When it comes to plumbing, DIY projects are often tempting when saving money by fixing a problem. However, more often than not, attempting the repairs without professional plumbing help leads to more extensive and expensive future problems. It is tough to balance between knowing when to fix something yourself and hiring a professional; at this point, professional plumbers comes in.
In this blog post, we'll discuss why you will need a professional plumber and useful tips on hiring a general contractor for the professional plumbing services you need. Let's get started!
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Local Plumber
Before you can decide who to hire, you must first ask your prospective contractor the right questions to learn more about the quality of their work, as well as their capability to do the job. Below are the common questions you have to ask before hiring a local plumber:
1. Are You A Licensed Plumber?
Asking for a license should be on the top of your list of questions. A licensed plumber makes sure that you comply with any available legal building codes. Aside from that, hiring a licensed plumber also makes sure that your system and appliances are safe.
There are certain risks involved in not hiring a licensed plumber. For instance, if something goes wrong during and after the repair, your insurance company may deny your claims because the plumbing equipment was not installed by a professional. Thus, hiring a licensed plumber will provide you with peace of mind. Aside from guaranteeing their quality of work, licensed plumbers will ensure that your equipment and property remain safe.
2. What Is Your Training Level?
Training requirements that plumbers need to meet are different for every state. After securing a license, a plumber has the option to do some training for different kinds of specialized work or levels. You must know what the training levels achieved by your local plumber are.
- On-The-Job Trainee – Most of the time, a licensed plumber has an apprentice partner when doing the job. Having an apprentice will help the trainee learn the basics that they need to get their license, allowing them to gain more opportunities to train at a higher level.
- Journeyman Plumber – After spending years of being an apprentice, this is the next level that a plumber will reach. Training before getting to this level is around four to five years, and many states will require a license before they award a plumber with this mastery level.
- Master Plumber – Each state has a minimum required number of years working as a Journeyman before they can award someone as a master plumber. Master plumbers are the highest training level for plumbers across the country.
Most of the time, plumbing companies will let Journeyman plumbers do the job in your property, along with an apprentice. Make sure that they have the right tools and licenses before working on your plumbing system.
3. When Can You Finish Fixing The Plumbing System And How Much Do You Charge?
Experienced and trained plumbers will need to see the system first before they can provide an estimate of how long the work will be. There is a time difference when you are doing home renovations or fixing damages involving piping systems. Do not be persuaded by rough estimates provided by sales representatives over the phone. If you want to know the actual number of hours needed to complete a task, quality plumbers will provide this to you upon inspection of the property or system.
Asking for the right quotation for the cost of the work follows the same process. Some companies will have an hourly rate for the labor and a separate quote for the total cost of the tools needed for the repair or renovation. Good plumbing companies will provide you with the exact price after they have inspected the area and explain to you the breakdown.
4. Are You Insured?
Before signing anything with a contractor or a local plumber, it is essential to ask if they are backed up by insurance. Reputable plumbing services companies provide coverage for their workers since you do not want to be legally responsible for anything that will happen during their time in your property. In case of injuries or if anything breaks, a reputable company will have insurance that will cover the repairs and accidents.
Plumbing Challenges That Require Professional Plumbing Services
Most people will take problems in their homes and try to fix them themselves. However, homeowners and residents everywhere must understand when the problem has exceeded their capabilities.
Being aware of the problems enables one to hire a professional who is well acquainted with the scope of work and can deliver quality. With this in mind, here are plumbing problems that require a professional.
1. Leaky Faucets and Pipes
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Leaky faucets and pipes are the most common plumbing problems we experience in our homes. Consequently, dripping faucets are more inconvenient and costly than a plumbing emergency. But those drips add up quickly, and fixing the leaks in your home could save your water bill.
On the other hand, Leaking pipes can cause significant damage if you don't realize the problem immediately. The most common indicators of a leaking pipe are a puddle beneath the pipe or the plopping sounds of dripping water.
Typically dripping faucets occur when the washer that forms the seal on the tap gets damaged. The damages may include tearing, dislodging, or stiffening. The washer does not seal tightly when this damage occurs, allowing small amounts of water to drip from the faucet.
When pipes leak, the most likely location to have a problem is at a joint. Leaking may occur due to shifting, high water pressure, deterioration, or other damage.
2. Low Water Pressure
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Low water pressure is a problem that can develop gradually or within a short time. Whatever the cause, low water pressure makes it strenuous to shower and rinse things, so resolving this issue should be a priority to get back the normal pressure.
There are a few possible causes of low water pressure. It can be a water main break that reduces pressure on your tap. The same pressure loss also happens if a pipe leaks within your house.
Another potential cause can be the buildup of minerals and sediments in the pipes or faucets, aerators, and shower holders. This buildup slows the water flow hence resulting in slow pressure.
