Plumbing Problems - Do Your Research

Even in an emergency it is best to do a little research on the plumbing professional you hire. It may save a lot of trouble in the future.

There are a lot of home improvement jobs that are appropriate for a good do-it-yourselfer. Painting the living room is an excellent weekend project. Landscaping the backyard is also a fun thing for a homeowner to do. On the other hand when it is 11pm Sunday night and a pipe in the bathroom bursts it is time to call a professional. Hold on though. Don’t just pick up the phone book and flip to the plumbing section and hire the first one you come across. Take a proactive role in you homeownership and learn how to turn the water main off so that you can take a little time to find someone well qualified to the work you need. Take a quick minute and ask the plumber you are calling a few crucial questions. It could prevent having this situation arise again. 

First call people you know and ask for referrals of companies they have used in the past. They will be able to tell you not to work with as well as those who did a stellar job. If nobody you know has a referral to offer check online and see who has positive ratings in your area. In today’s world if someone is satisfied or dissatisfied with the service they have received they almost always share it on the Internet.

Before anything make sure that the company is licensed and bonded and that he is state certified to be doing the work. Check with the Better Business Bureau and find out if anyone ahs complained about them in the past. Also ask the plumbing professional to provide a copy of his insurance policy so that you know that if he is injured or damages your home he is covered. 

Finally when you call ask for a ballpark estimate of what the cost will be. It is impossible to gauge how much exactly it will cost to complete a plumbing project without seeing it first but the company should be able to give you an idea of what their rates are. Also ask what kind of materials he uses and whether or not he or the manufacturers of the parts provide any sort of warranty. If his estimate is low and seems that he is utilizing inferior materials steer clear. It is a surefire way to get a job that won’t last. 

This all being said in a pinch any plumber is better than no plumber and is some instances it may be best to hire whomever is available to stem the flow of water coming out of your plumbing. If you have six inches of standing brown water in your basement and it is slowly rising call someone to come shut off whatever is causing it. That way you can do a little research the next day and hire a person you trust to do the rest of the work.