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TIPS ON FINDING THE RIGHT PLUMBER

 

plumber-near-meThe average American home has several hundred feet of plumbing running through it. These are pipes linked by a complex network of joints, connectors, and other plumbing accessories. This intricate system of faucets, valves, and appliances is what ensures that the people who live in the home have clean water on demand wherever they want it in the house.

But with water-bearing pipes running through the entire house and the corrosive power of water, problems are bound to happen. Water leaks and the damage caused by those leaks are something every homeowner dreads. Not only are water leaks very likely to happen in the home, but they can also be secretly doing damage without any signs to warn the homeowner.

This is why most water leaks are discovered too late and cost a lot of money to fix. The owner must first deal with the plumbing issue that caused the leak before addressing the damage to the surrounding area. Every year in the USA water leaks cost homeowners more money than they spend on the combined damage from house fires and burglaries.

STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING YOUR HOME’S PLUMBING

As with every feature of your home, maintenance is vital for preventing plumbing issues. The cost of periodically inspecting the plumbing and doing timely repairs is nothing compared to the cost of tearing out floorboards or plaster walls damaged by water. Homeowners who create and implement a program for regularly monitoring their plumbing usually spend less.

But preventative maintenance is not just about making sure the plumbing system is functioning well. It is also about making sure the right plumbing materials are used in the home and those materials are installed properly. A plumbing system built with inferior materials or poor workmanship will eventually need to be overhauled.

Getting your plumbing right from the get-go is what makes it possible to implement an effective maintenance routine. And the most important factor in the installation and maintenance of your home’s plumbing system is the plumber you use. A bad plumber may cost less in the beginning but the issues with the system will cost you over the lifetime of the system.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR BEFORE YOU HIRE A PLUMBER

  • CHECK FOR LICENSING

If your state requires licensing for plumbers, ask the plumber for proof that they are licensed. Only plumbers who meet the minimum requirements by the state will be licensed. Also, ask for proof of professional training and certifications. 

The highest professional level of plumbing is Master Plumber. Working with a master plumber ensures you get the best service. In addition to licensing, check for their membership of the local chapter of their professional organization.

  • ASK ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE

You may also want to consider a plumber if they have considerable and verifiable experience as a journeyman. Some plumbers, despite not having the Master Plumber certification, can be really good at their job. 

Such plumbers often have a lot of hands-on experience. Plumbers who have been operating in the area for a long time are best, they usually have a solid reputation and understand local building regulations.

  • PAY ATTENTION TO PROFESSIONAL REFERRALS

If you have other competent technicians working for you – HVAC, electrical, roofing, etc – ask them for recommendations. Good technicians will often know other good technicians. Only do this if that person has proven that they can be trusted by the quality of their work. To spread your nets further afield, you may also ask the local hardware store for recommendations. Be sure to vet every recommended plumber.

  • INSURANCE AND BONDING

Ask for proof that the plumber has adequate insurance. The two most important areas you want their insurance policy to cover are general liabilities and property damage.  These will protect you from losses and lawsuits in case of injuries or accidents. 

A plumber who is bonded is even better because they offer assurance that you won’t lose your money if the plumber fails to complete the job. Verify all insurance and bonding claims with the issuing company. Just don’t rely on the plumber’s word.

  • ASK FOR REFERENCES AND LOOK FOR REVIEWS

If the plumber is experienced and competent, they should have a list of satisfied customers they can refer you to. For the best outcome, ask for local references only as these are easier to contact and verify. Make sure you contact the people on the plumber’s referral list to get their candid opinion about their experience working with the plumber. Also, check for online reviews. 

Pay particular attention to negative reviews and look for how the company responded to those reviews. Check for the plumber’s standing on Yelp, Angie’s List, and Better Business Bureau.

plumbers-near-me

  • ASK FOR WRITTEN ESTIMATES AND COMPARE

Ask the plumber to submit a quotation for the work. What you want to see is the clarity, completeness, and transparency of their estimates. How much detail is included and how easy is it to understand the document? Are there things that are not adequately explained? Can you clearly see how much the plumber is charging for their services? How does their estimate compare to estimates by other plumbers? Do not choose the plumber with the lowest estimate; they may compromise quality.

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Location: Brookfield, IL, USA

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