If you're a business owner, and you've found your pipes clogged, then it's time to call in the pros. Many problems can lead to clogging—excess food or other debris, tree roots or even corrosion from water supply lines. Whatever the culprit may be, it's important to diagnose the problem and fix it as soon as possible. It's also important to pick the right commercial plumber for the job. Here's what you should look for when hiring your plumber.
1. Choose a commercial plumber with proper credentials
You don't want to pick the first company you find in the phone book — that's for sure. You want someone who has experience working on plumbing for businesses of your type and size. Look for a plumber that specifically lists experience working on commercial plumbing jobs and that they are licensed, bonded and insured. If they don't have these credentials listed on their website or other marketing materials, then choose another plumber.
2. Verify your plumber's license
If you want extra peace of mind when selecting a commercial plumber, make sure to verify their license. One way to find out if a commercial plumber has the proper credentials is to look up the relevant licensing website. Many licensing bodies have a simple search form which allows you to check that your plumber really is trained to do the job.
3. Ask for their portfolio
Creative trades aren't the only professions that use portfolios. Any good commercial plumber should have a body of past work they can refer to, whether that's through pictures, testimonials or any other kind of proof. If your plumbing company of choice has worked with several other similar businesses in your local area, and you haven't heard any complaints, it's safe to say they're likely reputable.
4. Look for online reviews
If the plumber you're considering doesn't have a portfolio, you can always turn to online reviews. Look through various contractor databases, review platforms and social media profiles to check out what people are saying about them. Do they complete work on time? Have they ever broken anything in the process of fixing another problem? If so, how did they rectify the breakage? Is their pricing fair and transparent? Clients who've had a bad experience will usually be quick to warn others via reviews.
5. Ask about their rates
While pricing doesn't necessarily indicate quality, a good commercial plumber who is well-regarded should be upfront with their rates. While additional problems can arise after an initial quote, a good commercial plumber should know their average costs for a job and stick close to that price.
Contact a commercial plumbing service near you to get started.
