So, you’ve decided to install a new toilet, sink, bidet, or bath. The job is a bit too big to accomplish on your own, so you need some outside assistance. It’s time to call a plumber. But finding the right plumber can be challenging. Whether you’re addressing a plumbing emergency or simply want to install new fixtures, finding a reputable plumber is crucial to completing a large-scale plumbing project properly.
Here are few things to look out for when seeking a plumber for an emergency or your next project:
Find out if they’re licensed and insured
Any time you’re working with a vendor, ensuring their insured and licensed is extremely important. There are two kinds of licensed plumbers: a journeyman and a master. Each requires significant levels of work to attain. Plumbers need at least a GED, an apprenticeship, trade school, and a licensing exam. Plumbers also may need to renew their license every year depending on state requirements. Finally, insurance is a must-have for any plumber, and you can use online resources to find out if they are covered. The last thing you want is to pay for accidental damage on top of your repair/renovation!
See if they offer a warranty/guarantee
Plumbing emergencies happen sometimes, too, often unexpectedly. Such issues can be a damaging and costly affair, resulting in potential long-term damage or other problems that negatively affect your home. Addressing these issues in a timely manner is critical to making your home safe and comfortable. Many plumbers will offer a guarantee or warranty repair/replacement for newly installed fixtures. Check with them to see what they offer and plan your project from there.
Understand their rates and scope of work
Different plumbers can charge an hourly rate anywhere from $50 – $250/hour. A major part of hiring a plumber is fitting them into your budget. Interview several potential plumbers to get an idea of their rates and the scope of work during the planning stage. First, find out if they offer hourly or fixed rates. Then, get an idea of the job’s scope. How long is it going to take? What kind of supplies will be required? Are they going to charge you for parts or do you need to supply them yourself? Knowing these things ahead of time aids in budgeting and planning, allowing you to focus exclusively on the upcoming project.
Research local plumbers online
The easiest way to find a good plumber is to spend some time researching local plumbers online. Gone are the days of the Yellow Pages and want ads. Instead, consider searching a website that gives you a way to find local plumbers, along with a snapshot of their information and some way to make contact. Websites make it easy to find a professional fast. To get started, simply go online and do a quick search for “plumbers near me”. This should help you find an entire list of suitable plumbers in your area. Spend some time checking out the available options, do a bit of research, and reach out to the best plumber for your job. With any kind of luck, you’ll hire the ideal plumber in no time at all!
Obtain references and read reviews
An occasionally overlooked part of planning a project is reading a professional’s online reviews or checking references ahead of the work. Reviews are a helpful way of seeing what kind of service quality, overall cost, and customer service you get from any plumber you might decide to hire. In the modern world, 86% of consumers who read reviews can be swayed to choose one particular vendor over another. Checking a plumber’s references can provide keen insight into their past work, ultimately giving you the power to hire the absolute best plumber for your home renovation project or plumbing repair.