Plumbers should hold a valid license and be able to provide you with a list of references upon request.
Hiring any type of contractor can induce worry for a homeowner. If a plumber makes an error in judgment during a repair job, the result may be additional---and possibly severe---damages caused by a leak or running water. While mistakes can occur, a professional plumber should be willing to rectify a mistake. A consumer whose plumber fails to do so may take several actions to encourage the plumber to resolve the issue and make proper compensation. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. State your case first to the plumber. Call to politely explain the problem caused because the plumber failed to complete the job properly. Be able to explain any repercussions---such as leaking pipes that damaged flooring, for example---and briefly explain what you seek in compensation.
2. Write a letter to the corporate office if the plumber is part of a larger company and refuses to take care of the matter. Make the letter brief. Use no more than three or four paragraphs to outline what the plumber missed, any resulting damage, and the compensation needed to resolve the issue.
3. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, an organization that attempts to help consumers and businesses resolve complaints without legal action. Companies may purchase a membership and advertise that membership as a benefit to consumers; however, complaints may be filed against companies with no membership, as well. The plumber should have a letter rating---similar to a school grade---that shows consumers how many complaints have been lodged and how the plumber handled the complaints. Consumers may file a complaint for free. The plumber, however, whether a member or not, may not resolve the issue through the BBB.
4. Lodge a complaint with your state's attorney general, whose duties include consumer protection. Complaints may usually be filed online. If the plumber has numerous complaints, the attorney general may start a file and eventually file a lawsuit against the plumber. Often, however, having a complaint filed against a business can spur the plumber to resolve the issue. For a complete listing of attorneys general by state, as well as links to their websites, visit Naag.org.
5. Notify your state's licensing board about the issue with the plumber. Most states require that a working plumber hold a current license. If the plumber holds a current license, you will be able to file a complaint against him or her with the state's licensing agency. Complaints should be held for review for any future licensing applications, which could prompt the plumber to resolve the issue with you and pay for the proper repair to be completed.
6. Contact the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint on the plumber if he or she is part of a larger company. This government agency has operated as a consumer watchdog since 1913 and can investigate companies or corporations with sufficient complaints against them. Visit FTC.gov for more information.
7. Take the plumber to court if all other attempts to resolve the matter fail. You will need to pay a fee and file a complaint against the plumber with the local court. The plumber will be served a copy of the complaint and required to file an answer. A trial date will be set, although some court systems also offer free mediation to resolve issues outside of court. If the matter is under a certain dollar amount, you may be required to use the small claims court system, which uses a streamlined filing process and requires smaller filing fees.
Tags: resolve issue, file complaint, plumber resolve, plumber resolve issue, against plumber
