How to Choose a Plumber on the Space Coast

Search "plumber near me" here on the Space Coast and you'll get a long list of results. Some are big franchises, some are one-man operations, and some aren't even based in Brevard County. So how do you pick the right one? Here's what we think matters most -- and what we'd tell a friend or neighbor looking for a plumber.

Why Choosing the Right Plumber Matters More Than You Think

The Space Coast has grown a lot over the past decade. Between the booming aerospace industry, new developments popping up in Viera and West Melbourne, and families relocating from all over the country, Brevard County's population has surged. That growth means more plumbing companies competing for your business -- but not all of them have the experience or commitment to do the job right.

A bad plumbing job doesn't just mean a wasted afternoon. It can mean water damage, mold, code violations, and repairs that cost two or three times what the original fix would have been. Taking 10 minutes to vet your plumber before you hire them is worth it every time.

Check the Reviews -- But Read Between the Lines

Online reviews are the first thing most people check, and they should be. Google reviews are the most reliable place to start because they're hard to fake and easy to find. Look for plumbers with a solid track record -- not just a high star rating, but a good number of reviews that mention specific details about the work.

A company with 100+ reviews and a consistent pattern of "showed up on time," "fair price," and "fixed it right" is telling you something. A company with five reviews that all sound the same? That's telling you something too.

Beyond Google, check the Better Business Bureau for complaints and NextDoor for neighborhood recommendations. Here in Melbourne and Palm Bay, word of mouth still carries a lot of weight.

Verify Licensing and Insurance

This one's non-negotiable. In Florida, plumbers must hold a valid state license, and plumbing contractors need proper liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. If a company can't show you proof of both, walk away.

You can verify a Florida plumbing license through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website. It takes two minutes and could save you thousands in liability if something goes wrong during a repair.

Unlicensed plumbers might quote you less, but there's no recourse if the work is shoddy. Plus, unpermitted plumbing work can cause problems when you go to sell your home.

Pay Attention to Customer Service

How a company treats you before they've got the job says a lot about how they'll treat you during and after. When you call, do they answer or call back quickly? Do they listen to your problem and ask the right questions? Are they upfront about pricing?

A lot of plumbing companies, especially the larger franchises, route calls through out-of-state call centers. You explain your problem to one person, then again to a dispatcher, then again to the technician. With a local, family-owned company, you're usually talking to someone who actually knows the area and can give you real answers right away.

Look for Local Experience

Plumbing isn't one-size-fits-all. Homes on the Space Coast have specific challenges you won't find in other parts of the country:

• Hard water -- Brevard County's water is notoriously hard, which means mineral buildup in pipes, water heaters, and fixtures. A local plumber knows to check for this and recommend solutions.
• Older construction -- Many homes in Melbourne, Eau Gallie, and Palm Bay were built in the 60s through 80s with materials that are now known to fail, like polybutylene piping and galvanized steel.
• Slab foundations -- Most Florida homes are built on concrete slabs, which means plumbing runs under the foundation. Slab leaks require specialized detection equipment and repair methods.
• Hurricane season -- A plumber who's been through a few hurricane seasons on the Space Coast knows how to prepare your plumbing and respond quickly after a storm.

Get It in Writing

Before any work starts, make sure you have a written estimate that clearly spells out the scope of the work, the materials, and the total cost. A reputable plumber won't have a problem putting it all on paper. If someone gives you a vague verbal quote and wants to get started right away, that's a red flag.

For bigger jobs like bathroom remodels, water heater replacements, or re-piping, you should expect a detailed proposal that covers the timeline, permits, and warranty information.

Why Space Coast Homeowners Choose Shaw Plumbing

We've been serving Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, Viera, Rockledge, and all of Brevard County for over 35 years. We're family-owned, fully licensed and insured, and we've built our reputation one job at a time. No franchises, no gimmicks -- just honest plumbing work from people who live and work right here on the Space Coast.

Whether you need a quick repair, a drain cleaning, or help with a bigger project, we'd love to earn your business. Give us a call at (321) 626-6153 and see the difference a real local plumber makes.