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Commercial Plumber in Chantilly

Questions to Ask a Plumber

Here are some 10 questions to inquire about BEFORE employing a commercial plumber Chantilly.

 

License

Does your company have a license? Should be the first question to ask your plumber.

Plumbing companies require to be authorized in two distinct kinds. First, one has to make certain that they have a license and they are enlisted with the state. You can search if the company is licensed or not by doing an easy investigation on the state’s official website.

Next, the plumbing company must have licensed plumbers. If it seems to be a problem with any of the two licenses, this should be seen as a red flag that there may be something off with the business and must be investigated further.

 

Insurance

This is a big and important question among all the others. A plumbing company should have liability or harm insurance with a range that is sufficient enough to wrap up any possible loss of the capital on which it is working.

For instance, A high peak office room may only be 1100 square feet, but it is on the 14th floor. A water toll on this kind of space could handily cost $1,000,500 once it’s bombed the floors with water below it. If the business isn’t well insured for a comprehensive penalty, one could find itself left with compensating for the water loss and following repairs.

The next insurance a business requires is Workman’s Compensation (generally known as Worker’s Comp). This insurance drapes a worker if they are harmed during their job. If a business has badly organized workers (like if they are given money under the table) then they might not have this kind of insurance.

 

Employee’s screening or background check

Hiring an Experienced Plumber

Remember that the person you hire is the person you will allow into your home with your possessions and your family. Sadly, in today’s era, no one knows what kind of a person could be, particularly if they have entry to your house without supervision.

 

Work experience

Every experienced person is once a novice, but when there’s a plumbing case that is unusual or more complicated. You should expect a company that assigns highly skilled plumbers that have handled a related problem, not the person who just inducted his first tap this week.

 

Protection of assets

Will they utilize shoe covers and drop cloths to maintain your grounds? What efforts will the company take to avert undue harm to your possession during a repair or installation? Will they clean up when they are done or leave you with a messy bathroom, toilet or sink?

While this is one of the various questions to inquire before employing a plumber, remember that it’s ok to ask a plumbing company.

 

Local references

Hiring a Capable Plumber

It may deem a bit weird asking for some references but do it nonetheless. Once you get what you need, call the sources and inquire about any doubts that you may have regarding the company. Many people are glad to advise you whether they retained a wonderful experience or had a problem and how it was dealt with.

 

Proper equipment

There is nothing terrible about having to employ another plumber to complete a task because the early one didn’t possess the adequate equipment.

“What type of tool do you retain for this kind of plumbing work?” is an essential concern to inquire before employing a plumber.

 

Guarantee and warranty

A guarantee or warranty is important for any installations or repairs. Make sure that what they have done on your plumbing system is covered for any issues that may arise in the next months or year.

 

Customer reviews

Hiring a Reputable Plumbing Company
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While there are however a few senior organized plumbing businesses that may not possess a website but it is unusual. If they don’t possess a website and one can’t get any reviews at all, this could indicate they either not well known or could be someone aiming to cheat you out of your money. Reading customer’s experience with the company is a considerable way to attain faith and assurance before you hire a plumber.

 

Upfront pricing

Some plumbing companies may have hidden charges. A good plumbing company will indicate what the charges are for and will not surprise you with any unnecessary expenses.

Conclusion

Hope this article about “10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber” assists you to hire the perfect person for the plumbing demands.

Plumbing Company in Chantilly

How to Find a Good Plumbing Company

Any problems with the plumbing network in your home could often put you and your family members in a tight spot. It could be an emergency situation for many. The problem with plumbing issues is that it may happen out of your eyesight. In other words, the plumbing work may be damaged behind your walls, beneath the kitchen or toilet flooring and other such concrete structures.

Identifying the problem in the first place could be out of bounds for many of us. Hence, we may have no other option but to take the help and assistance of professionals to identify the problem and then have it rectified. In other words, we should not waste any time in identifying the right plumbing company Chantilly as soon as possible.

