How to find a plumber is an important endeavor, especially in the midst of a plumbing crisis. The preferable method of finding a good plumber is to do the work ahead of time, so that the plumbers have been screened and a number is on hand for any emergency. Plumbing problems are most pressing when they come about as an emergency, such as a burst water pipe, causing anxiety, high water bills, and flooding, which leads to additional damage and cost. Finding a good plumber is essential to the health of not only the plumbing and vent work in the house or office, but also of the floors, walls and other features in those areas.

Questions to Ask

The first question to ask when finding a good plumber is what licensing the company requires that their plumbers have in order to work for them. If they have all levels, it is good to request that the plumber they send be the highest level possible, since that will help to ensure their expertise in the field.

The lowest level of licensed plumber is a Tradesman plumber, which requires that he practice for two years under a Master or Journeyman plumber before applying to take the licensing exam. The next level is a Journeyman plumber, which requires that he practice for four years under a Master plumber in order to be eligible to take the licensing exam. The exam is also more complex than the Tradesman exam in most states, although it varies from state to state. The Master plumbing license is the highest other than becoming an inspector. A Master plumber has to practice as a Journeyman plumber for at least a year before taking the exam. The exam also requires him to plan a multi-story building’s plumbing system in order to pass.

Another question to ask in finding a good plumber is whether they are a part of a watchdog organization such as the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE.) Organizations such as this one watch over the practices of the plumbers in them, making sure they act with excellence in their field.

Other option in finding a good plumber is to ask friends and relatives who they use. If they have been happy with their plumber on different types of projects it makes the likelihood of success in other situations good too. When there is a specific plumbing issue, it is also good to get at least three quotes on the job before hiring a team to do the work. The quotes should be specific, outlining the cost, supplies and time estimated to do the project, with everything in writing. That way the final cost should end up right around that mark without argument by either party.