Unexpected emergencies can put an untimely end to holiday fun. Having a
plumbing professional in your Rolodex can save you time and money!
Temperatures are dropping and the expectation of snow is looming. You
are prepared to snuggle up in your home for the Winter, sipping hot
cocoa and enjoying the holidays. The last thing you would expect is for
your pipes to freeze or your drains to clog. Instead of trying home
remedies or do-it-yourself solutions, you should enlist the help of a
certified plumbing professional. Not only do they have experience fixing
the many problems that can occur, they can save you time and trouble
when a do-it-yourself solution fails, or makes the problem worse.
Finding a great pro is easy, but does take a little legwork. You want
someone who is not only licensed in your state, but insured and bonded.
This protects you from any damages resulting from the work done
improperly or insufficiently. A good place to start is by asking your
friends, family and neighbors for recommendations. The Better Business
Bureau has many resources on their website where you can view
professionals in your area and read reviews. Your local Chamber of
Commerce can tell you if the professional is licensed and bonded, and if
there are any actions pending for that particular company.
Most plumbing companies will give a free estimate for your situation,
unless it is an emergency. In that case you will most likely need the
work performed immediately. It is important that you get your estimate
on paper, with all charges fully detailed, and any extraneous charges
spelled out. Extraneous charges may be after-hours work, parts ordering,
or travel charges. You should also ask if they use sub-contractors for
any work, and if they are also licensed, bonded and insured. Although it
may be tempting, going with the lowest bidder may not always be the
best idea. Research is your most powerful tool in getting the job done.
When your plumber comes to survey your problem, they will most likely
check for other problems at the same time. This is your opportunity to
ask questions about their experience. Ask for all options concerning
your problem. There may be more than one solution, and some may cost
less than others. You should also ask about preventative measures. If
you have a septic system, your plumber may have suggestions for
maintaining your system to prevent certain problems. He or she may also
have suggestions for keeping drains clear or preventing the freezing of
pipes. All you need to do is ask!
While no one wants to have problems with their plumbing, eventually, it
happens to everyone. Using a little common sense and a doing a little
research will go a long way in helping you find a professional to assist
you when you need it. Developing a relationship now can save you a lot
of time, stress, and sanity when or if something happens in the future.
No one wants to be frantically searching for help while their house is
flooding! Not only will you have a “go-to guy”, but you will save money
in the long run.
