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HIRING PLUMBERS

If you wake up at 5 am and find that your kitchen floor is under water, it can’t wait. Unlike other kinds of home repairs, plumbing repairs often need to be dealt with immediately. Wouldn't it be great if you already had a plumber you could trust when a crisis occurs? Just because plumbing is so important to you and your family, that’s all the more reason to use these resources to make an informed decision, whether it’s for a major remodeling job or a leaking toilet. Having a contractor you can rely on to take care of you and your family means you can relax and get on with your life.

USING BIZPALS TO HIRE A PLUMBER

Using the reviews in BizPals will help you to make an informed decision about hiring a plumber you can rely on to do a great job. Whether you need re-piping, a toilet replaced, a water heater installed or a trenchless sewer excavation, BizPals connects you with customer reviews and peer endorsements for the service providers that they review. Do you have any specific concerns or requirements for your project? For instance, are you thinking about installing a walk-in tub for an older family member? The experiences of the people who have contributed to Bizpals are a resource for you in your search for the right contractor for your home.

CHECKLIST FOR HIRING THE RIGHT PLUMBER:

1. Check that the plumber you are thinking about hiring is licensed to work in your state and that the license is up to date.
2. Check that the plumber carries workmen’s compensation insurance, liability insurance, etc. (If anyone is injured in your home while working on remodeling, you could be liable). To make sure that they are current, ask to see the certificates of insurance.
3. Ask the plumber for references from previous customers and contact those clients to see if they were happy with the job.
4. Check if the plumber provide a warranty on the job.
5. Discuss with the plumber whether there is an hourly rate for the job or a flat fee per project. If it's an hourly rate, is travel time charged for?
6. For smaller jobs, find out if the plumber offers free estimates.
7. If a major job is being considered, you should get two or more written estimates from different contractors for the job. Remember that the lowest bid may not be the best one.
8. Ask if the plumber can give you references from previous jobs. If possible, you should talk to some of those references in person.
9. If you are considering a major project, you should have a contract should set out the total cost of the job, the schedule, the warranties, the clean-up policy, etc.
10. Find out if you need to get a permit for plumbing work from your municipality.

CHECKLIST FOR THE JOB:

• Turn off water, if needed. If water is leaking near an electrical outlet, turn off the house's main power shutoff immediately. (You may need to have an electrician check to see if water has gotten into your outlets). Put some water into containers for drinking, washing, etc., in case the water has to be shut off for some time.)
• Clear the space to be worked on. If the plumber is fixing the bathroom sink, it will make the job easier if the vanity and sink edge aren't cluttered with bottles and bags.
• Arrange for pets to be out of the way in the areas that the plumber will be working in. It will be easier for the plumber and less stressful for your animals.
• If there are going to be workers coming and going in your house, discuss security, access, turning off alarms, etc.
• If the kitchen/bathroom areas will be inaccessible overnight, consider making arrangements to stay elsewhere.
• Make a list of any minor plumbing repairs that could be carried out during the plumber's visit; this will save you having to call them out again at a later date. It's always better to deal with little problems before they become big problems. If the plumber charges a call-out fee per visit, this will save you money too.

CHECKLIST FOR EVALUATION:

• If it was an emergency repair, were you offered 24-hour emergency service?
• Did the plumber arrive at the agreed-upon time?
• Was the problem explained clearly to you?
• If you asked questions about the repairs made, or maintenance that should be carried out in the future, were your questions answered clearly?
• Did the plumber clean up after the job to your satisfaction?