When your sink is leaking or your water heater stops working, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you’re being sold something you don’t need. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that some plumbing companies pay their plumbers 100% on commission.
This model means the plumber only makes money when they sell you more—which can lead to upselling, inflated bills, and unnecessary repairs.
At Bedrock Plumbing, we’ve built our reputation on doing things differently: our plumbers are non-commissioned and focused solely on fixing your problem the right way. Here’s what you should know about commission-based plumbing and how to protect yourself.
What Does “Commission-Based Plumbing” Mean?
In a commission model, plumbers don’t receive a salary. Instead, they earn a percentage of what you pay. The more they convince you to spend, the more money they make.
On the surface, that may sound like an incentive to work hard. In reality, it can push plumbers to:
- Recommend expensive replacements instead of simple repairs.
- Suggest add-on services you didn’t ask for.
- Prioritize sales over honesty and customer trust.
The Risks to Homeowners
Commission-based plumbing often leads to:
1. Unnecessary Upsells
A small leak could turn into a pitch for a complete repiping. A clogged drain might become a push for a costly sewer line replacement.
2. Inconsistent Recommendations
Because a plumber’s paycheck is tied to the total, two homeowners with the same problem might get completely different (and differently priced) solutions.
3. Inflated Bills
With commissions driving decisions, the final invoice can include services or products you didn’t need—but felt pressured to approve.
How to Spot Commission-Based Upselling
Watch out for red flags like:
- Pressure to make a decision on the spot.
- Recommendations for multiple add-on services that don’t relate to your original issue.
- Vague or unclear pricing before work begins.
- A plumber who seems more interested in selling products than fixing the problem.
How Bedrock Plumbing Does It Differently
We believe plumbing should be about trust and transparency. That’s why our plumbers are non-commissioned professionals who earn a fair wage no matter what the job is.
With Bedrock Plumbing, you get:
- Honest Recommendations: Solutions that make sense for your home—not for someone’s paycheck.
- Transparent Pricing: Clear, upfront costs with no hidden fees.
- Local Accountability: We’re part of your community, not a corporate chain focused on sales.
How You Can Protect Yourself
If you’re hiring a plumber, ask these questions before agreeing to any work:
- Do you pay your plumber’s commission?
- Will I get an upfront estimate before you start?
- Are there any add-on services you’ll recommend, and why?
The answers will tell you a lot about the company’s priorities.
The Bottom Line
Your plumbing problems deserve honest solutions—not sales pitches. By choosing a company with non-commissioned plumbers, you’ll get peace of mind, transparent pricing, and service you can trust.
At Bedrock Plumbing, we fix problems. We don’t sell commissions.
Ready for plumbing without the pressure? Contact Bedrock Plumbing today.