But it is not easy to shortlist and then select the right plumbing professionals. This is basically because of two reasons. To begin with, we do not have even the basic idea about problems that could be happening beneath the floors or behind the walls as far as plumbing networks are concerned. We will come to know of it only, when the seams burst and water and muck starts flowing out into our living rooms or even common spaces in big apartments.

Secondly, if we look around the internet, we can easily come across dozens of plumbing repair and maintenance companies. Each one makes tall claims and therefore, making the right choice often may become quite tough and confusing. Unless we are able to make an informed and knowledgeable decision, it is obvious that we may end up making the wrong choice.

The next few lines are devoted to some common tips and suggestions that could help us in choosing the right plumbing company from the dozens that are trying to establish a toe-hold in a highly demanding and competitive market situation

1. Checks Their Credentials

This is the first and foremost step that you must take as a customer before you shortlist the plumbing company. Make sure that the plumber or the company has the required qualifications and credentials to work in your house. It is mandatory in most states for plumbers to have an operating and working license.

Ensure that the licenses that are with the plumbing companies or individuals are valid and in force. Check with the local government agencies and if you find that they make licensing mandatory for plumbers. If the answer is yes, insist on the plumbing service providers to show their valid licenses. If not, it would be better to stay away from such companies or individuals for obvious reasons.

2. Are they professional?

Professionally Licensed Plumber

Any good plumber should be professional apart from being competent and skillful in his or her jobs. There are many ways in which the plumbers can exhibit their professionalism. It always pays well to have a close look at the way in which they dress, the way in which they interact with their prospective clients and the way in which they negotiate rates and deals with clients.

They should be able to explain adequately the reasons as to why they are a better choice when compared to other such plumbers in and around Chantilly. As a prospective client, you should feel comfortable and confident talking to the plumber and be reasonably sure that they are skilled, competent and capable of handling the plumbing problem that you may have.

3. Do they have the right infrastructure?

Always look for plumbers who are able to showcase the right infrastructure for identifying, repairing, maintaining and overhauling plumbing networks. Most leaks or cracks in pipes and other such networks happen deep under the floors or beneath the walls. Unless the plumbers have the right ultrasonic devices, they may not be in a position to pinpoint the impacted area easily.

They could end up wasting their and your time. The right infrastructure, tools and machines are also needed for repairing the damage efficiently and to the complete satisfaction of the clients.

4. Do they have insurance?

Professional Plumbing Contractor

Always choose only those plumbing companies who have the required insurance coverage. The insurance coverage should be total and comprehensive. This is vital because it protects and indemnifies the customers in case of any damages and even injuries that could happen to workers while they are working on the site trying to set things right as far as your plumbing issues are concerned.

Make sure that you check on the correctness and validity of the insurance policies and never go by what the plumbing companies have to say. Seeing is believing.

5. Don’t cut corners on quality

When you research and go through the due diligence process, you will come across many plumbing companies who may be ready to offer their services for a song. While this may look quite attractive from the financial point of view, make sure that they are capable of delivering quality services. Never cut corners on materials, quality of work and other such things because once plumbing work has been done, redoing it again will be expensive and have many problems.

Let it not be a case of being pennywise and pound foolish. Look for competitive plumbing services but not the cost of quality.

6. Adherence to timelines

A Punctual Plumber

Most plumbing works are emergencies and therefore as customers it is quite obvious that we will be looking at urgent and time bound solutions. The same is also the case when it comes to laying new plumbing networks or even whenever there is a need for proactive and preventive maintenance. Take inputs and feedback to ensure that the plumbing professionals whom you are planning to choose have a good track record of completing their job thoroughly and efficiently within the timelines that they have promised to their clients.

7. Pay Importance to Reviews & Customer Feedback

It is quite normal for plumbing companies to blow their own trumpets. While many of their claims may be true and factual, it is always better to have it verified by an independent third-party source. The best option would be to look for customer reviews, feedback, star ratings, etc. However, make sure that the feedback, reviews and star rating are original and not paid for. Look for independent sites or forums where many customers post their honest feedback.

