Plumbers

What to do Before Hiring a Plumber

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Whether you have a leak, your drain is clogged, or you need to replace a boiler, plumbers are very handy. For most homeowners, a plumber will probably need to be called about once a year. For others, there may not be any plumbing problems for several years; but despite this, a plumber should be called to inspect the pipes on an annual basis. This will prevent leaks and other problems from developing in the first place, which will potentially save you the cost of hiring a remodeling contractor if you need to replace a wall or ceiling in your home. However, before hiring a plumber, there are a few steps you should take.

• First, ask for references. It’s best to select a plumber based on a recommendation from a friend or neighbor. If, however, a recommendation is not available, ask the plumber for references, and check them. Make sure the plumber kept to his word, finished in a timely fashion, and performed quality work.

• If you can, get a number of estimates. Try to be as specific and descriptive as you can about your problem, so that you can get as accurate an estimate as possible. Note, however, that the price provided to you should not be the only factor you take into consideration. While an estimate that is significantly more costly than all the others might indicate price inflation, sometimes a more experienced professional can charge more than a beginner. Ask your plumber questions about his experience, and let him know if you’ve received lower estimates.

• Make sure your plumber is licensed. In most states this is a legal requirement, and it will protect you from liability as well as guarantee that your plumber is bonded, experienced, and legally permitted to perform plumbing work.

• If there are other plumbing problems you have been neglecting or if you have an appliance you think should be inspected, now is the time to have them taken care of. Most plumbing contractors charge by the hour, with the first hour being more expensive than subsequent ones. Therefore, if you can avoid multiple visits by consolidating your plumbing problems, you’ll save some money.

How to Avoid Needing a Plumber

Beyond looking for reliable, quality plumbers and consolidating your plumbing problems, another way to save money on plumbing costs is to prevent problems from developing in the first place.

• According to plumbers in Chicago, Illinois, in cities that have winter temperatures that drop below freezing, it’s important to shut off outdoor faucets in the winter so that your pipes don’t freeze.

• Another way to prevent plumbing problems is to be careful of what you put down the drain. Grease and hair are two things that commonly build up and cause clogging. For grease, many products are available that can break down the grease, and these should be used periodically. For hair, drain covers and screens are available which prevent the hair from going down the drain.