How To Verify If Your Plumber Is Licensed

ferociousmedia • December 12, 2024 • Plumbing

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How To Make Sure You’re Hiring A Licensed Plumber
Why Hire A Licensed Plumber
Plumbing Services From A Licensed Plumber

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If “plumber near me” or “plumbing services Coral Springs”, is in your recent searches, you probably have a ton of questions. How much will it cost? Can I trust this person or business? Do I know anyone who has used this service before? Is this a scam? If you don’t hire a licensed plumber you run the risk of low-quality products being used, projects not being completed to code, and, yes, you could be getting scammed by someone who will take your money and never complete the job. However, there are specific ways to ensure the plumbing contractor you hire is fully licensed.

How To Make Sure You’re Hiring A Licensed Plumber

The plumbing system can be one of those aspects of a home or business that is out of sight and out of mind like the HVAC or the roof. When it works, you don’t give it a second thought, but when there is an issue it causes immediate disruptions that require an immediate response. It’s always best to be prepared and do your research ahead of time.

It may feel like an overwhelming task, but don’t be scared, and don’t get scammed. Here’s a checklist to help you validate that the professional you’re hiring is a professional.

1. Search Their Website

An established, local plumber will be upfront and honest about their licensing, insurance, and experience, making it easy to verify their credentials. Look for the company “About Us” page, as this is typically where license numbers can be found. Then search through the listed reviews on their website and you’ll have a good idea of whether or not this is a licensed plumber.

2. Call The Listed Phone Number

While not entirely foolproof, often having a conversation with a contractor can reveal a lot of relevant information. Simply asking for their license number is a good idea because a licensed plumber will have no issue giving it to you. However, if they make an excuse or put off telling you the number, it’s a red flag. It’s a good time to ask about experience and expertise, too. Again, a reputable plumber will have no issue sharing information with you.

3. Check The BBB

The Better Business Bureau is still one of the best ways to vet a potential company, regardless of the type of job. You’ll get access to basic information like address, phone number, and hours that can help verify the information you got from a contractor advertisement. You’ll see reviews from real customers about specific and detailed jobs and listed complaints. Perhaps the most valuable resource is that you’ll be able to view how the company or contractor has handled complaints or issues in real-time—all for free. Please note: a business license is not the same as a contractor license.

4. License Look-Up

While advice on searching for a contractor like checking the Better Business Bureau, looking for reviews on Google or social media, and finding referrals from friends or family members is still very relevant, the most important thing is finding a plumber with a license. Not only will this protect you, it’s Florida state law. Anyone working with plumbing, roofing, HVAC, electrical systems, or swimming pools is required to obtain and maintain an active license.

Visit myfloridalicense.com for easy and immediate verification. All you’ll need is the license number or the name of the contractor. If the license is active, the database from the Department of Business & Professional Regulation will pull up a record indicating the contractor name, license number, activation, and deactivation date, making it simple and quick to make a decision.

Why Hire A Licensed Plumber

We all have a friend or family member who swears they can handle the job for less money, but an unlicensed contractor can cause more damage than they may be able to fix, costing more money and a ruined relationship in the end. A licensed professional will have:

Familiarity with building codes. Building codes are changed and updated over time as more information becomes available, new products and techniques are introduced, and weather patterns change. Plumbing systems must stay up to date in order to maintain warranties and insurance policies and a licensed plumber will know the best solution to keep you protected.
Specialized experience and education. Obtaining a plumbing license in Florida requires almost 8,000 hours of experience and training as an apprentice. Because plumbing systems include everything from drains and sewers to fixture installation services, the more hours of experience and training, the better. Plus, as techniques and building codes may change, a licensed plumber will be required to stay up to date, meaning you can have confidence in the final product.
More cost effective. The potential to save money upfront is always attractive, but in the long run, an unlicensed plumber may not have the expertise to complete the job. What if they leave you with a piecemeal job when the better solution for your home is pipe relining? A licensed plumber will evaluate and treat the whole plumbing system, preserving its lifespan and saving money down the road.
Protection. Sometimes things go wrong and accidents happen no matter how much experience and training a contractor has. A plumbing job can be impacted by all kinds of outside factors like extreme weather, urban development, and more. With a licensed plumber, you’re almost always guaranteed protection from property damage or financial issues through their insurance.

Plumbing Services From A Licensed Plumber

Our team at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric provides a wide variety of services that go beyond emergency clog or leak remediation. Our plumbers are fully licensed and insured, providing the peace of mind you need when it comes to: