Avoiding Common Plumbing Scams: How to Choose a Trustworthy Plumber in Toronto

If you have ever tried to handle a plumbing issue at home, then you know that plumbing is certainly not an easy task. It requires high-end skill and precision, thus the need for professionals.

However, like most skilled industries, the plumbing space is filled with scams, especially in a bustling city like Toronto. Some dishonest plumbers use deceitful tactics that cost you money and time and damage your household plumbing systems.

In this blog post, we will discuss some common plumbing scams and provide practical tips on how to select a reliable and professional plumber in Toronto to protect your home and wallet.

Understanding Common Plumbing Scams

The most common scams are not always obvious and often occur before you realize what’s happening. Fortunately, you can avoid being taken advantage of if you get attuned with common deceitful tactics often used, as this will help you spot dishonest plumbers from a mile away.

If you ever require a plumber in Toronto, here are some typical scams to look out for:

• Too many plumbers showing up: If you have only hired one plumbing professional to handle an issue and notice multiple people showing up without proper explanation on why they are there, this may be a sign that you’re getting scammed. While one or more of those showing up at your property may be apprentices, you may get charged for multiple workers’ hourly rates and end up paying more than the initial budget.
• Bait-and-switch scam: This occurs when a plumber guarantees optimal services, but ends up using inferior parts as solutions to plumbing problems. The plumber saves more money, but you will still be billed for the price of top-quality products.
• Fake repairs and unnecessary services: This is arguably the most common scam for plumbers. In this case, problems that don’t exist are invented, while minor issues are exaggerated to sound complex and justify high repair costs. For example, a plumber in Toronto could claim that a simple leak requires a complete pipe replacement, which is often not the case.
• Overcharging and hidden fees: Some plumbers lure you with initial low quotes, only to add a series of hidden fees when the actual work begins. These hidden fees can quickly add up, resulting in a higher bill than anticipated.
• Upfront payment scam: Another scam used by plumbers and related companies is asking for upfront payments, which range between 20% to 40% of the total cost of the job before work begins. While it is not illegal to ask for upfront payment or deposit in Toronto, the government recommends these types of payments to be 10% or below.
• Cash-only scam: If you contract work with a plumber in Toronto and they insist on cash-only payment or refuse to issue an invoice or receipt, there’s a high chance you may be getting scammed.
• Unlicensed or uninsured plumbers: Unlicensed or uninsured plumbers lack the required skill, precision, and qualification to handle both simple and complex plumbing issues. Their work is often poor, leaving you on the hook if something goes wrong.

How can you avoid these common plumbing scams?

As a homeowner, you can easily implement these essential tips below to avoid common plumbing scams.

1. Research and verification

Before hiring a plumber, it is important to research their company, as this helps you have broader insights on their skillset, reputation, reliability, and overall quality of work.

Always check for licenses and credentials. Licensed plumbers are reliable professionals who have met industry standard requirements and passed through training that makes them capable of handling all types of plumbing problems. You can also look for active insurance coverage, as it protects you from being held responsible for damages or injuries during the work period.

Lastly, read customers’ reviews and testimonials on reliable review websites to gain an understanding of past customers’ experiences.

2. Get multiple quotes

Although this may sound daunting, getting quotes from up to three plumbers provides a clear picture of the market rate for your specific plumbing issue and the cost of products and materials. This helps you avoid overpaying.

While comparing prices is the most ideal step to base a quote on, we recommend you go beyond this and check the materials that will be used and the estimated time of completion.

Furthermore, be cautious of quotes that are much lower than others. Such quotes usually bait customers, and often feature hidden charges when actual work starts. In other cases, they indicate subpar work quality.

3. Observe and ask questions

When a plumber in Toronto checks in for work at your home, pay attention to how they communicate and present themselves. Start by asking basic questions about their qualifications, experience, and whether similar plumbing issues have been handled in the past.

Remember, a trustworthy plumber should always be polite, clear, and willing to answer questions regarding the plumbing issue to be solved.

You should also be on the lookout for identification tags. The best plumbers always have an ID and a company-branded uniform, which indicates legitimacy and shows that they represent a reputable company.

4. Contracts and agreements

A contract is defined as a clearly written outline that entails the scope of work to be done, costs, applicable terms and conditions, and agreement to prevent any form of misunderstanding between two or more parties.

When reading the contract of a plumber or company, ensure that the description of work to be done is detailed, alongside materials to be used, breakdown of cost, payment mode, timelines, and insurance/warranty terms before agreeing to work commencement.

It is worth noting that the best plumbers in Toronto would never opt for a verbal agreement, as it lacks legal backing in case of disputes. Therefore, always insist on written contracts.

Protect Your Wallet and Ensure Quality Plumbing Services Today

By understanding these common plumbing scams, you can protect your wallet against unnecessary expenses and ensure your plumbing issues are resolved efficiently.

If you require the professional services of a plumber in Toronto and are cautious about who you can trust, the best thing is to choose a plumbing service provider with over 50 years of experience and a well-established reputation like Brothers Plumbing. For more information, you can call us at 800-741-8471 or contact us online.