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You may be doing everything right; you’re not flushing odd items down the toilet or drain, and you actively keep an eye on the condition of your visible water pipes.
However, regardless of how careful you are, at some point plumbing issues are probably going to occur, and this means you’re going to need a plumber Loveland, CO service to help you. The only issue is how to know if you’re hiring the right plumber for your needs.
Thankfully, finding a plumber is pretty easy in Loveland, CO. All you need to do is ask a few questions to ensure they’re the right professional for your plumbing job.
Licensed and Bonded
Before you start comparing prices and looking at years of experience, you’ll want to make sure the plumber is licensed and bonded. Not only is this a great recommendation, but it’s also state law. Colorado requires all professional plumbers to be licensed and bonded, and no, there aren’t any exceptions.
So, what’s a plumber’s license? Don’t worry; it’s not like a license to operate a motor vehicle. A plumber’s license indicates the individual has gone through and passed the necessary training/education courses. Think of a plumber’s license as added assurance that the professional knows what they’re doing and isn’t about to make your plumbing issue worse.
Along with being licensed, you also want to hire a bonded plumber. What does this mean? A bonded plumber is carrying insurance and this is a detail you don’t want to overlook. Your property insurance will probably cover damages if something goes wrong during the plumbing job.
However, you don’t want to be responsible for covering any injuries your plumber may sustain on your property. If your plumber is carrying insurance, it’s one less thing you need to worry about.
Experience
There’s nothing wrong with hiring a newly licensed plumber. Sometimes, you may even get a great deal on the rates. However, if your plumbing issue is more complex it may be a good idea to go with an experienced professional.
Most plumbers will proudly display their years of experience on their websites. If you can’t find any information on the webpage, go ahead and ask. So, how many years of experience should a plumber have for you to feel confident in their abilities? This is something only you can answer. You may want to hire a plumber with around ten years or so of experience or be fine if they’ve only been in business for a couple of years.
Along with checking the years they’ve been in business, it’s also a good idea to find out if they’re experienced dealing with your type of plumbing problem. For example, are they familiar with the different types of plumbing pipes? If the issue is with your sewage line, does the plumber have prior experience with septic systems?
Find Out Who’s Doing the Repairs
Okay, this can seem like a silly question. After all, you’re calling the plumber to fix your issue. This should mean the person you call is the one doing the work. However, this isn’t always the case.
If it’s a larger plumbing company, there’s a good chance more than one professional is working under the business name. This means the person you talk to on the phone may not be the same individual who shows up at your door.
Some plumbing companies may also send a journeyman or apprentice out to do the work. Yes, this is legal as long as a licensed plumber is monitoring their work. However, this doesn’t mean you want the company to turn your plumbing problem into a learning experience.
Compare Costs
Chances are you’re going to get plenty of estimates over the phone. Some plumbing websites also use chatbots that can provide you with a general idea of the cost. Remember, an estimate is only a rough guess at what your plumbing project may cost. Don’t plan on the actual project cost being anywhere close to the estimated cost.
Instead, you want to get quotes and this usually means the plumber coming out and inspecting the problem. Don’t be afraid to contact multiple plumbers. The goal is to get the best service for the right price.
Something to remember about quotes. You want to get it in writing. A quote is typically a fixed price that’s part of the contract you sign with the plumber.
The Right Plumber Can Make a Difference
Although investing a bit of time in researching plumbers might seem like a minor inconvenience, the benefits far outweigh this initial effort.
Choosing an experienced and licensed plumber means you can ensure that the work will be completed to a high standard while also gaining peace of mind knowing that the service is both reliable and priced within your budget. On top of this, this careful selection process can prevent future issues, ultimately saving you time and money in the long run.