Every homeowner at one point or another will have to call a professional plumber. No one plans for or wants to have a plumbing problem. These problems don’t come with any warnings or bright flashing lights and usually happen suddenly. A pipe can break or a faucet can start leaking while you are sleeping.
There will be times when plumbing issues, if not attended to, can lead to a major crisis and cause damage to your home. Plumbers, like those in other skilled trades, have different levels of training and expertise. When choosing a plumber, you should check the requirements of your state and make sure your choice has the necessary insurance and license. You also to choose a plumber that will be able to respond to an emergency call quickly and have all the necessary equipment to fix your issues. According to Fix It Right Plumbing in Dandelong, arriving fully equipped to deal with any issue saves you time and money and also saves your home or business from plumbing disasters.
Research and Network
It’s best to find a plumber you can trust before you have an emergency situation. Most people today don’t buy anything or hire anyone without asking the opinions of those they trust and without looking up the product or service online. You can check the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against any particular plumber. You should also check to see if and how the complaints are resolved. Some people make unreasonable accusations against businesses. Just because you see a complaint, doesn’t mean the plumber actually did anything wrong. You can also find out more information about a plumber by putting the plumber’s name or business name into a search engine. You can look at his website reviews or testimonials in addition to any other available reviews and feedback.
Licensed and Insured
Most states require their plumber to be licensed. You can check with your state’s licensing board in addition to asking the plumber himself. Don’t rely solely on what he tells you. Ask to see a copy of the license.
It is also very important that any plumber you hire have general liability insurance that will protect you should any damage occur to your home. He should also have Worker’s Compensation to protect you in case any accidents or injuries occur on your property.
Price Shop
Your first priority in selecting a plumber is to find one that is qualified, professional, and reliable. Assuming you have several possible candidates, your next step is to make sure you are getting the best deal financially. Write down the specifics of the job you need to be done and a list of questions to ask each plumber. Angie’s list suggests asking the following key questions:
- Are you licensed?
- Is this the total cost?
- Is this an hourly or flat rate?
- When do you want payment?
- Who’s doing the work?
- Do you clean up your mess?
- What if something breaks?
When you get the answers to these questions, you will be able to compare each plumber’s responses to help you make an informed decision.
Experience Level
Everyone has to start somewhere. No one is born with experience, but do you want to be the one to give a new plumber his experience? It is in your best interest to let the plumber practice and gain experience with someone else. You want to hire a plumber who has been in business for a while, has a lot of experience, and comes highly recommended.
Get Proposals in Writing
Some plumbers will give you a free estimate while others will charge you for each and every visit. If you have narrowed down your choices to a few plumbers, try to get estimates from all of them. Those that do not offer free in-person estimates, might be willing to give you one over the phone. Be sure to present the same information and ask the same questions to each plumber so that you are comparing apples to apples. Also be sure that they include not only the cost of their visits and labor but also the cost of supplies. You want to know the sum total of what you will be charged.
Do your homework and select the best plumber for your needs so you can have confidence in the work he will do for you.