When something goes wrong with your plumbing and you need to call in someone to fix it right away, you may not take time to stop and consider the fact that you need to check the credentials of who you allow into your home. Most of us are mystified with plumbing problems anyway since pipes are hidden underground and behind walls. It is nearly impossible to determine the problem without specialized equipment. You want a qualified and reputable plumber most of all, but also one who is licensed, insured, and bonded.
Before hiring a plumbing contractor, be sure to do the proper research to make sure you are going to be working with a reputable credentialed professional. The plumber should display his credentials in his advertising. If your state has the service available, you can enter his license number online to verify it. If your plumbing problem is not an emergency, take the time to ask for recommendations from family and friends or go with a company name that you recognize that has a good standing in your community. Plumbing problems are enough of a headache without making things worse by hiring an incompetent person or a scam artist. Protect your home, your family, and your money by hiring a plumbing contractor that comes highly recommended by others and is fully credentialed, bonded, and insured.
But what does it mean to you if a plumber is licensed, insured, and bonded?
If a plumber is licensed, it means he has met the requirements set forth by the state. Regulations vary by state, but licensing might be a requirement in order for a plumbing contractor to practice. He may have to periodically take a state licensing test and accrue a certain amount of continuing education credits to ensure he is aware of the latest state codes. Hiring a licensed plumber helps protect you from bringing in someone to your home who doesn't know what they are doing or even one who is simply a con artist.
The plumbing contractor should also be insured in case something goes wrong while he is working on your project. For instance, if he is installing plumbing for a new bathroom and breaks a water main, his insurance should pay for the damages he caused.
In order for a contractor to be bonded, he has to put up a certain amount of money to the state, commonly around $10,000. This is to cover any complaints against him that are won in court. If your plumber damages your home and you win the case in court, you don't need to wonder if you will be able to collect the money if he is bonded.