Conclusion

Choosing a good plumbing company in Chantilly can be simple if you are able to follow the above tips. They are proven, time-tested and are based on facts rather than opinions and hearsays. Plumbing repair costs big money and therefore make sure that you are able to get the best value for money. Finally, be proactive with plumbing issues and contact a good plumbing company even if you come across some minor problems. Delays and procrastination may cost customers dearly.

 

Emergency Plumber

5 Tips on Finding The Right Plumber

It cannot be denied that plumbing problems happen when you least expect them, which is why they tend to catch you off guard. You may experience a clogged drain or your water heater may even malfunction. When you need an emergency plumber Fairfax, it is never wise to choose just the first plumber that you see listed somewhere. You should plan in advance even before you have a plumbing emergency to know who you would hire to address your plumbing situations and plumbing emergencies.

Doing so is highly important, as the reality is that every moment really is important when you have a plumbing crisis due to the fact that you do not want the situation to become more drastic. When you know which plumber you would call, then you will be able to have a top-quality plumber to address your problem quickly.

Moreover, the truth of the matter is that the quality of the work that the plumber does is vital. That is why you cannot just resort to calling any plumber on the list of ones you see mentioned. When you know ahead of time which plumber you can rely on to do the work properly, you will have the peace of mind that the job will be done correctly and with quality in such cases that you have a plumbing emergency.

That is why we share some helpful tips here to aid you in getting the right plumber, so you can have the outcome of a job that is done exceptionally well. This will result in the peace of mind that your plumbing issue is now taken care of as it should be with real expertise.

 

Check to see if the plumber has a license

Reputable Plumber

When you are in need of a plumber for a plumbing emergency or another type of plumbing scenario, then you most assuredly should see that the plumber has a license to do plumbing before you ever commit to making the decision to hire a plumber to address your plumbing emergency or other plumbing issues. This should always be your foundational rule prior to selecting a plumber. It is vital to ensure that the plumbing company does possess credentials that are accurate.

As well, the company should possess full insurance to protect you in such a case that some problems arise. Be mindful that a plumber that do not have any insurance is able to bill you if he or she sustains any injuries during work.

 

A company that provides emergency services

When it comes down to the matter of hiring your plumber, it is also vital for you to be informed regarding the policy about the emergency services that the plumber provides. If you have a boiler that breaks or if you have a pipe that bursts in your residence, you need to have access to a plumbing company that provides emergency service on a 24-hour basis.

Also, you want to take into inclusion how quick the response time is, as the reality is that you do not desire to wait for as much as eight hours or more for the arrival of a plumber in such instances if there is a pipe that has ruptured.

 

Do a background check

Doherty Plumbing Company Online Reviews & Awards

Before you actually make the final leap in hiring a particular plumber, you should always be diligent to check any reviews of the plumber and the plumbing company online. When there tend to be more reviews that are positive instead of negative, then this is a strong indication that the plumber has real expertise and would likely do a good job in regard to addressing your plumbing emergency and other issues.

It is normal for some reviews to be negative, as the reality is that even the best people cannot please all people all the time. Thus, in such cases when there are many positive reviews, you can be assured that the company and plumber are likely highly reputable.

 

Consider asking for referrals

People before you have gone through the experience of dealing with a plumber. They will know if their plumber is an expert or gave them a bad experience. If the plumber is good, they will recommend him or her to you. If the plumber was not an expert and did not resolve the issues in a decent manner, they will not recommend that kind of plumber to you.

Thus, the recommendations of your friends, family members, neighbors and acquaintances will likely be safe options. However, it is wise not to rest with just one referral. You should have a few more people recommend the same plumber in order to be sure that they all experienced top-notch service with really good results.

 

Ensure that the plumber communicates well

Plumber-Customer Relationship

It is important for you to be able to communicate well with your plumber. This means the plumber should be responsive to your needs and understand what the issues are. The plumber must be willing to listen and be able to answer any questions that you have. The plumber should be patient in a kind, professional and helpful manner. When the plumber addresses you in this way instead of being abrupt, rushed or rude, you will likely receive a good job done by the plumber.

