The Best Way to Find and Hire a Professional Plumber
Even little leaks can cost a lot of money to fix. Here's what you should know before hiring a plumber.
A leak from a low-cost pipe fitting can quickly cost thousands of dollars in water damage, cause weeks of disruption in your house, and put your rebuilding project behind schedule. So it's a no-brainer to choose an insured and professional plumber (or a well-trained apprentice operating under his license). Not all plumbers, however, are capable of completing all types of work. Here's what you should know before hiring a plumber.
How Do You Find a Reliable Plumber?
Basic repairs (typically in an emergency) are handled by one type of plumber, while remodeling and additions are handled by another.
The Family Plumber's Everyday Repairs and Emergencies
For frequent drips and jams, you can save money on a plumber by doing the work yourself. There are websites that have a guide for repairing toilet and faucet leaks.
You must also know when to seek professional assistance beyond this type of upkeep. Plumbing is not difficult, but it does require a tremendous deal of knowledge. Only a small portion of the issue is code compliance; you'll also need to know your way around the parts and be conversant with the materials. It takes practice to know how hard you can crank on PVC before it splits, for example. A $10 fix can quickly turn into a slew of problems if you don't know what you're doing.
Developing a relationship with a plumber before you actually require his services may help you prepare for a more serious situation. If at all feasible, hire him to conduct non-emergency repairs or fixture installations during normal business hours. It's easier to get a plumber's attention if you're a frequent customer rather than a worried stranger calling at 8 p.m. on a Saturday night asking him to fix a leaky waste pipe in your basement.
When making a decision, ask for documentation of a license. Most states require plumbers to be licensed, and they normally include a phone number to call to verify that the license is current and that there are no outstanding complaints.
The easiest way to find a competent plumber is to ask friends and neighbors, renovation contractors, and real estate agents for referrals. Plumbing troubles can affect a property sale, so realtors keep a list of trustworthy, quick-response plumbers on standby. Keep his phone numbers (office, home, cell, and beeper) on hand once you've chosen a plumber you like in case of an emergency.
Hire a Remodeling Plumber for Home Improvement Projects
For non-emergency jobs like a redesign or plumbing repair, you'll need a contractor that knows residential-system design and is familiar with the local regulations. He should also be able to work in a finished environment. That includes using scrap carpeting to cover floors and only carving precise, easy-to-repair holes in walls when absolutely necessary.
This type of plumber should be found through a general contractor. You don't get to see the plumber's work before it's covered up; the contractor does. Clean solder joints, precise 90-degree angles at joints, and clean, properly sized holes in joists, studs, and flooring are all obvious signs of good workmanship that you might overlook. Finally, a trustworthy contractor will not risk dealing with a poor plumber.
Just like you would when hiring a plumber for basic repairs, you or your contractor should obtain verification of a license and license number. Examine your workers' compensation and liability insurance policies to see if they are still valid.