Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask a Plumbing Company

It is often a desire of plumbers that homeowners understand the significant aspects of preventive maintenance in the plumbing system. They wish that people realized how a small leak could lead to considerable damage, how knowing the location of the main shut-off valve could prevent extensive flooding, and how "cleaning" the drain could actually damage the plumbing. They wish that people understood when to call a plumber and when to try something themselves. Painters, like plumbers, often work in emergency conditions brought on by the crummy jobs done by less skilled painters.

Plumbing mistakes often stem from the use of the wrong tools or the incorrect materials. These misjudgments can cause all sorts of plumbing problems and lead to repairs that don't quite seem to hold. For instance, if you were to use a pipe wrench as a plumb wrench, quite a bit of force would be applied in the wrong way, and some serious damage might occur. You might end up with pipes that fit together poorly, leaks, or all kinds of other annoying and, subsequently, expensive issues. Hiring a professional plumbing company is essential to avoid such nuisances.

Before initiating any plumbing repair or installation, the very first thing to do is to turn off the water supply. This seems so basic as to be almost too obvious to mention. Yet a surprising number of people—men and women alike—seem not to get it. They start working with the pipes, and then when they can't get the main shut-off valve to work (more on this in a bit), they end up working some kind of magic to stop the water long enough to make the necessary repairs.

When interviewing for a plumbing position, you might face questions such as these: - What have been your experiences with the various plumbing systems found in homes and businesses? - Describe a plumbing problem you encountered, or were told about, and walked a client through solving it. - Your job requires you to ensure that the work you do complies with local plumbing codes and regulations. What is your process for assuring compliance? - What tools and equipment are essential to you working on plumbing projects? - When you have a big plumbing project with a tight deadline, how do you prioritize the various tasks that are part of that project?

To recognize whether you're dealing with a potentially dishonest plumber, look for these signs: you're being charged far more than other estimates, you're being asked for a big payment before work can begin, your plumber just can't seem to show you any licenses or proof of being qualified, any kind of explanation your plumber gives sounds murky or even great in some parts, rather than being clearly understandable all around, your plumber is steering clear of giving you a written estimate or contract that details what you can expect to pay, should you be necessary steering toward a low-cost option, your plumber shouldn't be giving you too many suggestions to consider, and if your plumber has bad reviews, think twice.

If you own a home, getting at least three estimates from various plumbing firms is a good practice to ensure you are being charged a fair and competitive price. These estimates also afford you the chance to compare the different types of "services rendered" between each plumbing firm, the warranties (if any) they each offer, and the overall customer service experience you might expect with each firm.

To prevent being taken advantage of by a plumber, begin by investigating plumbing companies and picking one that is reputable and has plentiful positive reviews, along with a strong history in the plumbing business. Before any work commences, always request a written estimate, and make sure it includes a nice, detailed breakdown of what you're going to pay and why. It's always smart to have at least two or three written estimates, so you can see the actual range of prices plumbing companies charge for your particular problem. Drain the swamp of unscrupulous plumbers by only hiring well-reviewed candidates, and always pay special attention to their wording regarding necessary documentation of the work.

To determine whether a plumber is overcharging you, look at several estimates, see how their prices add up, and pay attention to how the plumbers talk to you. The best plumbers will have license numbers you can check, lots of positive reviews, and no shortage of good things to say about them. They'll also let you talk to their previous customers. If you're still not sure, ask them about warranties—plumbers who don’t stand behind their work often don’t do much better than the ones who rob you blind.

If you suspect your plumber isn't being straight with you and is charging too much, obtain written quotes from several other plumbing firms. Compare their estimates for the same job. What are their average costs? What's the baseline for your region? And by the way, make sure the offending plumbing company’s quote is actually itemized. Check the basic plumbing rates in your area to ensure the company isn’t using your ignorance of their fees to soak you (pun very much intended). If you're still confused, call 'em up and ask for clarification. If necessary, check the plumbing firm's references or read online reviews to see if their customers are being overcharged, undercharged, or fairly charged.

To steer clear of plumber scams, begin by researching the plumbing field and selecting a well-reviewed company. The company you choose should have an abundance of good reviews, and you may be more comfortable if it has been around for a while. When you contact the company you are considering, ask for a detailed written estimate. This should include a discussion of all potential costs, and you should understand what those costs entail, before you authorize any work. These preliminary steps should eliminate the vast majority of scams. Of course, they do not guarantee your safety. A scam may still occur. If it does, there are a few avenues to maintaining your space or regaining your cash.