When you need an emergency plumber, contact us to resolve your plumbing issues. We have many years of professional experience dealing with emergency plumbing issues. We always provide accurate prices, so that you are never charged more than you were originally quoted. When you have an emergency plumbing issue, we show up on time ready to get the job done. Thus, you will not have to wait many hours before we arrive on the scene to deal with your plumbing crisis. We are ready to help and are pleased to address any of your questions and concerns.

How to Hire a Star Plumber: Plumbing Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Guidelines on How To Look For Your Star Plumbers to Work With Your Plumbing Needs

When it’s time to choose a plumber for your plumbing needs, it can be difficult to find one that does not cost an arm and a leg yet who does work that you can trust. Plumbing projects can range from a clogged drain to a complete bathroom remodeling job. Finding good plumbers services in VA can be time-consuming and challenging. However, this article from Star Plumbers will help you by breaking each step down and providing helpful tips along the way.

 

The Plumber Classification System

Different Types of Star Plumbers

Did you know that there are four different types of plumbers for hire? Each one has specific levels of experience and will charge their rates accordingly.

 

The Apprentice

An apprentice plumber is working with either a union or a nonunion contractor organization. Training for an apprentice will include classwork and paid hands-on training under the supervision of either a journeyman or a master plumber. In order for an apprentice plumber to land a job with a more experienced one, he will need to be good at math and logical thinking, have the ability to move around on the ground quickly and easily, able to solve problems and be mechanically savvy.

An apprentice plumber will also need to be able to relate to others as the plumbing trade requires interaction with clients, salespersons, other tradesmen, and suppliers. Most apprenticeships take between four and five years to complete and require a certain level of maturity and dedication.

Those who are interested in becoming apprentices should focus on math and science in middle school and high school. A future plumber does not need to be a genius at math, but he does need to at least have a solid foundation of numbers and how they work.

Courses to consider strongly include algebra 1 and 2, geometry and physics. The apprentice should also consider courses in drafting and computer science. A high school diploma is a requirement fo obtaining an apprenticeship. If you did not graduate, the next option would be to take and pass a General Education Development test (GED).

A trade school or vocational college is a great option for improving the odds of getting an apprenticeship with a more experienced plumber. Such coursework is not necessary, but it can give the prospective candidate a leg up over the other applicants. All apprenticeships require a certain amount of coursework, so having a background going into the field will give the applicant a head start.

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, many schools and colleges will help you get into a plumbing company, labor union or with a master plumber. The school should be accredited and offer courses in drafting, math, accounting, computer software, plumbing codes, domestic piping, commercial piping, cost estimating and construction materials. Upon completion of the course, the apprentice will receive a certificate or a degree.

After completing the coursework, the prospective plumber will need to prepare for the aptitude test. Not all plumbing apprentice programs require this test, but those who do are often more selective in who they choose as a candidate for their programs. A practice test or a study guide is strongly required before actually taking the test itself.

Application for a plumber’s union apprenticeship is generally the easiest way to land a job. A union will provide all the necessary coursework for their applicants and will help them get paired up with a licensed journeyman or a master plumber to launch their career. This will save the apprentice the step of having to locate a licensed tradesman on his own. Additionally, unions offer benefits to their members such as sick leave, medical insurance, and disability insurance.

If the apprentice-hopeful doesn’t want to be part of a union, he can locate a private plumbing company willing to hire an apprentice. This option will require sending applications to many small companies before finding a match. Going directly to a private plumbing company immediately after leaving trade school does not allow the freedom to learn as much as would be possible with the union route. In addition, the apprenticeships found in the private sector tend to be less structured, feature low pay and are not as adept in teaching or training new plumbers.

 

The Journeyman

A journeyman has completed the four- to five-year coursework required to be able to work alone. Journeymen are also known as journey workers and journeyman plumbers. The journeyman is able to work with water and drainage systems in residential and commercial applications alike. Jobs can include installation of new plumbing fixtures, unclogging drains, maintaining sewage and gas lines and troubleshooting.

While a degree is not required to become a journeyman, it is necessary to obtain postsecondary training through either an apprenticeship or a trade school. Apprenticeships are the best way to go, as they offer on-the-job training in real-world situations. In most cases, the journeyman plumber designation is reserved for individuals to have successfully completed an apprenticeship program.

