If you’re a homeowner, you’d better plan on spending around $5,000 annually on home repairs. That number may sound intimidating when you’re staring down a burst pipe. And if you’re trying to find the right plumber, you want to make the right choice.
Stick around to learn the 5 key questions to ask before you hire a plumber!
1. What Kinds of Plumbing Problems Can You Handle?
It’s one thing to fix a leaky faucet or install a new garbage disposal. But it’s quite another to install a water heater or diagnose low water pressure. You want to be sure that you’re hiring a plumber with the skillset to handle your plumbing problems.
Ask if the plumber you’re considering can address leaky pipes or a wobbly toilet. A plumber also should have the tools for the job.
Common plumbing tools include a variety of wrenches, hacksaws, and snake machines. And they’ll know to take these important steps during a plumbing emergency.
2. Can You Show Me Proof of Insurance?
When it comes to plumbing questions, this one is critical. If a plumber gets injured in your home, you don’t want to be liable for the medical bills. But if your plumber doesn’t have insurance, you might be.
A good plumber should have general liability coverage. And they should be more than happy to show you evidence of it!
3. Do You Have Licenses?
Additionally, when you search for the best plumber near me, you want to choose a licensed plumber. This would be someone with a contractor’s license. In fact, most states require plumbers to carry licenses proving that they’re qualified to do their work.
Most plumbers will go through classwork or an apprenticeship program. They may need to take a written test and amass a certain number of hours before becoming a master plumber.
4. What Are Your Rates?
You don’t want your budget to be surprised by a home plumbing invoice. That’s why it’s wise to ask about all fees before. After all, you might have to pay a service fee for the initial visit.
Beyond that fee, ask whether a plumber charges by the hour or by the job. For instance, you might have a few smaller issues, like leaky faucets, that a plumber could tackle in an hour. On the other hand, a plumber might have predetermined fees to dispose of an old toilet and install a new one.
5. Do You Have References?
Good plumbers should have plenty of happy customers willing to vouch for them. While you might be able to find testimonials on a plumber’s website, you’ll get a more honest appraisal straight from the source.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a few references. Ideally, you’ll want other homeowners who can speak candidly about their experiences. You also can look at reviews through search engines or social media platforms.
Hire a Plumber Today
When you hire a plumber, you want to ask about their insurance and certification. You also should ask about their breadth of experience handling different kinds of plumbing problems. And ask if they charge flat rates or use an hourly rate.
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