Homeowners often pick up the wrench and complete plumbing repairs themselves because it is necessary. A professional, licensed plumber is essential for assistance with more difficult jobs like constructing a brand-new bathroom, plumbing a laundry room, and adding a shower or bathroom.
Understand Emergency vs. Remodel or New Plumbing
Instead of scheduling remodel, or new plumbing work, the advertisements, commercials, and trucks you may see all around town are probably advertising plumbing work on-call for emergencies. You can save money by understanding the distinction between the two types of plumbing work.
Emergency Plumbing
Emergency plumbers respond immediately to your call, typically within an hour or two, fix broken pipes, do sewer line repair, blocked drain plumbing, shaky showers, and clogged bathtubs. Since it provides a quick fix to a significant issue, emergency plumbing work is important.
Emergency plumbers are pricey but typically worthwhile: Even the most expensive emergency plumber often costs far more than restoring a ceiling, replacing flooring, or repairing the lower part of the drywall on your walls.
Remodeling or New-Construction Plumbing
You will require a plumber who will show up at the given time and complete the service as per an agreed estimate.
The price for scheduled work will typically be more than urgent, on-call work.
Plumbing companies that promote themselves as emergency plumbers often also perform planned remodel work.
1. Check the Plumber’s State Licensing
Check the website of your state’s licensing board for information on a plumber’s license and any open or closed complaints. If a plumber has a current license, it does not imply that the licensing authority endorses them; rather, it only indicates that the plumber has met minimal standards.
2. Create a Plumbing Plan
Before calling a plumber, have a solid plumbing strategy. The plumber will take care of the types, sizes, and fittings, so the plan doesn’t need to be focused on those details. You must, however, be aware of your desired outcome. The plumber will probably show up prepared to start working if the project is small enough.
3. Remain Flexible
A good plan for your plumbing job is just the beginning. Other benefits of hiring a plumber over doing it yourself, outside the plumber’s physical labor, include experience and guidance. Be flexible and listen to the plumber.
4. Make a Spreadsheet for Your Estimates
Make sure you are prepared to ask the correct questions before speaking with the plumbing company when you call:
- Daily rates
- Prices for non-plumbing work like opening a wall
- Rates for non-plumbing tasks
- Is the customer charged while the plumber waits
- Bonding
- Projected start dates
5. Buy Your Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbers provide the pipes, valves, and other components necessary to move water into or out of your home. You are responsible for providing toilets, sinks, fittings, bathtubs, and showers.
6. Prepare the Job Site for the Plumber
Save dollars and time by not having to open up walls, clean out crawl spaces, or illuminate dark basements, which would otherwise require the services of your pricey plumber. Do this on their behalf, even if you believe the plumber should.
Conclusion
When the plumber inquires, stay out of sight and close by to take their call. The majority of plumbers will put up with some consumer hovering.
However, excessive hovering can divert the plumber’s attention, adding time and expense to the project.
