It can be confusing to choose the best water service professional while you have an urgent need. Google reviews will tell you a lot, but don’t stop there. Getting answers to these four questions will help you feel confident the next time you hire a plumber, pump technician or other water service professional to work in your home or business.
1: Can you legally do the work? It doesn’t get more fundamental than this, but it is still an important question. In Oregon, the people who work on plumbing in and around your home are required to have either a current journeyman plumber’s license or be enrolled in the plumbing apprenticeship program. Companies must be licensed to install well pumps, water heaters and water treatment systems. Backflow testing technicians must also be certified by the Oregon Health Authority. Inquiring about additional training, memberships and experience is also a great idea.
Bonus tip: Ask for the company’s Construction Contractors Board (CCB) or Landscape Contractors Board (LCB) number and then use their database sites to check for any history of complaints, discipline or suspensions.
2: How much will it actually cost? Some companies offer estimates of time and materials, while others provide an all-inclusive price upfront. To avoid uncertainty or a surprisingly large final bill, request a written price before they get started. That way you will be informed, confident and in control of the work to be performed. And be sure to ask whether there is a dispatch fee or any other unadvertised charges.
Related: What Upfront Pricing Means for You
3: What if something goes wrong? If the unexpected happens, it is important to know that the water professional you choose will stand behind their work. Ask about warranties for both labor and materials/equipment. And consider how long they have been in business—companies that have served customers for many decades are more likely to have a well-earned reputation for doing what’s right.
4: How do you give back? You may be surprised to see this question on our list, but the answer says a lot about a company’s values. Look for a history of generous support for worthy causes—through donations of finances as well as time and energy. It always feels better to know that hiring a water professional comes with the added benefit of making a difference in your community and around the world!
