The internet has changed nearly every industry and that even includes skilled trades plumbing. With easy access to hiring websites like Kijiji and Craigslist, the market of people willing to do plumbing work is only increasing, but the number of unlicensed plumbers on the market has increased too, targeting people looking to save money on their next plumbing project or plumbing emergency. What these people don’t realize is that plumbing is a skilled trade, one that requires trained professionals, and hiring one will save you money in the long run.
In fact, using an unlicensed plumber for any plumbing job can end up costing you money for years to come, forcing you to repeatedly fix problems, clean up messes left by unprofessional workers, and even lowering the price of your home. Before you use an unlicensed plumber to save some money, look at how each of these can end up costing you more money in the long run:
1. Repeatedly Fixing Problems
Unlicensed plumbers are handymen, usually, and don’t understand your plumbing system as a whole. Without the right knowledge, a handyman’s “quick fixes” cause at least two big problems: One, they cause problems at the site of the issue; two, they don’t consider how it will affect the rest of your plumbing.
Handymen usually put band-aids over larger problems instead of fixing them properly. Even something like replacing a pipe needs to consider the larger issue, like water pressure, temperature, and location. So one job can turn into many, either by fixing the “quick fix” or having to do more work elsewhere.
2. Cleaning Up After Your Unlicensed Plumber
Unlicensed plumbers also like to get in and out as quick as possible, often disappearing and leaving you with the mess. Rarely do people hiring labourers consider their own time as well, but if you think about your time, how much are you willing to tack on in terms of cleaning up after someone else? This can be as simple as dust and old pipes, but could also include minor renovations and repairs that were left behind too.
A licensed plumber will take the time to make sure everything is back in its right place before they are finished; it’s a common professional courtesy. When using an unlicensed plumber, be prepared to invest your own time, and maybe even the time of another labourer, to clean up after them.
3. Lowering the Price of Your Home
If you ever decide to sell your home, bear in mind home inspections include a plumbing inspection. If your plumbing isn’t up to code, the potential buyers will be notified. They will either drop out entirely or demand you get the problem fixed (while also lowering their bid), and all of these can cost you thousands of dollars.
Any of these reactions mean losing money on the biggest investment you have, your own home. Unlicensed plumbers rarely consider plumbing codes when performing their work and this will cost you money down the road.
Whenever you need to call a plumber, whether for renovations or plumbing emergencies, make sure you use a licensed plumber. Without a properly trained plumber, you could end up paying dearly in the long run.
