In today’s world with the internet and AI, finding a plumber is easy. But is the plumber recommended by AI or a search engine really the right plumber for you?
Here is a list of things I recommend doing. I’ll explain why these things matter afterward.
Steps to Take When Hiring a Plumber
- Use a search engine to locate plumbers near you.
- Look at the search results. Don’t just call the first one on the list.
- Do an independent search of the names on the list that service your area.
- Look at their websites.
- Read their reviews. Search for reviews independently—don’t rely only on the reviews posted on their website.
- Find out about the company:
- Are they locally owned?
- Do they use licensed plumbers?
- Do they conduct background checks and drug testing on their employees?
- Will they listen to you and talk with you over the phone?
- Get and compare estimates.
- Go with the plumber who meets your expectations.
Why These Things Matter
With new AI tools and search engines, the common way to find a home service provider is to type “Best plumber near me” and call the name that pops up first.
But is that really the type of service you are looking for?
Did you know that search engines charge companies money to appear on those lists? Many companies pay more money to be placed near the top of search results. This is called pay per click.
In my case, the minimum cost is about $33 for a lead. I pay that price whether I get the job or not. If you see my name on a list and click the call button, I pay $33 just for that call.
Today many companies are bidding for those leads, and some are paying over $300 per lead.
Now think about that for a moment.
If a company pays $300 just to get your phone call, do you think they are interested in doing a small $150 repair?
Right away that company has to recover the $300 lead cost. Then they still have to pay:
- Office staff to answer the phone
- Dispatchers to schedule appointments
- The plumber’s wages
- The truck, fuel, insurance, and equipment
Suddenly the small repair you thought you had can easily become a $500+ job before the plumber has even looked at your problem.
Some companies aren’t interested in repairing your existing equipment. They are focused on upselling you to a larger job that produces more profit.
Now I’m not saying advertising is bad, and search engines certainly have their place. What I am saying is don’t just click the first name on the list and call whoever appears.
Do a little homework first.
This is your home we’re talking about. Do you really want just anyone coming into your home with access to your belongings—and most importantly, your family?
Many large corporations have bought independent plumbing companies and continue using their original names. They advertise that they have been in business for decades and claim to be a local company, even though they are now owned by a national corporation.
What you discover during your research can help you decide which company is the best fit for you.
How Reviews Can Help
Take time to read the reviews.
Look through both the good and the bad ones. Do they have relivent information not just so and so did good.
Ask yourself:
- What do the reviews actually say?
- Is the info about the quality of work or the employees.
- How did the company respond to complaints?
- How did they respond to the good reviews?
If a company has no bad reviews at all, that can actually be a red flag.
No company can make everyone happy every time.
Some companies bury negative reviews by posting fabricated positive reviews or by using services that filter out bad reviews before they are published.
Information About the Company
Information found on company websites can be helpful—but it can also be misleading.
AI searches can sometimes uncover information about a company that is harder to find otherwise.
Many companies claim to be locally owned and operated, but in reality, they are owned by larger corporations that purchased the company years ago and simply kept the name.
Are they using Licensed plumbers or are they just sending technicians. A lot of companies, especially all in one companies are not using licensed professionals, they are just sending technicians.
Find out if they do background checks and drug testing on their employees. These people are coming into your home you need to know that they are trustworthy.
Does the company offer Up Front Pricing?
The Importance of a Phone Conversation
Yes, it is easy to schedule an appointment online and have someone come to your home. But a simple phone conversation can tell you a lot about the people you are dealing with.
Ask yourself:
- Does a live person answer the phone?
- Are they willing to listen to you and talk about the problem you’re having?
- Or are they just trying to schedule an appointment as quickly as possible?
It’s true that the person answering the phone may not be a plumber and may not be able to fix your problem over the phone. But they should be able to listen, answer basic questions, and help address some of your concerns.
That small interaction can tell you a lot about the company you are trusting to come into your home.
Getting Estimates
Don’t be afraid to pay a dispatch fee or a fee to receive an estimate. Sometimes the companies that charge these fees are actually cheaper in the long run. They need to be paid for their time and are being upfront with their pricing rather than hiding the cost inside their estimate.
It’s not always necessary to get an estimate on every job, and it can be difficult for a company to come out just to give an estimate on a small repair. A small dispatch fee helps cover the time it takes to drive to your home, evaluate the problem, and provide a price before any work is performed.
Yes, it may cost a little more upfront to get a couple of estimates, but the savings in the long run often outweigh the hidden cost.
Comparing Estimates
When comparing estimates, it’s important to compare apples to apples.
Look carefully at what each company is offering:
- What materials are they using?
- What warranties are included?
- What work is actually being performed?
Just because an estimate is the cheapest does not mean it’s the best.
If the prices are extremely different, you may want to get another estimate, so you have a better comparison.
If something doesn’t feel right, it may well be worth investigating. Trust your instincts. Call the company and ask them to explain the estimate. Why do they recommend a certain product or brand over another?
Also remember that estimates may not break down every single part or expense. There are many costs involved in running a plumbing company—labor, materials, equipment, travel time, insurance, and more—and those expenses will show up in the final price.
For example, if a company is paying $300 for your lead, that cost will show in the bottom line of the estimate.
In the end, the goal isn’t just to find a plumber for one job, it’s to find a plumber you can rely on for years to come. A good plumbing company will take the time to listen, explain your options, and help you make the best decision for your home, not just the most profitable one for them. Companies that have built their reputation through word-of-mouth, long-term customers, and honest service tend to be the ones people call again and again. When you find a company like that, it’s worth holding onto.
Written by Vic Bachman
Mike Bachman Plumbing
Locally Owned • Serving Northern Utah