Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber
Over time the plumbing system of a household can deteriorate. To ensure that the infrastructure is functional, you may need to get it inspected by a professional plumber.
Plumbers receive training, which allows them to identify issues that an amateur would overlook. Moreover, they also know the best way to repair all the damages. Therefore, you should consider calling a plumber to fix all your plumbing woes.
While there are many service providers, asking them the right questions can help you select the best one.
1. What Repair Options Do I Have?
When there is something wrong with your plumbing system, it can be repaired in two ways. You can either opt for the traditional method or the trenchless method.
In the case of a slab leak, the traditional plumbing repair would necessitate some level of excavation. Not only is the procedure time-consuming, but it also costs a lot of money. The plumber will have to dig the floor or the walls of your bathroom to fix the leak.
Therefore, it is advisable to opt for trenchless plumbing repair, which ensures swift corrective action. Not only does this method evade excavation, but it also is more cost-effective. Through it, pipes can be fixed through epoxy lining techniques. This technique will also save you hundreds of dollars.
2. Does The Plumber Have All The Necessary Licenses And Certifications?
A professional plumber needs to have mandatory licenses and certifications to authorize the practice. Different states have different policies and, therefore, varying licensing requirements.
However, every plumber must have five years of working experience and must clear a written exam. Otherwise, the individual will not be able to practice independently and must be part of another plumbing company.
Steamfitters and pipefitters are mandated by the law to possess specific licenses. It is worth reading up on your state’s regulations to figure out which licenses are an absolute must.
3. Are There Any Hidden Costs?
Plumbing services are notorious for dishing out huge bills that send customers into a panic mode. If you don’t want to be shocked to the core, you should have clarity about the project expenses. Apart from that, make sure you inquire whether they charge you on an hourly or flat basis.
4. Have You Worked On A Similar Task? Can You Share References?
Don’t hesitate to ask the plumber for references. If he has prior work experience that is similar to your repair task, you should know about it.
In 2018, more than 500,300 professionals were registered as plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since there are so many service providers, it isn’t easy to ascertain the best one for your repair job.
Knowing more about the work experience of the plumber ensures that you set the right expectations. In this way, you can plan and manage the schedule and budget accordingly.
5. Are There Any Warranties Available?
Every house wants peace of mind when it comes to the plumbing infrastructure. In an ideal situation, the professional who repairs this infrastructure will be willing to give a written guarantee. In other words, if anything goes wrong, the plumber takes responsibility for it and sorts out the mess.
You will never know more about the possibility of a warranty unless you question your plumber. The more reliable he is, the more likely he is to give you some form of assurance.
6. How Would You Describe Your Work Ethic?
A professional plumber should espouse specific values like punctuality and cleanliness in his work ethic. So, ask the right question to your plumber to know more about his professionalism and work ethics.
The work ethic of a professional defines his performance. Therefore, be confident and ask him more about it. You have no idea how problematic a messy and irresponsible plumber can be. Since you will invest a considerable amount for the repair, it is best to take the time to understand the plumber.
7. When Does The Plumber Intend To Receive The Payment?
Before you initiate the project, clarify when the plumber expects payment. Does he need an upfront payment, or is there any option for installments?
An upfront cost can prove to be a burden on your financial resources. Therefore, it is better to know what the plumber expects beforehand. If you are aware of his expectations, you can manage things better at your end.
In other words, you can make the necessary arrangements to make things more feasible for you. Home Advisor states that, on average, a plumbing task can cost anywhere between $175 and $400. However, a bigger plumbing issue can cost up to thousands of dollars.
So, knowing when the plumber wants to receive the payment will help you prepare the funds.
Final Verdict
The plumbing infrastructure of your home may require attention if it malfunctions. Regardless of whether it is a leak or an issue with the water pressure, a professional can handle it. Before signing any contract, it is crucial to ask essential questions about the practice.
The more aware you are about a plumber, the more you can stay away from a bad deal. Feel confident and ask questions about the licenses, references, and expectations surrounding payment. Never compromise on the plumber’s professionalism, and you will be a happy soldier.
