There are few better inventions in the modern world than indoor plumbing. When you turn on the faucet or flush the toilet, the water goes exactly where you want it to.
There’s also nothing more infuriating and anxiety-inducing than plumbing problems. When the water doesn’t come out of the faucet or the toilet water doesn’t go down, panic ensues.
You have one choice that will solve this problem. You must hire a plumber.
But how do you know if you’re hiring a good plumber? A bad plumber can make your situation even worse. If you ask the right questions, you can be confident that you’ve hired a plumber who can solve all your plumbing needs.
By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you will know the basic questions to ask any plumber that will grace the doors of your home.
1. Are You Licensed?
You should never hire an unlicensed plumber. So this is the first question you need to ask. A good plumber will not only answer yes, but they’ll show you their paperwork.
A professional license means the plumber has the skills to complete any plumbing task. They’ve gone through the proper testing that certifies them as contractors. Furthermore, they also understand the current building practices and building codes.
You can hope for the best service when hiring a plumber who has current, proper licensing.
2. Are You Insured?
Ask if the plumber is bonded and insured. You want an insured plumber in case the plumber runs into problems.
If the plumber causes damages and isn’t insured, you will have to pay for the damages. Plus, you’ll still have plumbing problems. You could end up worse off than you are now with your plumbing issue. Insurence allows the plumber to work with confidence and you to rest easy knowing they have proper coverage.
You should also make sure the plumber is bonded. Being bonded means that someone will pay the bill if the plumber walks off the job. Bonding protects you from unethical or illegal practices.
3. Do You Screen Your Employees?
When you hire a plumber, you’re allowing a stranger to come into your home. This action comes with all kinds of risks. You’d like to believe the plumber is there just to work on the plumbing, but how do you know you can trust your plumbing technicians?
Ask the plumber who will be doing the plumbing repairs and if they screen their employees. Then make sure you’re home when the plumber and their crew do their work. Hire a plumbing company that conducts drug screening and background checks on all its employees.
4. What Are Your Credentials?
Look for residential plumbing experts that come with referrals. A Google search is not an adequate credential for a plumber, though you can find reviews for plumbers this way.
State licensing and insurance indicates that you’re hiring a professional. But you want to make sure you hire a good professional. So ask the plumber about the jobs they’ve had recently or if they have any references.
If you’re looking for a plumber to do a new construction job, ask for pictures of the job. Ask around your neighborhood, office, and extended local family to see if they know this plumber and would recommend them.
5. What Are Your Fees?
Good professional plumbers will tell you their fees upfront. They can give you a ballpark estimate of the cost once you explain your plumbing problems to them.
It also helps if you know the basic fees to expect before you ask. This way you can compare the common fees with what your plumber tells you.
If the plumber gives you a firm estimate without looking at the problem, though, beware. They may just want your business, and they may end up charging more once they see the problem.
Good plumbers visit the home first to see the problem. They evaluate the situation and then give you a written estimate to avoid future disputes.
6. How Do You Charge Your Clients?
Plumbers will usually ask for a flat fee when they fix small plumbing problems. If they work on bigger projects, like a remodel or a new build, then you will have to pay them differently.
If you have a big job, the plumber will ask for installments. You may have to pay a portion of their fee upfront, a portion halfway through the job, and a portion when they’ve finished. They may set a milestone where you have to pay a chunk of their fee as well.
Do not hire a plumber that requires upfront payment before they begin the job. Also, be wary of those that charge per hour, since they can slow down the work and earn more money at your expense.
7. What Are Your Specialties?
If you have a basic leak, any plumber can fix the problem. If you have a special problem, though, you want a plumber with expertise to fix it.
So ask the plumber about their specialties. In this conversation, you should see a licensed, professional plumber that specializes in the plumbing problem you have. If the plumber does not specialize in your particular problem, don’t dismiss them yet.
Unless you have a truly unique plumbing problem, basic plumbers can fix just about any plumbing problem.
8. Who Will Be Doing the Work?
If you’re hiring a big plumbing company, ask about the technicians who will be doing the work. Will the person on the phone be at your house with the plumbing tools, or will they be sending an associate?
Ask about the plumber’s experience and type of training. A good company will have this information ready. They will provide you with all the details you need quickly.
Ask the plumbing company about clean-up as well. Who will be conducting the cleanup once the plumber has finished their work and fixed the problem?
Good plumbing companies leave the area better than what they found. They’ll clean up their debris and make the plumbed area look spic and span.
Hire a Plumber With Confidence
With these questions and answers, you can move forward and hire a plumber with confidence. The licensed, insured, and a bonded plumber will fix your plumbing problems quickly and thoroughly. You can rest at night knowing that you’ve made a good decision and won’t have plumbing problems again for a long time.
Do you need plumbing repairs? If so, contact us. Our licensed professionals are ready to help you with any plumbing problem you have.
Give us a call today and let us help you.