3. Clogged Drains and Toilets
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It is easy to spot a clogged drain when you see water backing up as you empty your sink or shower. For clogged toilets, the signs are more prompt. Instead of flushing, normally, the water backs up in the toilet bowl and may overflow.
Clogged drains occur when something blocks the drain partially or entirely. The problem comes in toilets when something other than dissolvable waste enters the toilet and gets flushed. Similarly, hair is always a problem in sinks and showers, but there are other items, such as small toys or lids.
These solid items cannot move through a pipe; therefore, they stay put, making it impossible for water to flow past the blockage and down to the pipes. The only solution to this is drain cleaning by a professional plumber.
4. Water Heater Issues
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Water heater issues are easy to spot. You go to that nice warm shower but get flooded by cold water. The main signs of a problem with the water heater include dripping water, discolored water, and noise coming from the heater.
Leaks may cause water heater problems, including insufficient hot water. Another cause is mineral deposits in the heaters. The deposits can reduce the heater's efficiency, reducing the hot water supply throughout the house.
Lastly, sediments can also cause weird sounds from your water heater caused by the heating and exploding of the sediments. Many water heater issues and repairs require professional help due to the complexity and potential for danger.
5. Running Toilet
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Toilet plumbing problems happen in many ways, but a running toilet is one of the most irritating. The toilet will still work, but it constantly runs, wasting water and making an annoying sound.
A constantly running toilet often occurs when the interior workings of the toilet no longer work properly because the flapper valve lets water run if it no longer fits properly.
Reasons Why You Need Professional Plumbing for Your Plumbing Services
1. They’re Trained And Experienced
Plumbers are trained to identify and address complex plumbing problems. They are the ones who take the shortest time to trace the root of the problem in your plumbing system and then suggest the best solution to solve the problem. This saves you time and money.
2. Plumbing Work Can Be Dangerous
Besides, not so many home and business owners have an idea about the laws governing plumbing in their area. By hiring a licensed and secured plumber, you will know that the job will be done correctly and that all laws and regulations will be met. You could easily get to a plumber who has dealt with similar plumbing issues before.
3. Access To Specialized Tools And Techniques
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They will usually be able to respond before significant damage occurs to your home. Plumbers are acquainted with local building codes and regulations which will ensure that your repairs are in compliance with legal requirements.
4. It’s Cost-Effective
Even if you patch up a temporary hole, the problem will most likely come back because most DIY fixes are done incorrectly and last only a little while. Lastly, fixing your plumbing issues by yourself is very perilous. Some plumbing activities, like fixing water heads, involve working with water and power, which is the deadliest source for an inexperienced person.
5. They’re Licensed And Insured
Plumbing is a very common and essential part of our daily lives, yet most people aren't aware as much as they should be. Consequently, they try to do things on their own but they could save a lot of time and money if they invited professional help. Therefore, one of many reasons you must always call an expert for your plumbing needs is that the plumbers have general liability insurance. In a nutshell, it signifies that if an agent commits a fault and, as a result, your property gets damaged, you will be compensated by their insurance.
As opposed to that, let’s imagine that if you undertake a plumbing issue on your own and something goes wrong, you will be liable for all damages. In cases of plumbing problems, it is always better that you employ the services of a professional plumber.
The long-term benefits of repair or installation of plumbing systems should be maximized. Plumbers lacking in expertise might save you some cash in the short term. In addition, there are also persistent damages that will end up costing you more further down the road.
5 Different Types of Professional Plumbers
1. Water Supply Plumber
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Water supply plumbers deal with water supply systems including tanks, pipes and water reservoirs. Their main responsibilities are installing water supply systems in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms and running extraneous water lines and waste systems.
2. Commercial Plumber
A commercial plumber is a qualified expert who performs plumbing duties in a commercial environment like a school, hospital, college, or manufacturing plant. Commercial plumbers, most of the time, are very current and well acquainted with various plumbing faults compared to residential plumbers.
In contrast to an inhouse plumber who specializes in dealing with a small amount of showers, sinks, and different floors.
4. Residential Plumber
Residential plumbers focus on plumbing fixture installation, upkeep, and repairs within the residential area. They work on the pipes, water systems, and toilets and are usually able to fix any plumbing-related problems in a home.
5. Sanitary Plumber
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A sanitary plumber offers professional plumbing services in various plumbing techniques related to sanitary systems. It is the most frequent type of plumber hired as most residential plumbing issues are related to the home's clean system. Their typical duties include unblocking and cleaning jams in sanitary systems.
Qualities to Look for when Hiring a Professional Plumber
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Plumbers are among the most important people you can hire for home improvement or issues. Toilets and kitchens are essential for every household, and their plumbing must be done perfectly.
Any issues in these areas can be costly if not fixed immediately and can also make the house inhabitable. That’s why you need to find a professional plumber to ensure they fix any issues properly. Look for these qualities when you’re looking to hire the right professional plumber
1. Proper Credentials
Before hiring a professional plumbing company make sure to ask them for their credentials. A good and trusted professional plumber will always display their license, insurance, and bond certificates.
