Before hiring plumbers, it’s imperative to do your research to make sure you select the most reputable one. There are several questions you should ask each company you consider. From background and years in business to licensing and service descriptions, asking the right questions now will save you headaches later. Here are five questions to ask before hiring a plumber.
1. Are you licensed and insured?
Don’t let a plumber step foot into your home if they’re not licensed and insured. A license means they are registered with the state to operate as plumbers in your area, prompting them to accommodate local building codes. This Old House says to always ask for proof of licensure and verify with the state department to check on the validity of the license number. This phone call will also reveal if there are any complaints lodged against the contractor in question. Find out if the plumber is bonded as well, with a recent worker’s comp policy and liability insurance of at least $500,000.
2. What is included in your fee?
Most plumbers have standard hourly fees that they can quote you over the phone. However, there are often added fees that can get tacked onto that total. If you have to call a plumber in the middle of the night to fix your burst pipe or gushing toilet, this will cost you extra. Add even more if it’s on a weekend. If you’re just looking for a quote on some work, keep in mind this isn’t always free — in fact, most plumbers will charge you just to come to your home, then assess fees on top of that.
3. What brand of parts do you use and do you have any on hand?
Most plumbers have standard parts stocked in their service vans that they can grab in a pinch, such as washers and spare piping. Other times, you may need a special part ordered. Most plumbers have trusted suppliers they get their parts from, but ask how long this usually takes. Find out what brand the plumber usually goes with and make sure the materials are of the highest quality for peace of mind.
4. Do you have a specialty?
The majority of plumbers will offer the same basic services, such as leak fixes, fixture installation and the like. Some have an added specialty that they considered themselves experts in. For instance, if your sewer is giving you problems, target your search on Pittsburgh sewer repair companies so you get the best specialized service for your needs. Having a specialty in areas such as these means the plumbers are proven experts in their field and boast all the latest technologies and equipment to do their jobs.
5. How long will it take you to respond to my call?
Standard response times range from immediate to a few minutes to a couple of hours. This depends on the time of day or night, the day of the week or weekend, and how far away the plumber is based. Many plumbers will answer your call right away to let you know when they’ll be able to further assist you, especially during peak times.
These are all imperative questions to ask when considering which plumbing company to hire. No matter where your plumbing problem is most persistent, call the team at Triad Boiler to handle all your residential plumbing service and repair needs. Using their years of experience and the finest in state-of-the-art technology available, the plumbers at Triad Boiler can provide quick and efficient services to your home, saving you time and money while getting your drains, faucets, sewer lines and pipes back up to par in no time. For expert plumbing maintenance and repair you can count on, contact Mister Sewer for all your household plumbing needs.
