Plumbing - Finding The Perfect Professional

Choosing a plumbing professional can be tricky, particularly for the inexperienced home owner who is not certain what he’s looking for when it comes time to choose a plumber. Fortunately, the popularity of the Internet and the relatively easy availability of information means Americans have come a long way from choosing a service from the phone book, or trusting a plumber simply because he’s the option everyone else in town is using. Keeping a few things in mind will help you separate the cream from the crop, and protect you against dishonest, overpriced, or under qualified service professionals that end up costing you time and money in the long run.

Before you contact a service provider, it’s good to have an idea of what type of work you need done, what you suspect the problem may be, and the time frame you’re willing to wait before the job is completed. Obviously, a gushing pipe or toilet that doesn’t work is going to be a more time-sensitive matter than updating your old bathtub with a new Jacuzzi and shower. That being said, be prepared to pay more for emergency and short-notice service, even if you’re choosing a reasonably priced plumber. Use consumer reviews and call the Better Business Bureau to check up on the provider you’ve chosen, or if you have some extra time to research and choose between a few potential candidates.

While it’s important to get and compare estimates from a few different plumbers, be aware that most charge a service visit fee to come to your home or business to inspect the problem and issue an estimate. If you have an idea of what the problem is, or what renovations you’re interested in making, you can usually get a plumbing professional to give you an estimate over the phone. However, it’s important to remember than an estimate is just that, particularly because the plumber hasn’t actually seen the problem in person, and may not have all the information. Often, there are unseen difficulties and extenuating circumstances that may make the issue a more costly one to repair.

When you interview potential plumbing professionals to handle your job, be sure to ask not only for an estimate, but how the plumber arrives at his figure. Some charge by the hour, while others will charge for the entirety of the job. The first option is more common, but can also end up working more to the plumber’s benefit than to yours, one of the many reasons why it’s wise to research the business before committing. The average price for a plumber’s time is between $70- $185 per hour, depending on your location. If you’re calling for emergency service on weekends and holidays, expect to pay a 50% increase over his normal hourly fee. It may seem expensive, but most plumbers know that a holiday weekend without a working toilet or kitchen sink is worth the price.