How do you know if a plumber is scamming you? While most plumbers are reputable and have a long history of providing great service, there are some black sheep in the bunch, just like in any other industry. The next time you need the help of a professional plumber at your property, keep these six common scams in mind and avoid getting scammed.
Door-to-door scams
How do you know if you’re dealing with a plumbing scam? If a plumber arrives at your house uninvited, it’s a good indication they aren’t reputable. Door-to-door scams have been a problem for decades, and you should never let anyone into your home if you aren’t expecting them. If you haven’t requested the services of a plumber, and a suspicious person’s at your door trying to peddle preventative maintenance or other services, it’s a good sign you’re dealing with a scam.
Unnecessary upgrades
Good plumbers only recommend upgrades or service when you really need it. If you’ve requested plumbing services, get an estimate up front so you know what costs you’re dealing with. If you have the time, it’s best to get several estimates and compare them to determine the market price for the service you need. Make sure you get the estimate in writing and that it’s comprehensive, itemizing all services they’ll provide and how much they’ll cost.
Changing estimates
While some plumbing problems aren’t detected until after work has commenced, estimates can change. Generally, though, your plumber should stick to the estimate they’ve provided at the beginning of your relationship. Unless major problems are found during the course of work, you can safely assume you’re not dealing with a reputable plumber if estimates fluctuate for seemingly no reason.
Cash-only payments
How do you know if a plumber is scamming you? It’s a major red flag when a plumber only accepts cash payments, and even more so if they won’t provide an invoice for the work they’re doing. At best, they’re dodging taxes. At worst, you’re dealing with an unlicensed plumber, and you’d be liable for any damage caused by shoddy work.
Disappearing deposits
Working with a plumber who’s asking for large up-front deposits? Tread carefully—disappearing deposits are one of the oldest plumbing scams, and it’s common in other handyman and contractor industries as well. This is a case where getting multiple estimates can help you determine whether a certain plumber is requesting a deposit that’s much higher than the going rate.
Pushy sales tactics
If you feel like a plumber’s pushing you around, it’s a good indication you need to walk away. Honest, reputable plumbers don’t need to bully a client into spending money on their services. If your plumber is using pressure or generally leaves you feeling uneasy, send them on their way and reach out to a more dependable plumber.
Now that you know how to tell how to know if you’re dealing with a plumbing scam, finding a trustworthy plumber isn’t difficult. Look for a service provider with years of experience in the industry, and reach out to Alvarado Pumping Septic Service today. We’ve spent over a decade providing superior plumbing services to our community, treating every client with respect and tackling every plumbing issue with great expertise.