10 Questions to Ask Your Plumber Before Hiring Them
Whether you’re dealing with a clogged sink or a broken pipe, plumbing issues can be stressful. After all, who wants to deal with the hassle of finding a reliable plumber? That’s why we’ve put together this list of 10 essential questions that every homeowner should ask before hiring a plumber. Read on for the answers you need to ensure your plumbing project is done right!
Are You Licensed and Insured?
There’s nothing wrong with the handyman you know - if it’s to put a plunger into the toilet bowl. But it’s possible that you will be liable for anyone you hire that is not insured and gets hurt or messes up in someway on the job. Like I said on the Today Show, it’s crucial to know who you’re going to call in the event of an emergency before you have to dig around, and find someone random. So this is an important question to ask any plumber you are considering hiring. Make sure they can show you proof of their licensure and insurance. This will make sure that any work they perform is up to code and that you are protected in case of any accidents or damages while they work.
2. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Apprentices and new guys will hate me for this, but don’t be afraid to ask how long the plumber has been operating; if it’s less than 5 years, there may be reasons for concern. The longer the business has been around, the more likely it is that their services have been tested over time. Plus, the longer someone has been in business, the more likely it is that they have built relationships with vendors who can offer discounts on materials that could save you money on your plumbing job!
3. Do You Specialize in Any Particular Type of Plumbing Service?
Not all plumbers specialize in everything from fixing drip taps to replacing water heaters—so make sure you find out if your potential hire offers the services needed for your particular job. For example, some specialize only in residential services while others focus on commercial or industrial jobs; some even specialize in green construction and energy efficient products! If your prospective plumber does specialize in something specific, make sure it matches what kind of job you need completed before signing any contracts or making payments up front.
4. What Kinds of Payments Do You Accept?
Figuring out how much a plumbing job will cost is something many homeowners dread—but asking about payment terms upfront can help alleviate some stress (and unexpected costs!). Most professional plumbers accept cash, check, credit cards and even PayPal as forms of payment so make sure to ask upfront which ones are accepted by your prospective hire! Additionally, most companies charge extra fees for things like travel time, overtime work and additional materials—so if these are applicable to your project make sure to get an estimate before any work begins so there aren't any surprises later on.
5. Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Work?
A good plumbing company should offer warranties on their labor as well as parts used during repairs or installations; this will protect you against faulty parts or shoddy craftsmanship down the road! Good companies will also provide written estimates outlining exactly what type of warranty coverage you're getting - so don't forget to ask about this when interviewing potential hires!
6. Can I Get References From Past Clients?
It's always a good idea to get references from past clients when considering hiring any type of contractor; this goes double for plumbing services since different types of jobs require different levels of expertise (and experience). Ask for contact information from at least 3-4 past customers so that you can verify their claims about quality service and timeliness - then take time to call them and ask questions about their experience working with the company/individual hired person!
7. How Do You Handle Emergencies & After-Hours Calls?
Plumbing emergencies don't always happen between 9am-5pm; sometimes problems arise late at night or during weekends - so it's important inquire ahead of time how they handle such calls (if applicable). Some companies may charge extra fees for after-hours service while others may not - but either way having an understanding beforehand helps avoid confusion and disagreements down the line!
8. What Types Of Safety Measures Do You Take When On The Job?
Safety should always be top priority when performing any sort of repair or installation - especially with plumbing projects which often involve hazardous materials like sewer lines and gas pipes! So make sure that your prospective hire follows safety protocols such as wearing protective gear (eg: goggles/gloves), using proper tools/equipment etc...
9 . Will My Project Require Any Permits Or Inspections From Local Authorities?
Many cities/towns require special permits for certain types of repairs/installations involving major piping systems - so make sure to inquire about whether permits are needed prior to starting work (if applicable). The same goes for inspections from local authorities such as fire marshals; if necessary these should also be obtained prior beginning work so everything is up-to-code once finished!
10 . Ask yourself, what else should I know?
Finally - don't be afraid to ask questions! Every situation is unique and it's important that both parties understand exactly what needs doing before anything else happens - so feel free to ask away until all concerns are addressed satisfactorily...and then enjoy peace-of-mind knowing your project will turn out just right :)
Finding a reliable plumber isn't always easy—but asking these 9 key questions can help ensure success when tackling your next plumbing project head on! Having an understanding ahead of time regarding licensure & insurance status, years in business, specialized services offered , payment methods accepted , warranties provided , references requested , emergency calls handled , safety measures followed , permit requirements met , & other details makes life much easier than jumping into something without proper preparation…so take advantage now & rest assured knowing every detail has been taken care off properly :)