Tips for Hiring a Reliable Plumber
Picking the Right Plumber Ensures You Get the Job Done Right
When it comes to selecting the right plumber for your next project, there are a number of things to look for to ensure you'll receive quality work from your contractor. Everything from credentials to experience matters, and it is important to know that not all plumbers are the same or equally capable.
Credentials
When looking for tips for hiring a reliable plumber, the best is always to check their credentials. Qualifications are essential to choosing a plumber capable of handling your project or repair.
Licensing
Alabama and most other states require a plumber to be licensed in order to perform any kind of plumbing services. An unlicensed individual is severely limited to what scopes of work they can legally offer. Alabama's Board of Plumbing and Gas Fitting does this so that consumers are protected from unqualified individuals offering services they shouldn't. That's
Apprentice Plumbers
An apprentice in Alabama and most states has to work under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber, either a master or a journeyman. They hold their apprentice card for one to two years depending on the state requirements and then are eligible to take their journeyman test.
Journeyman Plumbers
A journeyman is a plumber who has completed their apprenticeship and can work in a limited capacity without the supervision of their master. They can perform simpler repairs and supervise an apprentice, but ultimately they still answer to whatever master plumber they work under.
Master Plumbers
Master plumbers are the ultimate authority on everything plumbing. They are licensed to do any kind of plumbing work you could possibly need. Additionally, master plumbers can supervise and train journeyman and apprentices. Every company providing plumbing services must have a master at the helm to legally offer plumbing work.
Performance Bond
A plumber's performance bond is an additional protection for consumers to ensure any work their plumber performs is backed up in case of a problem. If something goes wrong, a performance bond can kick in to provide additional protections to consumers. This is different than general liability insurance, and is required for all licensed plumbers to hold.
Insurance
General liability insurance is an essential credential of any licensed plumber you may consider using. Plumbing contractors are required to hold general liability, but depending on your project the minimum coverage they're required to have may not be enough. Be sure to consider the risk with your project and ask questions as to if the coverage the plumber you're considering has is enough to properly protect you. This may seem unimportant, but even a simple water leak repair can turn into a million dollar claim. A pipe bursting and flooding your home can result in substantial damage, not just to your home but in costs from you having to stay in a hotel during repairs. Making sure your plumber has the right coverage is essential to ensuring you're protected if something goes wrong.
Experience
Finding a licensed plumber may make you think you've found someone experience, but this isn't always the case. The field of plumbing encompasses a wide range of services, from water heaters to grinder pumps and leak repairs and more. Being such a broad field, it is important to understand that not all plumbers or plumbing contractors are able to provide services in all of these areas.
Sewer & Drain
One area that's important to consider is sewer and drain, which encompasses toilet clogs, total stoppages, and more. While most plumbing services fall under the state's licensing authority, most states don't license sewer and drain services. Dealing with clogs and sewer line installations is typically outside of any licensing authority's domain, which means you need to thoroughly question a plumber offering these services as to their experience. Ask for references, or at least ask how frequently they provide these types of services. Should they seem unsure or cannot provide an adequate answer, maybe take a look at someone else to help resolve your sewer and drain issue.
Grinder Pumps, Water Heaters, and More
Having so many different services qualified as plumbing, you're liable to need a plumber for a grinder pump service, water heater maintenance, or any of a number of other potential services. Therefore it is critically important to question if the plumber you are considering is experienced and familiar with the particular type of repair you're needing. One-man shows or smaller plumbing companies often specialize in a single type of plumbing repair and don't always have the experience to handle just anything you throw at them.
Ask about your specific repair need. Make sure it is something they regularly do and are intimately familiar with before you employ them as your chosen plumber.
Work With a Clear Contract
Transparency is key to a successful engagement. Keeping things transparent begins with upfront pricing and written estimates for services. Anytime a plumbing contractor is proposing work for you, make sure they are providing their scope of work and pricing upfront in writing.
Contracts Are Essential
Written estimates serve as contracts for services. Make sure your selected plumber provides their scope of work in writing and requires that you sign it. This gets you and them on the same page and establishes the necessary legal footing should either party have a complaint.
Some States Require Contracts
In some states, plumbing contractors are required to work under a contract. Being such a litigious society, state authorities are more and more requiring precautions be taken to avoid lawsuits and other complaints that they have to deal with. Clear scopes of work in writing are the best way to keep everyone on the same page, and they are something an honest plumber is happy to provide.
Ask the Right Questions
Asking the right questions of your plumber or electrician or HVAC tech is critical to ensure you're picking one well-suited for your needs. Be sure to ask your plumber all the right questions before you let them take care of your plumbing needs.
Looking For a Local Plumbing Contractor?
If you're needing tips for hiring a reliable plumber, start with this checklist and end with choosing Surfside Plumbing. Our team is experienced, reliable, and able to handle any plumbing repair or replacement you may need. We're standing by to provide top-quality plumbing services to your home or business when you need it.