Plumber On Speed Dial Vs. Plumbing Apps—What’s Your Go-To?
I get the appeal of a handwritten list, but honestly, I’ve seen those things go missing or get outdated more often than not. People tape them up, then forget to swap out numbers when their plumber retires or moves. Next thing you know, you’re calling someone who’s been out of business for years... or worse, you get a random handyman who’s not even licensed.
Here’s my two cents: if you’re going to keep a list, make it a habit to check those numbers every six months. But I wouldn’t write off apps completely. Some of the better ones actually verify licenses and reviews, which can save you from a bad call. The trick is not to rely on just one method. I’d say keep a couple of trusted contacts in your phone, maybe a backup on paper, and use an app as a last resort if you’re in a pinch. Redundancy’s good, but only if you keep it current. Otherwise, you’re just as stuck as if you had nothing at all.
I get where you’re coming from about the handwritten lists. I’ve had one taped inside a cabinet for years, and last time I actually needed it, the plumber had retired and the backup number was a dead end. Wasted half an hour calling around.
Now I keep my main plumber’s number saved in my phone, and I double-check it after every job—learned that the hard way. Apps are handy in a pinch, but sometimes those reviews can be hit or miss. I’ve had better luck with word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors, honestly.
Like you said,
Couldn’t agree more. No point having five numbers if none of them work when your basement’s flooding. For me, speed dial first, app as backup, and I try to update my contacts once a year—usually when something breaks, let’s be real.“Redundancy’s good, but only if you keep it current.”
Honestly, I’ve run into the same issue with outdated info—once called a “trusted” number from my fridge list and got a pizza place. Here’s what I do now: after every plumbing job, I ask the tech if their number’s still good and jot down any changes right then. I also keep a note in my phone with the plumber’s name, company, and a quick summary of what they fixed. That way, if I need to call again, I know exactly who did what. Apps are fine for emergencies, but I’ve found they’re hit or miss for reliability. Word-of-mouth still wins for me, but only if I remember to update those contacts... which, yeah, usually happens when something’s already leaking.
Plumber’s number on the fridge used to be my go-to, but after a few “who’s this?” calls (and one awkward chat with a dog groomer), I switched it up. I keep a running list in my phone now, too—names, jobs done, even if they showed up late or tracked mud everywhere. Handy when you’ve got multiple rentals and can’t remember who fixed what.
Plumbing apps? Tried ’em in a pinch, but half the time you’re rolling the dice on who shows up. Had a guy once who didn’t know what a shutoff valve was... not ideal when you’ve got water pouring down the stairs. Word-of-mouth is gold, but only if you keep it updated—nothing worse than scrambling for a number while your tenant’s texting photos of their new indoor waterfall.
Bottom line, nothing beats having a reliable contact list that’s actually current. Just gotta remember to update it before the next leak, not after.
Plumber on speed dial vs. plumbing apps—what's your go-to?
Had a guy once who didn’t know what a shutoff valve was... not ideal when you’ve got water pouring down the stairs.
That’s wild. I had a “pro” from an app show up with nothing but a wrench and a confused look—felt like I was on a hidden camera show. I’m with you, keeping notes in my phone is key. I even add little reminders like “wears muddy boots” or “brings own coffee.” Helps jog my memory when the next disaster hits. Apps are fine in theory, but nothing beats knowing who’s actually walking through your door.
