7 Signs You’re About to Be Scammed by a Plumber

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If you’re moving into a new place or have been having issues with your plumbing, it’s wise to get it checked out by a licensed plumber. Unfortunately, there are many dishonest people in the world who would be happy to take your money under false pretenses and never deliver on the services they promise. If you want to avoid being duped by a shady plumber, read this list of warning signs.

1)Plumbers without License

This one seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people think it doesn’t matter. Unless your plumber is in business for himself, he should be licensed. If he’s not, find someone else. A license doesn’t guarantee good workmanship or ethical business practices, but without one you have no idea who you’re hiring or what they do.

2) They have no credentials

Plumbing services that don’t offer written proof of their licensure should be avoided. Check with your state’s licensing board or equivalent agency and confirm that they are in good standing. If they can’t provide documentation, don’t do business with them. They won’t give you an estimate: This is usually a sign that they will try to take advantage of you once on site. They might also not have any idea how long it will take them to complete the job. Don’t fall for it! Get at least two estimates from licensed plumbers who have experience doing similar work.

3) They don’t use fully trained technicians

There’s no shortage of YouTube videos that show amateur do-it-yourselfers showing how easy it is to fix a clogged drain or leaky faucet. But fixing these things yourself isn’t always as simple as they make it look. In fact, often times you can cause more damage and end up with higher costs in parts or labor if you don’t know what you’re doing—and even professional plumbers have been known to slip up once in awhile. So when considering hiring someone for one of these types of jobs, first ask about their technicians’ certifications.

4) They show up at odd hours

A professional plumber will work around your schedule, not vice versa. If your plumber is coming over at odd hours and requesting additional money for Saturday service or holidays, they’re probably just trying to get extra cash out of you. Professional plumbers will work around your schedule, so don’t be afraid to say no if it doesn’t match up with yours. An honest, reputable business will easily understand and respect that—and won’t ask you for more money. They use scare tactics: When things break in your home, you want them fixed as soon as possible—but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other options available. Most of us are on a budget these days and we don’t want our wallets emptied unnecessarily.

5) They want you to pay cash before they start work

If someone knocks on your door and says they’re there to fix something, but wants you to pay in cash before they start, that’s a major red flag. If they do ask for payment first, make sure you get it in writing and have it signed. The law in most states is that all services must be performed before any payment can be made. The most serious offenders will even try and get away with charging extra for things like turning on your faucet or using their tools. Just remember: A professional plumber would never want to work for free—and neither should you!

6) They ask for a deposit before getting started

A reputable plumber won’t ask for a deposit before he or she gets started on a job. It can take days, even weeks, to order materials and schedule appointments with subcontractors. A good plumber will have no problem getting started on your job when you need it done—and they don’t have time to haggle over deposits. Don’t be pressured into paying extra money upfront; get references, call previous customers, and only make payments after you know your plumbing work has been completed satisfactorily. Be wary of deadlines; if they say something needs fixing right away or within 24 hours they are probably trying to rush you into making an uninformed decision and spending money unnecessarily.

7) The equipment looks old and outdated.

If your plumber has been in business for more than 20 years, they will likely have new equipment. When you’re looking at equipment and tools, ask yourself: Do they look like they are in good shape? If not, chances are you won’t be getting top-quality work. Examine everything closely—cleanliness counts!

Ask to see an invoice or call references. Does your potential plumber take credit cards? If so, there is less of a chance that he or she is going to skip town with your money before finishing any projects. Before hiring anyone, check their references and make sure they are licensed and insured (ask for proof).

And remember that if something sounds too good to be true it probably is. Beware of those low prices—if it sounds too cheap, it probably is!

Check out Angie’s List before hiring someone from Craigslist or another online source; often times there are many reviews from previous customers that can help guide you toward making an informed decision about whether or not a particular contractor is right for you.

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