ARTICLES

PLUMBING SERVICES NEAR ME

DEC 08, 2016

Don’t you wish there was a 911 number for plumbers? A pipe bursts the day before Christmas and you need service fast. You call 911 for plumbers (would that be 211?), and they dispatch a qualified professional that takes care of your plumbing service efficiently without asking for your first born in return. Sadly, there is no 211 for plumbing emergencies. When you need plumbing services in Phoenix, you are left to the whim of the company that pops up first on Google. But how do you know that you’re not getting a goofball that is better at marketing than they are plumbing? When you search for a “plumbing service near me” run that company through this checklist to make sure you’re not being ripped off.

SEARCH FOR REVIEWS

In this day and age, everyone has reviews on their company. You’re looking for a company that has treated their past customers well because you want the same service. A Phoenix plumber that is rude or overcharges their customers will certainly show up in the reviews. Review sites like Google Ratings, Better Business Bureau, andYelp are all great places to start if searching for helpful comments. If the company you are looking at doesn’t have any reviews, chances are they are new to the scene. It’s up to you if you want to hire their services, but you might want a seasoned expert for an emergency.

TALK TO A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP

If you want an up close and personal look at the friendliness, care, and support that you’ll get from a plumbing service company, talk to their customer service representatives. These people patrol the front lines when it comes to kicking off your experience. If you reach someone who is rude, impatient, and curt, don’t bother hiring their plumber who will likely treat you the same. Instead, look for a company with employees that sound like they enjoy working there. Chances are, your plumber will also and you’ll receive the best imaginable service.

GET A QUOTE UPFRONT

When talking with the customer service rep, be sure to get a quote up front. If you don’t, you could be stuck with an exorbitant bill. What’s more, that bill may or may not be specific to your job. We hate to say that, but we’ve seen it time and time again over the last 40 years. Dishonest plumbers will overcharge for measly projects and tack on fees for services that aren’t relevant to the job. Get a quote in writing before they show up (usually as an email from the customer service rep).

Also, don’t be afraid to ask about the bill. If the bill is higher than expected, ask the plumber to break down each charge. They should be able to explain each line item and how each repair was necessary for your plumbing emergency.

LICENSED, BONDED, INSURED

What do these mean and why are they important when hiring a Phoenix plumber near you?

Licensed: Licensed plumbers haves been certified by their state to perform plumbing services. Each state has it’s own licensing process, so be sure that the plumber you hire is licensed in the state of Arizona.

Bonded: Some companies choose to purchase surety bonds for their customers. It basically acts like insurance for the customer. Let’s say the plumber fails to complete the job properly. You can claim the bond and receive an insurance-like settlement to finish the job.  To receive monetary compensation, you would contact the surety company and provide proof that the job was incomplete or that the contractor failed to pay for materials or other obligations that were the contractor’s responsibility. Be sure to ask for a copy of the bond upfront as you will need this should any claim need to be made.

Insured: You want a plumbing company that carries proper insurance for two reasons: 1) for liability purposes. The insurance company will cover property damage, injuries, and the cost of repairing or replacing bad work. 2) Workers compensation. Should any employees get hurt on the job, the plumbing company will be responsible for covering medical costs; without this insurance, you may be liable.

NOT TOO MANY WORKERS

How many people show up when you call for emergency plumbing repair? The answer should be one for most jobs. If you see two or more people showing up to your house, you could be paying for an arbitrary person. Leaky faucets, clogged drains, broken garbage disposals, and the like typically require a single expert. Larger jobs like replacing underground pipes, trenchless sewer repair, and commercial maintenance may require more hands; however, if you’re not calling for one of these, expect one person to handle the job.

ASK QUESTIONS

Don’t be afraid to ask questions until you understand the answer. We know you want to be polite (that’s why you’re great!). Just remember that you can be polite and still seek clarification. A company that is focused on providing superior service will not mind answering your questions. For example, at Donley Service Center, we want to earn your trust, so we will answer any question you ask, take a look at any problem you have, and stay at the job until you’re satisfied with the result.

FEEL FREE TO CHANGE YOUR MIND

If a technician shows up at your house and you feel uncomfortable, cancel your service. If the plumber is in the middle of the job and you feel something fishy is going on, cancel your service. If you’re not receiving the expertise and customer service for which you are paying, cancel your service. You have the power to send that plumber away if he is not performing the job correctly. You can terminate the service even if he is in the middle of the job. Your instincts are good ones; if you feel something sketchy is going on, send that plumber away.

LOOK FOR ONGOING MAINTENANCE PLANS

An ongoing maintenance plan is great for customers that never want to make an emergency plumbing repair call. At Donley Service Center, our Home Comfort Plan is designed to catch issues before they arrive. Once per year, we inspect the plumbing in your home to ensure that all is working well. We’ll make note of areas that need to be watched and areas that need to be repaired right away. It’s a simple and convenient way to protect you home.

If you’re in the middle of a plumbing emergency, you are likely to feel helpless; however, there is no need to feel the same way when hiring your plumber. This long list of attributes will help guide you in the process of hiring a qualified plumber. Simply put, look for a trusted name in the business, years of experience, and a company that values quality service at a fair price. This is what we do at Donley Service Center. We put the customer first because it’s the right thing to do. It has served us well for the last 40 years as we have and continue to serve hundreds of homes around the valley. Join the ranks of homeowners who couldn’t be happier with their plumbing service. Call Donley Service Center today or check us out online for more information.