What to Ask a Plumber
The smallest of leaks can lead to big problems, so call in a pro. Here’s what to ask the plumber when he arrives.
ARE YOU LICENSED?
A pipe fitting that wouldn’t cost a dollar the your local improvement store can create hundreds of dollars in water damage – even thousands, if it’s not caught in a timely manner. But that’s not the only way to lose money. If your plumber isn’t licensed and insured, the work they do may not hold up and you won’t have any recourse when things go wrong. Most states require this licensing, and provide a number where you can verify that it’s current and without active complaints. Your plumber should have a current policy covering workers compensation, and a $500,000-minimum liability-insurance policy.
WHAT KIND OF PLUMBING?
Everyday plumbers handle upgrades and basic repairs, typically in emergency situations. It’s best to establish a long-term relationship with one before disaster strikes, perhaps through doing fixture installations during their normal working hours. Other plumbers specialize in running water to new additions or adapting the piping to remodeling projects. They’ll be more experienced with code requirements, a critical part of these bigger jobs.
IS THERE A WARRANTY?
Quality work should hold up, at least in the near term.
That’s why it’s smart to ask about a warranty on any plumbing job before it begins. Thirty days is a standard period of time to guarantee that issues directly related to replacements or repairs don’t crop up again. If they refuse to back up their work with a warranty, you may need to find a different plumber.
HOW MUCH?
The cost of an emergency plumbing job can be surprising, so ask in advance for a rough estimate. You won’t be able to get a solid quote until the plumber on site, since they’ll have to inspect the problem themselves first. The price might end up being higher than what was mentioned on the phone, before they got a complete picture of what is happening. Make sure the quote includes both labor and material, and remember you’re paying for the time they spend at your home but also the years of expertise and learning that makes them so invaluable when trouble occurs. Weekend and night calls typically incur additional charges.
Once you’ve paid, be sure to ask about tips on keeping this problem from happening again.