6 Common Plumbing Scams and How to Avoid Them (Part 2)

With scammers getting increasingly creative with their tactics, services like plumbing are not exempt from people trying to earn extra money from innocent customers.

As a homeowner, it is always ideal to familiarize yourself with some plumbing-related terminologies and processes.

6 Common Plumbing Scams and How to Avoid Them

It is advisable to seek professional help if you face issues. However, this can come with challenges as you must rely on outside help and open yourself up to possibly getting scammed. Here are six common plumbing scams and how to avoid them when looking for plumbers in Etobicoke.

1. Hiding/ Withholding Information

If you notice your plumber trying to be evasive when you ask them questions about their credentials or if they seem to withhold information about the job, be wary. There is no reason for a reputable plumber to hide information from the customer.

They will refrain from answering questions about their license number or sharing their business cards and other credentials when asked.

If you are working with a well-known company like Drain King Plumbers, you do need to ask for the plumber’s license, as we have vetted them. If you hire someone who isn’t associated with a reputable company, you should check their plumbing license and then reference it online.

Working with a plumber without a license or an expired one can cause significant problems.

2. Asking for Upfront Payment

A common scam is plumbers/plumbing companies asking for upfront payment. Sometimes, plumbers state that you would need to pay anywhere from 20% to 50% of the total cost for the job before they start working.

While it is not illegal to ask for an upfront payment or deposit, the Ontario government recommends keeping down payments to 10% or lower. Furthermore, avoid paying the final amount to the contractor before the work is completed.

3. Pushy Plumbers and Scare Tactics

Sometimes, plumbers force or coerce you, the customer, into going in for expensive repairs when you don’t need them. They try to scare you by telling you there are issues with your plumbing that could cause significant damage.

If you feel that a plumber or a company is being pushy, make sure to check their credentials and references.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and ask for a written estimate before the work starts. It would be best to insist on understanding why you must go ahead with what they recommend. Our professional plumbers in Etobicoke ensure that our customers understand everything about the job before it starts. Hence, both sides are on the same page.

4. No Written Receipts/ Agreements

No written receipts or agreements should be an immediate red flag when working with plumbers in Etobicoke or the GTA. Sometimes, plumbers might provide a verbal estimate for their services’ cost after examining the issue.

If you decide to go ahead with the contractors, ensure you get a written estimate beforehand; note the price changes somewhat throughout the job. However, a reputable plumber will keep you informed and provide revised or new written receipts.

5. Unmarked Vehicles and No Uniform

Reputable plumbers will always have a uniform with a company logo. They usually have vehicles that also have the same logo. If a plumber arrives at your home in an unmarked vehicle and without a uniform, only entertain them with proper identification.

Scammers can pretend to be contractors for a particular company and try to gain entry into your home.

6. Overcharging for Simple Jobs

A layperson can’t know the price of a plumbing repair job unless they have worked in the profession. Therefore, you will have to rely on the person you hire to give you an accurate price for the job.

In some cases, the prices quoted by the professional may seem too high for the kind of job. If that is the case, talk to your peers and see if anyone has faced a similar issue to understand the cost.

Feel free to get quotes from multiple contractors and then make an informed decision. Do note that the cheapest is not always better.

How can you avoid these common plumbing scams?

There are a few things you, as a homeowner, can do to avoid falling into one of these scams. It is ideal to know your plumber or the plumbing company. Do your research before you pick the plumbing agency you want to go with.

While the price may be a concern, it is not a great idea to always go with the cheapest contractor, as mentioned earlier. Ask for the plumber’s credentials, like their license, before they start the job.

Trust Drain King Plumbers: Professional Plumbers in Etobicoke

With Drain King Plumbers, you get transparent and respectful service from our professional plumbers in Etobicoke and the GTA.

You can also ensure your estimates are written beforehand, allowing for minimal variance in the final cost. Our professionals will give you upfront pricing, so you can know exactly how much you will pay for the job. Along with 24-hour service, our 25-year repair warranty helps all our customers feel confident and comfortable using our services.

When hiring a plumbing service, ask how many professionals will be required to carry out the job. You want to avoid paying hourly wages to multiple people when one person could do the job. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Please ask us if you need help understanding some parts of the process or why some specialized equipment is necessary. A reputable and respectable plumber will explain the situation till you feel confident about moving forward.

For more information about plumbing installation and repair services or to learn more about our pricing, call Drain King Plumbers at 833-983-5663 or contact us here.