Does this need to be repaired or replaced?
Sometimes a plumbing job will require old parts to be taken out and new parts to be installed. Other times though, just patching up the parts that are currently there is enough, and can save you a lot of money. You may not be able to tell whether or not the answer a plumber gives you is correct; but if you’re interviewing several plumbers you’ll be able to tell which ones are being honest and which ones are not.

Will I need permits for this job and who will obtain those?
Certain jobs, such as additions or kitchen remodels, will require a permit for the work to be done. If there is no permit and work begins, this could mean big trouble for you and the plumber. Ask whether your project will require a permit and if so, who will be responsible for obtaining it. Most plumbers will obtain the necessary permits for you.

What kind of materials do you use?
Be wary of plumbers that tell you they use refurbished or second-hand parts. While this could save you money, it could also mean that parts break down and need repairing or replacing more often, which will cost you money in the long run, not to mention the hassle of living with more plumbing problems. Make sure that any parts the plumber is going to install are new and are brand name, recognizable parts.

How do you handle cleanup?
It can be great once your plumbing project is finished, but not so great if you’re stuck with a room that has nails, broken pipe parts, and other materials and trash lying around. Ask the plumbers you speak to how they handle cleanup, so you don’t end up doing their job for them.

Do you provide warranties for both parts and labor?
You don’t want a plumber to leave a job, only to have the same issue two months later. Ask what kind of warranties will be provided, and make sure that they cover both parts and labor. Some plumbers will only provide the manufacturer’s warranty for the parts, leaving you responsible for the cost of labor when they have to come back and correct the mistake. No one wants to pay for a job twice!

Here are some key questions that you should make sure you get in so that when you’re comparing bids, you can make an informed decision about which plumber will work best, and hardest, for you.

How long have you been in business?
Just because a plumber has only been in business for a year doesn’t necessarily mean that they are a bad plumber. But if the plumber you’re talking to doesn’t have a lot of experience under their belt, it is something you’ll want to consider. By the same token, if you’re talking to a plumber that has a lot of experience, you can take it as a good sign that they know what they’re doing and have had many happy customers that have kept them in business.

Are all plumbers in your company insured?
If you are speaking to a larger company that has more than one plumber on staff, you’ll need to make sure that each contractor has their own separate insurance.

Do you provide 24 hour emergency service?
A plumbing disaster can strike at any time and you don’t want to have to wait for a plumber’s doors to open while your basement fills with water. Make sure that any plumber you use has an emergency number that you can call to speak to an actual person about any plumbing problem that might arise – at any time.

What is your response time after you receive a service call?
It’s very important to know that once you call your plumber, they’ll be there ready to help you with your problem, and fast! Comparing response times is very important when comparing the bids from different plumbers.

Do you charge trip fees?
If the plumber has to travel out to your destination, they may include travel fees such as mileage. Ask any plumbers you talk to if they include travel time and cost into their fees, or whether they’re added separately, so there are no surprises when the job is done. Also ask whether or not the plumber carries all of the supplies and equipment they’ll need in their vehicle, or whether they’ll need to be running out and buying parts. If they have to be going out to get new parts, not only will this take more time but they may also charge you the travel time for doing so.

While calling a plumber in for a small job may be fine when you’re testing out different plumbers, most small plumbing jobs you’ll be able to do yourself, saving you lots of money and frustration when you’re listening to that toilet constantly running but the plumber can’t get to you until next week. Know which jobs you can do yourself, such as switching out hoses in a washing machine, unclogging a drain, changing a washer in a faucet, or even an entire faucet.

Any home hardware store will be able to tell you whether or not you can fix the problem yourself, will be able to point you in the direction of the tools you’ll need to make the repair, and might even tell you step-by-step how to do it. If you have a serious problem that you can’t tackle yourself, then it’s time to call Sons Plumbing at 817-230-3892.