The journeyman will also have demonstrated experience and expertise with plumbing equipment, stamina and physical strength, an understanding of accounting and an ability to work with CAD software and word processors. The United Association of Journeymen presents a five-year apprenticeship program for persons interested in becoming journeymen plumbers. The program includes a minimum of 246 hours in the classroom and between 1700 and 2000 paid training hours on the job.

Upon completion of general classwork including welding and pipefitting, the apprentice can choose a specific plumbing career path. At this point, the apprentice will be able to take the journeyman licensing test and will be able to work independently. Requirements to become licensed will vary from state to state. In general, a journeyman must have two to five years of experience in plumbing and be able to pass a test evaluating their knowledge of plumbing.

In order to maintain a valid license, journeymen must complete continuing education on a regular basis. In some states, the renewal of a journeyman license is required every 12 months. Others only require renewal after three years. The required number of hours and courses needed to obtain a renewal also vary by state. In the state of Virginia, a journeyman license will require the following standards be met:

  • Two years of hands-on plumbing experience and a degree or certification showing the completion of a two-year trade school, technical school or community college program OR
  • Four years of hands-on plumbing experience and 240 hours of formal vocational training OR
  • Five years of hands-on plumbing experience and 160 hours of formal vocational training OR
  • Six years of hands-on plumbing experience and 80 hours of formal vocational training OR
  • A bachelor’s degree in an engineering curriculum related to plumbing and one year of hands-on plumbing experience OR
  • 10 years of hands-on plumbing experience that is verifiable by an affidavit who observed the applicant’s work over the course of this period of time.

 

The Master Plumber

The final step in the career of a plumber is to earn the master plumber certification. This will allow the journeyman to take on more advanced roles such as supervisor of other plumbers/apprentices and planning, design and execution of both residential and commercial plumbing systems.

The master plumber will have a greater level of experience with both the hands-on and business sides of their profession. This will include the skills and knowledge needed to maintain both indoor and outdoor plumbing configurations and extensive knowledge of plumbing codes and regulations at both the state and federal levels. A master plumber is more likely to be specialized in a specific area of his plumbing career path. These can include pipefitter, steamfitter, pipelayer, gas service, project manager and business owner.

In general, the master plumber designation requires two years of experience as a journeyman plumber and successfully passing specific examinations. These tests will evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of specific topics including building code, plumbing techniques, and business management. Other questions can include topics such as business law, contract composition and execution and how to work with clients. These questions ensure that only the appropriate persons receive the master plumber designation.

After passing the exam, the master plumber will be issued a license number. In order to maintain his license, he will need to complete the required level of continuing education. In the state of Virginia, the requirement is a three-hour course every two years. Some contractors choose to join an organization to keep up with the newest developments in the plumbing industry. As a homeowner, you have the right to request information about the plumber’s license number, his level of experience and the amount of training he has.

 

Tips on How to Land a Good Plumber for Your Home or Business

Ask Around: Working Your Network

Anyone in the world can say that they do a good job for their customers, but unless you have a way to view their track record, there is no way to really know. Try to work with friends and family members in getting the service that you need, as a friend/family member will be much more likely to give you an honest review. They will also give you tips on who they did not like and why they recommend the plumber they do.

Another source for recommendations is remodeling contractors and real estate agents. Because a home with plumbing problems is bound to have difficulty selling, realtor often has a list of reliable plumbers that they will call in the event of a plumbing problem.

You can also ask the plumber himself for references of people who are satisfied with his work. Be aware, however, that this process might take some time. The plumber will need to ensure that his former clients are okay with him sharing their contact information with a stranger.

 

Don’t Believe Everything You Read Online: How to Find Real Reviews

Ways To Spot Fake Online Reviews About The Best Plumbers

Obviously, if you are having a crisis, you might not have the time to do a thorough amount of research for the best plumber. In times like this, you might just have to take your chances and hire the one who can be there the fastest. At other times, however, you would benefit from taking the time to locate a plumber who has proven himself over time. Online directories are great places to locate pre-screened contractors you can work with. Look for reviews that are not paid or sponsored. The Better Business Bureau is a reliable source of real data. You can verify any reviews you find by using “fake review detector” websites such as Fakespot and ReviewMeta.

