7 Tips to Pain-Free Plumbing

By: WhoDoYou Staff

Home projects are never fun. The daunting task of fixing your plumbing can be exacerbated by having to find a reliable plumber. Procrastinating always takes charge. If you’re reading this that means you’ve taken the first step in tackling your plumbing problem. Congrats. Now that the procrastination is over, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty needed to help you find the right person for the job.

So we all want a reliable, trustworthy plumber. After all, you’ll be welcoming this person into your home. But what do you not think about when hiring a plumber? Here are 7 tips that most people overlook when hiring a repairman to fix their plumbing.

1. So he says he’s a plumber… It may seem rhetorical if you found a plumber through a listing or ad but always check for proper licensing and insurance. This is the first step to avoiding a scam, being overcharged, or being sued due to accidents occurring in your home.
2. Neighborhood Friendly. Every house or building is different. Ask if the plumber has worked on similar homes in your neighborhood or other apartments in your building. Familiarity with your plumbing layout will avoid nasty surprises and added costs.
3. Strength in Numbers. Has a heavy rainfall flooded multiple basements on your block? Get together with the other homeowners and see if a reliable plumber will give you and your neighbors a group rate.
4. Hourly vs. Flat Rate. Cost of the project is everyone’s worry. Cost can add up quickly, especially when renovating bathrooms. Some plumbers will charge by the hour. Explain the project and ask how many hours the project is likely to take. If you’re being offered a flat rate, ask for a list of prices to verify that the prices are standard and not fluctuating based on interaction.
5. Coupons are dupe-ons! Beware of coupons such as Amazon Local and Groupons. Often times, the service being offered is the bare minimum with many hidden costs and subpar service. The same way you are wary of overpaying, you should also be wary of underpaying.
6. Stand Up Service. Most repairmen, plumbers included, will over a one-year guarantee on installations (this does not include material malfunction, which needs to be taken up with the manufacturer). Even local plumbers not working for a company, i.e. Home Depot, offer this service.
7. Retail Therapy. Some plumbers will provide fixtures or let you choose from a catalogue. Ask if you can purchase your own fixtures and have the cost deducted from the project price. This may take a little extra effort but it’s a great way to add a personal flare to your reno project and save a few extra bucks. Make sure to compare prices before purchasing to see if it’s worth your while. When shopping, come armed with a detailed description from the plumber of the requirements needed for the fixture to work in your home.