plumber at work in a bathroom, plumbing repair service, assemble and install concept.
Be it dealing with dripping pipes or clogged toilets or installing new bathroom fittings, a plumber plays a critical role in making your space livable. While you may turn some basic plumbing jobs into do-it-yourself assignments, there are several plumbing requirements that demand the attention of a licensed plumber.
Sometimes, you may need to call a plumbing service company for a routine plumbing checkup. Even minor plumbing issues can assume gigantic proportions in no time, to the extent of damaging your walls and surfaces. You can save a lot by contacting a plumber before the issues take a serious turn. Do you find the whole process of hiring plumbing services arduous? Fret not, we’re at your rescue. This blog is intended as a guide in that direction. The points below will act as your checklist when hiring a plumber:
Make sure the plumber is licensed and insured:
This might be a no-brainer, but many people still ignore this aspect. You should verify if the plumber is licensed, and they should also have insurance, as a safeguard against mishaps. A licensed plumber who has completed an apprenticeship is also aware of safety protocols, laws, and business specifications they are supposed to follow for domestic plumbing services.
Check for the years in business:
Whether it’s a plumbing company or an individual expert, the number of years they have been in the business speaks volumes about their knowledge and experience. They are not only expected to be more adept at the job but are also considered more reliable, as they have established a solid reputation over the years.
Always ask for written estimates:
Reputed plumbers generally do not share a quote or give an estimate before checking the problems thoroughly. Once they have assessed the issues that need to be addressed, make sure you get a written estimate from them prior to getting started with the work. This estimate for residential plumbing services should have a clear breakup of labor charges and cost of equipment/parts.
Check reviews and references:
When it comes to choosing the right plumber, simply checking websites and/or advertisements are not enough. Do an extensive Google search and go through the reviews and references to get a thorough idea of past customer experience. This is one of the biggest benefits of the Internet~ it has compelled businesses to be transparent about their services.
Analyze the competition:
You may have limited knowledge of plumbing, but you can surely assess which company will deliver more than others in the industry. Say for example, if a plumbing company has been awarded on the basis of their popularity amongst customers, you can easily place your trust in them. Additionally, if the plumbing company is actively involved in the community or shares their knowledge online regularly, it is a strong sign of their credibility.
Consider personal referrals:
Your friends, colleagues, neighbors etc. might have a go-to plumber. Ask around to see if they have had positive experiences with someone in particular.
Don’t miss professional referrals:
Your AC technician, electrician or construction worker may know the best plumbers in your area. So why not ask them for a referral? You never know, mentioning their name may even give you a discount!
Check the cost factor:
Compare the cost of the plumbers you’ve shortlisted. Remember that if you want experienced and professional plumbing services, it may come at a higher cost. If that suits your budget, don’t think twice about going forward as an adept plumber will also deliver top-notch service.
Check their location:
When hiring a plumber, don’t overlook their location as it may also have a bearing on your costs. It’s not a good idea to hire a plumber who lives far from your place; in the case of emergency issues, they won’t be able to make it to your place in a jiffy.
Ensure 24×7 availability:
You may need a plumber at the wee hours of the night or just as the day breaks; needless to say, a company that offers 24×7 service is a far better option than one with limited hours of operation. Someone should be able to reach your place promptly after intimation to take control and manage any kind of plumbing crisis.
Check the warranty:
This is important because in case an unskilled plumber ends up damaging your home plumbing system, the warranty can help you recover the loss.
Look into their previous work:
If you thought it’s unnecessary to ask questions to your plumber about the kind of work they’ve done in the past, think again. Such questions can give you a fair idea of what to expect. Once you’ve zeroed in on a plumber, ask them their hourly rate, their licenses/certifications, whether they offer warranty, as well as the kind of jobs they had taken up previously.
Save the official numbers:
There may be instances of misbehavior, unprofessional conduct, or dissatisfaction with the service they have provided. In such cases, you should have the official numbers handy so that you can communicate the issues to the manager directly.
Plumbing services play a major role in your home decor, besides of course, its high functional value. Needless to say, neglecting this aspect can lead to bigger problems in the long run. Why compromise with your home improvement? Reach out to a professional plumbing company that has been in business for several years, ask relevant questions, and go through the above guide to save time and money.
