Undoubtedly, there are a lot of plumbers in your area. Thus, choosing one can be a hassle, especially when you need plumbing help immediately.
We have to warn you, though. As tempting as it is, it’s a huge mistake to pick the first plumber you find on Google without doing any research.
There are some plumbers who would use that hasty indifference to take advantage of you. You might even end up hiring a plumber who’s not even licensed!
So, to help you avoid such predicaments, we’ve written you this guide. Below are the 5 most important questions to ask before hiring a plumber. Use this checklist to make an informed choice.
1. Are They Properly Licensed?
Hiring an unlicensed charlatan to fix your plumbing could have disastrous consequences for everyone. There are very important reasons why your plumber should be appropriately certified.
Specifically, each location in our country has its own unique building codes. These codes depend on many factors, including nearby facilities, underground utilities, general structural safety, and more.
Failure to adhere to these standards can be very unsafe for you and your household, your neighborhood, or even the environment. Hiring a properly-licensed plumber ensures their work will be up to code.
Also, if a plumber isn’t licensed, it could mean that they lost their license due to misconduct, negligence, or some other issue. Therefore, always verify that the plumber is licensed to perform plumbing work in your area.
2. Do They Serve Your Location?
Speaking of your location, check that your address is included in the plumber’s service area. Remember: the certifications they’ve earned are limited to specific locations. Even if the plumbing company is located only 5 minutes away from your home, they could be unable to work in your neighborhood.
3. Are They Insured?
Most plumbing companies keep their employees insured against work-related injuries. This insurance also protects you.
If the plumber isn’t insured, and they are injured on your property, it’s possible that you’ll be held responsible. Always make sure that the plumber doing the work is insured by the plumbing company.
4. What Do People Say About Them?
Big-name brands aren’t always the best. Rather than blindly trusting what commercials say, find out what actual customers are saying.
There are a lot of places you can check online reviews for local businesses, including Google, Consumer Reports, and the Better Business Bureau. You may be pleasantly, or negatively, surprised by what you find there.
5. How Much Will It Cost?
The price you pay for plumbing services varies greatly between different companies. Each company has its own pricing plan, either flat-rate or per-hour, for each different service they provide. The final price you pay depends on both the company you choose and the specific service you need.
Thus, there’s no way to guess who will give you the best deal. You’re just going to have to get some price quotes from the plumbers you’re considering.
Remember to Ask These Questions When Hiring a Plumber
As you can see, it makes a very big difference which plumbing company you choose. To make sure you choose the right one, always ask these questions when hiring a plumber.
Speaking of questions, feel free to ask us all these questions and more! Contact us here for price quotes and other information.
