Most plumbers know how to work with the pipes, but great ones can do more than that: they can deliver professional and top-quality service. Aside from being skilled in the trade, they should also be able to show their respect for you, your time, and your property.
Source: Blue Diamond PlumbingWhile recognizing excellent work is easy after it is done, it can be challenging to determine the real deal from those who are just after compensation before the job even begins. Ensure that you make the right choice by knowing what to look for in a great professional plumber.
To help you out, here are six characteristics a great plumbing professional must have:
- Licensing and Certification
Like other skilled professionals, plumbers need to be licensed and certified before they can perform tasks related to the trade.Since tests need to be passed before these documents are issued, licenses and certifications serve as proof of a professional plumber’s skills and knowledge. It is a crucial qualification for anyone who seeks to perform plumbing fixes and maintenance in exchange for compensation.
Furthermore, a great plumber should be open to sharing his credentials and offer a list of references to attest to the quality of his service and output. Make sure that the papers he presented to you are valid by checking with the governing bodies that issued them.
- Punctual
Although plumbers can give you a ballpark estimate of his time of arrival, true professionals can
offer a more precise ETA. This will show his respect for you and the time you set aside for the
appointment.Of course, there are instances when he may be late or needs to reschedule. While this is acceptable, make sure that his reasons are valid and that he informed you as soon as he determined that he won’t make it on time. Otherwise, it is probably better to look for another person for the job.
Source: Blue Diamond Plumbing- Fully Prepared Upon Arrival
A great plumber should also know – and have already prepared – all the tools and supplies he would need for a job. Using his experience and estimate, he should be able to tell what equipment are necessary for the efficient execution of the task.Although complications in a plumbing issue that wasn’t immediately apparent during estimation may arise, a pro should be able to prepare the necessary additional tools promptly. He shouldn’t make excuses and must offer an explanation upfront why if he cannot fix the issue during the period included in the estimate.
- Provides a Clear Estimate
Another thing that you should be seeking in a plumber is a clear and complete estimate. Even before he performs a job, you should be able to determine whether he is a professional based on the estimate he provides.Look for plumbers who include more details in their proposals. Not only should this show the cost of materials but the labor fees as well. Make sure that they are clear and is free of loopholes.
Those who are honest about the cost overruns and additional charges for extra materials or time spent on the job are your best bet.
- Communication and Problem-Solving Skills
Communication and problem-solving skills are two things that a great plumber should have.As with any other trade, plumbing entails a lot of problem-solving, especially when complications arise. A good problem solver should be able to assess the situation and evaluate possible remedies efficiently and accurately.
Also, communication is a crucial soft skill that plumbers must have. The person you choose to work with should be an active listener. He must also possess the ability to explain processes in a way that even those without any knowledge in plumbing would understand.
- Experienced
Experience is the best teacher. This is very true in the case of professional plumbers. While it is okay to give newbies a chance, it is safest to choose seasoned professionals for your plumbing needs. This will ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and skill to overcome more challenging issues that may arise from what was originally a minor problem.Take the case of a plumber who made a mistake in fixing a leaky pipe, for example. According to a report from ABC News, tenants of a building were exposed to asbestos dust due to the negligence and inexperience of a plumbing professional they hired to fix a simple plumbing problem.
Based on the report, the plumber cut a hole in the wall and left it as is, saying that it’s the handyman’s job to fix it. When the carpenter arrived, he informed the tenants that the dust that scattered in the air from the hole on the wall was asbestos dust.
If the plumber was an experienced professional, he should have realized them dangers that the dust posed and warned the tenants for their safety.
The Takeaway
The need for emergency plumbing services can happen at any time. This reason alone is enough for you to look for the best plumber there is. This way, you won’t have to suffer from unpleasant consequences that range from added costs to health-related issues.
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AUTHOR BIO
Based in South Melbourne, Blue Diamond Plumbing was founded in 1985, working on new homes, repairs and commercial contracts. Over time, they have grown to become some of the best plumbers Melbourne has to offer.
Since 2001 the company has specialized in Emergency Plumbing and Property Maintenance, Repairs and Renovations for homes and businesses in Melbourne and inner city suburbs. Owner Rod Diamond has over 30 years experience with emergency plumbing in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.