A plumber is a skilled professional who can help you with a wide range of water- and gas-related matters for residential and commercial needs. If you have to call a plumber for any type of need, there may be a few extra questions you may wish to discuss with them that could better enhance the way you operate your home. At Plumbing by Jake, we are always a phone call away.
If you need emergency services or just want some guidance on a home improvement project, call us for fast, reliable help. These are some of the most important questions to ask your plumber. You will find our team is always available to answer these and other questions.
Before you welcome anyone into your home for repairs, you should know as much about them as possible, especially for bigger projects.
#1: Are You Licensed and Bonded?
A good first question to ask when calling a plumber for help is whether they have a license to operate in your city and certified technicians doing the work for you. Plumbing work must be done properly to ensure overall safety and structural stability over the long term. You want to be sure that the company that you call out has the necessary skills and knowledge to help you.
You also want to make sure they are insured and bonded, which will help ensure that if someone is hurt on the job, you are not responsible for those losses. It will also help ensure that the work done is backed up in case it fails.
#2: Does the Service Provide a Warranty?
When you hire a plumber to do the work in your home, you want to be sure it is done well. Yet, even in the most ideal situation, mistakes can happen, and, in other cases, materials can fail. Having a warranty provides you with the confidence you need to know that the work will be corrected if there is a problem.
If you have a major system installed, like a new hot water heater, it should come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Ask your plumber about any type of warranty on the workmanship they are doing. The type and length of it are dependent on the work being done.
#3: Do You Need Emergency Services?
A good plumber will not provide emergency repair services unless you want and need them. You can ask if the problem is something you need to tackle immediately or if you can schedule a repair. For example, if the only toilet in the home is backing up, you need repairs right away.
However, if it is the backup toilet and you can show off the water to it, then there is no need to pay for emergency services. At Plumbing by Jake, we are happy to offer emergency services to our clients when it is needed. If you are not sure, just ask us for clarification.
#4: What Options Can Improve Efficiency?
Many people today want a system that is efficient, whether it is the shower faucet or the hot water tank they are installing. If you need to make any significant update or repair, make sure to ask about efficiency. Talk to the plumber about the various options that could work in your area, and do some research if you are not sure.
Our team can help you with all types of upgrades, including tankless water heaters, higher efficiency appliances, and low-flow toilets and faucets, all of which can use less energy and conserve water for you.
#5: What Are All of the Fees Associated with the Service?
In nearly all situations, plumbing services and costs are dependent on what we see when we arrive at your location and provide an inspection. However, you can get an estimate for the work that needs to be done by simply asking our team for one. You should have a good understanding of all costs associated with the work, including:
- Any emergency repair costs
- Costs for materials needed
- Labor costs
- Fees associated with any component of the process
- Inspection and quote fees, if applicable
If you are not sure what to expect, give us a call. We can always provide an estimated range in advance of providing any services to you so there are no surprises later.
#6: What Can Be Done to Prevent This Problem in the Future?
Plumbing problems happen for many reasons, and sometimes they are unpreventable. Other times, you can prevent them with careful attention to the way your plumbing is working. For example, if you have a blocked-up drain in your basement, talk to your plumber about why it occurred and what can be done to prevent the blockage from occurring again.
That may be related to improved screening of material, for example. Other times, it may be important for you to have the drain lines flushed every year to keep them clean and clear.
Prevention is nearly always more affordable and easier to schedule and emergency plumbing problems. It’s wise, then, to find out if your plumber recommends routine visits or annual maintenance to keep your plumbing system working at its best.
#7: How Can I Upgrade?
Are you planning to do some remodeling of a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or other area of your home? If so, let your plumber help you with the design. They can give you a good indication of the costs and complications related to running sewer lines, water lines, or even gas lines.
They can also provide you with any insight you need to ensure you meet all local building codes.
Have Questions? Give Our Team a Call Today
These may be the most important questions to ask plumbers when you need service, but we are happy to offer some insight and guidance to you that is more specific about your needs. Give us a call. Let us answer all of the questions you have.
Set up an appointment with our plumbing team to get the job done in no time and with reliability. We are available 24/7 to help you.