 

Finding Quality Contractors: Online Referral Services

In recent years, online referral services have really taken off. Places such as Home Advisor, Angie’s List, Networx, Yelp, Houzz and Handy are all great places to start where real customers post their experiences working with a particular contractor or private plumber. Using either crowd-sourced reviews or in-house vetting, these referral services are easy to use.

 

Print Ads: The Paper is Not Necessarily Proof

Choosing The Best Plumber Through Print Ads

Printed ads found in the yellow pages or in your newspaper are not necessarily a guarantee of a good plumber. Companies who have a lot of money invested in their advertising campaigns will often have higher bid prices than those who done. Also, the best tradesmen will not need to advertise. Word-of-mouth will be sufficient to keep them in business. This is the best way to find a plumber and should be used at every opportunity.

 

Licenses, Insurance and Warranties: Why They Matter

Plumbers, electricians, locksmiths and HVAC technicians are all required to have licensing to work in their respective states. You as the client have the right to request proof of licensure before allowing a plumbing contractor to work on your home or business. The license should be up-to-date. You can further verify a plumber’s credentials by looking at the license up at the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

Although you might have homeowner’s insurance, the plumber you select should have workman’s compensation along with at least $500,000 of liability insurance to cover any injuries that might occur during the course of the project. This coverage will also extend to any additional personnel that is working with the plumbing contractor. The best plumbers will guarantee parts and labor for at least one year after the service. Any plumber who does not offer a warranty with the job should be questioned at the least.

 

Are You Bonded? (This Has Nothing to Do with Jail)

Bonding is perhaps one of the least understood aspects of contract work. When a company or individual is bonded, you as the consumer are protected in the event that the contractor fails to meet any financial obligations such as paying for supplies or completing a job. A bonded contractor will pay a premium to a surety company in the event that something goes awry with the job. To ensure that the plumber you are working with is bonded, you can ask for a bond number and certification.

Bonded employees, on the other hand, have had a background check and is done when the employee will be responsible for handling highly valuable materials. In the event that the employee breaks trust, the bonding company will compensate for your loss.

 

Independent Plumbers vs. Large Companies

Choose Between /Independent Plumbing Contractors & Large Companies

Large plumbing companies will have a pool of workers that they will pull from to send to your home. In most cases, you will receive the plumber who is available at the time of the call. In cases such as these, you might do well to work with a company that provides background checks on all their employees. Because the plumber you speak with might not be the one sent out to your home, ask about experience and credentials before setting up an appointment.

Private contractors hold the certification for their jobs and are more likely to have the experience and quality of work you want. Private contractors are often in high demand and may be hard to book if you need a job done immediately.

 

Professional Appearance: How They Look, Dress and Behave

When the plumber comes to give you an estimate for the job, observe how he dresses and carries himself. A quality plumber will wear a uniform if he is associated with a large company. If he is a one-man shop, he may or may not wear logoed clothing. However, he should still be dressed appropriately and be well-groomed.

The “vibes” you get from the plumber should also play a part in making your selection. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, do not hire him to work on your home. Basic politeness is critical as are solid social skills and interpersonal abilities.

 

General Plumbers vs. Remodeling Plumbers

The Difference Between General Plumbers and Remodeling Plumbers

The general plumber is the one you call when your toilet is stopped up, when a pipe breaks or when your bathtub faucet won’t stop leaking. In order to establish a good relationship with your plumber, have him come out to fix non-urgent problems like that leaky faucet or that smelly drain. It is easier to get emergency help from a plumber if you establish a working relationship with him first.

The general plumber will also be your emergency contact when Murphy’s Law kicks in. In an emergency, expect to pay high costs. The plumber will be charging you for his time driving there, any parts needed and for the duration of the job itself.

