Plumbers are the last thing on our minds until we wake up in the morning ankle deep in toilet water.
You never feel more helpless than when water is gushing out of someplace it shouldn’t be. If you have been through a similar situation, then you know what it can be like trying to find a plumber.
The best solution is to have one you know and trust. Choosing a plumber can be easy if you know what to look for. Not just for emergencies, but for regular plumbing jobs that come up, as well.
Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Choosing a Plumber
When it comes to small jobs or just a bit of help, your neighbor or your nephew might be okay, but you should have a regular, professional plumber that you can trust.
Ask Around
The best place to start is with your friends, family, and co-workers. Check with your neighbors and see who they use. If you get the same name coming up more often, put them on your list.
Checking online is also a good idea. You can check out their website and find the section for reviews and comments. here are also user forum sites for reviews, so check there, as well.
When reading negative reviews, look carefully at why they were not happy. If the work itself was of poor quality, that’s good to know. If people complain about the plumber personally, take that for what it is.
They may do excellent work but have a low tolerance for picky customers. It’s important to read between the lines of customer reviews. It is often the writer who is the problem. Remeber, you are looking for a plumber, not a dinner date or a babysitter.
Check Their Credentials
Check for their insurance, their licenses, and certificates. Insurance for them and for them to be on your property, in case something goes wrong.
Are they bonded, so that you and they are covered if something gets broken or you think they stole your bowling trophy?
Certifications to work with gas or electricity, as well as the plumbing. They should be approved to do this type of work.
Jack-of-all-Plumbing
it’s always more convenient to find a great plumber who is great at all things plumbing. If they are able to fix a problem and also do a great job of fitting your new sink or tub, that’s the kind of plumber you need.
Some may be great at hot water heaters, some might be better at installations for new fixtures, like this page, others may specialize in a different area. You want one on your contacts list that can wear all the hats.
It’s always reassuring to know your plumber of choice can fix the air conditioner, the water heater, fix a broken or leaking pipe and fetch your wedding ring out of the drain pipe.
Open All Hours
Being able to have the plumber come around for services on Monday morning is fantastic, but will they be there at 2 am on Wednesday? You need to ask that. You want to know that if something happens in the off-hours, you can depend on them.
Ask if they have 24-hour coverage for all types of emergencies because toilets don’t explode when it’s convenient for you. They do it in the middle of Christmas dinner. Toilets are mean that way.
Plumbing companies who offer 24-hour emergency services will have plumbers with knowledge and experiences in all areas of plumbing needs. This is important to know, so you are not left hanging when you need help fast.
Prevention
If you are new to the area or building or remodeling your house, you want to have someone in place before stuff goes wrong. Finding someone reliable that you can trust saves a lot of time, and potential damage when pipes break.
Water can do a lot of damage in a short period of time, so you don’t want to waste time trying to find someone when you needed them three months ago. having someone you can depend on regularly means they will be familiar with you and your plumbing.
It’s a good idea to have regular check-ups for your plumbing. They can give your pipes the once-over and spot any potential damage or flaws that may lead to bigger problems down the road.
Cost
Ask about their prices. Make sure that it is understood the price quoted has no hidden costs or surprises. Sometimes you are paying for a brand name, if they are part of a national company, so make sure you compare prices with your local independent plumber for the same service.
Plumber’s services are normally expensive and after-hours or emergency calls, even more so. Find out about all their prices, even the ones you don’t need. Ask about incentives for services and products, as well. You never know unless you ask.
Promise/Guarantee
Check to make sure they back their work up. If they make promises, hold them to it. make sure there are no hidden clauses like it had to be copper pipes or only on Friday.
You can tell a lot about the company and the plumber by their word. When they make promises and offer warranties, it usually means they believe in the work themselves and stand behind their name and their work.
Plumb of a Plumber
There, that was pretty easy and hopefully opens up some areas for you. Choosing a plumber doesn’t need to be too difficult, once you know how to go about it and what you want.
Many people are unsure when it comes to plumbers and just call the first one they find. This is never the way to find a good repair person. You wouldn’t find a doctor that way, so why trust your plumbing to it?
If you need more help, please continue reading for more helpful tips for repairs and tips.