The plumbing industry is vast, with many individuals and companies offering their services. Unfortunately, not all of them are trustworthy. Most homeowners and businesses are at the mercy of scammers who use many devious tactics to harm them and provide substandard services while charging exorbitant fees.
This article by Rooter Man Plumbing will help you avoid becoming a victim of these scams. It discusses some of the most frequent scams that homeowners are likely to encounter and offers ways to avoid them.
- The Bait-and-Switch Pricing
The first and probably the most widespread trick in the plumbing world is bait-and-switch pricing. This happens when a plumber offers a low price to work for you, only to charge you high fees after commencing the work. The plumber might say that they identified other issues that were not present previously or use fees that are not outlined to explain the difference in the prices.
To prevent this, ensure that you always get a detailed written quotation of the cost before the commencement of any work. The estimate should contain all the possible costs and demands, and the plumber should get your approval before adding any charges to the initial price.
- Water Quality Testing Scam
One more trick is to offer a free water quality test. Some plumbers offer these tests to homeowners and then, of course, exaggerate the results. They can say your water is impure and you should buy their costly water filters when, in fact, you do not need one.
However, to get an impartial check of your water quality, it is recommended that you turn to an impartial water testing service. If a plumber gives you a free test and suggests that you buy something, beware. Don’t haste when making the final decision; make sure you seek a second opinion.
- Unnecessary Repiping Scams
Repiping the entire house is a very complicated and expensive process. This is why fraudsters do their best to convince homeowners that you require a full repiping service when all that is needed is a simple fix. They may talk of non-existent leaks, weak pipes, or worn-out materials as reasons for wanting a complete overhaul.
If your plumbing professionals tell you that you require full repiping, you should definitely get a second opinion from a reputable plumbing company. Tell them to prove your problems and explain why you need to repipe. It is never right to jump into such a big decision without at least confirming the facts.
- Exaggerated Emergency Repairs
It is always frustrating to have plumbing problems, and some unscrupulous plumbers will try to pressure you. They can say that a minor issue is a big catastrophe that needs to be fixed right away and at a high cost.
If you are called upon to do any of these emergency jobs, stop for a moment and think through the matter. It is usually a good idea to have another person come take a look, even if it means having to hire another plumber. An expert will be able to determine the extent of the problem and give the client a better time frame for how long it will take to be resolved.
- Dishonest Warranty Claims
Product and workmanship guarantees are intended to make you feel more comfortable with the purchase or investment you are making. However, some dishonest plumbers will offer fake warranties and disappear when you try to use them.
Always obtain the warranty information in writing, which should state the extent of the warranty and the period.
It is advisable to read the reviews and ask for the plumber’s reference to confirm whether the plumber has been honoring the warranties. Professional plumbers should be able to ensure their work is done well.
- Water Heater Replacement That Is Not Needed
Water heaters are not simple appliances, and when they develop issues, some plumbers advise the client to buy a new one when all that may be needed is a repair. This can be a very expensive and, in many cases, avoidable option.
If plumbers tell you that you need a new water heater, ask them why you can’t just fix the old one. Consult another plumber and ask him if the problem may be fixed with a simple repair. This can help you avoid buying a new unit when you do not have to.
Plumbing Scams – How to Prevent Them
This way, it is easier to avoid scams in the plumbing sector and keep everyone safe. You should always do background checks on the plumbers that you plan to hire, obtain written quotes, and do not hesitate to question anything. If you feel like something is not quite right, then it is advisable to get a second opinion. A professional plumber will be willing to explain their work and costs to you and will not be bothered if you want to get a quote from other services.
