What to Expect From Your Local Plumber
April 15, 2022
Plumbing problems in your home are never good news. In fact, there may even be a few underlying issues you are actively ignoring right now. But when things finally go wrong, do you know which local plumber to call?
Perhaps you saw a commercial, and the jingle became a late-night earworm. Advertising on trucks and vans seems to get your attention, even if you can only remember the color of the logo, if not the actual name of the company.
Finding a local plumber that you can trust is just part of owning a home. Before something goes wrong, make sure you find the right one for you. Don’t wait until an emergency forces you to make a regrettable decision.
Why Local Plumbers Are Best
Before something dire happens in your home, it’s a good idea to make friends – or at least become acquainted – with your local plumber. That way, you’ll already know who to call when you have a plumbing problem.
Your local plumber has a reputation to maintain, so you can be sure they will treat you fairly. A good plumbing company doesn’t add on last-minute fees and charges. They don’t try to talk you into an upgrade that will break your wallet.
Most of all, a local plumber knows the local codes. They have been trained to know what is required when installing appliances or routing pipes. Every state, county, and city may have different requirements, based on the configuration of its public water facilities. This is particularly true of issues involving the waste drains and sewers.
New Jersey, for example, uses the 2018 National Plumbing Code (NPC) to set standards for residential and commercial plumbing systems. It's up to each state to remain current with the latest safety measures and standards.
To maintain a plumbing license, your local plumber must stay up to date with those code requirements.
Your local plumber also knows if there are any regional incentives for water-reducing devices or fixtures. They will also know if any permits are required for necessary repairs, such as excavating the property to replace sewer piping.
What You Should Expect from Your Plumber
When looking for the right technician or company to handle your home’s plumbing there are a few things to look for:
Licensing and/or certifications
Each state has its own training and licensing requirements for professionals in the trades. In New Jersey, journeyman plumbers must register and gain four years of experience to become licensed.
Master plumbers are required to take an exam before receiving their license and must receive continuing education to renew that license every two years.
If you are curious if you the new local plumber you’ve just met is actually licensed, you can check on the New Jersey Consumer Affairs website.
Professional presentation
While it seems superficial to base your decision on your plumber’s appearance, there are a few cues that they are working for a reputable firm.
Expect to see company vehicles, uniforms, and handy identification from your local plumber. These are signs that it’s not some fly-by-night scam operation.
It’s critical that your new plumber is established enough in their business to carry full professional liability insurance coverage.
Well-rounded service menu
While every technician might have a favorite specialty, your local plumbing company should be able to offer a broad range of plumbing services. After all, you don’t want to have to call six different service providers for one bathroom renovation.
Expect your local plumber to offer a wide range of services from drain cleaning to sump pump service and everything in between.
Straightforward answers
Your plumber should never hem and haw when telling you what is wrong with your plumbing and what it will take to fix it. They should be upfront and provide a clear and honest explanation.
You should also expect them to be honest about the integrity of their repair. A good technician will tell you if they think that a repair won’t last. While an emergency may require a quick solution, your plumber should be honest about any future repair or replacement needs.
Follow Up
Expect your plumber to finish the job they started. It may mean digging in for hours to solve a complicated problem. It may mean coming back in a day or two to make sure that everything is still working as expected.
They will return promptly with any needed parts, and they’ll take the time to clean up after they’ve finished.