All plumbers working for Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc. take training classes to stay current on the latest technologies and techniques. But when you ask owner Mike Testa what truly sets his company apart, he points to their old-fashioned personal touch. “My golden rule of doing business is: Treat customers the way you’d expect to be treated. My company isn’t out to make a quick buck,” he says.

Mr. Testa and his family have been plumbers in the Marin area since the 1940s, his grandfather first, then his father, and now him. He established Mike Testa Plumbing in 1989 and within a few short years turned it into a successful, smooth-running company. Mike Testa Plumbing is a magnet for some of the best plumbers in the region. Once they start at the company, they’re committed. Among his current staff of 10, every plumber has been with the company at least 12 years.

Mike Testa Plumbing installs plumbing systems for new construction, remodels and additions. They have a service and repair department and offer drain cleaning, sewer video inspection, backflow testing, line locating, and leak detection.

There are plenty of reasonably-priced plumbers. But don’t let a five dollar differential sway you. Before you hire a plumber or plumbing company, Mike Testa, owner of Mike Testa Plumbing, suggests you first do some fact checking. “Look for third-party validation of the type provided by Diamond Certified or other ratings companies that evaluate quality and trustworthiness,” he says.

Mr. Testa also suggests giving preference to companies that have been in business a long time and have a reputation for good service. “You can ask friends and neighbors to recommend a good plumber. Another good strategy is to ask real estate agents. Nothing will delay a home sale faster than plumbing problems, so realtors often have a list of reliable, fast-response plumbers.”

Odds are you’ll find a few reputable plumbers in your area. Mr. Testa says the next step is to pick a plumber you like and feel comfortable doing business with. “Your gut instincts are usually worth following. Even if it means paying a few dollars more, you’ll save that much in anxiety,” he explains.

Consciously or not, many plumbers give preferred treatment to loyal customers. So it’s a good idea to establish a relationship with a local plumbing company before you need one in a pinch. If possible, hire them to do non-emergency repairs or fixture installations during normal business hours. When you have an actual emergency on your hands, you’ll find it much easier to get your plumber’s attention if you’re a regular and not a panicked stranger.

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: I started Mike Testa Plumbing in 1989. My father was a plumber for over 30 years. So was my grandfather, right here in Marin County, back in the ’40s.

Q: What’s your availability?

A: If you have a serious problem, we try to accommodate you that day. On the rare occasion we’re just too busy, I can refer you to someone else who can take care of it.

Q: Do you charge a flat fee or an hourly rate?

A: We charge an hourly rate because we think it’s more fair for our customers. One problem with charging a flat fee is providing estimates. With a flat fee, a plumber comes to your house to diagnose the problem and provide an estimate that you then have to pay for, even if you aren’t happy with the estimate.

Q: So, paying a diagnostic fee is a bad idea?

A: No, not at all. It’s just not how I prefer to do business. In the long run, I think it’s better for everyone that I just go out, fix the problem, and charge a reasonable rate for the time spent actually fixing the problem. I think that’s the fairest way. There are some types of jobs that I do quote diagnostic fees for, but for most repairs, an hourly rate is best for the consumer.