How to Spot Common Plumbing Scams

• The Bait And Switch

This is one of the most common plumbing scams to watch out for because many people fall victim to it all the time. This is how it happens—a plumber tells you that you’re getting the highest quality product for a certain amount, but in reality, they install an inferior, lower-cost product. They then pocket the difference. If you fall victim to this scam, you’ll spend a lot of money down the line on plumbing repairs. It’s advisable to do some background research to ensure you’re working with honest and trusted plumbers.

• Hiding/Withholding Information

A reliable plumbing service won’t have any problem providing the right information when asked. If you find that a plumber is reluctant to give you information regarding their licensing, rates, references, and more, it’s possible that they’re hiding something. As seasoned plumbers who know the tricks shady plumbers use, we advise you to check the company’s license online and find out what previous customers think about their services.

• Increasing Prices for Rich Neighborhoods

The golden spoon scam normally targets people living in affluent neighborhoods. Shady plumbers may inflate their rates anywhere from 50% to 100% if they assume you have deep pockets. The best way to avoid getting scammed by unscrupulous plumbers is to get quotes from multiple plumbers and make a comparison.

• Plumbers Going Door To Door

Door-to-door plumbers are often con artists trying to scam you. They usually offer unbelievable deals to unsuspecting customers looking for cheap plumbing services. Do not allow a door-to-door plumber to get into your house, no matter how enticing their deal seems to be.

• Pushy Plumbers

There are many dishonest plumbers out there who may employ high-pressure sales and scare tactics to get more money from you. They often make a minor issue seem much worse than it is or even rush you into a decision. If your plumber is pushy and uses scare tactics, send them away and call a professional plumbing service.

• The Ever-Changing Estimate

There’s a good chance you’ve encountered a plumber who gives you a quote over the phone without doing an inspection. Believe it or not, these are scam artists you need to stay away from. While some simple jobs, such as fixing a leaky faucet or clearing drain clogs, may have a fixed rate, there are complex plumbing tasks that require a thorough inspection to determine an accurate estimate. A reliable plumbing repair service can only provide you with an accurate estimate once they inspect the situation. Do not forget to ask for a written estimate before the work begins to avoid being overcharged later on. If you ask for a written estimate and the plumber says they’ll “get back to you,” walk away.

Do Not Get Scammed—Work with A Trusted Plumbing Company

Mr. Rooter Plumbing is a reputable plumbing company with highly trained and experienced plumbers who you can trust to do a great job. We ensure transparent and fair prices to complement our high-quality workmanship. Some of the services we offer include drain cleaning, toilet installation, leak detection, pipe repair, water heater installation, clogged toilet repair, and many more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.