Why You Should Be Cautious with Plumbing Companies
That Advertises Heavily on the Radio and TV
(Look at what the UPHCA is doing on Social Media and other outreach)
You’ve probably heard them: plumbing companies with catchy jingles, constant radio ads, and frequent TV appearances promising “fast,” “affordable,” or “emergency” service. They sound trustworthy. But behind the polished commercials, there’s often a business model that puts sales over service, and that should give you pause.
Here’s what you need to know.
Advertising-Heavy Companies Are Often Commission-Driven
Many of the plumbing companies flooding your airwaves are owned by out-of-state corporate firms or venture capital investors. Their goal isn’t just to fix your plumbing problem; it’s to grow profits as fast as possible.
To do that, they often:
- Pay plumbers on commission
- Set aggressive daily sales targets
- Train techs to upsell more expensive services
- That $49 drain cleaning? It’s a loss leader—a way to get in the door so they can convince you to replace your water heater, re-pipe your home, or sign up for costly service contracts.
You’re Paying for the Advertising – Not Better Service
Running a constant ad campaign costs tens of thousands of dollars each month. That cost doesn’t disappear; it’s built into the price you pay, whether or not you needed the work.
Would you rather pay for flashy ads or for a plumber who does honest work at a fair rate?
Pressure Tactics Are Common
We’ve heard too many stories of homeowners, especially seniors, who felt rushed or manipulated:
“They said my pipes were a hazard and had to be replaced immediately. It would’ve cost me $4,000. I got a second opinion and was told everything was fine.”
— Homeowner, Layton, UT
If a technician says you need an urgent fix but can’t show proof or explain clearly, walk away and get a second opinion.
How to Protect Yourself
Before hiring any plumbing service company:
- Check if they’re locally owned
- Verify they are licensed by the State of Utah (dopl.utah.gov)
- Ask if their plumbers are paid on commission
- Get all estimates in writing before work begins
- Choose companies that are UPHCA members – committed to ethics and professionalism, locally owned and operated!
Support Local, Ethical Plumbers
At UPHCA, we represent Utah-based, licensed plumbing professionals who don’t rely on high-pressure sales or misleading ads. Our members are committed to doing the job right, not inflating your bill.
Before you let anyone touch your home’s plumbing, visit:
Find trusted, licensed, and locally owned plumbing companies that prioritize service above all else. Be very careful.