Hiring A PlumberHiring a plumber seems simple enough, doesn't it? Check the Yellow Pages, or Google "hiring a plumber" and then pick one nearby. ...Well, not quite. Let's say your toilet is running nonstop, or your sprinklers have stopped working, or the kitchen faucet is leaking, or there's a nasty odor coming up from in your bathroom floor. And you are not a plumber, and maybe you aren't real handy with tools. What do you do? If possible, ask family and friends for a good recommendation. But what if you're new to the area? Two Kinds of Professional PlumbersIt is important to know that there are two types of plumbers; those that do repair work (called "service plumbers") on homes such as yours , and those that work primarily on new construction and remodeling jobs (called "contractor plumbers").Make sure, if you have a problem along the lines of a clogged sink, a leaky faucet or an emergency situation, that you are hiring a plumber -- a service plumber -- who specializes in home plumbing repair work (like me). The plumber you hire should be fully insured, having both workers' compensation and liability insurance. The plumber should be able, and willing, to provide you with a copy of his or her current insurance policy. Be sure to get at least two (and preferably three) estimates for the work you want done. And get any estimates in writing. Never sign a contract without first getting a written estimate of the cost of all the work to be done, and the cost of all materials to be used. Quality versus CostDo not hesitate to ask what brands of materials he will be using. Also ask if the material comes with a manufacturer's warranty to the consumer (not to the plumber). High quality brand names may cost you more, but they will save you more.You should, of course, compare each plumber's hourly rate, but do not make the mistake of thinking that as long as you are hiring a reputable firm with the lowest rate you are getting the best deal. Not necessarily! Your best bet, in terms of comparing plumbers, is to select one on the basis of his or her ability to deliver consistent customer satisfaction. Details, Details, Details!When hiring a plumber, find out how long each plumber has been in business. Do not hesitate to ask for the names and phone numbers of at least two or three local people they have recently worked for. Can they vouch for the quality of the work that was done? Did the work get done in a timely manner. Was it completed within budget?Next, what guaranty does the plumber offer? And how much cleaning up does the plumber intend to do? No reputable plumber is going to tell you how much something will cost over the phone. An at-home visit is just as essential as a written estimate signed by the plumber. Be sure you insist on both. If you are hiring a plumber and he refuses to give you a written estimate for any reason, thank him kindly and find another plumber! As you receive the different estimates from each plumber you contact, keep in mind that the cheapest is not necessarily the best. An experienced, well qualified plumber might charge a little more, but if he is "in the ballpark," he will probably save you money by doing the job right and by using the best materials. NegotiateOn the other hand, there can always be a surprise or two.Perhaps you want more work done than was originally agreed upon. Or maybe your plumber shows you that the problem is much worse than he had first thought it was -- in which case you and your plumber are free to negotiate a new fee. But just as before, be sure that in hiring a plumber you get any estimates in writing. Should you keep tabs on your plumber's work? Certainly. But be reasonable. Don't hover over him all day, but for your peace of mind, stick your head in every hour or so to see how the work is progressing. Do not sign off on inferior work. You may feel self-conscious pointing out work that is incomplete, or that isn't what you expected, but keep in mind that when the plumber's truck leaves, you may have a hard time enforcing the agreement you had both agreed upon. On the Other Other HandIf the work is satisfactory, and your plumber did what he agreed to do, then it is your responsibility to pay for the services he provided. Remember that he has at least one stomach to feed (his own), and probably a wife and children as well.In hiring a plumber you are hiring an experienced professional, and his end of the bargain probably entailed doing a lot of dirty work that you would not want to do yourself. A high-quality plumber is worth what he charges, so if he has lived up to his end of the bargain, you should pay him in a timely manner - not the third or fourth time he asks for payment. Insist upon a receipt, and store it in a safe place for a possible tax credit, or for legal issues in the future. You may also want to refer to it if at some later date you want to rehire him. --And that's how you hire a highly qualified, professional, licensed plumber. Privacy PolicyWhat is BestPlumbingRepair.com's Privacy Policy?I respect and value your privacy as much as I do my own, and I take the responsibility of protecting your personal information very seriously. To earn your trust and confidence in BestPlumbingRepair.com, I am disclosing my privacy practices and the uses of the information that is gathered. BestPlumbingRepair.com’s privacy policy is based on three basic principles:
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