Why Should You Choose a Professional Plumber?
admin • July 10, 2017

Plumber in blue denim shirt tests faucet in a bright kitchen, holding a clipboard and wrench.Couldn’t a general handyman, whose services you’d pay less for, do just an effective job? We know this seems like a simple solution to your plumbing problems, but your experience simply won’t be the same. Our professional plumbers have been in the industry for a long time, so we’ve seen what can happen when homeowners believe in this common misconception. Plumbing is a tough job, and even something that appears simple—like unclogging a drain—can require plumbing expertise.

We’re here to tell you how important it is to hire a licensed and insured—and experienced!—plumber when you need this type of work in your home. Although hiring a handyman may make it seem like you’re saving some money initially, in the end hiring the wrong team for the work can cost you a lot more.

What Does it Mean to Be Licensed?

In the state of Washington, you must have a set amount of experience in order to qualify for what’s called a journey level or specialty plumber certificate, which at the lowest level allows a professional plumber to install, maintain, and repair the plumbing in single family dwellings, duplexes, and apartment buildings under three stories tall.

Given the specific requirements that state licensing holds for plumbers, you don’t want to trust these services to a general “handyman” or amateur, for risk of a job done poorly, or additional damage beyond what was being repaired to begin with.

Don’t Forget about Insurance

It’s imperative that licensed plumbers also be insured to work in homes in your area. In most cases, licensure requires a minimum general liability insurance for plumbing contractors. This means that if the plumber causes any damage to your property, they will pay for it—versus you being financially responsible because you didn’t have a licensed plumber working on the project.

Professional Plumber Training

Professional plumbers in our area go through years of training in order to do whatever plumbing task is asked of them properly. Under the guidance of an experienced team, they are able to learn the ropes, including how to diagnose and repair any plumbing problems your home may experience.

Why a General Handyman Is a Bad Idea

Choosing a handyman to do a plumber’s work can leave you in a bind. Sure, initially it seems like a good choice—after all, the price is right. However, there’s a reason it costs what it does to hire a licensed, insured, and experienced plumber—you’re paying for reduced mistakes, as well as materials and equipment that only a professional has access too. With a general handyman, you may experience the following issues:

  • They can choose the wrong tool to solve your plumbing problem and cause even more damage to the pipes in the meantime.
  • They may lack the right inspection equipment, so finding a leak or clog could make a huge mess on your property.
  • Your plumbing installations can be done shoddily.
  • They may fail to follow local codes.
  • They could do a poor job that requires you to pay even more to have a professional plumber fix it.

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