Solving plumbing issues during the holidays

With the holiday season upon us, many people are entertaining guests at their home, either hosting holiday parties or welcoming family or friends for a visit. These festive gatherings may result in plumbing problems, however, as people spend extra time cooking and also potentially clogging their kitchen sinks and garbage disposals. Plumbing issues can be common throughout the holiday season.

Whether you have an emergency or a planned project, choosing a plumber for your job is the crucial first step. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers tips for a successful plumbing project:

• Research and gather information. You can search for a contractor’s Business Profile at BBBHouston.org to get free information on their history of complaints, read verified Customer Reviews, and see if they are an Accredited Business. Also search for the name of the company online along with “Complaint,” “Review” or “Scam” to find different results.

• Verify licensing. Plumbers need to be licensed and should display their license number on their website, vehicles and advertisements. You may check licensing at the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners website, http:// www.tsbpe.state.tx.us/.

• Request references. Ask the contractor for a list of recent local references, you may contact. Ask the references about the services performed, their overall experience with the contractor and the quality of the work.

• Read your estimate carefully. There are many variables in pricing for different plumbing companies. Check if the estimate is a flat rate including materials, or if materials will be charged separately. Make sure it is clear what the estimate includes. Check for things like quality of fixtures and number of fixtures, and make sure large differences in quotes are not because something has been left out. Also, ask about equipment fees and see if there are extra costs for equipment, truck or trip costs. Ask if the plumber will use drop sheets or service mats to protect your home during the work and if the cost of cleanup is included in the estimate.

• Ask before you buy. You may want to buy fixtures or products yourself for your plumber to install. Check with the plumber first to make sure they are willing to do this, as some plumbing companies do not provide this service. If you do buy the products, look for items with the Uniform Plumbing Code stamp or approval from The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

• Check warranties. Make sure you check the warranties for both your products and your plumber’s labor; they may not be for the same period. Your plumber should comply with manufacturers’ specifications so warranties remain valid. However, the plumber may have to do something that voids a warranty in an emergency.

• Get it in writing. Always get estimates in writing and never let any work begin without a written and signed contract. Do not be pressured into signing an agreement before you are ready, and make sure you read and understand everything before signing.

The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include your mailing address and phone number.