Plumbing problems always seem to happen at the wrong time. Eventually, however, most homeowners will need to hire a plumber. The choice of plumbers can make the difference between a good experience and a disastrous one, so it is important to be seletive when picking a plumber.
It can be a good idea to select a plumber before a plumbing emergency happens. That way, it is possible to make a decision without the added stress of the plumbing problem itself. A good way to start is to ask trusted friends and neighbors for local recommendations of plumbers they have liked. Recommendations can be much more informative than an ad in the telephone book. With several recommendations, it becomes easier to call around and make an informed decision.
When calling around, it is important to establish some of the basics. Plumbers should be licensed, where required, as well as insured. Ask whether they provide 24-hour service, and what sort of response is offered in emergency cases. If it is a large plumbing company, how many plumbers are on staff? Do they have all of the parts they would typically need on the truck, or are they elsewhere? It is also good to get an idea of how much they charge, as well as what payment methods they accept. Having a positive feeling after interviewing a plumber or company is important, as that professional will be working in the home at a particularly stressful time.
However, while it is easier to have a plumber picked out beforehand, the reality often is that a homeowner will need to hire a plumber when a drain is plugged or a pipe is leaking. Even when looking through ads to urgently hire a plumber, it is still important to ask questions and make a knowledgeable decision.
Additionally, after a plumbing job, it can be important to consider how the experience was. Did the plumber do a quality job in a reasonable time, and was the work performed neatly? Were the charges fair and explained adequately? If the experience with a plumber is negative, it may be time to consider shopping around.
Hiring a plumber can be a stressful experience, especially if it becomes necessary because of a major plumbing emergency. But by asking careful questions and making an informed decision, hiring a plumber can be as easy as choosing any other professional.