Hiring a Plumber: Knowing What to Look for

You are right in the middle of renovating an older home that you and your wife just recently purchased. You are preparing to pull out the tub surround when you notice some rust colored staining and crumbling wallboard. You decide to go ahead and pull the surround out to see what is going on. Once the surround is out, you realize that there is a problem bigger than you can handle. The old pipes (which probably contain lead) are leaking, and there is some sort of built up covering more than 3 inches of the pipe. This problem is obviously out of your control, so you reach for your laptop to pull up the name of a plumber.

There are so many, how do you know whom to choose? Some things to check into when choosing a plumber include licensure, bonding and insurance, and amount of experience. You may also want to ask for referrals from previous clients, as well as check with your friends and associates to see if there is anyone that they may recommend.

Various states have different licensing policies in regard to the plumbing trade. You can check your state's licensing policies by going on to their website or calling down to the licensing board's office. At this time, you can also check to make sure the contractor you are considering is up to date with his license. Ask the contractor directly if he is fully insured; if he is you can ask for a copy of his certificate of insurance. This certificate will protect you from any liability that should occur while work is being done on your home. Be sure to ask if he can provide a certificate of bonding. While the amount of experience that a plumber has is not completely indicative of his work, you want to be sure that the professional you choose has an inadequate level of knowledge regarding your individual situation. Always check with friends, family, and even coworkers to see if there is a particular contractor that they recommend for plumbing needs. Personal recommendations should always be considered.

As long as your plumber is licensed through the state in which he operates, you can be assured that he has at least met the minimum requirements necessary to perform the duties in which he is trained. Hopefully, by asking pertinent questions, you will be able to determine if the contractor is the right professional for your project.