If you’re looking for work on your brand-new home, you may not know where to start. Maybe there’s a problem with your plumbing, or perhaps you’d like to renovate. Do you know what to expect from your local plumber? What should a homeowner look for in a plumbing company?

Finding the right service provider can feel overwhelming, and even a little intimidating. Perhaps one of the most concerning aspects of hiring a plumber is the cost. What kind of bill can you expect when the work is finished?

But there are a few boxes to tick during your search that can help guide you in making a good decision.

Finding a Local Plumber

Word of mouth is always a good way to find a local plumber in Port St. Lucie. Your friends or coworkers may have recommendations. You can also look online for reviews to help you find someone reliable.

Recommendations are one way plumbing companies find new clients. Because your plumber lives and works in your community, their reputation is important to their business. If their work is subpar, or their invoices are padded, the word will get out.

Why Local Knowledge is Critical

But your plumber’s business profile is just one reason that local knowledge is important. Local building codes govern many of their trade practices. Many states, counties, and municipalities have specific plumbing codes that they must observe.

Installed plumbing must conform to the public water supply and sanitation treatment processes. In many cases, new safeguards and procedures are often required when replacing obsolete sewer piping.

Some municipalities require permits for certain types of work, especially any excavation required for replacing sewer lines. Your local plumber must be familiar with any permitting processes needed before giving you an estimate on cost or the time of completion.

Florida plumbing codes

Currently, Florida plumbers are governed by the 2020 Florida Building Codes. These guidelines cover everything from faucets to landscape irrigation to storm drains.

Our yearly hurricane season has a severe impact on plumbing systems. No homeowner wants to face their insurance company with a damage claim that could have been prevented by keeping their home up to code.

Rebates and incentives

In addition, some states and counties offer incentives and rebates for replacing old fixtures with new, water saving options. Your local plumber should be able to advise you of any active programs so you’ll get the most for your money — and maybe some back, as well.

You can access the rebate program application online, but your St. Lucie County plumber can help you qualify when upgrading your fixtures.

Local conditions

There are also geographical considerations. The local water table is high, and any plumber working with sewer lines must be familiar with the local conditions.

What to Look for in a Local Plumber

If you’ve gathered a few recommendations or looked at reviews, make sure to look for the signs of a reliable plumbing company.

Licensing

The state of Florida requires plumbers to have four years of experience and pass an exam to become a journeyman plumber. Master plumbers require 7 to 10 years of experience. They must also receive continuing education and renew their license every two years.

You can check to make sure your candidate plumber has an active license on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.

Professional demeanor

Since all Florida plumbers must be (or work under) a master plumber with many years of experience, you can expect that your local plumber owns an established business. That means they should have a professional appearance and demeanor. Look for company vehicles, uniforms, and liability insurance.

Range of services

Licensed plumbers are trained and tested on a very wide range of plumbing services. You should expect your local plumbing company to hire technicians capable of handling all of your plumbing needs.

Honesty

A reliable plumber will shoot straight when it comes to discussing your plumbing problems. If they foresee a potential issue, expect them to be honest and tell you.

Many plumbing repairs are made in an emergency and only keep the situation from getting worse. An honest plumber will tell you if the problem is solved for good or needs future work.

Follow-through

You should expect your local plumber to be there for you if those future repairs are required. They should also return in a timely fashion with any needed parts.

Most of all, they’ll finish the job they started, including taking the time to clean up after the work is complete.

Plumbing Disasters

Don’t wait until you have a plumbing emergency before finding a local plumber you trust. Make an appointment with the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Port St. Lucie for any of your plumbing needs.