How to Find the Cheapest Plumber

Want to know how to find the cheapest plumber? If you are unable to fix something with a hammer or screwdriver, then you should pay somebody else to do the work. It is very important that you consider hiring a professional plumber to do all the dirty work if you are not very familiar with the tools. Of course, we needed estimates. 

Here is how you can avoid getting ripped off by plumbers. Sometimes the price they quote might be too much for the job you are asking them to do. It is very important to do your homework before settling on any one plumber who might do the work for you. Not only does the price matter, but the quality of work he/she does is extremely important as well!   

Not All Plumbers Are Created Equally

There are fundamentally two types of plumbing businesses: small-scale family-owned processes, and large-scale corporations. The cheapest options of plumbing you would find would come from small-scale family-owned businesses that are sole-proprietorships; the most expensive will come from large corporations. 

Corporate plumbing businesses tend to be more expensive as their plumbers work on commission, and that helps them to oversell you their goods and services. In principle, many commercial plumbers are salesmen whose first priority is not fixing your clogged drain for the lowest price possible; it is improving their company’s bottom line.

And even though the commercial plumber might show you their price book, don’t be fooled. A commercial plumber’s price book only tells you what his business charges; each price book is very different. Commission-based sales are not the only reason corporate plumbers are so expensive. They also have overhead issues that smaller family-run businesses do not, like truck fleet maintenance and workers’ comp insurance.

The next time you need a professional plumber for a very fair price, follow these 9 important tips

• Get references. Nothing beats a word of mouth recommendations. Before getting any contractor estimations, it is very important to make sure that you ask your friends and family if they have a favorite plumber.
• Get accurate estimates. Knowledge undoubtedly is power, therefore always get at least four estimates before you agree to have any of your work done. Or else, you may end up paying a hefty sum, which was not even required in the first place.
• Avoid all the plumbers who advertise using the radio and TV. Those advertisements cost a lot of money. This means higher prices for the customers, which is you. Speaking of advertisements:
• Beware of deceptive advertisements. Larger plumbing companies often make use of website and phone book advertisements featuring a random family photo to give the impression that their business is a small family-owned company.
• Focus more on family owned businesses. Smaller family owned companies have lower overhead, and they generally pass the savings on to their clientele. They also do not work on commission, so you are less likely to be oversold on services you do not require. Usually smaller advertising budgets also make self employed plumbers more reliant on repeat business and word-of-mouth, so utmost client satisfaction is paramount.
• Make sure your plumber has a license. Licensed contractors are required to complete work in agreement with state-mandated procedures that are designed to protect us from shoddy workmanship as well as potential serious health issues which results from indecorous plumbing practices. Check out your state contractor’s website to verify the status of any licensed plumbing company, including any registered complaints and ownership details.
• Get an enumerated parts estimate. Plumbers generally get their parts from wholesale outlets not open to the general public. The prices plumbers turn around and charge you are most competitive, however not always.
• Do not count on coupons. Plumbers are often trying to tempt you in with coupons or the promise of a discounted price. 
• Schedule work on weekdays. Plumbers charge more for working weekends, holidays, and after-hours, so avoid these times if you can. Just remember, no matter when you schedule your plumber, tell him to keep his price book in the truck.