These days, it can be harder than you think to find a local plumber—because many “local” plumbing companies aren’t as local as they seem. In recent years, private equity firms and large corporations have bought up local plumbing companies, often without changing the branding, so they still appear locally owned. The result is service that’s more corporate-minded, with quotas, pushy sales tactics, and inflated estimates, not to mention money leaving the community.
Luckily, A.J. Alberts has been locally owned in the Twin Cities area for over 35 years, and we have no plans to change anytime soon. Hiring a truly local plumber like A.J. Alberts ensures personalized service, community connection, and accountability. In this blog, we’ll explain the benefits of hiring locally owned plumbing companies and how you can spot them.
What Does “Local” Really Mean in Plumbing?
Almost every plumber you hire is “local,” because they live and work in your area—but that doesn’t mean their plumbing company is locally owned. Often, when private equity firms buy individual plumbing companies, they leave the branding unchanged, so it still looks local. Many plumbing companies have to answer to these larger companies, even if they don’t seem “corporate” at first. The plumbers may be local to your community, but because they work for big corporate brands, they may not guarantee the same level of care or community ties.
If your plumber is truly locally owned and operated, they’ll say so! Here are some other signs your plumber isn’t corporate-owned:
- Their website or branding mentions being local- or family-owned
- They have a presence in the community and sponsor local organizations
- They’re often not listed under national brand registries
5 Key Benefits of Hiring a Locally Owned Plumber
Superior Customer Service
Smaller teams mean more accountability and care. With a local plumbing company, you’re not just a number in a CRM, or customer relationship management, system. Your service will often include personalized follow-ups and education on plumbing systems in your area.
Support for the Local Economy
Rest assured knowing the money you spend on your local plumbing service will stay within your community. This means supporting local jobs and often charitable involvement within your community. Plus, it builds trust and long-term relationships, as opposed to feeling like you’re just a number.
Transparent Pricing and Honest Estimates
You’re less likely to experience upselling or pressure tactics in a locally-owned plumbing service than with large firms. Because private equity firms aim to recoup and grow their investment, they may require plumbers to inflate estimates or suggest unnecessary additional services. With locally owned plumbing companies, it’s easier to get a second opinion or build a trusted relationship over time.
Expertise That’s Region-Specific
Locally owned plumbing companies have often been in operation for decades, so they have deep knowledge and experience in your community. At A.J. Alberts, we understand Twin Cities plumbing codes, weather, and systems. We can recommend the best water softeners, boiler setups, and pipe materials for this region, because we’ve been here for 35 years.
Long-Term Relationships & Guarantees
A good local plumber will offer guarantees or satisfaction promises, like A.J. Alberts’ 100% satisfaction guarantee. Locally owned and operated plumbers are likelier to stand by their work, knowing it’s not just another service to check off a quota list.
Red Flags: How to Spot a Not-So-Local “Local” Plumber
It can be tough to tell the difference between a longtime locally owned company and one that’s been acquired by private equity. Here are some telltale signs that a “local” plumbing company is actually owned by a larger corporation, despite their local-sounding names and branding:
- Their brand name doesn’t match the location
- A call center answers the phone
- The person answering the phone can’t tell you if the company is locally owned
- Their website lacks community-specific references
- They don’t clearly display their licensing or insurance information
- They use corporate-sounding branding or policies
- You experience high-pressure sales tactics or a lack of transparency
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Local Plumber
Before settling on a plumber, investigate whether they’re truly locally owned. These questions can help sort out the difference:
- Are you family-owned and operated?
- Do you service just the Twin Cities area or beyond?
- Are you licensed and insured in Minnesota?
- Do you offer emergency plumbing services?
- Can you confirm you are locally owned?
- How do you serve the local community?
Sometimes, a simple Google search, such as “Who owns [insert company name here]?” can provide the answers you need.
Why A.J. Alberts Plumbing Is Your Local Plumbing Partner
At A.J. Alberts, we’ve been proudly locally owned and operated in Woodbury, MN, for over 35 years. We have deep experience in and ties to the Twin Cities metro area, and are proud to be members of the community. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured in Minnesota, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee backs all of our services.
Homeowners have trusted us with their plumbing services for decades. We perform a variety of services, including drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, water quality treatments, and more.
We’re proud of our community-first service and deep Twin Cities roots. Give us a call or schedule your service online to see the A.J. Alberts difference firsthand.
Why Choosing Local Matters
When you schedule your next plumbing service, be sure to choose a locally owned and operated business. Not only are you likely to receive a better service, but you’ll also ensure the money you spend stays in your community.
If you’re searching for a trusted, local plumber near you, A.J. Alberts is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your service!
