Choosing a plumber is something that we usually only think about when our house is flooding or our toilet won’t flush.  Luckily it’s something that we don’t have to deal with on a daily basis.  When the time does come however, choosing the right plumber can be a daunting task.  After all, there are so many of them out there and they are all saying the same thing to you… “Choose Me!”,  “I’m high quality!”, “We have the best service around!”.  After a while the ads in the phone book all start to look exactly the same.  How do you separate the wheat from the chaff?  Well… I’m going to give you some tools that you can arm yourself with when that moment comes.  Remember that a plumber not only fixes your sinks and your toilets, but they are also responsible for the safety of your health and your home.  So, to quote a great scene from Indiana Jones… “Choose.  Choose wisely”.

First of all, if you want a Professional Job – Then Only Hire a Professional Plumber!

Go with a professional plumbing company, not a friend of a friend or your cousin Fred. Why? First and foremost a trained professional is going to be up-to-date on all the latest advancements in the plumbing and heating industry.  What might seem like a small job to a novice could easily turn into an out of control mess.  You want to make sure your plumber has the skills to handle the most difficult situations.  Plumbing repairs can go from being minor to being a disaster with little warning.

How do you know if they’re a professional?  Look them up on the official State of Montana Government Website located here – Montana Plumber’s License Look-up System.  This system will tell you what kind of license they have, how long they have had it, and if they have any complaints against it.  It’s a great place to start!

The look-up system is a really useful tool however, it doesn’t really tell you what kind of plumber they are.  That’s where the following advice comes into play.

Things to avoid in a plumber

1. Avoid plumbers that don’t answer their phones – This may sound obvious but you’d be surprised how many plumbers out there don’t monitor their phones, especially after hours.  Sadly you’ll find that many of the local area plumbers claiming to have 24/7 Emergency service won’t answer their phones after five o’clock.  If they can’t answer their phone the first time, what do you think will happen when you have a question or a problem with their work after you’ve paid?  And you thought you were getting a warranty…
2. Avoid plumbers that don’t have a physical address for their business. There are plenty of “glorified handymen” that operate out of the back of their truck and are more than willing to offer you bottom dollar prices for your plumbing repairs.  Cheap may sound great but the sad part is that cheap is exactly what you’ll get and them some.  Remember that repairs that aren’t properly done the first time usually cost much more to fix the second time around.  Unfortunately Bozeman and Livingston have seen their fair share of these guys – they come and go.  Be sure to do your homework before you jump on the what looks like the “cheapest” guy in town.
3. Avoid plumbers who don’t care for their trucks and equipment. Driving downtown Bozeman it’s easy to spot a local plumbing truck.  Sometimes it seems they’re almost on every corner.  It’s also easy to spot the companies that care for them and those that don’t.  This may sound vain but think about it – If a plumber can’t take the time to care for his vehicles and equipment, what makes you think he’ll care any more for your home? Bottom line is that your home should be cleaner when a plumber leaves then when he arrives.
4. Avoid plumbers with a large amount of negative reviews. I’m assuming since you’re reading this blog you have some experience with surfing the net.  Do a quick search and check out the local Bozeman and Livingston plumbers online through sites like Google, Yahoo!, and Bing.  Of course you’ll probably see some kind of a mix of reviews for every company, but it will also give you a better idea about what the company is all about.  Besides, some businesses may actually post deals online that you may have missed otherwise.  It’s worth a shot.
5. Avoid plumbers with a negative letter rating from the Better Business Bureau. You want a plumbing business that has an “A” rating.  Check out the business here – Bozeman/Livingston Area Plumbers on BBB.  Here are a few things to remember about the BBB however… It doesn’t take much other than a check to become accredited by the BBB.  Just because a business is accredited does not mean they’re better or worse the the next.  Also, not all the information given by the BBB is guaranteed to be accurate.  That’s not to say they don’t offer valuable insight into a business, it just means that I wouldn’t rely on the BBB as your sole source of information.

Things to look for in a plumber

1. Find a plumber that has a valid MT license! Reiterating what was said earlier – Verify your plumber has a valid Montana plumbing license.  It is actually illegal for anybody to make plumbing repairs to your home or business in the state of Montana without a plumbing license.  I know it sounds crazy but it’s for a good reason – your health.  Again check out this link to verify your plumber has a valid license.  MT Plumbing License Look-up.  (See the list located after number 5 for a better idea about what types of work require a licensed plumber).
2. Find a plumber that offers written quotes before the work is done! I can get into a long discussion on which is better – Flat Rate plumbers or Hourly plumbers, but I’ll save that for another time. What is important is that your plumber gives you an idea of what you’re getting into. Written quotes are the best and any good plumber should be able to walk you through the work he/she will be doing to your home.
3. Find a plumber that guarantees their work and get it in writing. Warranties are a big deal, especially when costly repairs are involved.  Don’t be afraid to ask your plumber if his/her work is under warranty, for how long, and are their any exceptions you need to be aware of.  And yes, sometimes even the best parts break down despite a plumbers best efforts and intentions, it’s the really good companies that will always back you up when the unexpected happens.  Make sure the plumber you find is one of these companies.
4. Find a plumber that is properly insured. Is your home protected if disaster strikes?  Let’s face it, plumbing failures account for a large majority of the property damage reported in the U.S each year.  A plumber’s torch has been known to start fires and faulty work or failed repairs can cause a flood.  It doesn’t take long for that damage to add up quick and many plumbers have little to no insurance to protect you.  You wouldn’t drive without insurance (I hope), why would you take a chance with a plumber working under your roof?  How do you know if they’re properly insured? Simply ask what their policy is and what it covers.  A reputable plumber will tell you.
5. Find a plumber that has been in business for a while.  Sounds simple right?  Most businesses will be willing to tell you how long they’ve been around.  Those that avoid the question or simply don’t know should be avoided.  A well established business that has been around ten, twenty or thirty years or longer has very likely withstood the test of time because of their excellent service and/or their integrity.  Bozeman and Livingston have a few businesses that have been around more than 20 years.

Here is a list of some of the plumbing repairs that require a licensed individual:

• Water Heater Repair/Install
• Water Line Repair/Install
• Drain Line Repair/Install – (Drain Line Stoppages/Cleaning do not require a license)
• Any New Connection to your drain or water piping system
• Fixture Replacement including showers, toilets, and sinks.

This is by no means a comprehensive list but it gives you an idea of what jobs need a licensed plumber.

I hope this helps shed some light on what what should be considered in choosing the “Right” plumber.  Remember that Plumbers Protect the Health of the Nation, not just your home.  If you have any questions please feel free to email me and I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.