There is no shortage of plumbing companies in Ashburn, Virginia. However, more choices can paralyze your search for the right plumber. How do you know if you are hiring a qualified professional? Does the plumber have experience with your type of plumbing system? What guarantees, estimates, and warranties do the plumber offers? Finding a plumber is easy. Finding the right plumber, however, can be challenging – especially if you have never used a professional for plumbing services in Ashburn. Below is a simple guide on how to locate and hire a plumber for your home or business. These five questions can help you narrow your search to ensure you get quality work, efficient service, and affordable rates.

1. “What are your credentials?”

This is the most basic and necessary question that you should ask anyone who claims to be a professional plumber in Virginia. A true professional takes the time to seek training and certification so that they can secure a proper plumber’s license recognized by the state. Virginia requires all tradesmen – including plumbers – to obtain a plumbing license before any bidding or work can take place.  The best plumbers in Ashburn carry the following credentials:

• Certification
• Licensing
• Liability Insurance
• Bonding

Note: Professionals working in the plumbing industry may be required to secure a plumbing bond. This surety bond is a contract between three parties: the state or local licensing agency requiring the bond, the licensed plumber, and the surety providing the bond. Also, requirements can vary depending on local regulations. The bottom line is this: you can’t trust someone that doesn’t follow state or local regulations and doesn’t bother to get the training and certification necessary to perform professional plumbing work. Don’t hire them.

2. “Can I get a reference?”

This is a two-part question.

Part One: Actual References from Previous Clients

A reputable plumber is not only willing, but also proud, to give you references from recent clients. An experienced plumber has a long list of happy, loyal clients who will vouch for him. Don’t hesitate to ask for references from previous clients and follow up by calling them. 

Part Two: Online Customer Reviews and Ratings

If you don’t feel comfortable asking for references, you can go online to look for customer reviews and ratings. A good place to start is to look at the company’s Google reviews. You can also find reviews on social media pages and sites like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. Sites like Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor are also helpful resources for finding good plumbing companies in Ashburn, Virginia.

3. “Have you done this work before?”

There is a significant difference between cleaning a drain and remodeling a bathroom plumbing system. The plumber that does repiping for a home is not the same as a plumber who replaces an entire sewer line for a corporate building. Each plumber has their own certification and specialization.  Before you hire a plumber, make sure they have extensive experience performing the plumbing job you need in your home or business. Ask questions such as

• “Have you successfully completed this type of work?”

• “Have you worked on this type of plumbing system, fixture, or drain?”

• “Do you service residential or commercial plumbing systems?”
• “Are you skilled in plumbing installation, repair, and maintenance?”

Don’t assume that a plumber is trained or skilled in all types of plumbing projects. Clarify their experience and specialization before hiring them to do work on your plumbing system.

4. “What is in your plumbing estimate?”

Every plumber should provide a comprehensive estimate of work when bidding on a job. In fact, you should view an estimate as a bid as you shop around for the right plumber. An estimate tells you everything you need to know to make an informed decision about hiring a plumber.  Although estimates vary per company, every estimate should include the following items:

• Company name and contact information
• Project summary
• Job completion timeframe
• Hourly rate or flat fee rate
• Material list and cost
• Permits required (if applicable)
• Insurance and licensure information
• A guarantee of work (including warranty information, if applicable)

Tip: Do not be lured by free estimates. While they can save you a little money on the front end, they are in no way an indication of a plumber’s quality of work or customer service. Plumbers often use free estimates to get in the door – which can be clever marketing and even a perk to the customer. However, do not choose a plumber just because they offer a free estimate.

5. “What happens if something goes wrong?”

When you hire a Virginia plumber for any plumbing installation, repair, or repiping job, you should have peace of mind knowing that they complete the job successfully. Their goal should be to provide a solution that saves you time and money while significantly improving your plumbing system.  However, even the most skilled plumbers with the best track records make mistakes from time to time. Or something happens that they didn’t plan for. In either case, not every plumbing job goes as planned. For this reason, a plumber should provide a guarantee or warranty on all plumbing parts and labor. The guarantee should be in writing and as advertised.  For instance, you should be able to find the plumber’s guarantee on their website, social media page, brochure, estimate, or warranty. If you don’t find it, then ask the plumber. How do they back up or guarantee their work? Can you get it in writing?

Schedule Plumbing Service in Ashburn, Virginia

Don’t settle for just any plumber for your next plumbing installation or repair. Instead, hire the seasoned plumbing professionals at Cardinal Plumbing, Heating & Air. We offer complete plumbing services in Ashburn, Virginia. Contact us today for an in-home assessment and get an estimate on plumbing work.  Fill out our contact form or call us to schedule plumbing services.