7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumbing Service
It seems like a no-brainer that plumbing companies should be the ones cleaning up after they finish their work, but that’s not always the case. Ask any potential plumbers if cleanup services are included in their estimate before you hire them.
It’s also important to know whether a permit is required for the job you need done. This question will help you avoid any unnecessary costs down the road.
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
There are many different factors that can affect a plumbing company’s business, including competition, market trends, and economic conditions. But, one factor that remains the same is the need for companies to remain cost-efficient if they want to thrive. Whether this means optimizing routes, trying new marketing tactics, or exploring new technologies, plumbing businesses are constantly searching for ways to stay ahead of the competition and increase their bottom line.
One way to do this is by reducing transportation costs. Another is by offering discounts on certain services. For example, some plumbers offer discount rates on drain cleaning or video inspection services. This can help save money for customers and still provide them with quality services.
Other ways to reduce expenses is by hiring contractors who are bonded and insured. This can help protect customers in the event that a plumber does a subpar job or damages their property.
This is especially important for homeowners who are planning to hire a plumber for major repairs or remodeling projects. By asking the right questions, a homeowner can ensure that they are working with a qualified, experienced plumber who will provide quality service at a fair price.
2. Do Yo2u Offer a Warranty?
A quality plumbing service will offer some type of warranty for their work. This can give you peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong with the repair, they will fix it for free. However, make sure you ask about any limitations or restrictions to the warranty. These can include things like improper use, which may void the warranty.
It is also a good idea to find out if the plumber is bonded and insured. This is important because it will ensure that they are legitimate and have insurance in case they cause any damage to your home or personal belongings while working on your plumbing.
It is also a good idea to call your go-to Brisbane plumbing service who offers inspections. This will allow them to inspect your plumbing and identify any potential problems before they become a bigger issue. This can save you a lot of money in the long run, as you won’t have to pay for repairs that could have been avoided. Additionally, a plumber who performs free inspections will be more likely to give you an accurate estimate for the repair. They will also be more likely to recommend any necessary updates to your plumbing.
3. Do You Offer Estimates In Writing?
Providing estimates is part of the job for plumbers. It shows a client that they are trustworthy and provides clarity as to the project and how much it will cost. When hiring a plumbing service, make sure you receive these estimates in writing. This will help prevent future disputes over pricing.
Some plumbers may give ballpark estimates over the phone, but a firm quote should be given after they have seen your home and understand the scope of the work. Any plumber who refuses to provide a written estimate should be avoided.
You should also ask whether the plumber will need to obtain a permit for the work. This will affect the amount of time it takes to complete the job and could increase your final bill. Some plumbers will pull the permits for you, so be sure to ask if this is included in your estimate.
If you have pets, it is important to ask the plumber if they mind working around them. Some plumbers are allergic to animals, and if they know ahead of time that you have a pet, this can greatly improve their experience at your home. Lastly, it is important to ask about cleanup services. Some plumbers will leave your home as they found it, while others will charge you for cleaning up the mess.
4. Do You Have Any References I Can Contact?
There’s no better way to get a feel for whether a plumber is right for you than to ask them for references from past clients. A quality plumber should have no problem providing three or five high-quality, local references. When you talk to these past clients, find out how long the project took, if there were any unforeseen expenses, and if they would use the plumber again or recommend them to others.
This question can be especially important if you are considering hiring a plumbing company to do an extensive job such as installing a new water heater or remodeling your bathroom. If the plumber you’re talking to can’t provide you with several recent and glowing reviews, that should be a red flag.
Also, be sure to ask about licensing and insurance. If something goes wrong during your project (such as the plumber overcharging, doing a subpar job, or damaging your property), you’ll want to know that they are bonded and insured so you won’t be held liable. In addition, if your job requires a permit, be sure to find out how much that will cost and whether the plumber will obtain it for you.
5. How Long Will the Project Take?
When hiring a plumber, it’s important to understand how long your project is expected to take. Some plumbers charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the job takes longer than anticipated. A good plumber will be able to provide you with an estimate before beginning work, so you’ll know what to expect.
Additionally, ask the plumber if they will be charging for travel time. If they do, this is something you should be aware of ahead of time so you’re not surprised by the bill once the job is complete.
You also want to find out if they will be including any cleanup services in the price of the job. Plumbing jobs can create a mess, so it’s important to know who will be responsible for cleaning up the area when they are done.
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to find out if the plumber is licensed in your state. This will ensure that they’re following all of the proper guidelines and regulations, which can protect you from any scams or poorly done work. If they don’t have a license, it may be best to look elsewhere. Licensed plumbers are usually more experienced, which means they’re likely to fix your issue quickly and efficiently.
6. Who Will Be Doing the Job?
You should always ask who you will be working with on your plumbing repairs. It’s not uncommon for plumbers to work as a team, and you want to make sure the person who comes to your home has experience and is the right fit for your needs. You should also ask if you can call for help after hours and be connected to a live representative instead of a recorded message.
Getting referrals is a great way to find out about a plumber, but you should also ask about their credentials. Ask whether they have memberships in reputable plumbing organizations and if they are licensed in your state. Then, take the time to look up their license number online and verify it.
Another important question is whether they will pull any required permits or meet with municipal inspectors. This is standard practice and a sign of a professional plumber who wants to do their job correctly. It’s also a good idea to find out if they have any special parts that might be needed to complete your repair, and if they will bring them with them or if you will need to buy them from the hardware store.
7. Who Cleans Up the Mess?
It may come as a surprise to learn that not all plumbers include cleanup services in their estimate prices. This can leave homeowners with a huge mess to clean up once the work is done. Asking about this before hiring can help you avoid an unpleasant surprise later on.
Plumbers often have to walk through several rooms in your home during a job, and they can leave behind wet floors or dirty equipment. This can be a big inconvenience for you and your family. Make sure to find out if your plumbers will vacuum up the area, wipe down toilets, and use shoe covers to protect your floors from dirt and grease.
You should also make sure that your plumbers are bonded and insured. This will help to ensure that if they cause damage to your property, you won’t be held liable. This is especially important for larger projects, such as installing a new water heater or repiping your entire house. A reputable plumbing company should have no problem providing you with proof of their bond and insurance, so don’t hesitate to ask. If they do, this is a good sign that they’re committed to doing quality work and taking care of their customers.
