Plumbing is one of the most important services available. Your plumbing ensures your good health, yet most homeowners know nothing more about it than pouring a bottle of plumbing fluid down a drain. In fact, there are over 124,500 active plumbing businesses in the U.S., according to IBISWorld. How do you pick one who's reliable and efficient? Here are a few of the most important aspects of a plumbing contractor that you should consider before reaching out for assistance.

Licensing and Insurance

The most important aspect of checking out contractors is making sure they're properly licensed and insured. Some states don't require plumbers to have insurance or licensing, which can lead to substandard work and a dangerous environment for plumbing customers. Ensure the company is trustworthy by asking if they're licensed to do the work and insured in the event of an accident.

Business Experience

As with almost every business, experience counts. Your experienced plumber will be able to more correctly diagnose the problem you're having and save time in resolving it. As you might imagine, your experience will likely be better if they're in the house for a shorter time to do less work.

References and Reviews

Websites like Amy's List and Yelp can help a lot when it comes to fielding information about plumbers. They can remove the uncertainty of hiring a new professional by giving you a look into other people's experiences with the professionals you're thinking about hiring. That said, don't just look for more stars. Make sure that the good reviews list what the customers like about the professional.

Competitive Rates

Once you get your estimate, it's still a good idea to ask questions. A fixed-rate estimate will protect you from hourly surprises. If the estimate is hourly, check how many hours the repair typically takes to complete. An experienced plumber will give an accurate hourly estimate, while a less experienced one might be more vague about the outcomes.

Your best experience with a plumber doesn't have to be a case of trial and error. With a few important questions and the assistance of online reviews, you can find the contractor who works best for you. Give us a call today at Drain Pro Plumbing, Inc to schedule a free consult. We'd be happy to hear from you!