9 Things to Look for When Hiring a Plumber | Denton, TX
It’s usually an unexpected cost, but at some point, in the next few years, you’re likely going to have to call a plumber. Whether it’s an overflowing toilet, a clogged drain, jammed garbage disposal, or low water pressure, some problems should require a professional. And when it comes to home services, you always want to hire the best. A plumber has access to your home and, if they’re inexperienced, they can cause severe damages to the house. You want to choose a plumbing company that hires experienced technicians, provides quality services, and has a strong reputation.
Before you go searching throughout all of North Dallas for a plumbing service, check out these top tips for what they should have.
Texas has an estimated 58,000 licensed plumbing professionals. That means when searching for a plumbing service, there are thousands of options. You can quickly eliminate many of these options by considering reviews. Ask your family and friends if they’ve had positive experiences, and if they have recommendations, they can pass along. Before considering any plumbing service, research them online. See if they have mostly positive customer reviews on Yahoo and Google. And, look for real testimonials on their website.
One crucial tip is to make sure to read the most recent reviews as it’s more of a reflection of how the business currently operates. Some businesses may have achieved a five-star rating from thousands of reviews, but recent changes in the company could be resulting in a lower quality of service.
In Texas, all plumbing technicians are required to have their high school diploma or their GED, as well as have passed the Texas Plumber Exam. They can have either their Masters License or a Journeyman License. A Journeyman License requires the technician to complete all of their plumbing work under the supervision of a Master Plumber until they achieve the qualification themselves. Ask your plumbing service for proof of their qualifications before contracting them for work.
Insurance
There are two types of insurances a plumbing service in Denton, TX should have.
• Liability
Plumbing can be tricky work. If a mistake is made, your home could sustain significant damage from leaks, pipe bursts, or water damage. A proper plumbing service should have liability insurance, which will cover these costs in the event of an accident. You have every right to ask your plumbing service up to how much insurance coverage they have. We recommend they have thousands of dollars in liability insurance.
• Worker Safety Insurance
Ask your plumbing company if they have workers’ safety insurance. At times, plumbing technicians can work with heavy-duty equipment or in dangerous spaces. The plumbing company must be covered in the event of an accident. Under no circumstances do you want to be liable for personal injuries.
Experience
Albert Einstein once famously said, “The only source of knowledge is experience.” A newly certified plumbing technician may be eager. However, when it comes to serious work around your home, you want someone who has years of experience under their belt. In Texas, a Journeyman can only qualify to become a Master Plumber after 8,000 hours of supervised work experience. Plumbing is one of those trades where you need familiarity with the craft to become a professional.
When considering a plumbing company, investigate how long they’ve been in business. The more years of business they have, the more refined their work processes are.
Availability
Almost always, your big plumbing issue is a surprise. And, many times, it will be an urgent situation. If your toilet is overflowing, it’s an issue that needs to be addressed right away. Many plumbing companies will have same-day and emergency services but not every single one. Before you start calling companies at 2:00 am for an immediate house call, do a quick scan of their website to see if they offer 24-hour emergency services.
Certifications
Plumbing is an expansive field that covers many areas, such as gas. If you’re calling a plumbing service in for an issue involving gas work, you’ll want to make sure they have their certifications for gas. Most general plumbing services know how to work with gas, but you should still ask if they’re officially certified.
Customer Promises
Almost every plumbing company includes customer promises on its website. The most common promises include same-day service, 100% customer satisfaction, and money-back guarantees. When considering which plumbing service to choose, decide which of these promises are most important to you, and make sure your plumbing company offers them. We also recommend you ask for more details on the promise. What happens if they offer same-day service but don’t arrive that day? Or, what happens if you’re not fully happy with their work?
Pricing
Pricing in plumbing can be tricky. The simple fact of the matter is that sometimes the final price isn’t clear until you start doing the work. Once your plumbing company gets into the issue, they may discover that there is a bigger problem. Before booking your plumbing company, ask for clarity around the pricing structure. Ask for a detailed estimate and quote, including what the chances are that the final cost will be more. If you’re planning to use emergency services, ask if there will be a call-out fee. And lastly, ask if they charge per hour pricing or a flat fee for labor. This will ensure you stay within your budget when choosing your plumber.
References
Finally, don’t be scared to ask your plumber for customer references. A quality plumbing service will have loyal customers that they should feel comfortable sharing with you.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas: Your Denton, TX Plumber
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain offers residential and commercial plumbing services to everyone in the Denton, TX and the North Dallas area. Customers receive free diagnostic estimates on their plumbing issues, no overtime charges, and free home plumbing evaluations. bluefrog is also available 24/7 for emergency plumbing issues. Call (469) 214-2582 to book an appointment with bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas today.
Priority Service