If you’re in the market for a new plumber, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your prospective plumber is qualified. 

When choosing a plumber, it’s important to determine their level of expertise and professionalism. You wouldn’t want to hire a company, sign a contract, and then come to find out that the work they did was half-hearted at best, disastrous at worst?

When it comes to expensive home projects, communication is key. This article will discuss the four most important questions to ask your prospective plumber. 

Are you licensed?

This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at the number of plumbing companies that do business without a license. 

Hiring an unlicensed plumber puts you at risk financially and from a safety perspective. If, down the line, your home requires an inspection and the plumbing work fails to meet the code requirements – you’re on the hook. 

As well, some home renovation projects require a permit to go forward. If your plumber is unlicensed they will likely not be granted a permit. 

In that vein, it’s also a good idea to ask whether or not they procure any required permits or if that will be your responsibility. 

What’s the cost?

An honest plumbing company will provide a (usually complimentary) estimate for your project and keep you abreast of any changes in the project.

Before providing the estimate, the prospective plumber should come and inspect your property to get a detailed scope of the project – especially if it’s a big one! 

Avoid any company that insists on only providing quotes over the phone.

When provided with your estimate, be sure to ask if the price includes materials, labour, and a contingency fund for any issues that may arise during work. If this is stated on your estimate, even better. 

Be very clear on when payment is required. Most reputable plumbers will bill in milestones or installments. This also allows for wiggle room should anything go wrong. 

Avoid companies that require 100% of the job price upfront, this is impractical and shows a lack of good faith.

Who will be on my property?

Many reputable plumbing companies will employ a team of skilled labourers. It’s also normal for plumbers to outsource work on particularly large jobs or during busy seasons. 

Having strangers on your premises and within your home can be daunting, so it’s important to be very clear on who will be on your property and when. 

It’s also a good idea to dig a bit deeper into the screening process they use for new hires and current employees. For example, the plumbing experts at Son-Rise Plumbing regularly perform drug and alcohol testing on current employees and require background checks on all prospective employees. This is a great practice and mitigates risk for their company as well as their customers. 

Are you insured?

Speaking of risk, it’s important to find out whether or not your prospective plumber is insured. If a plumbing employee falls or injures themselves on your property while carrying out their duties, you want to ensure that any such accidents will not fall under your homeowner’s policy. 

Reputable companies should always carry a healthy liability insurance policy as well as coverage for their employees in case of injury. 

The prospective company should be all too willing and happy to provide proof of insurance for potential clients. If they hesitate, walk away! 

Conclusion

When it comes to hiring a plumber, no amount of transparency is too much! 

Following these tips will ensure that your plumbing job goes smoothly and safely.