Introduction
When your kitchen or bathroom sink starts to clog, you may be tempted to try removing the obstruction yourself. Maybe you’ve already watched a few YouTube videos and have a brand-new plunger in hand. While it’s possible you may be able to unclog the drain on your own, there are many reasons why you should consider hiring a professional.
A professional plumber can remove all of the materials that are causing the drain to clog with specialized equipment, such as a camera and sewer snake. This specialized equipment is expensive and not normally available to homeowners. Also, insurance companies often require licensed plumbing services for liability issues if any damage occurs during the project.
Check the Better Business Bureau for information on the company.
The Better Business Bureau is a non-profit organization that provides information about a company’s business practices, including whether they have any complaints filed against them. This can be a good place to start your research, as it will give you an idea of what other customers think of the company and whether they’ve had any problems with them. It’s also useful for learning about the financial stability of each plumber you’re considering hiring by searching their rating with BBB.
The BBB gives companies up to five stars based on how many complaints were received against them in the past two years. Five stars mean there were zero complaints; one star means there were 99 or more complaints filed against them within two years (yes, even one complaint is too many!). If several companies in your area have similar star ratings from BBB, then look at how long those ratings have been maintained.
If all three firms maintain their high rating month after month after month (which could mean that none of them are doing anything wrong), then go with whichever one seems like it’d be easiest for you to work with based on its website and other information sources like Yelp reviews or Angie’s List reviews
Check for reviews on Angie’s List, Yelp and Google.
You should always take the time to check out a company’s reviews before hiring them. Reviews from previous customers are one of the best ways to gauge a company’s quality. These reviews can be found online in places like Angie’s List, Yelp and Google. It’s important to look at only recent reviews so that you can get an accurate picture of what they did right or wrong in their most recent jobs. You also want to make sure that the reviewers live near you so that you know their feedback is relevant for what your needs are.
Make sure the company has a plumbing license in your city or municipality.
A plumbing license is a must for any company that does business in your city or municipality. The license ensures that the company has met certain requirements, including paying taxes, having insurance, and complying with local laws. You can check whether a contractor is licensed by checking the license on their website or if they have it posted at their office or work site. Most states require a specific type of plumbing license, so make sure you know what type yours requires before hiring someone to do work in your home.
Insist on proof of insurance.
Make sure that the company you choose has proof of insurance, and ask to see it. Insurance protects the plumber against lawsuits stemming from injuries and property damage, but it also covers other areas:
- The company’s reputation – if a customer is dissatisfied with their service or product, they may sue. A good plumbing company should be insured against this risk so that customers can feel confident in hiring them for their needs.
- Their equipment – not only does this protect the plumber against lawsuits if someone gets hurt by one of their tools or machines, but it also helps ensure that any faulty products are replaced quickly so users don’t have time to complain about them. This protects both parties—the consumer gets an improved experience and fewer headaches when going through with repairs or maintenance tasks on their own home; while at the same time ensuring that no one else has been harmed by defective products either!
Ask about payment methods upfront.
If you’re going to hire a plumber, it’s important to ask about payment methods up front. This way, you can determine whether or not your budget is going to work with their preferred method of payment.
Some plumbing companies prefer cash payments while others prefer that you pay by check or credit card. It’s also common for plumbers to charge a deposit before they begin any work and then bill the customer once the project is completed and inspected.
Ask for references from previous customers.
When you’re searching for a plumber, ask for references from previous customers. If they are happy with their work, this is a great indication that the company has good service. It is important to ask if they would use the same company again and if they would recommend them to others. Don’t be afraid to ask about price and quality of work as well.
Establish what equipment is included in the contract.
When you receive a quote from a plumbing company, make sure that you understand what equipment is included in the price and what equipment isn’t. If you need additional equipment, such as piping or valves, ask how much that will cost. If you want to add any services to your contract—for example, if your plumber wants to install a new faucet for you—ask about those fees as well.
Ask if cleaning services are included in the price.
Ask if cleaning services are included in the price. If they’re not, you may have to pay more money.
- If they don’t include cleaning services, ask them if they’ll clean the area after the job is complete.
Ask about warranties and guarantees before you hire a plumber.
Warranties and guarantees are essential to ensure your plumbing work lasts. Each plumber has their own warranty and guarantee policies, but they generally cover parts and labor for 12 months or more. Before you hire a plumber, ask what their warranty is and how it works. You should get this information in writing before signing on the dotted line; otherwise, you could be left without any recourse if something goes wrong with your plumbing system later on.
Making sure you’ve hired a qualified plumber is essential to avoiding costly mistakes.
The most important consideration when choosing a plumber is making sure you’ve hired a qualified one. Before you hire a plumber, make sure that they’re licensed, insured, and have references. You should also look for a contract with written rates and terms.
Conclusion
Finding and hiring a plumbing company can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you know what questions to ask (and where to look for answers), it’s easier than ever to find the right person for the job—and get your money’s worth in the process! With all this information at your fingertips, we hope that you feel more confident about tackling these important decisions on behalf of yourself and your family.