Tuesday, January 3, 2012

What to Know When Hiring a Plumber

By Adriana Noton


The process of hiring a plumber should be like hiring any other type of skilled worker. It's wise to ask questions and get a feel for how they do things before you just let them stroll in and start messing around with your pipes. If you find yourself in an emergency situation where you need a plumber at any cost, you may just agree to hire anyone you can find. However, if you have some time, it pays to be a little more selective. Asking the right questions will ensure that you're hiring a plumber that will do an expert job at a fair price.

One question to ask when hiring a plumber is whether or not they provide a full range of services. If you just need a drain unclogged in your home, this may not be a deal breaker, but if you own a business or plan on establishing a more long term kind of arrangement, it makes sense to ask. Even if the current job is an easy one, the next one or the one after that may require the plumber to use heavier equipment, locate underground pipes or move tree roots.

Another question you may want to ask when hiring a plumber is whether he has references available for you to check. If you own a business, ask for references that are specific to your industry. Look on their website for testimonials, if possible. Hearing the opinions and experiences of previous customers will give you some insight into how punctual, professional and skilled your potential plumber really is. Also ask your plumber if he offers any type of guarantee. It's important to know that you will be covered in the case of a mistake or a repair that doesn't last as long as it should.

Since plumbing issues in either commercial or residential venues are often an emergency situation, ensure that the plumber is available at any time of day. When you're hiring a plumber, you want him or at least someone from his company to be accessible when you need him. Having a reliable contact that can provide you with free and honest estimates will help let you know that you're being treated fairly each time work needs to be done. If you're spending valuable time trying to get in touch with your plumber while your home or business is flooding, it could result in lots of headaches.

Don't forget to ask about appropriate licenses and permits, too. Just because someone says he is a plumber doesn't mean he has all of the legal papers necessary to be one. Checking up on the company's safety record will also help give you an indication whether it's a reputable company or not. Hiring a plumber doesn't have to be a complicated process, but it's still a good idea to ask the right questions, so you will know what to expect. There is always some element of uncertainty when hiring any skilled trades people, but asking the right questions when hiring a plumber will always help.




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