How to Choose the Best Plumber Near You

Finding a reliable plumber in Queens can be a daunting task. With hundreds of companies in NYC vying for your attention, all claiming to be the best plumbing company in the area, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

Unfortunately, too many plumbing companies don’t live up to what they promise, wasting your time and money.

So, how do you save yourself the frustration of choosing the wrong plumber?

In this article, we'll dive into what to look for in a truly great plumbing company and how to find the best one in your area, including:

• The importance of choosing a qualified plumber
• Essential qualities of a top-notch plumber
• Services offered: what you should expect
• Evaluating customer satisfaction and testimonials

We’ll guide you through the crucial factors to consider, ensuring you make an informed decision when selecting the right plumbing company for your home.

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Contact Ranshaw Plumbing & Heating when you need plumbing services done right the first time. With reliable scheduling that doesn’t waste your time and upfront pricing so there are no surprises on your bill, our plumbers will give you the customer service experience you deserve.

Any time you have work done on your home, you want it done properly and up to code, especially in NYC, where plumbing work is highly regulated. We cannot stress this point enough.

For example, certain plumbing jobs require permits to be filed with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), which can become a complex process. Using the right plumber for jobs like this is critical. If the plumber fails to file the job properly, misses an inspection or sign-off, or simply doesn’t file the job in the first place, it can create an expensive problem for the homeowner to resolve, especially when it comes time to sell their home.

Even simple plumbing repairs can create a headache for homeowners if the wrong plumber is hired. From valves installed backward to drain pipes pitched at the wrong angle, any routine plumbing task can turn into a bigger, more expensive problem if not handled by a capable professional.

However, working with a qualified or licensed plumbing company, it is more likely that your plumbing issue will be addressed correctly the first time and without complications.

So, what should you consider when hiring a plumber to avoid the issues mentioned above?

While it may be tempting to choose the least expensive option when hiring a plumber, the least expensive option can turn into the most expensive really fast, especially if you have to hire another plumber to redo the work.

On the contrary, the key to a trouble-free experience when you need a plumbing service lies in evaluating other key aspects that the company offers, aside from the lowest price.

Below are some things you'll want to look for in the plumbing company you hire to avoid choosing the wrong contractor:

When verifying that a plumber has the correct certifications, you'll want to start with the basic and often overlooked state licensing. Take a moment to check that the company's license number is in good standing. Most companies post their license number publicly, so you can check using the search tool provided by the Department of Buildings for searches involving New York City.

You'll also want a company with a long history of working in the area. NYC has unique architecture and plumbing needs, so your contractor must have experience working on various buildings in your area.

Waiting for a plumber to show up only to get ghosted is a huge waste of time and money. Especially if you made arrangements like taking a day off from work to be available for the appointment. While some companies may not be able to guarantee an appointment time, a good plumbing company will never cancel a scheduled appointment. Always ensure the plumbing company you hire has your best interest in mind when it comes to appointment scheduling.

Make sure the estimate you get is what you pay. There shouldn't be any hidden fees or surprises when it comes time to pay your bill. You should look for companies that offer flat rate pricing and stay away from those that use time and material. This will ensure the price you are quoted upfront will be 100% accurate, no matter how long the job takes to complete.

If a plumber doesn’t warranty their work, that’s a definite red flag, and you should proceed with caution. Any plumbing company that is worth hiring should offer a clear and straightforward warranty policy. Companies that are willing to stand behind their work with a guarantee will most likely provide quality workmanship and a positive experience.

A good plumber should be able to handle any issue that involves your home's water systems and piping. From repairs to installations, if it means moving water or gas through pipelines, your plumber should have it on their list of services and be ready and able to address any plumbing issue that can arise. Otherwise, you could be faced with the dilemma of hiring multiple contractors because the original plumber you hire cannot handle the full scope of work needed to address your issue.

To avoid this potential time-wasting setback, make sure the company you hire is a full-service plumbing company.

Take a look at what actual customers say about the company. Don’t just take the company’s word for it or what’s published on their website. When you're looking for plumbing services in Queens, make sure the company has a stellar online reputation. Some things to check include the company's Google ratings and its reputation on social media sites like Facebook and Yelp.

Ranshaw Plumbing & Heating maintains a nearly perfect track record with our customers. With 5 stars from reviewer after reviewer, you can see that we're focused on honest, reliable work every time.

We have more than 60 years of experience helping residents in Queens with a wide array of plumbing services. Whether you need a simple plumbing repair or you have a complex job that requires the services of a licensed plumber, the Ranshaw Plumbing & Heating team is here to help.