Plumbing might seem like dirty work, but it is actually a highly skilled industry.
When you call a professional plumbing company in Springfield, Missouri, you’re putting a great deal of trust into someone else’s hands, whether it be clearing out your drains, unclogging your pipes, replacing plumbing fixtures, or any other plumbing issue.
Unfortunately, it can be easy to put your trust in the wrong plumber if you're not careful. Not every plumbing company is legitimate.
We've had to clean up after too many other plumbing companies out there who will take advantage of your trust for their own gain in an effort to make a quick buck.
A legitimate plumbing company never wants to see anyone getting scammed, so let's look at some of the common red flags that the plumber you've called may not be as legit as they should be.
Asking For Full Payment Up Front
There’s a reason reputable plumbing companies in Springfield, Missouri don’t ask for full payment up front.
Once you start working on fixing the plumbing problem, situations can change, which may lead to the price of a job rising or decreasing.
While it is reasonable for a plumber to ask for a partial payment upfront, they should never ask for the full amount before they know the full scope of the job.
In addition, a reputable plumber should be able to provide a reasonable estimate, explain how those funds will be used and not request cash-only for payment.
Not Offering An Invoice Or Receipt
Never underestimate the importance of a receipt after plumbing work is completed. Your receipt is evidence of the work done and fees incurred.
If something changes with your plumbing after the job is done, you may need documentation to show what was plumbing work was done.
A lack of receipt may also hide the fact that the plumber you hired is unlicensed or trying to avoid a paper trail for tax evasion purposes.
You always want to ask for a receipt. If your plumber is unwilling to provide one, then that’s a major red flag.
Tacking On Hidden Fees
It may be tempting to hire a plumber because they provide a low initial quote for their services.
You’ve probably been given a low quote for a job before, only to be stuck with with a much higher final bill at the end than expected.
Those hidden fees can add up quickly, doubling or even tripling the cost of your plumbing repairs.
Communicating with your plumber regularly throughout the job can ensure that they remain honest and keep you informed about the scope of the plumbing job and the cost.
Exaggerating Minor Problems
Sometimes plumbing problems aren’t as big as they seem. You should be able to trust your plumber to accurately diagnose the problem and charge you accordingly, but questionable plumbers can take a minor issue and blow it out of proportion in order to charge more for their services.
This is an important reason for getting a second or even third opinion about the scope of your plumbing problem if it intuitively seems like the price you're being quoted is more than you'd expected.
Follow these recommendations and you can avoid falling victim to potential plumbing scams.
At United Plumbing we value transparency. We would love the opportunity to earn your trust as your plumbing professionals in Springfield, Missouri.
Call us today for all your plumbing needs.