The good news is that when you start looking for a plumber, there are lots of options and lots of names in a lot of places. Finding the names of different plumbers isn’t difficult – it’s choosing between those names to find the best one for you that people often find a challenge. So, where do you start looking?

The first thing to do is ask your family and friends whether they’ve ever needed to use a plumber, and who they used when they did. Ask them if they’re still using that plumber, if they liked the plumber, and if the plumber completed the job competently and in a timely manner. A good recommendation from someone you know and someone who’s used the plumber is one of the best insights you’ll have as to whether or not that individual will be good for you. In fact, word of mouth is one of the most effective forms of advertising that good plumbers use. Asking around will give you a few names to start with but if you want to add to that list, there are a few other places you can look too.

You may not think that just going to the Yellow Pages and picking a name is a good idea but it’s not a bad place to start. Again, it’s not where you get the names from, it’s how well you research them after collecting them that’s important. And the same goes for online searches too. Doing a search for plumbers in your area online can be another great way to start compiling your list of different plumbers. This can be even better than looking in the Yellow Pages because plumbers will often have their own websites where you’ll be able to check out what kind of work they do, testimonials, and other information about the company.

You can often find other organizations in your area that will also be able to give you the names of some good plumbers. Plumbing associations and organizations, construction companies, and unions are all good places to ask if you want to know who the professionals recommend. Your local Chamber of Commerce will also have a list of good plumbers in the area.

Don’t feel as though you have to compile a list with the names of twenty different plumbers. Try to start with a list of about five or six. Among those you should be able to find the plumber that will work for you and the job you need. Once you have that list can you can then start researching each plumber individually.