Plumber Pointers - Hiring the Best
Why is it plumbing problems seem to strike when company is over, it's the holidays, or some important date in your life? Thar she blows! How many times have you been there, frantically trying to find a plumber who can make it all better and they are all busy? Like anything in home improvement, it's always good to have your team of people you know and love on standby - and keep them happy, feed them and treat them well, so when that disaster strikes they will say yes to your cry for help in that time of need.
But, how to you know if a plumber is a good one - a keeper, or if he or she is just one big ‘pipe dream.' Ed Del Grande, a master plumber, author on DIY and HGTV, comedian, spokesman for Kohler and personal friend of mine shared these words of advice.
You can listen to the radio interview here:
Make Sure Your Plumber a Peach or a Pickle?
1- Ask to see the plumber's license! He or she should carry it like a driver's license with pride. This is the best way to minimize your risk. The person who shows up needs to show you they have demonstrated basic competency in written and hands-on exams, and in many states helped on a minimum of jobs. A licensed plumber must also follow state regulations, safety and building codes and will carry liability and worker's comp insurance. Next best thing is a licensed plumbing contractor who belongs to a plumbing trade group.
2- Since plumbing companies juggle multiple jobs they frequently send employees or even trainees along with (or instead of) the guy whose name is on the side of the truck. Remember you can insist that a licensed plumber or plumbing contractor be present on the job, either working or, at the very least, to supervise.
3- Recognize that the biggest cost to a plumber is getting to your home. Assume each visit means a minimum of $75 to 100 dollars for them to gas up and drive their truck to your place. A good idea if you can give him a few projects to look at if your problem is minor.
4- Take stock of your home to prevent the biggest plumbing culprit - water heaters and washing machines that cause water damage. If you can reduce the risk of water problems, you reduce your reliance on plumbers. Take stock of your water based appliances and equipment and note wear and tear.
5- Take the water-heater rust and rupture challenge. Get two clear glasses and fill one with hot water, the other with cold and let them sit on the counter for half an hour. See what your normal water looks like and compare to what the hot water looks like. If it's significantly rustier, you have a problem!
6- Consider the Hidden Problems and Structure Cleanup- Since a little demolition is hard to avoid when plumbers need to find a source of a leak, consider whether the job includes fixing and cleaning up after! Get it in writing too so the plumber can provide a damage estimate.
7- Get multiple bids - 3 are good, more than 5 probably over the top. Especially in this economy, you should be able to find folks eager to work with you and negotiate a better deal.
6- Times and Mechanisms Change - Be up front with your plumber so he or she knows what to bring to the job. Even the plumber who is most qualified with the best of intentions can get be puzzled by the task at hand. So if your fixtures or plumbing is out of the ordinary, tell them straight up.
Here's is Ed's Book and website: www.eddelgrande.com
Hope this helps!
Cindy
Cindy@homewizards.tv
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