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Be Alert! Look Out For These Common Plumbing Scams

By June 4, 2019April 1st, 2023No Comments

Unfortunately, scams exist everywhere. They are online or in your own city. Best prevention method to avoid scammers is to know their tactics. Here are some of the most common plumbing scams you may encounter.

Payment Up Front

Like many labor jobs, payment is due when the job is finished. If your plumber asks for a percentage or a check up front, look for someone else. By paying upfront, you lose any control over the quality of the work. Worse, according to the Better Business Bureau, another common plumbing scam is the plumber will work on a project for a couple of hours and then leave. Leaving you with unfinished work and empty pockets.

A Jump in Price

It’s not fair, but some crummy plumbers will charge more due to what they see. If you live in an affluent neighborhood or have a nice car, their rates start to rise. To best protect yourself from this, is to be well informed. Call and ask to establish rates before they arrive at your home. If the plumber is hesitant or uncooperative about hourly rates, look elsewhere.

Unlicensedplumbing scams, Be Alert! Look Out For These Common Plumbing Scams

One of the very first things to do when the plumber shows up is to ask for their plumbing license. Do not be hesitant to ask, in the State of Texas all plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work requires a license to operate. A license verifies that the individual has received proper training. The reality is by hiring an unlicensed plumber their work may be subpar and they may disappear when any follow-up is needed.

The Old Switcheroo

Many homeowners know that plumbing expenses may be costly and shell out for high-end products that will keep their plumbing in excellent condition for years to come. However, take a second look at what you are paying for. Shady plumbers may convince you that they are installing the expensive parts you paid for, while the secretly install low-grade parts and pocketing the profit. To help avoid this, get the specific part names on paper, and validate the items and prices online. Make sure that you are not being scammed.

The easiest way to avoid plumbing scams is to hire a trusted plumber. Lowery Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving the Lubbock community with trusted quality work since 1980. Call (806) 741-0519 to speak with a plumbing expert today.

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