Find the Best Plumber for Your Needs

by Kevin Smith Author

Whether you have a slow leak in one of your taps or your facing a larger than normal water bill with no explanation, hiring someone to do plumbing repair in Gainesville, GA, may seem like a hit or miss proposition. Finding a good plumber takes a little work on your part, but it's worth it for your peace of mind.

Get Referrals

Asking your friends and family for a plumbing recommendation is the first step to narrowing down your choices. You know that you'll get straight talk and good recommendations. You'll also find out which companies to avoid. If someone you know has had a good experience, you probably will, too. Gathering the names of plumbing companies this way is better than doing an online search where ad payments can muddy the search results.

Check Reviews: On- and Offline

The Internet has made it easier than ever to check a company's customer service history. Simply look at the online reviews and see how the company handled complaints. While you shouldn't believe everything you read on the Internet, a company that has a majority of bad reviews or seems terrible at handling complaints should be avoided. Checking with the Better Business Bureau will give you information on any outstanding complaints the company may have against it.

Call the Plumber

If you have a list of three plumbers, you should call each one and see how you're treated. It's important to remember that you're not calling for just the job that needs to be done today, but also for all the future jobs. If you don't like how you're treated over the phone, you probably won't like the service you get at your home. More importantly, this first call should be used to get copies of the plumber's licensing, insurance, and bonding. If the company can't or won't provide you with copies of these documents move on. If they do, make calls to the companies that hold the policies to make sure they are still valid.

Schedule an Appointment

Once you've decided on a plumber to go with, you need to schedule your plumbing repair in Gainesville, GA. If you can manage it, it's best to schedule for a minor repair or a plumbing assessment. Doing so will give you an idea of how the plumber does his or her job, and whether or not the plumber is a good fit for future work, including emergency repairs.