Common problems that people typically have at home that can trigger a call to a plumber include a wide variety of issues, so it’s a good idea to understand which ones need professional help right away versus which ones can wait.
Needs Immediate Help
Plumbing problems that are emergencies include:
- A broken water line connected to the feed to the house and constantly flowing.
- A leak in a feed line, even if small.
- Signs of mold or mildew on walls.
- A hissing sound behind a wall and wet floors right nearby.
- A water heater that smells like gas.
Not So Urgent, But Needs Help
Plumbing problems that need help but aren’t immediate include:
- A plugged sink drain but other sinks can be used.
- A leaking outdoor faucet.
- A shower stall or tub that floods and won’t drain.
- A broken toilet.
- A dripping sink faucet that won’t shut off entirely.
Vetting a plumber is no different from any other contract-related project; you can take the first service that comes along or take bids and see who provides the best value for the work needed.
Getting Started Before Asking Questions
The first issue on a serious plumbing job is understanding how to define scope. Even before coming up with questions to ask a plumber before hiring them, one has to first have a good idea of what needs to be done. That’s commonly referred to as the scope of the project, which includes all the details of the work that will be provided. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t do this homework, and instead simply call a plumber with a vague statement that something is wrong. That leaves a lot of room for a plumber to fit in additional tasks and work not expected.
The above said, not everyone knows plumbing. So, if time is available, it’s better to have one plumber come in and diagnose the problem, and then take that diagnosis and see how plumbers bid on the specific work. By getting the definition in the same terms used by the professionals, the job is clearly defined, and a homeowner has a better idea of the value offered with bids.
Taking Bids
With the scope understood, taking bids is a simple process of providing the nature of the job and asking different plumbers what they will charge for the work. And a homeowner doesn’t always need to take the lowest offer. It’s a good idea to focus on the mid-range of costs offered as low bidders can have a reputation for cutting corners. Depending on the number of bids received, the goal is to narrow down the field to two or three good offers.
Questions to Ask for a Final Decision
The first and probably most important question to ask a plumber before hiring them involves proof of licensing and bonding. Licensing is essential to know the plumber can do the work correctly. Second, the bonding protects the homeowner if the work is not done right or, worse, the service disappears before being completed.
With the “basement” requirements out of the way, then the bid becomes more of a question of which cost value and service provide the best value. Time requirements can help here, narrowing down how long the job will take. Additionally, for large jobs, a homeowner may want to know what it will take in terms of removal of furniture and use of the work area for daily living. These details can usually make a difference between one bid and another for a homeowner’s specific interests.
Final Questions
In terms of filling out the last details, the following questions can help as well in picking the right bid:
- Experience – how long has the plumber been working in the trade?
- Warranty – is the provided covered with a level of protection that covers a period after the work is performed?
- Referrals – who has the plumber worked for previously who can be contacted about performance?
Remember, there is no requirement to hire the first plumber who comes along, but a homeowner’s time pressures or needs can create different scenarios. Whichever the case though, there are plenty of plumbers in every town and city. So don’t feel pressured that only one plumber can do the work involved.
