Homeowners often have to deal with several household repairs, with plumbing being one of them. Usually, you can handle small plumbing issues like dripping faucets or leaky hose bibs yourself. However, you will need a skilled plumber to handle major emergencies.
Furthermore, failure to address even the smallest plumbing issues in time can result in a waste of water, increased water bills, and severe water damage to your house. You can search with the phrase “plumber near me” on your phone during an emergency. However, it is always better to have a professional and experienced plumber on your speed dial.
Your go-to plumber will know your plumbing infrastructure perfectly, providing you with quick assessments and solutions. They will also understand and address your concerns clearly. You may also end up getting discounts on annual tune-ups and even major plumbing projects.
Let’s see how you can find a suitable plumber.
A. Understand the Qualities of an ExcellentBig Bear Plumber
Before you start your search, you need to know about the qualities of an excellent plumber. Here are a few things you can find in most professional plumbers, not just in Big Bear but all over California.
1. License
As your “plumber near me” search will not tell you about the license details, you will need to ask for these in person. In California, registering as a Journeyman allows you to work on jobs that cost less than $500 in labor and materials.
However, you need a C-36 license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to handle projects exceeding this value. You will need to make sure the plumbers you shortlist have the required permits before hiring one among them. Check the date, duration, name, and other specifics on the permit.
2. Insurance
Another crucial factor to look for in a professional plumber is insurance. Make sure the contractor shortlisted from your “plumber near me” search has both liability insurance and workman’s compensation policy.
While your homeowner’s insurance can help, it may not cover the damage caused during plumbing work. If the plumber doesn’t have the right insurance, you will end up paying for an accident, should it happen. Ask the plumber to furnish the details of their insurance before hiring.
3. Experience
Not all contractors from your “plumber near me” list will be equally experienced. Make sure to work with the most experienced plumber as far as possible. Experience helps improve skills and practical knowledge. It is advantageous if the plumber has worked on projects similar to your requirement. They will be able to complete your project without any hiccups.
4. Excellent References
The plumber also needs to have excellent references. Anyone can whip up fake reviews on their website these days, making it necessary to have real work references.
You can ask the shortlisted California plumbers to share a list of references. Make sure these references are no more than a few months old. Most professionals would be more than willing to share this list.
You can also talk to the customers about how the Big Bear plumber handled their project. Find out if they have hired this plumber again, and whether they got a professional and quick resolution.
5. Professional Approach
A good plumber in California will also have the utmost professional approach when dealing with clients. While showing up in the top plumber near me search results is great, it doesn’t necessarily mean the contractor is a professional. The plumber should have an excellent track record of responding to their clients on time, paying attention to detail, and behaving courteously during the service.
B. Finding the Right Big Bear Plumber
Now that you know the qualities of an excellent plumber in Big Bear, the next step is to start looking for one. Here’s what you can do.
1. Know Your Plumbing Needs
As you may already know, not all plumbers are made equal. You will need someone who can address your needs. That’s why it is crucial to figure out what you want first. Before you type “plumber near me” on your phone or computer, make a list of your plumbing needs. It can help you look for plumbers specializing in a particular task.
2. Online Search
The easiest way to start your search is to use the web. You can Google “plumber near me” to get a list of the best plumbers closest to your home. Make sure to turn on your location when searching.
Usually, online listings will offer you general information, like customer reviews, years in business, and contact details, about a Big Bear plumber. You can use this information for a more in-depth analysis.
3. Offline Search
If you are not into Googling plumber near me, you can start your search offline. Talk to your friends, neighbors, and extended family, who may have hired a plumber at some point. It is often the best place to start because people are likely to recommend someone they had a great experience with.
Make sure to gather at least four-to-five references for better comparison. You can compare the shortlisted plumbers based on factors like experience, specialization, and cost, among others. You can choose a professional plumber in California that fits your requirements, including your budget, which brings us to the final point.
4. Cost
The last thing you need to worry about is how much a plumber in California will cost you. One way to find out how much a plumber costs without leaving your couch is to search “plumber cost near me” on your phone. However, this modified search will help you find the average cost of plumbing in the Big Bear area.
You will still need to talk to shortlisted plumbers to know their exact costs. Some plumbers may charge you a flat fee depending on your project, while others may charge an hourly rate. You may also have to pay an additional service fee. Make sure to know everything you can about how much the plumber will cost.
Conclusion
As you may already know, plumbing emergencies can happen anytime. That’s why having an experienced local Big Bear plumber on your speed dial is necessary. Finding a suitable plumber is easier said than done. Hopefully, the above tips will help you find the right plumber in no time. Do you have a go-to plumber yet? When do you plan to find one?
Contact Your Trusted and Experienced Big Bear Plumber Now!
Big Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating is perhaps the most trusted, experienced, and professional service provider in the Big Bear area. Our skilled technicians will provide you with prompt, courteous, long-lasting, and cost-effective plumbing services. Call us on (909) 584-4376 or contact us online to know how we can help.
If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Plumbing
