If you are having problems with your home’s plumbing system or want to upgrade your bathroom or kitchen, the assistance of a plumber is invaluable. The good news is that you can probably find more than a dozen plumbers in your immediate area. However, this can also be a bad thing. With so many plumbers to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which ones are worth the money. In addition to that, many homeowners simply dislike the process of gathering quotes and selecting a plumber. However, if you take the time to choose a qualified plumber who can meet your requirements, you will ensure that nothing goes wrong during the project. For this reason, we are here to discuss why you should never use an unlicensed plumber.
1. It may cost you more money
One of the easiest ways to spot an unlicensed plumber is if they offer significantly lower prices than their competitors. This is how they attract customers. They recognize that not having a license is undesirable, so they try to compensate by charging a lower price. That being said, plumbing is one of those things where you shouldn’t try to save money. As a result, when looking for plumbers, never base your decision solely on price. In fact, we’ve discovered that hiring an unlicensed plumber will almost always cost you more money. Mainly because shoddy workmanship necessitates more maintenance than good professional work.
For example, let’s say you have bought a new home or commercial space and want to tidy up the place. Maybe the structure just needs a bit of cleaning, or perhaps there’s a mess everywhere, and you need to deep clean the space. You decide to investigate why and discover that some of the pipes need to be replaced. If you contact an unlicensed plumber, you can’t be certain if their advice holds water. Considering that most of these plumbers don’t offer any kind of insurance, you can see how unwise working with them is. Think about this as well – you clean everything, contact an unlicensed plumber to fix the issue, and the same problem reapers a bit later. Not only do you need to spend more time and money finding another plumber, but you lost out on the initial investment.
2. Unlicensed contractors cannot obtain permits
Before beginning significant work, a plumber must get a permit to ensure everything is in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This can be a problem because only licensed plumbers can get all of these permits. Some of the things your plumber is going to need permits for are:
- Underground piping replacement
- Pipe replacement within ceilings, walls, or under a floor
- Water heater replacement.
- Pipe replacement for frozen, broken, or leaky pipes
- Plumbing relocation when renovating your house
Without these permissions, unlicensed plumbers have no authority to carry on certain work, putting your plumbing system in danger. Furthermore, it is illegal in some states to do plumbing work without permits. Therefore, if you don’t want to get in trouble with the law, you should avoid working with unlicensed contractors.
3. They can damage your property
If you’ve ever done your own plumbing, you know how difficult it can be. Furthermore, plumbing is one of those things that, if done incorrectly, can set off a chain reaction that can quickly spiral out of control and cause extensive damage. As a result, if you don’t hire a licensed plumber, someone with certifications and the knowledge to back them up, you run the risk of causing extensive damage to your home. That being said, we are not implying that unlicensed plumbers are necessarily less knowledgeable. We’re saying that without a license, there’s no guarantee that the job will go smoothly. Furthermore, if an unlicensed plumber causes damage, they are under no obligation to repair or clean up their mess. A plumber’s license and insurance hold them responsible and put their reputation at risk if they make a mistake.
4. They don’t offer insurance
Unlicensed plumbers who are unable to get permits aren’t able to offer insurance as well. As a result, if the plumber is injured while working on your plumbing task, you are entirely open to a lawsuit. Furthermore, if the plumber does not have general liability insurance, you will have to compensate their team if they damage your property in any way. Fortunately, if you have a good insurance policy, you won’t have to pay for it out of pocket. But still, this is something you wouldn’t even have to think about if you went with a licensed plumber. Therefore, if you ever find yourself in an emergency, ensure your plumber has the necessary insurance.
5. They may not follow the rules and regulations
If your plumber is not licensed, it is possible that he is not up to date on all of the rules and regulations that are in effect in your area. We touched on this subject briefly earlier on in the discussion. It would be best if you look for a licensed plumber who is entirely up to date with the city’s rules, is knowledgeable about the composition and structure of the plumbing standards in your region, and has received the necessary training. Even if an unlicensed plumber offers you a lower price, it is not worth the risk of your plumbing system being destroyed, your water poisoned, or an unfair lawsuit filed against you. Additionally, their craftsmanship standards are also likely to be lower.
How to find a reliable plumber
Using a qualified plumber reduces hazards while guaranteeing that all work is handled in a timely and professional manner. That being said, finding the right plumber for your situation will require a bit of work on your part. The best way to go about it is to ask for recommendations from friends and family about a good plumber in the area. Furthermore, you can use social media or review sites like Yelp to find what you need. Spend some time browsing a plumbing company’s website as well. Make a note of the company’s license number so you can verify the license’s validity online. Working with a reputable plumbing firm will ensure that your home’s plumbing is in the right hands.
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