Plumbing Expert shares tips for getting proper service

By Sam Odrowski

There's lots to consider before hiring a plumber to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck. 

There are a few common plumbing scams to be sure to avoid and Elie Yaccoub from the Plumbing Expert shared what to watch for.

He said a good plumber is upfront about the scope of their work, what it will cost, and should have no problem verifying their plumbing license number, insurance and other credentials to authenticate their legitimacy.

“You can ask for proof or check it out online,” said Yaccoub.

If a plumber refuses to show this information, this is often a red flag.

And in the event your plumber is uninsured or unlicensed, you could have no recourse to recuperate costs if the job goes wrong. 

Yaccoub said another red flag to watch for is if everything sounds too good to be true. 

It's also important to be wary of any plumber who asks for a large up-front cash deposit before carrying out work. Running off with a deposit is one of the more common plumbing scams, as paying a 50 per cent deposit on a job in advance sounds reasonable to many homeowners.

Quotes should be provided in writing, face to face, to protect both the customer and company, Yaccoub said. Photos can help to get a rough cost estimate but customers should not be accepting quotes from plumbers that have not yet seen the plumbing issue.

When hiring a plumber, requesting referrals or checking reviews online is an easy way of verifying their legitimacy.

Yaccoub said websites like HomeStars can connect you with a legitimate plumber as well.

Another thing to watch for is plumbing businesses that have won awards and are local.

“We recommend going with a company that you recognize and has a good reputation, maybe someone close has worked with them also,” said Yaccoub.