Homeowners and tenants are familiar with plumbing problems. It’s one of those problems nobody wants to deal with, especially as they can be expensive when not quickly fixed. Hiring a plumber for the task is an excellent decision. But before you consider Sarkinen Plumbing, you may wonder what tasks to DIY and which ones to leave to a pro. You may also wonder how to hire a plumber and what to consider before making a decision.
This checklist offers all the answers you need to know, including the plumbing tasks you may attempt to DIY and those you should leave to a professional.
When to Hire a Plumber
Ideally, you’d want to hire a plumber anytime you’re experiencing plumbing problems. However, some tasks may be cost-saving to DIY. Common fixes you can attempt at home include;
- Repairing kitchen faucet
- Stopping leaky joints
- Finding sneaky leaks in pipes
- Removing stuck cleanout plug
- Stopping a running toilet
- Unclogging a bathtub drain with no chemicals
- Unclogging toilets
Please note that you can also contact a professional plumber for these tasks if you’re too busy, uninterested, or scared of breaking things.
How to Find a Plumber
Hiring a plumber is a critical step in maintaining your property. The entire process can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new in an area. The following steps take the stress out of the hiring process and can help you hire a better plumber for your needs.
Below are some of the things to consider before hiring a plumber.
Go For Qualified And Certificated Plumbers
The difference between you and a professional plumber is the training and certificate they hold. So, hiring a plumber without the requisite training and experience is a total waste of your money.
Ideally, you’d want to search online, ask friends and family, or speak to neighbors about plumber recommendations. However, it would help if you went the extra mile to confirm that the plumber or plumbing company is certified.
Look for Insurance
Insurance is a huge part of hiring any professional. As an individual, you probably have insurance on your car, home, or life, so why shouldn’t your plumber have one?
Choosing an insured plumber reduces a lot of stress and takes out the liability guesswork during disasters on the job. You can be sure that the plumber’s insurance will cater to any damages they’ve suffered or done to your home during their service.
Look for Plumbing Companies with Employees
There’s a chance that you may come across two types of plumbing companies or contractors during your search. Some hire employees that are paid directly, while others use contractors that are paid based on the services delivered.
Choosing a plumbing company with employees offers you a greater edge, especially as you can be sure that the employees are held to a higher quality standard. In addition, employees are less likely to rush the job or leave your plumbing problem pending while they shuffle off to take on extra tasks.
Companies with employees also have a greater responsibility in terms of workers’ compensation insurance, meaning that you don’t have to bear liabilities if the plumber gets hurt or injured while working on your property.
Look for Good Reviews and Track Record
Over 80% of internet users rely on social proof through reviews and testimonials when buying or hiring online. You should trust reviews to predict your experience with a plumber or plumbing company.
Look for the plumbing company’s reviews and read what past customers are saying about them and their services. It is best to look for reviews on third-party websites like Houzz, Angie’s List, Yelp, BBB, etc., as they’re less likely to have been manipulated or filtered.
You’re better off hiring a plumber with a good customer track record and excellent service delivery.
Consider Services Offered
The range of services offered by a plumbing company matters a lot. This can make a difference between repeating the hiring process some months down the line and sticking to one plumbing company to handle all your needs.
Unsure of the extent of the plumber’s services? Visit their website or call them for an inquiry. Choosing a plumber or plumbing company that offers broad services is always best.
Consider Availability
Availability is a huge issue when hiring a plumber. Considering the nature of plumbing problems and how fast water spreads to cause damage, you’ll need a plumber that offers emergency services and immediate availability. This also ties into the need to hire a local plumber, who will likely show up faster to fix your plumbing issues.
Having a 24-hour plumber on your speed dial can make a world of difference, especially when you suffer nasty plumbing problems like pipe bursts at odd hours of the day,
The considerations above can significantly improve your hiring process and leave you with the best plumber in your area. Take them and apply them next time you need to hire a plumber.
