The Plumber Red Flag To Look For Before Their Work Even Starts

While there are plenty of small repairs and maintenance tasks you can complete on your own, the best way to guarantee that you won't have to deal with major issues or long-term damage is to hire a professional. You might need to call a plumber if you're facing off against serious leaks, foul smells, or frequent, repeated problems, and in a perfect world, this is all you'd have to do. Unfortunately, vetting the professionals you hire is a necessity if you want to ensure you're getting quality work for a fair price. One of the biggest red flags is a plumber who won't give you a clear, written estimate for the cost of your repair or project, and if you find yourself in this position, it's a good idea to reach out to the other professionals in your area.

While a lack of an estimate isn't a sure sign that you're getting ripped off, it certainly puts you in a risky position. After the job is complete, the plumber can charge you what they see fit — you really have no choice but to pony up, even if the pricing is far above the average cost for a similar repair. A written estimate gives you protection against this inflation. While estimates can't always predict the exact, final cost, a clear price tag will make sure the customer and the plumber are on the same page.

Just getting an estimate isn't enough — you should use this information to continue your research. First, compare the estimate to pricing for other similar jobs in your area. You can look online to get a general idea of what the going rate is, but it's also wise to call around to other plumbers to get additional estimates. Quotes for pre-planned projects are often free and can be done online or over the phone, but if you need diagnostic work, you might be expected to pay. Look out for companies that offer free quotes to avoid this spend, if possible. If you're not dealing with a situation that needs immediate fixing, this approach will give you the ability to shop around and ask more questions before hiring a plumber. Dig into the potential charges at this point, too — some plumbers work on a flat hourly rate, while others might factor in the cost of parts or include a call out fee.

It's not always standard practice, but be sure to push for a written estimate if you've only received verbal pricing for a project. Having a written price to point to gives you more protection against sudden jumps in charges. If you've already gone through with a project without a written estimate, it's very difficult to dispute the charge or sue, so your best bet is to call the company and walk through the charges in an attempt to bring the price down. While most are simply doing their jobs, there are plenty of scams to watch out for with plumbers, so it's important to stay vigilant.