Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber
A plumbing issue when it arises, can be something that needs immediate attention. A broken water heater, a clogged drain, or a leaking pipe may soon become a tremendous mess unless it is repaired immediately. In such an event, most of the homeowners in Skokie, and the surrounding localities, scramble to engage the first plumber they meet. The importance of quick action cannot be denied. It is also equally important to ensure that the plumber you employ is a reliable, skilled and trustworthy plumber.
To save time, money and stress in the long-term, hiring the correct plumber is worth the cost. You are best advised to put the right questions before you make your decision to make the best choice. These questions will assist you in determining more about experience, qualification and the kind of service to receive from the plumber.
This article will then take you through the best questions to ask a plumber before hiring him, so that you have all the confidence that you are hiring the right individual.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
The first and most significant question to ask is whether the plumber is licensed and insured. A license indicates that the plumber has been through the required training and that he has passed the standard required by local authorities. An insured plumber will cover you in case something happens in the line of duty e.g. property damage, or injuries at your workplace.
Illinois is one of the states where plumbers need to be licensed. When an individual is unable to provide a plumber with his or her license or insurance documentation, then it is a definite sign to seek an alternative.
How Much Experience Do You Have?
There is experience in plumbing. Although new plumbers might be trained, a plumber with years of experience has probably encountered numerous forms of plumbing problems and knows how to fix them in a matter of seconds.
A question you can ask is how many years they have been in business or whether or not they dealt with a similar problem in the past. An example of this would be the unblocking of a sink in the kitchen compared to fixing a sewer line that has broken. Peace of mind can be obtained by knowing they have resolved problems of the kind you have.
Do You Offer Emergency Services?
The plumbing trouble does not always come at the right moment. They either happen in the night, during weekends or even when there is a holiday. This is the reason why one should know whether the plumber is an emergency plumber or not.
An on-call plumber will be a lifesaver when a pipe bursts or your toilet overflows in the middle of the night. Request them on how fast they can respond and whether they have additional charges for emergency calls.
Can You Provide References or Reviews?
The reviews of the previous clients can say much about the quality and reliability of the work of a plumber. An excellent plumber must be capable of giving references or referencing you to online reviews.
Read the reviews of the sites, such as Google or Yelp. Search the remarks concerning punctuality, professionalism, prices and how they addressed the issue. When you have a large number of satisfied customers, you can be more assured when hiring them.
What Is Your Pricing Structure?
The prices of plumbing may differ greatly depending on the task. Some plumbers charge per hour, and there are also those who give a fixed charge. You should enquire about their pricing first so that you will not have an unpleasant surprise in the future.
Inquire also whether the estimate is on parts, labor and other charges. The reliable plumber will be transparent as to his charges and will provide you with a written quote. Always be wary of too cheap pricing since it could be a signal of poor workmanship or indirect expenses in the future.
Do You Guarantee Your Work?
A good plumber is one who will defend his work. Inquire whether they have any guarantees/warranties for the services they offer. To illustrate, in case they fix a water heater and in the course of a week, it malfunctions again, will they come back to fix it without any additional fee?
Guarantees are indications that the plumber is sure that he will do the job and that he is loyal to the customers.
What Kind of Tools and Technology Do You Use?
In the modern day, plumbing may involve sophisticated equipment to identify and repair issues. In particular, the video investigation cameras can find the clogs in the depth of pipes, whereas the husky blockages are more efficiently removed using hydro jetting, as compared to the traditional methods.
Inquiring about the tools and technology in which the plumber works will provide a clue as to whether they are keeping pace with the practice in the modern world. When a plumber invests in better equipment, he is bound to resolve your problem in a much shorter duration and with less mess.
Will You Clean Up After the Job?
Certain plumbing jobs are sloppy. You do not want to be left with nasty floors and rubbish at the end of the work. Enquire whether the plumber will clean the workspace by the time he leaves.
Clean up is also a service offered by most professional plumbers. It is a good question to ask initially so as not to get disappointed in the future.
Do You Specialize in Residential or Commercial Plumbing?
There are those plumbers who specialize in commercial plumbing and others specialize in residential plumbing. Ensure that the plumber you employ has worked on the kind of property that you own.
In case you reside in a house or an apartment, you should choose a person who deals with residential systems on a regular basis. This is to make sure that they are conversant with the problems that are common to homeowners.
Can You Explain the Problem and Solution Clearly?
When a plumber is good, he is supposed to break down the problem and take you through the process. When they speak too much jargon without clarifying, you will be confused or left with no idea.
By posing this question, you will have an idea regarding the effectiveness of the plumber in the communication process. When you are communicated clearly, it gives you more confidence that the repair work being done in your house is being done.
Why Asking These Questions Matters
Spending an additional couple of minutes, posing the correct questions can be the difference. It saves you bad service, deceptive prices or employing an unqualified person. An honest plumber will not ignore your questions and respond honestly.
Remember that plumbing is not only about sealing the leaks or unclogging the drainage. It is concerning the security of your home, your comfort, and even your health. Selecting an appropriate plumber implies selecting comfort.
Final Thoughts
Plumbing problems may lead to stress, and the selection of a plumber does not necessarily result. You will be in a better position to make a smart choice should you inquire of them about licensing, experience and pricing as well as guarantees and other aspects of concern. Do not be too scared to take your time and research.
At Lifetime plumbing, we understand that you have to trust the plumber who is in your home. This is the reason why we are licensed, insured and experienced. We are proud of such services of high quality with emphasis on honesty and reliability.
When you are experiencing some plumbing problems at home, do not wait until the situation is aggravated. Contact Lifetime Plumbing and ask us any of these significant questions yourself. We will be glad to give you understandable answers and the professional service that you deserve.
