Plumbing Scams Every Homeowner Must Watch Out For

When faced with plumbing issues around the home, the main priority is fixing the problem as quickly as possible. Thus, it’s tempting to hire the first plumbing service you can find to get it over and done with. But take our word for it: bad idea.

The truth is, there are plenty of scammers out there who would take advantage of the urgency of the situation. To help you avoid getting into this type of crisis, Perry Plumbing and Pipelining shares some of the most common plumbing scams to be aware of.

A Lowball Estimate

If it’s too good to be true, chances are that it probably is. Beware of a plumber in San Diego, CA that offers a ridiculously low estimate because it’s likely that there are two ways it’s going to end: either they don’t really know what they are doing and make a mess of your plumbing, or they’ll find a way to upcharge you after the job is done. A reputable plumbing company will always assess the job before giving you a realistic estimate.

Unlicensed Contractors

Plumbing is a regulated trade. Don’t believe it when somebody tells you they can do an excellent job with no license. Hiring an unlicensed plumber means that if something goes wrong with the job, you’re on your own – they won’t be held accountable for any mess-ups. To make sure you don’t get duped into this scam, always ask for proof of a contractor’s license before hiring them.

Unnecessary Replacements

Some plumbing problems can be fixed with simple plumbing repairs. But often, less honest contractors will try to convince a homeowner that the situation calls for the entire system to be replaced. Don’t believe it right away. Ask them to explain precisely why a complete replacement is necessary, and if they can’t back up their claims, move on to someone else who can.

Insurance Scams

Be wary of a plumber who insists on an insurance rider (typically at an extra cost) to cover any eventuality that might arise during the job. A legitimate plumbing company will already have these covered in its policies and should never push this extra service onto clients.

You are already stressing over your plumbing woes. The last thing you need is to get scammed in the process. When in need of emergency plumbing services, do your due diligence and hire a trusted, licensed plumber like Perry Plumbing and Pipelining.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.