When you need to hire a plumber, you’ll probably ask friends and family for a referral. Also, you may jump on Google or look to social media. Once you gather a list of plumbers to consider, you need to know the most important questions to ask them. That way, you can decide which plumber is right for you based on experience, service, and price. Here are 5 helpful tips for hiring an expert plumber.
1. Ask if They are Licensed
The most important thing to ask is whether the plumber is licensed. A plumbing license is a state-issued certificate proving a plumber has enough education, training for any plumbing job. Plus, a licensed plumber has the legal permission to offer plumbing services within that state. The state of Florida requires plumbers to be licensed for several reasons. First, the work plumbers do can have an impact on the clean water systems. Mistakes made on a job can result in contamination, impacting whole communities. Another reason Florida requires plumbers to be licensed is to protect the public. Additionally, a license puts liability for workmanship on the plumber. That means customers have a way to ensure their job is done according to the rules set forth by Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulations.
There are different levels of certification and different requirements for each. Make sure the plumber you hire is a licensed master plumber. Master plumbers have more experience and know business management and related subjects. Licensed plumbers, also called “journeyman plumbers,” tend to have less experience and focus only on the plumbing aspects of their job. To learn more about the different plumbing licenses and requirements for each, visit the State of Florida’s website, myfloridalicense.com.
2. Get a True Estimate
When you are ready to get plumbing work done, call a licensed master plumber in your area and ask for an estimate. Be suspicious of estimates given over the phone. That’s because for most jobs, it’s important they come to your home and take a look at the work required. It’s the only way to assess the situation properly and provide an accurate estimate of the materials and labor costs involved. Additionally, make sure to ask if the labor cost is based on the job or an hourly rate. The final cost of a job based on an hourly rate can skyrocket if it takes longer than expected.
3. Make Sure the Plumber is Bonded and Insured
Bonding protects the customer if the plumber fails to complete a job, doesn’t pay for permits, or fails to meet other financial obligations. These financial obligations include paying for supplies or subcontractors or covering damage that workers cause to your property. Most of the time, plumbers complete jobs without any issues. But if your job runs into problems, bonding and insurance make sure the job will be completed and gives you peace of mind.
4. Find out Who’s Doing the Work
Ask who, specifically, will be doing the work on your job. Make sure the licensed, journeyman plumbers do or supervise the work. Ask how much experience they have, if they’ve done similar jobs, and if they’ve worked in your neighborhood before. And make sure that apprentice plumbers working on your job and always under a licensed plumber’s supervision.
5. Check out Reviews and Lists
Finally, ask if the plumbing company is part of listing services like the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List. While some listing organizations provide more services than others, they demonstrate legitimacy and provide best practice guidelines to follow. Reviews are another way to evaluate a plumber you are considering. Visit several independent sources but always look at the overall review record. Don’t focus on a single review comment, only on the good reviews or on the bad reviews. A mix of both good and bad reviews, with mostly satisfied customers, shows the company is legitimate and capable.
Mac 5 Services is your expert plumber in Brevard County
Use these 5 helpful tips for hiring an expert plumber next time you need work done on your home. Or better yet, just call Mac 5 Plumbing at (321) 621-4330. Mac 5 Services is a licensed, Master Plumber with over 20 years of experience working in neighborhoods all over Florida. We are insured and bonded, give free, on-site estimates, and hire only licensed, experienced plumbers. A complete line of plumbing services like drain cleaning, leak detection, and water heater services is available. And emergency services are just a call away, 24-7!
Best of all, Mac 5 Services is family-owned and gives back to the communities we serve in Brevard County, like Melbourne and Rockledge. Become a member of our neighbor program and get priority service, special pricing, free service calls. When you join our neighbor program, you’re more than just a neighbor. When you join our neighbor program, you’re part of the family.
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