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8 Questions to Ask a Plumber Before Hiring Them

Caught in a pinch, and you’re not sure what questions to ask a plumber before you hire them? We’ve compiled a list of 8 essential questions that you should ask before hiring any plumber.

This will ensure you have a reliable and professional plumber working on your home, and you’ll stay safe and comfortable throughout the process.

1. Are You Licensed?

The most basic of all questions to ask a plumber is still the most important. A licensed plumber will have gone through all of the required training and education to ensure that you’re getting what you paid for.

Not all states require a plumbing license though. You should check your state laws before calling a plumber to ensure that you’re asking the right questions. For Louisiana, there are specific education requirements and years of experience needed to obtain a plumbing license. Know that there is also a difference between being a registered plumber and being a licensed plumber. Though many states require you to have a plumbing license to register, there are still a few states that allow registered plumbers to do business without having acquired a license.

2. Do You Offer a Warranty or Guarantee?

Offering some form of a warranty or guarantee is an immediate clue that this plumber means business. As a paying customer, you deserve to have your plumbing 100% guaranteed for any service you need. If a plumber isn’t willing to show you a formal guarantee or has too many exceptions to their guarantee, then that’s a sign you may want to look elsewhere for your plumbing needs. 

It doesn’t happen often, but some plumbing jobs require professionals to come back and improve or fix an additional problem. If the plumbing you paid for wasn’t guaranteed, then you might end up having to pay twice to fix one problem. Save yourself the hassle, and ask your plumber upfront!

3. What Are Your Typical Fees and How Often Do You Stick to Your Estimate?

You should be aware of your plumber’s pricing structure before you hire them. The last thing you want is to receive the bill and see a lot of extra fees and costs in excess of the estimate they provided you. Don’t be nervous to ask about money beforehand. Most plumbers will provide you with a general estimate of how much the job will cost, but this price can sometimes change depending on new information through the job.

Though you can’t control the plumbing needs, you can be sure that some plumbers will estimate the cost better than others. Look for plumbers who offer services like video inspections, which are basically cameras designed to feed through pipes and pinpoint the problem. Plumbing is often difficult to access, but plumbers who use video inspections can reduce your costs by taking less time in the diagnosis and fixing the problem the first time.

4. Are You Bonded and Insured?

Many people ask if a plumber is insured, but you should make sure they are bonded as well. Though insurance is vital to keep both parties protected, a surety bond ensures that plumbers follow all applicable laws by covering cases that arise as a result of the plumber breaching contract or breaking the law. If a plumber steals from your home, a bond will make sure you’re covered.

Quality plumbers will be both bonded and insured, and you have the right to verify this. These protect both the plumber and the customer, and you make sure you don’t have any large financial surprises in the future. Bonds will also cover unexpected events such as stolen items that aren’t covered by general liability insurance.

5. Will You Provide Cleanup Service?

Cleanup isn’t always covered by plumbers, and the work can sometimes be quite messy. Even if cleanup isn’t stated on their website, it is a general best practice for professional plumbers to clean up after themselves.

Sometimes, plumbers will charge an additional fee, but it’s better for you to know that before you hire them rather than after. Either way, knowing if you should expect to clean up some water or boot-marks will make sure everybody is on the same page before the job is done.

6. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Every plumber has to start somewhere, and there are many genuinely great plumbing companies who are much newer to the business, but there are some problems that are best tackled by a seasoned master plumber. If your problem is looking to be a bit more complex, going with a business that has been in the industry for a couple of decades or more can really pay off.

You’ll notice the process is a little more professional, and you’ll be able to have more peace of mind knowing that you hired someone who knows their way around the business.

7. What Would You Prefer I Do With My Pets?

Do you have any furry friends in your home? If so, asking can really help both you and the plumber out before they come to your residence. All animals are different, and everybody reacts differently around animals. Asking your plumber what their preferences are will ensure both parties have a great experience.

One of the best questions to ask a plumber is something that makes them know that you care about their experience in your home as well! Many won’t mind a loving dog, but for the plumber who would prefer your animal isn’t near the working space, this will really make their day.

8. Is There Anything I Can Do To Avoid Future Problems?

The plumber who gives you advice on how you can better care for your home is the one you want to keep in mind. There are many tips or answers plumbers can give you to either help you diagnose a problem or improve the health of your plumbing.

If a plumber is willing to help you out even if that means you might not need work in the future, that’s a great sign they’re trustworthy and take their work seriously.

Contact Goodbee Today With Your Questions to Ask a Plumber

Need a plumber in one of our service areas? We would love to hear from you and answer any of our proposed questions to ask a plumber before hiring them. We ensure our services are affordable and competitive, and our plumbers are always available for emergencies and plumbing estimates.

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