Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber

One key aspect that plumbers want homeowners to understand is the significance of routine upkeep to avert serious plumbing problems. Clogs, for instance, are sometimes predicted by a poorly performing drain that could have been fixed with a less invasive and less expensive method. Plumbers would also like to see the professional work they perform valued over amateur attempts that can lead to more expensive fixes later on. And what's more, the professional plumbing trade wants the public to know these basic safety and savvy points: - Always know the location of the shut-off valves. - Never use chemical drain cleaners; they can perform their own not-so-little number on a drain. - Make sure the plumbing in your home is done by a licensed and insured professional.

When you call a plumber, think about asking these questions: 1. Do you have a license and insurance? 2. What kind of plumbing problems have you encountered, and how have you dealt with them? Could you furnish references or evaluations from past clients? 4. What are your fees, and do you provide a written estimate? 5. Is your fee a flat rate or an hourly rate? Are there any extra fees of which I should be aware? 7. When are you available for scheduling and emergency situations? 8. What is your warranty policy, and how do you ensure the quality of your work? 9. What is your anticipated timeline for completing the job? What health and safety precautions do you have in place for COVID-19 and other health concerns? These inquiries will aid in certifying that a well-regarded and competent plumber is in place for your requisite.

Selecting a competent plumber requires some due diligence on your part. First, confirm that the plumber has the necessary licenses and insurance to work in your area. These credentials ensure that the plumber is not only qualified to do the work but also protected from liability in the event of an accident. Ask about the plumber's experience and specialized knowledge, particularly when it comes to the specific problem you need solved. Getting a few references and checking online reviews can also give you a sense of the plumber's reputation. Once you've settled on a likely candidate, ask for a detailed estimate and compare it with those from other plumbers. Make sure the cost is reasonable and that the plumber is available when you need him. Finally, ask about the warranty or guarantee that comes with the work.

When you ask about the hourly rates of plumbers, you discover a wide range of prices. The average plumber charges from 50 to 150 an hour. If you live in certain parts of the country or have work that requires a more specialized skill set, you could easily be paying more. And if the job requires that the plumber work on a weekend or late at night, these amounts can go up significantly.

Several red flags can indicate that a plumber is trying to scam you: * They are not licensed or certified. * They won't give you a written estimate. * They want full payment upfront (often in cash) or a large cash deposit. * Their explanations for what is wrong are very vague or way too complex for the simple problem they're purportedly fixing. * They don't offer a detailed invoice or any kind of breakdown of the costs. * They try to scare you into unnecessary repairs or upgrades. * They have no verifiable references or very poor online reviews. Always check credentials, and get multiple quotes to make sure everything's on the up and up.

It's good to obtain at least three estimates from different plumbers. This allows for comparison of not just pricing but also the range of services offered and the various timelines proposed for project completion. It's an effective way to make both an informed and a comfortable decision, all but ensuring that a fair deal is struck.

To prevent getting gouged by a plumber, begin by soliciting bids from several plumbing outfits to compare prices and services. Be certain that they provide you with a detailed, written estimate that lays out all of the costs, both for labor and materials, so that you know what you are paying for. Check that the credentials they claim to have are real and relevant—like plumbing licenses and insurance—so that you can be assured they are both able and somewhat likely to do the job right. Ask for references or look at reviews of them that past clients have written so that you know what kind of experience you are getting into. Be clear and specific when laying out what you want done and how much you are going to pay. Avoid paying in full until the whole job is done; try to establish a payment schedule that allows you to pay in increments when certain project milestones are reached. Be suspicious of plumbers who come in with prices that are much lower than any of the other bids you received.

To find out if a plumber is worth hiring, look at factors like experience and the right kinds of credentials, which should include licensure and insurance. References and customer reviews are good proxies for estimating the reliability and work quality of a prospective plumber. So is the seemingly simple factor of professionalism. How well a plumber communicates—both in person and through the medium of an estimate or price quote—provides a lot of information about problems that might arise later. A warranty or guarantee on the part of the plumber is also a good sign.

A drain or pipe that won't drain is the most common plumbing problem a plumber is called to solve. This situation often results from the steady accumulation of hair, grease, soap, and other debris right down to the pipe itself. Such a blockage can produce slow drainage or even a completely undrainable situation that has odors, leaks, and potential water damage written all over it. Plumbing problems don't go away; they just get worse. And a drain that's not draining is the most serious kind of “not draining” problem there is.

To figure out if you're getting your money's worth from a plumber, weigh these points. Solicit several estimates to compare and make sure the pricing syncs with the industry standard for the kind of work you need. Vet the plumber's licensing and insurance to make sure he's even a credible candidate. Ask him for a detailed breakdown of costs—labor vs. materials, etc.—so you know what the hell you're paying for. Beware of using high-pressure sales tactics to get you to pony up. Ask the suspect for references or check online reviews to see how the plumber's last job went. Trust must be established; if you don't feel good about the conversation you're having, walk away.