Hiring a plumber is serious business. Even if you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer you may need to someday hire a plumber. As a trained professional, plumbers are equipped to handle almost any plumbing problem that may arise. Unfortunately, not all plumbers are created equal. When hiring a plumber, there are a few things that you should consider.
Before hiring a plumber, you should always make sure that they are licensed and insured. If a plumber has a license, it guarantees that he or she has been professionally trained and tested by the state.
It is also very important to hire an insured plumber as accidents can occur anytime while working. In such a situation if the plumber is not insured you will have to pay the entire cost for the damage.
Apart from the license and insurance, one must also check his years of experience. Never take it for granted that if a plumber is licensed and insured, he will be experienced. Do inquire about the service professionals who will be visiting your house.
The best way to find a plumber is to ask around. Talk to friends, family and co-workers to get names of trustworthy plumbers. You can also ask the plumber for references. They should be able to supply you with several written or verbal references from current customers. If a plumber cannot supply references, you should be very leery. Either they have no happy customers or they haven't been in business very long.
Most plumbers charge by the hour. You might think that hiring a plumber with the lowest hourly rate is the best way to go, but that may not necessarily be true. Not all plumbers count hours the same. For example, some count drive time, while some do not. Also, the hourly rate may depend on their level of experience or the number of service professionals that are sent on the job.
Some plumbers have a flat fees for different jobs rather than the hourly rates. So, depending upon the rates, this can be a comparatively less expensive option.
Apart from other considerations, an important thing to remember is to get a written estimate from the plumber before starting the work as everything should be absolutely clear in the beginning itself. - 30517
Before hiring a plumber, you should always make sure that they are licensed and insured. If a plumber has a license, it guarantees that he or she has been professionally trained and tested by the state.
It is also very important to hire an insured plumber as accidents can occur anytime while working. In such a situation if the plumber is not insured you will have to pay the entire cost for the damage.
Apart from the license and insurance, one must also check his years of experience. Never take it for granted that if a plumber is licensed and insured, he will be experienced. Do inquire about the service professionals who will be visiting your house.
The best way to find a plumber is to ask around. Talk to friends, family and co-workers to get names of trustworthy plumbers. You can also ask the plumber for references. They should be able to supply you with several written or verbal references from current customers. If a plumber cannot supply references, you should be very leery. Either they have no happy customers or they haven't been in business very long.
Most plumbers charge by the hour. You might think that hiring a plumber with the lowest hourly rate is the best way to go, but that may not necessarily be true. Not all plumbers count hours the same. For example, some count drive time, while some do not. Also, the hourly rate may depend on their level of experience or the number of service professionals that are sent on the job.
Some plumbers have a flat fees for different jobs rather than the hourly rates. So, depending upon the rates, this can be a comparatively less expensive option.
Apart from other considerations, an important thing to remember is to get a written estimate from the plumber before starting the work as everything should be absolutely clear in the beginning itself. - 30517
About the Author:
Scott Rodgers is a highly knowledgeable writer who has been providing great guidance on plumbing works all over the country. His stupendous knowledge has, in fact, sparked significant rise in revenue for talented plumbers across the nation. For more plumbing tips on bathtub problems and clogged toilet, just visit eLocalPlumbers.com.
