Top 10 Questions to Ask a Plumber Before Hiring Them

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Hiring a reliable plumber can be overwhelming, particularly when you're facing a major plumbing problem that needs urgent attention. Knowing which questions to ask a plumber is essential to hiring the best person for the job.

The last thing you want to do is simply book the first plumber you find on Google. They may not be the right person to meet your needs. Asking the right questions will help you to find the reliable plumber you need, avoid hidden fees and get a clear price.

The right plumber should be able to address your specific plumbing needs with expertise and leave your home spotlessly clean once they’re done.

So what are the right questions to ask a plumber before hiring them? Here are 10 of the best.

1. Are You a Licensed Plumber?

First things first. Before you hire any plumber working in the industry, check that they are licensed. In Australia, it is illegal for an unlicensed person to carry out plumbing work, even if they have all the relevant training and experience.

Aside from the legalities, a licensed plumber is trained and qualified to work safely on your plumbing systems. This is especially important for complex jobs like hot water systems or blocked drains. Hiring a licensed professional ensures they comply with local regulations and meet industry standards.

When choosing a plumbing company always ask to see their licence and verify if necessary.

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2. Do You Have Public Liability Insurance?

Liability insurance is a must for any good plumber; it protects you and your property if something goes wrong on the job.

Even the most experienced Master Plumber can have an accident or make a mistake on the job. Therefore, it’s important to make sure the plumbing company you hire has adequate cover. Liability insurance protects you in the following ways:

  • It covers damage to your plumbing systems.
  • It provides protection against damage to your property.
  • You’re even covered against injuries that may occur while the plumber is working.

Asking whether your plumber is insured shows you’re hiring a professional plumber who takes their work seriously and puts your mind at ease.

3. What Experience Do You Have with Similar Jobs?

When it comes to finding the next plumber you hire, experience matters.

It doesn’t matter if you need to unclog a blocked toilet or install a hot water system. It’s important to ask about their background with similar jobs to ensure they have the expertise you need.

An experienced plumber will know how to handle challenges efficiently. They’ll have the essential tools and anticipate unknown factors that might impact the job before they even emerge.

4. Do You Offer Fixed Price Quotes or Flat Rates?

One of the most important questions to ask a plumber is about their pricing structure. Ask if they offer fixed-price quotes or charge flat rates for their plumbing services.

A fixed price quote will give you a clear idea of what you’ll pay and avoid those nasty surprises from additional costs or extra public holiday service fees once the work starts. Flat rates are also good for straightforward plumbing jobs like clearing blocked drains or replacing pipes. Be wary of vague estimates that leave room for unknowns to blow out the total cost.

A good plumber will always give you a transparent final price so you can budget with complete confidence.

5. What Materials Will You Use?

The materials a plumber uses can make all the difference to the longevity and reliability of your plumbing system.

Number 5 in our questions to ask a plumber is “What materials will you use for the job?”. An experienced plumber will use high quality materials that can withstand wear and tear so the work will last. Cheap or inferior parts may save you money upfront but will cost you more in the long run.

No matter what the job, knowing what materials your plumber uses will give you confidence that the work will meet industry standards and will stand the test of time.

6. How Do You Handle Plumbing Emergencies?

Plumbing emergencies can happen when you least expect it so it’s good to know how a plumber handles urgent situations.

Ask about their process for responding to plumbing emergencies like blocked drains, burst pipes or a faulty hot water system. A good plumber should offer emergency services promptly and efficiently, ideally 24/7. Find out how quickly they can respond and if they carry the tools and parts to complete the job then and there.

Knowing their emergency process will prepare you when a plumbing drama arises. It’ll offer much-needed peace of mind that help is just a phone call away.

Questions to ask a plumber include how they approach plumbing emergencies like an urgent hot water system replacement

7. Can I Get References from Previous Customers?

Asking for references from previous customers is a good way to be confident that you’re hiring the right plumber.

Customer reviews and testimonials will give you an idea of the plumber’s reliability, professionalism and the quality of their plumbing services. A good plumber will have no problem providing references or pointing you to online reviews. Look for consistent positive feedback about their ability to handle specific plumbing jobs, meet deadlines and provide transparent pricing.

Be wary if a plumber skirts around the topic or can’t produce credible references – it’s a big red flag.

8. What’s Your Plumbing Job Clean-Up Process?

Before work begins, it’s well worth asking your prospective plumber about their clean-up process. It speaks to their professionalism and assures you’re not left with a mess once they’ve finished. A good plumber will take responsibility for leaving your site tidy and free of rubbish and mess. Ask:

  • Do you remove old parts and materials?
  • Will you clean up the mess created during the job?
  • Are there extra charges for clean up?

From roof plumbing repairs to dishwasher installation, ask these questions to feel assured that their work area – your home – will be left in the best possible condition once the plumbing services are done.

9. Do You Offer a Warranty or Guarantee?

A workmanship warranty or guarantee is a big tick of approval from a reputable plumber. This will cover you for a certain time if something goes wrong once the plumber has finished the job.

Always ask if the plumbing company offers a warranty on parts and labour. A good plumber takes pride in their work and will have no problem offering a guarantee. Warranties can vary so ask what’s included, how long it’s for and what the conditions are.

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10. Will You Be Doing the Work Yourself?

Might seem like one of the stranger questions to ask a plumber, but it’s one well worth asking.

Why?

Many plumbing businesses certainly have their own team of highly professional and experienced plumbers.

The people you speak to on the phone are the same people who come to fix your shower or improve the pressure of your water supply. But there are also some Master Plumbers who use independent contractors and send them out.

It’s well worth asking who will be knocking on your door. Many independent contractors are highly reputable, licensed and experienced. But for your own peace of mind, we definitely recommend knowing everything you need to know about the person coming to you.

Choose the Right Plumbing Service for You

Knowing the right questions to ask a plumber makes choosing the right person for the job significantly easier.

By asking about licensing, experience, insurance, pricing and guarantees you can be sure you’re dealing with a good plumber who values quality and professionalism. Don’t forget to ask about emergencies, clean up and materials to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

A good plumbing company will always be transparent, reliable and focused on your needs. Asking these questions will help you avoid red flags and your plumbing systems will be in the hands of experienced professionals.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “10 Questions to Ask a Plumber Before Hiring Them”This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.

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