There are likely many professional plumbers in your area to choose from. When this is the case, it can be difficult to find a reliable contractor that you can trust.

Knowing how to hire the right plumber, no matter what service you’re looking for, requires certain steps to ensure you have a trustworthy professional entering your home or business. This includes asking the right questions so you know you’ll get the highest quality of work possible.

6 Questions to Ask a Plumbing Contractor

If you’re in the market for a plumber, there are a few essential questions you should ask before hiring someone to work in your space. We’ve put together a list of the most crucial questions to ask a plumber before hiring them.

1. Do You Have 24-Hour Emergency Service? 

Some plumbing issues can’t wait to be fixed. Plumbing problems can happen any night, weekend, or holiday, and it’s important to know that you can reach your plumbing contractor if a serious issue occurs. Plumbing contractors with 24/7 emergency service can help stop leaks anytime and save your home from costly water damage.

Some plumbing emergencies like a burst water pipe or an overflowing toilet simply can’t wait until business hours. If the issue is a hazard or sanitary issue to your household or business, then it requires immediate service, and you deserve a plumber who can provide just that.

2. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Most plumbing contractors have a license that is issued by the state they work in. This proves that they are qualified and have knowledge of best plumbing practices.

Not only is it essential to use a licensed plumber, but it’s also important that the plumber is insured. Using a plumber who’s not licensed or insured can void home insurance plans and lead to failed repairs. 

Failure in plumbing repairs and service is one of the biggest causes of home water damage. Without a licensed plumber, you increase your chances for faulty repairs, you can void your home insurance plan, and when the plumber is uninsured, you could be stuck paying thousands for your home restoration.

3. Do You Have Any Specialties?

Some plumbing contractors might specialize in certain areas of plumbing, so it’s important to discuss this question before hiring them. This will ensure that you’re receiving the best possible service for the specific problem that you have. If you’re experiencing a general plumbing issue, specialties are not essential.

Additionally, different types of plumbing work may have specific building codes and regulations. A specialized contractor is more likely to comply with these standards. Researching the type of plumbing project you need to be done will aid you in selecting the best plumber for the job.

4. How Do You Charge Clients?

Another important question to ask a plumber is how they charge their clients. Typically, smaller jobs come with a flat fee, but pricing can become a gray area for a more significant, detailed project.

Some contractors charge hourly, while others accept installments, where you pay some initially, a bit more while the project is still in action, and the remaining balance after the work is done. Sometimes, contractors will set milestones during the project, where payment is due once each milestone is finished.

It’s essential to have this information before they start to do any work and suggest an off-the-wall price. You want a plumbing company or contractor with consistent and honest pricing all of the time.

5. Will I Receive a Detailed Estimate?

Whether you have a major or minor plumbing problem, your plumbing contractor should be able to give you a detailed estimate of the work they will do and how much it will cost you. This estimate should also include what labor and materials will cost and how long they think the job will take. Some plumbers even provide upfront pricing, so what you’re quoted is what you pay. 

Even if your plumber takes longer than expected or needs different parts, it will not be added to your final bill. This can help you make accurate decisions, provide a clear outline of the work, and avoid a more expensive bill after the job is completed.

6. What Caused the Problem and What Should I Do in the Future to Prevent It?

Finally, when finding a professional plumber, you want a contractor who is honest with you about what happened and how you can prevent it. Most plumbing problems are preventable, and a trusted plumber will explain how to prevent them from occurring again.

For example, typical leaks in the average U.S. home can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water yearly. With this much wasted water, you need to hire a trusted plumbing contractor to fix the issue and answer all of your questions to prevent it from happening again.

For more information on our plumbing services or to schedule your plumbing service, contact the professional plumbers at Fayette.