What is Important to Know When Finding a Plumber?

It is 5 a.m. on a sleepy Saturday morning when you wake up to hear a severe leak in your bathroom -- your sink is gushing water from its pipe and you need a plumber fast. Nothing is more stressful than hiring a plumber for emergency repairs. Looking for the plumber isn't an easy task, and needing one immediately on top of that adds pressure to the situation. Don't panic. With the right know how, it can be done.

• Is he licensed?  A license says to the public, "I take my profession seriously." Never hire a plumber unless he is licensed. Hiring an unlicensed plumber can backfire, especially if the work is shoddy; you might have a hard time getting your money back if you knew that he wasn't licensed in the first place. 


• Does he have sufficient insurance coverage? Never hire a plumber who doesn't have the proper insurance coverage. If damages occur and he doesn't have liability insurance, you may be paying for repairs yourself. If you try and take him to court to recoup your damages, the judge might ask if you knew at the time that he was uninsured. Knowing he wasn't may not fair well for you. Ask to see confirmation he is insured before he begins doing anything. If he refuses, he is not the plumber for you.


• How much does he charge? Can you afford his rates? What different types of payment does he accept? Does he have a payment plan for really big jobs? Do not hesitate to shop around, but depending on how soon you need your problem fixed will determine when to go by experience or bargain. Remember, you get what you pay for, and you don't want to have to pay more the second time if it does not turn out to be a job well done. 


• Can he be reached 24/7? Emergencies do not know anything about time, they just happen. Can the plumber be reached at 2 a.m. Friday morning or at noon on a Sunday? How about during the holidays? Is there an extra fee for emergency or after-hour situations? 


• How does he run his business? Is there more than one plumber on staff, just in case he isn't available? Does he have all the parts in stock or does he sometimes have to order as per needed? It is good to hire a plumber who has everything he needs on hand instead of having to wait for an order.


• How much experience does he have? You always want the plumber who has seen it all or at least come close to it. Look for a plumber who has at least five to eight years under his belt, unless he will be closely watched by a more established plumber with that or more years under his belt.