Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Plumber

No matter how good you are at fixing minor leaks or burst pipes in your home, at some point you will encounter a plumbing issue that will require repair or parts replacement by a professional.

Before hiring a plumbing contractor, ask these 10 important questions to make sure that you get the best value for your money.

Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Plumber

Are you licensed?

Make sure that the plumbing contractor you are hiring has a proper license. You should also ask if the contractor will be doing the work themselves or bringing in outside help. Ensure that all subcontractors also have licenses before allowing them to perform plumbing work on your house.

With a licensed plumber you can be confident that the plumbing job will be done in a manner that is consistent with current local, state and federal building codes. A license also proves that your plumber is competent, experienced and professional, and will be able to deliver the top-notch service that you deserve.

Are you insured?

In addition to licensing, insurance plays an important part of any plumber’s credentials. Without insurance, you are defenseless against future disputes that may arise if anything goes wrong with the plumbing job.

While they do rarely happen, theft, accidents and mistakes can occur, which could cause some big problems for you if there is no insurance present. Make sure that you are protected at all times by hiring an insured plumber.

How long have you been in business and what are your specialties?

Your plumbing problem may not be as simple as a clogged drain or a leaking toilet. If you have a broken water heater or garbage disposal, or are experiencing sewer line backflows, make sure that the plumbing contractor you will hire specializes in these areas and has worked on many such cases before.

What are your credentials and do you have any references?

Credentials are important when choosing the right plumber. Although membership with plumber unions and local contractor organizations may not necessarily denote quality workmanship, it does show a commitment to their trade and acknowledges that they are current with modern building practices and techniques.

Ask for references and find out how many satisfied customers have published testimonials and recommendations before signing any contracts. A good plumber typically has a minimum of three to five quality references from clients that can personally vouch for his work.

How much does it cost?

Always ask what’s included in the service fees to avoid getting stuck with hidden costs. Some plumbers will charge you as soon as they show up at your house while others will include travel expenses to and from the job, which can be very expensive if they are located in another town or city.

Although many plumbers are fully stocked with the parts they need to fix your plumbing, some jobs may require purchasing specialty parts from a plumbing supply store. Ask how much your plumber will charge you for ordering parts that aren’t on hand.

Do you offer warranties?

Most plumbing contractors offer some type of warranty with their work, which means that if the problem reoccurs, the contractor will fix it for free.

What is your typical response time and do you offer emergency service?

Response time can be crucial in any emergency plumbing situation. You sure don’t want to be stuck with a flooding burst pipe or disgusting septic tank backflow for days while waiting for your plumber to arrive.

There are two distinct types of plumbing contractors – those that offer 24-hour service work and those that do not make emergency house calls. Why wait for the cheapest plumber to show up and end up with a $5,000 water damage bill when you can get a quick $5 washer fix from a contractor who’s available 24/7?

Can you provide a written and detailed estimate?

Ask for a detailed written estimate from every plumbing contractor you talk to so you can choose the best cost-to-benefit ratio.

It could be helpful to do some research on local plumbing rates so you can compare the estimate of your plumber with the competition.

What caused this problem?

A good plumber will explain to you in detail what caused the plumbing problem and what he has done to fix it.

How can I prevent the problem from happening again?

Ask your plumber how you can prevent the same problem from happening in the future, whether it’s a replacement of a specific part, a massive long-overdue cleanup, or a total overhaul of your piping or drainage system.

Choosing the best plumber for the job is usually a matter of asking the right questions. Use this Top 10 Questions guide to find a reliable plumbing contractor that you can count on. Call Plumber Medford Oregon today!