So, imagine you wake up in the morning to find that the toilet is not flushing, the shower is backed up or maybe the disposal in the kitchen sink has gone awry. Many plumbing related malfunctions can strike the home from problems to the HVAC system to leaky faucets that keep you awake all night.
When this happens, what are YOU going to do? You will want professional services as a plumbing issue can become aggravated in the wrong hands (and very expensive to repair thereafter), but who to call? And, how do you choose among the various local plumbing professionals?
Emergencies typically strike without warning and at the worst possible times. This always makes the task of finding a suitable plumber on the fly a difficult one and situations can be made worse when inappropriate services are called, tools are forgotten, time is wasted and all the while the basement is disappearing into the black waters.
In the following article, we will take a look at some important tips that can help you locate the best plumber. You may be frightened that when an emergency occurs a plumber will try to ride your distress for every dollar they can. These tips will help give you the confidence to not be swindled and find a reliable trustworthy plumbing expert.
Tip #1: Pay by the job
You may find a plumber who offers you a fixed price for their services over the phone, kindly thank them and hang up. No honest plumber will give you a price for a job until they have arrived on the scene to see what the problem is and what exactly it will need. A plumber that is charging you by the hour will be looking for other things he can do to stack up a couple profitable hours. Make sure you are working with a plumber who charges by the task and not the hour.
Tip #2: Recommended by friends or relatives
You probably have a relative, friend or neighbour who has had a plumbing emergency in the past and may be able to provide a reference. A good plumber is really the local hero and those who arrive on time, provide professional services and don’t charge their clients exorbitant prices, earn a prominent reputation in their community. Just be sure you get your reference from someone you trust, this should be one of the first places you go to find a good plumber.
Tip# 3: Do they carry a valid license
A good Plumber will be carrying a license to operate in this area complete with a number that can be looked up online for verification, or if there are any future issues. You can also see if any complaints have been filed against this number. This will allow you to get a peek into the type of service you can expect. Some of the better plumbers will be able to provide you with information on the local building codes which is vital in some repair and installation work you may need or want.
Tip #4: Service agreement
You should ask about service agreements you can make with your plumber. This can provide some assurance that you will get help again if the service agreement covers the issues. Of course, not all plumbing companies will provide these contracts, but many will and it never hurts to ask.
Tip #5: Ask a real estate agent
Real estate agents work with plumbers and repairmen all the time and can connect you with a professional who offers top-notch services at a reasonable rate. So call up the real estate agent who got you into the place or any other one you may know. They may recommend a company you already considered and this can give you the confidence in your plumber selecting skills to go ahead with the planned service provider.
Tip #6: Don’t go for the lowest price
Finally, don’t choose the service that offers a solution to your situation at the lowest cost possible. And, don’t hire just any Jack-of-all-Trades service company to come over and monkey around with the inner workings of your plumbing system, these two options can often be more harm than good. When offered a lower price, you need to wonder what parts of the service will be overlooked to pass the savings on to you. Those that offer a variety of services may provide a temporary solution within their capacity and knowledge but leave some other underlying condition unaddressed. In the long run, trying to find the cheapest route to plumbing service may lead to plumbing disasters that cost small fortunes to rectify.
In Conclusion
As you can see, getting the best plumber does take a small amount of perspective and intelligent approach. But, by following the pointers and tips mentioned above, you can have the confidence to find the best professional for your needs. This will lead to better confidence in your indoor plumbing system upon which your home’s comfort and health rely.
As a final thought, never underestimate the advantages of having a plumber over to inspect your systems and become familiar with your plumbing. This way if you do have an emergency, you have a knowledgeable professional who already knows what to expect.
