Determine what’s included with their estimate. Then, take a moment to compare your options.
Requesting more than one quote will have you gauge the average cost. Comparing plumbing fees will help you make a more informed choice. Otherwise, you might choose the most expensive team without realizing it.
Don’t rush to choose the cheapest option, though. Instead, review your notes. Make sure you’re choosing an experienced, qualified team.
Remember, an inexperienced team might do more harm than good.
7. Check for a Warranty
Ask each company on your list if they have a warranty or guarantee, too.
Will they return to your commercial property if you notice an issue? What if the plumbing problem persists?
A company that offers a warranty or guarantee will have your best interests in mind.
Hire a Commercial Plumbing Service ASAP
Don’t rush to hire the first commercial plumbing service you call. Instead, use these seven tips to hire a qualified, experienced team. Choosing a team with years of commercial plumbing experience will give you peace of mind.
Their services can help you save time, money, and stress in the long run.
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