When it comes to hiring a plumber, don’t go in blind. Before you hire anyone, there are some questions you need to ask to ensure you find the right person for the job. Here are eight questions you need to ask a plumber before hiring.
“Are You Licensed?”
Easily the most important question to ask before hiring a plumber is if they are licensed. When a plumber has a license, it proves they are skilled enough to complete any plumbing task you need. Licensed plumbers are registered with the state or county and must remain in compliance with local building and safety codes, ensuring their service is top-notch.
Never allow an unlicensed plumber to do work in your home. Though they may know how to fix the problem, there is no protection should something go wrong.
“Are You Insured?”
While you’re asking about if they’re licensed, you should also make sure to ask if they are insured as well. A reliable plumbing company should have liability insurance with coverage that is adequate enough to cover any potential loss for the property they are working on. So essentially, with an insured plumber, you are guaranteed that they are qualified to take on any job risks without running into problems and causing you to pay for damages out of pocket. This should save you a lot of hassle in the future.
“How Experienced Are You?”
When hiring a plumber, it’s best to choose a plumbing company that’s been in business for a little bit. It’s not that new companies are red flags. But you can be assured that a company that has been around for a couple of years has the experience to get the jobs done right. More years of experience also tells you the business has stood the test of time and has a better chance of providing you with a quality experience.
“Do You Have Any References?”
It can seem a little weird asking for some references, but do it anyways. This is an important question to ask before hiring a plumber. Even if they point you to their website or Google reviews, these references are a great way to get a better idea of the quality of work that a plumber does. Not only will these help you find a qualified plumber right for your job, but they will also give you a better idea of what that particular plumber’s area of expertise is.
“What are Your Hours?”
Sometimes, you encounter a plumbing problem at an inconvenient hour. As such, ask about the working hours of the plumber. Some work within usual business hours, while some may be more flexible. If they work within set hours, ask if they can still work during off-hours and how much extra they charge for it. If a project they are working on for you runs long, you need to know if you’re going to be charged additional fees.
“How Do You Charge?”
Usually, you’ll pay a flat fee for smaller jobs. But for larger and more significant projects, expect to pay differently. In some cases, the plumber might accept installments, where you pay a fee upfront, more as the project progresses, and the remaining balance when everything is done. Sometimes, you’ll pay per milestone. There are different ways plumbers charge, but be careful of plumbers that charge the full price before even starting the job.
“Are You Doing the Work Yourself?”
When hiring a plumber, sometimes the person on the other end of the line may not be the one that ends up doing the repairs. Many companies often have multiple technicians on hand at any given time, and for larger jobs, some companies will subcontract third parties to take care of the more laborious work. If the person you’re talking to isn’t the one doing the job, ask them who will and what experience and type of training they have. If you called a reputable company, you won’t have any problem getting this information as they’d quickly provide all the important details.
“Will You Handle Permits if Needed?”
Depending on the project you need done, especially for a large one, a permit could be required. You’ll want to not only verify with the plumber if you’ll need a permit for your project but also if they will be taking care of getting the permit for you. Most high-rated plumbers will pull required permits themselves and schedule inspections when needed, so you don’t have to be doing those things yourself.
If you’re looking to hire a plumber in the Phoenix area, we’d love to be considered for the job.
Looking for a Plumber You Can Trust?
It can be daunting to look for the right plumber for your needs. But by asking these simple questions, you’ll be able to get a better idea of who you’re working with, what their experience is, and what they are capable of doing.
If you’re looking to hire a plumber in the Phoenix area, we’d love to be considered for the job. We provide residential plumbing services and drain cleanings and will answer all your questions. We’re located in Cave Creek but are ready to help those in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Surprise, and most of the East Valley of Arizona.