Drain cleaning services are especially costly. You can expect to pay around $70 an hour for drain lines and nearly twice that much for sewer lines. Weekend and night calls will cost even more. Basic plumbing jobs like replacing drain traps or repairing a minor leak will range anywhere from $45 to $65 an hour in addition to parts. If you make a call on a weekend or at night, you can pay as much as $100 just for him to come out to your house and $75 an hour after that.

Remodeling plumbers specialize in remodeling and remedial labor. The remodeling plumber will be especially careful with working with finished environments and will take care to protect carpeting and floors while working. In a case like this, you will want to work with a plumber who is vetted by a general contractor. A simple error such as failure to properly solder a joint can result in a multi-thousand-dollar repair. Because so much depends on how well the plumber does his job, the contractor is only going to hire those he can trust.

A remodeling plumber will typically charge between $45 to $65 an hour, including parts. However, more and more plumbers are charging “per fixture” rates based on drain locations, fixtures like toilets and bathtubs and supply lines.

 

In-person Quotes and Fixed/Hourly Rates: The Importance of the Distinction

If the plumber offers you a quote over the phone, think twice about hiring him. A good plumber will want to see the project himself before giving you a price to avoid quoting you too much or too little. A good plumber will also include the price of any estimated parts needed to complete the repair in the quote.

You can ensure that the plumber has done so by asking him if the estimate includes parts and labor. Most companies will offer you a free estimate to help secure your business. Ask for a breakdown of all costs in writing when receiving the final estimate.

Some people look for the cheapest prices when choosing a plumber to service their homes. While this might be necessary for extreme circumstances, you should not make a habit of this practice. Plumbers who underbid on projects are likely to cut corners in ways that you might not even be aware of until a problem crops up later on. A plumber who charges more is not necessarily trying to scam you. Compare estimates to see if the quote you were given is reasonable. A minimum of three different quotes is a good way to gauge the ballpark figure for a repair.

 

Pinching Pennies: Saving Money on Plumbing Jobs

Tips on Saving Money With Plumbing

You are paying for each minute of time the plumber spends at your home. Wasted time equals higher costs. To help make the job go faster, you can prepare in advance.

  • If you can, have the plumber complete all the needed repairs in a single stop. This will save money on additional trip charges and the difficulty of scheduling multiple visits.
  • Before the plumber arrives, have a list ready of all the areas you’d like him to check. If you don’t know what the problem is, be prepared to describe the situation.
  • Have the work area cleaned and free of clutter.
  • Try to schedule your day so that you are not in his way while he is working.
  • Take care of clean-up yourself. Obviously, if hazardous materials are involved, let the professionals do the job. However, easy and safe messes like dirt or debris can be handled on your own.
  • Some minor jobs you can repair on your own if you are savvy with tools. Practicing simple maintenance techniques and maintaining your plumbing can help avoid costly or emergency repairs down the road.
  • Install water-saving plumbing fixtures: The amount that you pay for water and sewage treatment is partly dependent on your usage. Reducing your water consumption can help you save big dollars. Don’t skimp when it comes to making plumbing repairs. If you have an older toilet that drinks water like a humpback whale, invest in a new one. Rather than spend your money on a stream of repairs, consider making any replacements with quality parts over cheap or inexpensive ones.
  • Buy your own parts and plumbing fixtures: If you want to save money on plumbing fixtures, consider buying your own. In most cases, plumbers buy the parts themselves at a discount and then charge you full prices to cover operating costs. In recent years, plumbing fixture costs at home improvement centers have dropped and are at times lower than the prices that contractors pay their suppliers. If you have the time, you might be able to save by buying your own. This YouTube video by a master plumber will give you some suggestions on how to locate quality plumbing fixtures.

Keep in mind that, if you buy the parts yourself, there can be conflict about whose responsibility it is if something goes wrong during the installation process. To mitigate this eventuality, you can ask the plumber which brands he uses. Be sure that the parts you buy have a warranty on them so that you are covered in the event something breaks or malfunctions.

 

Conclusion

When choosing someone to do a plumbing job in VA, it’s important to do your homework and ensure that the plumbers’ services you select will get the job done and do it well. Consider using the above tips on how to select a good plumber when evaluating your next tradesman. Star Plumbers looks forward to working with you!