There are many situations in your home when you cannot do without the professional services of a licensed plumber. Some of these situations include stubborn clogged drains, unexplained low water pressure, no hot water, leaky pipes, bathroom or kitchen remodels, backed-up sewer line, frozen pipes, and water damage. Many times, you will need a plumber for new construction projects or new fixture installations. Whatever the need, it is important to hire the right professional for the job.
So, how to choose your plumber and make sure you are getting the right professional for your plumbing job? The following guide should simplify the process for you.
Things to Consider
It is recommended to consider the following things when assessing different plumbers:
1. Licensing
Make sure you have only licensed plumbers working on any project in your home. Ask them for their license. Only hire those who can show proof of their license. Also, ask for any certifications they may hold. Being certified by independent industry organizations is a clear sign that the tradesmen know what they are doing.
2. Insurance
A reputable plumbing company will be insured to a respectable amount. Insurance is a must-have if you want any tradesmen to work on your property. This includes both liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
If they are to get injured on your property or cause any damage while working, having insurance will protect your interests. Again, they should provide proof of having proper insurance coverage.
3. Experience
You should also learn about their experience, especially in the kind of project you have on hand. The more specialized and longer the experience they have, the better it is for you.
Whether it is plumbing or any other trade service, there is no alternative to experience. In fact, many jurisdictions require a minimum number of years of experience for tradesmen to apply for licensing.
4. Online Reviews
In this age of the internet, it is expected of any plumber to have an online presence. When you have quotes from a few plumbers, make sure to go online and check for their reviews. Look for plumbers with a much larger percentage of positive reviews than negative ones.
It is always to be expected that every tradesman is going to have a few negative reviews. A tradesman or plumbing company with a majority of positive reviews is a sign of reliability and trustworthiness.
5. Warranty
You should be able to find information on warranties in the pricing estimate. Warranties are a sign of reputable plumbing service providers. Plumbing components typically come with a warranty from the manufacturers, but it is the plumber that should provide guarantees on labor and service quality.
A warranty is a sign of reliable and quality services. It is also recommended to look for services that assure customer service satisfaction.
Besides these points, you should consider the following factors when choosing a plumber:
- Responsive and easy to reach
- Upfront estimates
- Referrals
- Cost
Questions to Ask
Once you have shortlisted the plumbers that meet your criteria based on the above-mentioned factors, it is recommended to ask them the following questions:
- Who will be working on your project? Will it be an employee or a sub-contractor?
- Do they carry insurance?
- Are they bonded?
- Do they charge a fixed price or on an hourly basis?
- Do they provide emergency plumbing services?
- Are they a local or large-chain company?
- Do they provide estimates in writing?
- Can they provide any reliable references?
- Who will clean up after job completion?
- How many years of experience do they have?
So, it is recommended to consider the above-mentioned factors and questions when hiring the right plumber for your job. Once you have found the perfect plumber, you can rely on them whenever a need arises.
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