Finding the right plumber in the Charlotte area can appear at first to be an overwhelming task. But, in fact, it is simple if you know how to narrow it down to the One Local Expert who can best serve your needs. Selecting the right plumber is important to ensuring a job well done. Plumbing errors can lead to a wide variety of problems; from leaks that run up your water bills to severe water damage that can be extremely costly to repair.

Find the right plumber with these seven steps:

1. Ask friends, family, and professionals such as realtors for referrals
2. Choose a plumber who is right for your needs, whether emergency repairs or major remodels
3. Find out how long they have been in business, and ask for references from previous clients
4. Ask to see their license and proof of insurance, and double check with state agencies
5. Get several bids on the job to be sure the price is fair
6. Find out what is included in the estimate to make it easier to compare bids
7. Get everything in writing, and read the contract thoroughly to make sure everything is accurate and looks on the level

Good sources of referrals to qualified plumbers include general contractors, realtors, plumbing supply stores and home or building inspectors. Expand your search online at One Local Expert to get a list of recommended providers. Locate a plumber who handles the type of work you need completed; general plumbers handle basic repairs and emergency work, while some plumbers specialize in installation of piping for new construction or remodels.

Some good questions to ask former clients.

Were you satisfied with the process and the completed work?
Ask if they were happy with the quality of the work and if any problems arose with anything that was installed or modified during or since. Was the contract followed? Did they feel the plumber was candid regarding the cost and timeframe for the work?

Were the plumber and any staff professional and courteous? How the plumber handled communications, questions and issues will say a lot about their work. Ask if they showed respect and consideration and were always polite and courteous.

Did they leave the work area neat and clean? Plumbing can be messy work, and a good plumber will clean up all debris and leave the work site neat and tidy. Failure to clean up properly after a job indicates sloppiness, and sloppy plumbing risks leaks or ruptures. You might not be able to see the pipes behind a wall, but a work area left clean gives confidence that the job was done neatly as well.

Was a warranty included? Find out what the warranty covers and for how long, and make sure it is included in the written contract. A good plumber will stand behind their work and guarantee it against flaws in workmanship or errors.

Questions to Ask when Hiring the Right Plumber.

When narrowing down your choice from a list provided by trusted sources to the One Local Expert you will hire, make it easier with this list of important questions to ask.

What type of plumbing do you do, and are you available after hours? Plumbers who do general repair work often offer after-hours emergency services as well. Once you have found the right plumber for non-emergency work, keep their number; knowing who to call in the middle of the night when a pipe bursts will save you time and reduce the damage level by getting a professional in quickly. If you are looking for a plumber to install new plumbing for a remodel or new construction, you will need someone who specializes in that type of work rather than basic plumbing repair. This type of plumber has advanced knowledge of codes and installation procedures for new plumbing.

How long have you been in business, and can you provide references?
Find out how long the plumber has been licensed and working in the field. Don't hesitate to ask for references to help you choose the right plumber. An honest and forthright plumber will not mind the request and is confident that you will hear glowing reports from previous customers.

Are you licensed and insured? Hiring a licensed plumber ensures that they have passed the required exams and have the necessary experience to be approved for a license by governing bodies such as state licensing boards. Most states require that plumbers be licensed. A licensed plumber should also carry a liability policy that meets the required state minimum as well as worker's compensation to cover any employees. Request to see proof of both.

Ask for a Quote

Have the plumber take a look at the job to be done and go over what you need completed. Find out exactly what work is included and what is excluded, and how the plumber charges; most plumbers charge by the hour. You should also get a clear idea of how long the work is expected to take and how many hours of labor you will be paying for. Ask to have the detailed quote provided in writing. Get more than one quote for comparison; at least three are recommended in order that you may establish a reasonable range of total cost for the project. Make sure each quote includes the same work so you are comparing apples to apples.

Execute a Contract.

The contract should stipulate everything agreed upon in the quote. It should include a detailed description of the work to be done, the amount of time expected for completion, and the cost of the project. As part of the description of the work, make sure the contract includes a listing of the type of parts being used, including what type of pipes and any fixtures to be installed. It should also list any warranty on work completed that the plumber provides as a guarantee of quality.

Things to Look for in a Qualified Plumber.

A valid license and insurance. Verify the plumber's licensure, level of expertise and how long they have been licensed with a call to the state licensing board. They should also be able to assure you that the plumber carries the right level of insurance coverage.

A strong reputation. Call the Better Business Bureau - they can provide you with information on any complaints that have been filed against the plumber or company. Check online review services such as Angie's List or Service Magic for a review of their work. You may also visit One Local Expert to locate a top quality service provider in the Charlotte area.

Safety Commitment. Plumbing work carries some risks. Ask the plumber about their safety procedures to protect against injuries on the job. The right plumber will use all required safety equipment when working. Make sure the plumber knows and follows code, and works along with the permit office to complete any required inspection of completed work for compliance.

Clean Up. Ask how much clean up the plumber plans to do in the work area after the job is complete. Debris should be cleared away and no water left on the floor. In cases where water damage has been done a company specializing in water damage clean up and repair will be required to complete the clean up - the plumber is only responsible for clean up related to the work being done.

TIPS *A plumber who works individually may be just as skilled as one working for a big company, and charge less *Watch out for quotes that seem unusually high or low. A low quote might mean the plumber will raise the price later. A high quote often suggests they are probably really too busy for the job.