DIY plumbing tutorials may help you fix that leaky faucet, but it is advised to reach out to a professional for major issues.
While it's easy to look for plumbers around your location, there are a few things you must keep in mind before trusting one with the job.
Here are some questions you should ask a plumber before you hire him.
1. Are you licensed?
You'd be surprised to know that many homeowners don't care about something as basic as this. While it may be tempting to get an unlicensed plumber for a dime, a licensed plumber will give you unmatched quality because he is well trained and equipped.
In some instances, unlicensed plumbers have worked on projects without obtaining the permits and turned it illegal. Don't mess with the law, people!
2. Is the company insured?
Accidents are common in plumbing. Whether it's damage to your property or the plumber is injured while working, insurance will cover the costs. Else, these bills can exceed the cost of the project itself.
Usually, plumbing insurance has a general liability to protect the homeowner and worker's compensation for the plumbers in the field.
3. Do you charge hourly or for the entire project?
The debate of hourly rates vs. flat charges has been going on for several years. There's no clear answer to this yet. Each has its pros and cons.
Flat rates sound more economical, but hourly rates may give you better quality as the plumber can devote much time to the project. It depends on the level of trust between the homeowner and the plumber.
4. When do I pay?
If they demand you pay upfront, you're better off checking out someone else.
For larger projects, paying via installments on the condition that each installment will be paid on completing a certain part of the job works the best.
5. Do I get any warranty?
Warranties can range from a couple of months to a lifetime. If anything goes wrong shortly after the job is done, you won't have to worry about spending money again. The warranty also means the plumber works his best to avoid a fee-less visit to your house in the future.
Learn about the warranty in detail and know what costs are covered or not covered under it.
6. Are you experienced? Do you have any references?
If your plumber has a "fake it till you make it" attitude, you're up for some big trouble. Do not hesitate to ask for references when you're talking about his experience. Talk to the references before you decide.
Check if he is a member of any plumbers organization as that's an indicator of his commitment to the profession.
7. Does the estimation cost include labor and material?
Don't let the plumber fool you later in the name of 'material costs'. Often, homeowners get excited at the low quoted price and are doomed later when they learn that the estimated cost doesn't include the equipment charges.
Ask the plumber to estimate the price for every step and everything in the project. Usually experienced plumbers quote clearly.
A good quote should have project details, materials list, permits, license and insurance information, estimated cost, and warranty (if any) information.
8. Who works on the job?
After discussing the details with you, the plumber may assign his apprentice to your job, which is not a good thing. Ensure that the one who's impressed you with his plumbing knowledge is the one who's going to work on your house.
9. Who does the clean-up?
A professional plumber will always clean up after completing the work. Mostly, they also repair any accidental damages they might have caused to other parts of the house while moving their equipment.
But some plumbers may charge an extra fee for it. So, to avoid confusion, it's better to have this talk before they get started on the job.
Conclusion
While it's good to ask questions, you don’t have to run a serious interview. Be warm and respectful while querying.
May you find the right craftsman for your home!
