Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire A Plumber

Plumbing emergencies, regardless of how simple they might seem, are never a good thing. For instance, a leaking faucet may not seem like that much of a big deal now, but if nothing is done, you may end up paying thousands in water damage repair costs.

Instead of trying to fix it up yourself, it would be a wiser decision to let a plumbing expert do the job. But do you know what to look for when you need a plumber? Read our list of qualities and qualifications to look for before you hire a plumber in Scarborough.

Tips to Hire a Plumber That’s Right for the Job

Hiring an inexperienced plumber might save you a few bucks at first, but will cost you big in the long run. This is because it may seem as if they've solved the problem, but in reality, they may have unknowingly negatively impacted your plumbing system, leaving you with even more significant problems.

As a homeowner, you already have too many bills waiting on you. So save yourself an unnecessary one by finding a good plumber, the first time. Here are the most important questions to ask before hiring a Scarborough Plumber.

1. Ask for References

As you know, there are many plumbing companies and plumbers in Scarborough today. Starting your search from scratch only increases your risks of getting an unqualified and inexperienced plumber who'll only leave you with more significant problems.

To narrow down your plumber search and ensure you only have the most qualified, start by asking local friends and family. Choose a plumbing company that is known in your area that has been around for years or decades. Once you’ve put together a list of references, take the time to visit their respective websites and online plumbing forums to see what other people have to say about them. Ensure you also consider all the aspects outlined below.

2. Consider the Level of Training

Did you know a plumber is not a one size fits all? If you didn’t, then note that plumbing professionals have different training levels as briefly described below.

• Apprentice

An apprentice plumber often learns the ropes of plumbing through the classroom as well as on-the-job training. They usually train through a local union, but depending on location, they might also train under an already established and licensed plumber.

• Journeyman

When a plumber identifies as a journeyman, it means they've spent the last 4 or 5 years practicing and have completed an apprenticeship program. But unlike an apprentice, they have completed their exams, and are currently pursuing further education for license renewal.

• Master Plumber

A master plumber, just as the name suggests, is the best there is when it comes to plumbing professionals. They've been through the training levels above and have completed a written and practical exam with the contractor's board.

At a glance, the training factor might seem irrelevant, but it's essential, as their level of training directly influences your potential plumber's competence. For instance, an apprentice will seamlessly repair and replace a leaky faucet, but not a complicated or specialized project such as a home remodel.

3. Ask about the Experience

Experience is vital in any craft, and plumbing is no exception. Therefore, if you are satisfied with a particular plumber's expertise, then the next most crucial factor you should know is their experience. The more experience the plumber has, the better as it means they've not only handled a diverse range of plumbing jobs but have also come across a plethora of challenges.

So if your problem is unique, they'll seamlessly work their way around it. Find a plumber who’s been at it for several years as only then can you be confident they’ll meet and surpass your expectations.

4. Request for the Credentials

When you search for plumbers near you, Google will pull up a plethora of plumbing companies around you.

If you take your Scarborough plumber search a notch higher and request their credentials, you’ll realize a good majority of these companies will give you the cold shoulder. Why? Simple — they are not licensed.

So before you hire a plumber, make sure you request their credentials. By that, we mean you ensure they have a valid license and that their operations are legal. A simple online search should help you confirm this factor. But even before you go online, an experienced and properly licensed plumber will save you the trouble as they have no problem proving it.

A license is a proof that the plumber in question has undergone and completed their training. It is also proof they have the green light to offer their services. On top of that, it serves as an assurance that you can hold the plumber accountable if anything goes amiss.

5. Don’t Forget to Inquire about the Insurance

Life is pretty unpredictable. Accidents happen, and there is nothing we can do to change that. However, what we can do is secure ourselves so the impact can be minimal when they do happen.

In that light, it's wise to find a plumber who's insured. This way, any bodily injury they may suffer while carrying out your plumbing project won’t in any way affect you.

Ask your plumber whether they're insured. This way, you can be confident that even if you don't like their work, or if they do more damage than good, their surety bond will cover any costs associated with the repair.

So, when finding a good plumber, make sure you remove all those who are not insured from your list.

6. The Guarantee

Before you hire, ensure you ask whether they are any guarantees. For instance, should you expect your money back if you are unsatisfied with their work? If yes, what are the limitations?

A proficient plumber will be confident enough in their work to put their money where their mouth is by giving you a good warranty. But if they hesitate or even refuse to provide you with a warranty, it means they do not believe in the quality of their work, so why should you?

