As a homeowner, you may often not think much about your plumbing until something goes wrong. Then, suddenly, you need to find a plumber to handle the issue fast. And in the haste to get the job done, it’s easy to make mistakes that can cost you time and money.
A plumber is professionally trained and experienced in installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems. And while most plumbers are licensed and insured, some are not. But besides being meticulous in assessing the skills and expertise of a plumber, it’d also be to your advantage to know the common mistakes people make when hiring a plumber so you can avoid them. Here are some of them:
Not Checking For A License
When it comes to hiring a plumber, one of the most common mistakes people make is not checking for a license. While there are some qualified and skilled plumbers who are not licensed, it’s always best to play it safe and hire someone who is. Not only will this ensure that they’re properly trained and qualified to do the job, but it’ll also give you peace of mind knowing that they’re insured and bonded. To help you get started, you can check here for more information on how to find a licensed and insured plumber in your area.
Not Asking For References
Another mistake people make when hiring a plumber is not asking for references. This is a big mistake because asking for one is one of the best ways to gauge whether or not a plumber is reputable and trustworthy. A good plumber will have no problem providing references from past clients who can attest to their quality of work. Moreover, many plumbing companies also have online reviews that you can read to get an idea of what others think of their work.
Not Getting A Written Estimate
Another common mistake when hiring a plumber is not getting a written estimate. This can be a critical mistake as it can lead to all sorts of problems down the road. First, if there’s any confusion about what was supposed to be done, you’ll have nothing to refer back to. Second, if the final bill exceeds the estimate, you’ll have no way of knowing if you’re being charged fairly. With that, always get a written estimate before hiring a plumber or any other type of contractor, so you’re both on the same page as the project commences.
Not Asking About Warranties
Warranties are another area where people often make mistakes when hiring a plumber. Specifically, they fail to ask about them. This is a mistake because warranties can protect you if something goes wrong with the work done or should your property incur damage during the repair process. And as such, make sure to ask about warranties before hiring a plumber to know what’s covered and for how long. That way, you can prepare your budget for possible added costs.
Hiring The First Plumber You Find
Many people think that all plumbers are the same, so they tend to hire the first one they talk to. However, this mistake can end up costing you a lot of money. For one, plumbers vary widely in terms of their skills, experience, and rates. And so, to get the most value for your budget, take the time to find a plumber that’s a good fit for your needs. This can also help you avoid paying for subpar work or being overcharged.
To prevent these pitfalls, consider asking for recommendations and referrals from friends or family who had their home’s plumbing system repaired or checked recently. Once you’ve compiled a list of potential candidates, read online reviews and compare rates before making your final decision.
Not Discussing The Job In Detail
Some may not be as familiar and knowledgeable with the ins and outs of plumbing and thus, may not know all the questions to ask when hiring a plumber. However, asking the right questions is critical to ensuring you get the desired results and avoid costly surprises. It’s essential to take the time to explain what needs to be done and why so that the plumber can give you an accurate estimate. In addition, be sure to ask about any potential problems that could arise during the job so that you can be prepared for them.
Failing To Communicate Properly
Finally, one of the most common mistakes people make when hiring a plumber is failing to communicate properly. This can lead to all sorts of problems, from miscommunication about the job itself to misunderstandings about billing. To avoid these issues, establish clear lines of communication with your plumber from the start.
In addition, take the time to explain your situation and what you’re hoping to achieve. Clear communication ensures that the job is done right the first time and avoids any misunderstandings or frustration that could result in further costly repairs down the road.
Wrapping Up
Hiring the right plumber can be challenging, especially with the number of service providers to choose from today. And this is where knowing the common mistakes to avoid in discerning which is the right one for your needs comes in handy. By avoiding the mistakes mentioned above, you can ensure you’ll get the desired results and avoid any unnecessary headaches. With that, keep these tips in mind the next time you need to hire a plumber.
