Hiring a new plumber requires thorough research and careful consideration. Considering they’ll be dealing with one of the crucial systems in your home or property, it’s only essential that you look for the best. More so, choosing the wrong plumber can be a nightmare. Instead of fixing your plumbing issues, some inexperienced plumbers can somehow make it worse.
Fortunately, these can be avoided by doing your due diligence and asking the right questions before hiring a new plumber. Below, we share some essential questions you need to ask a plumber you’re considering hiring.
1, Do You Have A License?
The very first question that you should ask any plumber is their license. Being licensed ensures that the plumber is professional and has the necessary knowledge and skills to do any plumbing task you require from them.
To start, plumbers are required to take tests and training programs to certify them as plumbing contractors. Also, with continuing education and annual re-certifications, a licensed plumber can stay up to date with building codes and plumbing best practices. With that, if a plumber has a license, you can be assured that aside from doing a quality job, your property’s plumbing system will also be compliant with various building codes.
In addition, some plumbers may call themselves registered plumbers. In general, registered plumbers have limitations in terms of the plumbing jobs they can do. Depending on your location, some states may also impose extra limitations. For instance, in Victoria, AU, a registered plumber will need supervision from a licensed plumber when doing specific types of plumbing tasks. So, make sure to get the facts right on the main difference between a licensed and a registered plumber before making your choice.
2, Do You Have Any References?
Aside from their credentials and license, as much as possible, you’d want a plumber with enough experience. What’s more, you want an experienced plumber with several positive references.
During your assessment period, you could ask your new plumber to provide you with at least 3-5 references to vouch for their services. Make sure to follow up on their previous clients and inquire how it is working with the plumber.
3, Are You Insured?
Another thing you should ask your new plumber is their insurance. You want to make sure that you’re protected in case your plumber or contractor is negligent or dishonest. You could also ask for copies of their liability certificate or insurance.
Any reliable and honest plumber will quickly and happily provide you with proof of their insurance coverage. And suppose you’re talking to a plumbing company. In that case, you’d want to make sure they have insured individual plumbers. You don’t want to be responsible for their plumbers when they get injured while doing their job on your property. Also, insurance coverage can go a long way in ensuring you get compensated when a plumber accidentally causes damage to your property.
Once they have provided you with a copy, always verify if their coverage is updated and current.
4, How Much Will It Cost Me?
One of your considerations when looking for a new plumber is the cost. After all, you’d want to ensure that any plumbing work or repairs fit your budget.
While most plumbers may not be able to provide an upfront estimate without first inspecting what’s wrong with your plumbing system, a good plumber should provide you with a free inspection. From there, they can provide you with a general cost. Just make sure to be thorough and ask about everything, including hidden costs or fees. And if possible, you can also ask for a breakdown of their quotation.
5, Do You Have a Warranty On Your Service?
Any plumbing projects should come with a guarantee of quality service. And as such, you need to be absolutely certain that your plumber stands by the quality of their work.
Fortunately, most plumbers are willing to make replacements or repairs for any issues directly related to the service provided or initial problem for a specific duration after the service is provided. To be on the safe side, you can both sign a contract. That way, you can have the assurance that your new plumber will attend to any problem that may arise.
6, Are You Available 24/7?
Plumbing issues tend to occur at the most inconvenient of times–at midnight, before heading to work, or during the weekend. And while some plumbing issues may seem minor and can be left unattended for a few extra hours or days, situations like a burst pipe require immediate attention.
This is why looking for a plumber that offers last-minute emergency services can be beneficial. Aside from the convenience, getting a prompt response can also minimize damage to your property’s plumbing. Ideally, the best plumber offers weekend options or emergency services at no additional cost, and they should be available any time of the day.
Takeaway
Selecting the best plumber to hire and look after your property’s plumbing system can be a challenge. For one, there are a lot of professionals in the market, and narrowing down your options can be daunting. After all, choosing a reliable one can make the difference between swift repairs and severe water damage.
With that in mind, the questions and insights outlined above can be a good start in helping you choose the right plumber for your property’s needs.
