When you hire a plumber, you’re entrusting someone with the lifeblood of your home: water. For lasting health, people depend on having a clean and reliable source of water, plus a sanitary way to dispose of wastewater. So it makes sense that you’d want a highly skilled and qualified plumber to fix your plumbing. It can be challenging in practice, though, as there are many factors to consider when choosing a true expert.

If you need plumbing repair and have never hired a plumber before, here are the three most important qualities they should have:

• Fully Insured & Certified: Any contractor offering to work in your home should be proud to announce that they’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and have the documents to prove it. If they don’t pass at least this prerequisite, or act reticent in any way about their credentials, go no further: They’re not worth your time.

• Easy to Communicate With: Their main trade might be with their hands, but a good plumber should also have a good demeanor. They should respectfully answer your questions, and clearly explain plumbing problems and solutions. If they act like they have a chip on their shoulder or struggle to communicate well, you can find someone better. If someone can’t explain what they’re doing, how can you trust them?

• Accountable for Their Work: A good plumber not only completes quality work, but is also realistic enough to take it with grace when they make a mistake—and professional enough to hold themselves accountable for it. In other words, if you’re not 100% satisfied with your plumber’s work, they should go back and rectify the issue.

H & N Plumbing, Heating & Electrical has performed plumbing, heating, and electrical repairs in the Fennimore, WI, area since 1958. Family-owned and -operated, they’re committed to completing superior work and are available for 24/7 emergency service. If you need a plumber, please don’t hesitate to request an estimate by calling (888) 822-3258. For more information about the company, check their website.