A guarantee is good as it gives you peace of mind that if anything goes wrong or deviates from your expectations, you can always get your money back and find a plumber who can deliver.

7. Interpersonal Skills

That contractor on your list might fit all the above, but remember they'll be working in your home. Therefore, you want someone who makes you feel comfortable. You want to hire someone who you’ll feel comfortable having in your home when your pipe bursts in the middle of the night.

Therefore, make sure you set up a consultation to see whether it's someone you can get along well with or not. Keep in mind — you can’t tell when you’ll need plumbing help. Therefore, a plumber with excellent interpersonal skills is always a great idea as it means you can always turn to them whenever you need a professional hand in the future.

8. Who’ll be Doing the Job?

There are two types of plumbers, those who work independently, and those who work as contractors for more prominent companies. When you hire an independent contractor, they'll be there from the genesis to the end of the project. But if you hire a large company, it will assign your project to its contractors.

Both options pack their perks and disadvantages as well. Before you sign that contract, make sure you ask who'll be doing the job. This is particularly important when you are hiring from a large company as the contractor you are talking to may have met all the above, but the person who’ll be assigned the job does not.

9. Don’t Forget to Ask about Clean-up

The last thing you want is to end up with a pile of empty boxes and plumbing waste after the plumber leaves. Before you agree to anything, ask whether they will handle the clean-up. A professional and reputable plumber often wants to meet and surpass your expectations. In that light, they'll gladly do away with the waste, so you are left with no mess. Others will charge an additional fee for the service.

10. The Cost

Your selected plumber might have the best training, and they might be the most experienced, but if what they charge doesn't fit the bill, they’ll be of no good to you.

On that same note, the job at hand will also affect the rates. For instance, basic leak repairs and water heater installation services are often cheaper, while drain cleaning services are a tad expensive.

Once you are comfortable with the cost, make sure the plumber writes you an estimate. In-home estimates are the preferred choice as a good plumber will be able to properly diagnose the problem and provide an accurate estimate. This prevents misunderstandings and conflicts in the future, as you'll always have proof of what they initially charged you in case things go south, and they try to overcharge you. Also, the estimate should include all the costs.

11. Ask for References

If the plumber you have in mind ticks all the boxes, then the next and final step should be hearing from the previous clients. They are always first-hand witnesses of how competent that particular plumber is, and if they have any reasons to complain, they'll gladly let you know.

Note, a reputable plumber will willingly and gladly offer you the references because they are confident they did an excellent job for their previous clients. But if they refuse to give you the recommendations, then you are better off hiring someone else.

Why You Need to Hire a Good Plumber in Scarborough

While some basic plumbing problems may be handled by a handy homeowner, It’s always wise to find a professional plumber for the following reasons:

• They Have the Experience

Whether it's a leaking pipe or a bathroom remodel project, it's always a wise decision to find a plumber to get the job done. This is essential because they have been professionally trained to help sort out plumbing problems and, as such, have both knowledge and skills.

On top of that, a professional and reputable plumber in Scarborough will have also handled many similar projects before, hence finessing their plumbing skills to deliver premium quality work.

• Can Help You Identify Potential Problems

Catching plumbing problems early is the ultimate way to save you bigger damages and headaches in the future. In that vein, fixing up a plumbing emergency yourself might put it to rest, but you may not notice the bigger disaster waiting to happen.

When a professional plumber does the job, they will not only fix the current problem but also inspect your system for any undetected issues and fix them. This is often much cheaper and also saves you bigger trouble in the future.

Therefore, while handling the problem yourself will save you a few dollars, finding good plumber gifts you more significant benefits.

Why Choose A Plumber You Can Continue To Trust?

Your plumbing system is essential to both your health and safety. If the plumber you choose turns out not to provide you with honest or effective service, they’ll be putting your home and even your loved ones at risk.

For the best results, you want to establish a long-lasting relationship with the plumber you choose so that you can have someone to always turn to when you need plumbing help in the future. A plumber familiar with your home will help speed up emergency response times and repairs as well as help you forgo the painstaking process of finding a plumber you can trust each time a problem occurs. Therefore, whether it’s a basic plumbing problem such as a leaking pipe or a significant project such as a home remodel, make sure you keep the tips above in mind while plumber hunting.

Need to hire a plumber in Scarborough today? If you want someone who hits every mark in the above list, choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Scarborough! Check us out for a quick connect to avoid all the stress of getting the right fit plumber quickly.