If you need a plumber to keep your home clean and functional, you need to know your options. Here are factors to consider before hiring a plumbing service.
Plumbing issues are more common than you think. This is especially true for older homes.
It doesn’t matter if the problem is something more simple, such as a clogged drain or a leaking faucet, or something more complex, such as replacing an old pipe or installing a new fixture, they can all impact your day-to-day routine.
While some homeowners can handle smaller issues on their own, in other situations, professional plumbing service will be needed. However, before hiring a plumbing professional, keep the following things in mind.
1. Licensing
The plumber you hire should be fully licensed, insured, and bonded. You should also be able to see the license number in their vehicle or on the plumber’s website.
The licensing helps confirm the individual or company is qualified and that they are genuine plumbers. Also, by hiring a licensed plumber, you can feel confident your interests are protected if something happens to go wrong.
Also, reputable plumbers are more likely to be available to provide plumbing service during an emergency, which is an added benefit.
2. Past Experience
If you make the mistake of hiring a plumber based on the fact they have a license alone, you may be disappointed. Along with the proper licensing, you need to find a plumber with experience handling the issues you are dealing with.
One way to find out about past experience is to search for plumbing company reviews. These can provide insight and information from real customers about the plumbing service you are thinking about using.
3. The Cost
Most plumbers will provide you with a free estimate. However, be wary of a plumber that wants to give you this estimate over the phone.
Quality plumbers are going to come to your home or business before providing this information. This is going to allow them to see first-hand what is going on. It will also allow them to provide a more accurate estimate for service.
Once the plumber looks at what needs to be done and gives you a cost, be sure to ask if the price includes materials, labor, and issues that may arise. While some estimates may look amazing on paper, they will only include basic costs, and when the work starts, the costs will skyrocket.
4. Guarantee or Warranty
Make sure you find out about the type of guarantee that is offered with the plumbing services being offered and the work being done. Does the plumber provide you with a written agreement that guarantees the work they do for a certain period of time?
What happens if you aren’t satisfied with something? If you don’t get a guarantee, you may have to cover the cost for even more repairs, if additional complications or problems occur.
5. Payment Terms and Expectations
It is essential to ask the plumber you hire when they expect to be paid and how much of the total cost of the job they expect upfront. If your plumber requests 100% of the costs before they start the job, you should walk away.
Some plumbers opt for a “milestone” payment system. After a certain part of the work is finished, you must pay a specific percentage. Others use time, which means after a certain number of weeks pass, you pay a portion of the total price.
Milestones are typically better because payment is only given once specific tasks are complete. Time payments are fine, but if the plumber works slowly, you may pay too much or too little.
6. Considerations for Work Being Done
A professional plumbing company is usually going to have more than one plumber on-staff. Also, for bigger projects, they could use an entire team of laborers. Be sure to ask if the plumber who is giving you the quote is going to also be doing the work.
If they say “no,” find out who will be handling the job, that person’s qualifications, and their past experience. If you don’t feel comfortable with this answer, or if the plumber is unable to provide the details you are looking for, it is best to keep looking for someone else to handle your plumbing challenges.
7. The Clean-Up Process
While this seems like it should be obvious, some plumbing companies don’t or won’t clean up when they are finished. They will leave you with old parts, boxes for the new parts and components they install, and a dirty mess.
Be sure to ask if the clean up is included in the quote. If it isn’t, find out how much more is charged for this. The cost may be worth it, but sometimes it will be best to seek services elsewhere.
8. Damage and Accidents
Before you sign a contract with a plumber, find out what type of warranty or guarantee is offered with the work being done. Some will make a promise to come back within the year to fix the issues, while others will only provide service for specific fixtures if a leak occurs.
Be sure the warranty that is offered is provided in writing. It will help ensure you don’t have to deal with subpar repairs.
Do You Need Plumbing Service?
If you are in a situation where you need plumbing service for your home or a business, there are several factors to consider. Finding the right plumber is one of the most important things to consider. The tips and information here provide you with some guidelines regarding what to look for and who to hire.
If you are searching for more information about your home and making repairs, be sure to check out some of our other blogs.
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