How to Choose the Right Commercial Plumber

It’s no secret that running a commercial property is hard work. From finding the right tenants to handling maintenance requests, there are a lot of moving parts. Finding the right maintenance contractors is difficult too. While you might not need certain services every day, you’ll want a solid crew of contractors readily available in case of an emergency. This is especially true when it comes to plumbing. If you’re looking for a commercial plumbing contractor to handle your property’s needs, here’s how to choose the right one.

Experience level

Experience is possibly the most important factor to keep in mind when choosing a commercial plumber. Right off the bat, take steps to verify how long a prospective plumber has been in business. Their history in the industry is a key indicator of their overall quality. An experienced plumber is more likely to offer customized solutions that will last longer for your property’s unique needs.

This doesn’t mean that choosing a newer plumbing contractor is always off-limits. If there aren’t any industry veterans that are able to respond to your maintenance requests within a desired timeframe or you’re simply interested in supporting a new business, make sure you at least verify the plumber’s exposure to certain concepts. It’d be a shame to hire them for a large-scale drain cleaning project only to find out it’s their first time working on a commercial property.

Are they licensed and insured?

Any plumber worth their salt should possess a valid and current license permitting them to work. One of the first things you need to do is request to see a copy of their permit or license. Make sure it’s up to date before you begin the hiring process. If a plumber is unable to produce their permit, it’s a major red flag and it’s for the best that you take your business elsewhere. Otherwise, it’s possible that the plumber hasn’t met industry standards or is neglecting to update their license.

Once you’ve verified their license or permit, ask about the insurance they carry. Every commercial plumber should possess either liability insurance, workers compensation insurance, or a combination of the two. These help protect both parties in the event of any mishaps on your premises. For instance, if your hired plumber injured him or herself while on-site at your property, their workers compensation insurance would mitigate their medical costs and ease any financial responsibilities off of you.

Reputation

This is another major factor when it comes to finding the right commercial plumber. Suppose they’re licensed, well-qualified, and have an acceptable liability insurance policy — sounds like an ideal hire, right? However, a quick internet search reveals that your community has a less-than-stellar opinion of this individual, citing poor customer service, outrageous prices, or shoddy fixes. Do you proceed with the hiring process? Chances are, you shouldn’t.

Reputation is incredibly important in the commercial plumbing industry. Many plumbers flourish on word of mouth recommendations and referral business. In fact, requesting a referral from your colleagues is a great place to start. If you’re having trouble acquiring a solid recommendation, do a little research online. Many plumbers have at least a basic website that can enlighten you as to how they’re perceived by other clients.

The right fit

Finding the perfect plumber for your property might take a bit of time and effort on your part. It’s important to do your due diligence during the hiring process to ensure the working relationship is the right fit for both parties involved. You want to build a lasting rapport with your commercial plumber to ensure they’re always available when you need a quick fix and will stick with the more difficult projects as well. With patience and a dash of research, you’ll find the perfect commercial plumber for your property.