As we discussed in a previous post, when it comes to hiring a contractor, it is extremely important to get great recommendations from people or sites you trust and to ask the right questions. However, with plumbers, there is a whole other layer of accreditation and questions you need to ask to ensure you find the best plumbers in Cleveland OH.

The first and one of the most important things to understand about plumbers is that there are three different tiers of plumbers that indicate their level of training.

Apprentice plumber: An apprentice plumber is someone who is in the process of learning the trade while studying under someone with more experience. An apprenticeship usually lasts three to four years. While apprentice plumbers can often be cheaper, they aren’t ideal for more complex jobs that require significant experience.
Journeyman plumber: Once the requirements of an apprenticeship are fulfilled, plumbers can apply for a journeyman license. Many workers in the plumbing industry are journeymen, but the amount of work they can perform is often limited.
Master plumber: To become a master plumber, a person must have a certain number of years’ experience as a journeyman plumber, in addition to an associate’s degree or training at a vocational school. While they often cost the most, they are your best bet for efficiently tackling a particularly difficult job.

Once you determined which type of plumber is the best fit for you, the next step is to find some potential candidates. Asking friends and family in your area is always a great and quick way to obtain a list of names. Also, looking online, whether using Google or sites like Angie’s List is another great resource.

After you’ve compiled a list of potential candidates, before you even get to the interview process, do your due diligence and look into whether your candidates are licensed, as most plumbers in Cleveland OH are required to have a licenses. You can verify whether your plumbers are licensed by visiting this website.

Finally, once you’ve gotten through your pre-interview process, now it’s time to ask the right questions to make sure you find the plumber that is right for you. You should inquire about the following areas when interviewing:

References: Any experienced plumber should have at least three references who can attest to his or her abilities.
Licensed, bonded and insured: Requirements vary on the need for professional licensing bonds, but all plumbers should have insurance to cover accidents that may happen while on your property.
Payment Schedule: When handling a big job, a plumber might often expect the customer to pay a portion of the cost up front. Thus, be sure you’re well-aware of what the plumber expects you to provide and that you’re comfortable with the set-up.

By following the above steps, you should be able to find the best plumbers in Cleveland, OH in no time!