Also, do not forget to verify that all the documents are valid since some plumbers can use an expired license. Hence, check reviews on the company on review websites, their website, or by contacting people who are familiar with their services. Analyzing these reviews will help you understand their work style, punctuality, and conduct.
2. Responsive and Corrective
We all ask questions while the plumber works to know what caused the problem and avoid it in the future. A professional plumber will answer better manner that gives you satisfaction. They also should explain these answers in non-technical terms for anyone to understand them.
3. Respectful
A professional plumber should always respect your home and show up on time when you schedule a visit. Even if they have an emergency and won’t be able to show up in time, they will call to inform you. This is what shows professionalism and respect for your time
You also want someone who will respect your home when they enter it and not cause chaos. Plumbers may take a few hours to finish their work, and a professional plumber will be mindful that you live there. They should cover their shoes or take them off before entering your house and tidy up after finishing their work.
4. Prepared
The plumber also must bring all the equipment that they need to do the work and clean up when done. They will need to make sure that they have the right tools just in case any problems come up. When a plumber is prepared to execute the job without any hassle, they not only show professionalism but also confidence and have fixed similar problems before.
5. Experience
Experience is also an essential factor when it comes to hiring plumbers. Everyone has to start somewhere. Over time, they gain knowledge through experience. While truly, experience isn’t something you can get overnight. It will surely be worth it over time.
How To Find the Right Professional Plumber
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Whether you're moving into a new apartment or planning to renovate the company's office, hiring a plumbing services company is essential to ensure the plumbing project is in good condition.
Nothing is more bothersome than damaged plumbing or a bathroom that doesn't function. How do you find a plumbing contractor for a commercial building or a 24-hour plumber for emergency repairs at home? Here are tips to help you find a reliable plumber.
1. Ask About the Warranty.
A competent plumber should be able to guarantee the quality of their work and ensure that the materials used or installed will last for years. If the plumbing contractor also has a warranty on their projects and offers a fair price, then you're up for a much better deal.
2. Ask for Referrals.
It is much more practical to ask for referrals from plumbing services companies that can perform any repair or maintenance in a building. You can also read reviews online if you plan to hire a plumbing contractor for building repairs and renovations. Scale down your choices to three plumbers, then set an appointment for an assessment.
3. Call Only a Trusted Plumber.
During emergency repairs, people tend to contact the first number they see. However, you will be sure of more work performed to meet your expectations if you call a trusted plumber with a lot of experience and good reviews. A plumbing service company is much more reliable than solo plumbers because they are usually harsh with license requirements and training.
Frequently Asked Questions on Professional Plumbing
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1. Is plumbing a good career?
Yes, plumbing is a promising career because plumbers are the most searched-for people worldwide. Every established building in the globe needs an electrician and a plumber on site. This means that by training in plumbing courses, you can earn an exceptional income and become wealthy without formal employment. In short, you can be self-employed.
2. Who is a Professional Plumber?
A professional plumber is a tradesperson who specializes in repair services and installations of various types of pipes that carry water and gas to and from a location. They also handle fixtures that take waste away from businesses and individual homes.
The most regular appliances that a plumber works with include sinks, toilets, washing machines, bathtubs, showers, and dishwashers.
3. Why do I need a professional plumber?
Every home has a plumbing system, whether in the form of premises or household. The main function of a professional plumber is to install, maintain, and check that the plumbing system is working properly at all times.
- Saving you from an unexpected plumbing emergency!
- Help protect your property
- Finding hard-to-find problems with your plumbing.
- They have the proper tools and materials.
- They know what they're doing
4. What can I expect from a professional plumber?
Just as plumbers have questions about your plumbing problem before they accept the job, you have questions for them about their experience and qualifications before making any payment. When choosing a professional plumber, you should always pick one that values providing quality services and meeting customers' expectations. These include;
- Inquiring about their range of services
- Asking if they are licensed and insured
- Researching their professional reputation
- Discussing all potential costs
Final Thoughts on Professional Plumbing
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In conclusion, individuals should comprehend the significance of engaging a professional plumber during a plumbing project and act before time runs out. Hiring a professional plumbing service is definitely the best way to make sure that you address all plumbing problems related to your home in the proper way. They will not only be helping you with the problems, but they will also be helping you to avoid a repeat of the same in the near future.
The quality and safety of your premises during the work are guaranteed if you hire a qualified and experienced plumber. Please do not rush in to hiring the first plumber you find. On the contrary, browse through several plumbing companies and check their qualifications and credentials.
Knowing what will be coming up in the future helps you to get ready better. Be sure that the plumber you hire understands your time and respects your house. They must be fully prepared for any kind of job, communicate with you about any issues and offer you a reasonable price for the service.
