10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber
Let’s face it – finding a trustworthy plumber can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Whether you’re dealing with a leaky faucet or planning a bathroom remodel, asking the right questions upfront can save you from headaches down the road. Here’s your no-nonsense guide to finding a plumber you can trust.
1. “Are You Licensed and Insured?”
This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip this crucial question. A legitimate plumber won’t just tell you they’re licensed – they’ll show you proof. Insurance isn’t just paperwork; it’s your protection if something goes wrong. If a plumber gets injured in your home or accidentally damages your property, their insurance means you’re not left holding the bill.
2. “Can You Tell Me About Similar Jobs You’ve Done?”
Every plumbing problem has its quirks. If you’re dealing with an older home’s pipes or planning a specific upgrade, you want someone who’s been there before. Don’t be shy about asking for specific examples. A good plumber will share stories about similar projects, including what challenges they faced and how they solved them.
3. “Do You Have Any Recent Customers I Can Talk To?”
Word of mouth is worth its weight in gold. Any plumber worth their salt should have happy customers eager to sing their praises. But here’s the key – ask for recent references, ideally from the last few months. A quick chat with previous customers can tell you more than any advertisement ever will.
4. “How Do You Handle Pricing?”
Nobody likes surprise bills. Some plumbers charge by the hour, others offer flat rates for standard jobs. Neither approach is wrong, but you need to know what you’re getting into. Ask about travel fees, minimum charges, and whether they’ll give you a heads-up if costs start creeping up. A straightforward conversation about money now can prevent awkward discussions later.
5. “Will You Give Me a Written Estimate?”
A handshake is nice, but a written estimate is better. This isn’t about trust – it’s about making sure everyone’s on the same page. A detailed estimate should break down labor, materials, and timeline. If a plumber won’t put their quote in writing, that’s a red flag waving in your face.
6. “What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?”
A plumber who stands behind their work will offer a solid warranty. But warranties aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some cover both parts and labor, others just one or the other. Find out how long the warranty lasts and what it covers. Most importantly, ask how quickly they’ll respond if something goes wrong.
7. “Who’s Actually Showing Up at My Door?”
There’s nothing worse than expecting Bob the master plumber and getting his inexperienced apprentice instead. Some companies send one person for estimates and different folks for the actual work. That’s fine, but you deserve to know who’s coming and what their experience level is. After all, it’s your home we’re talking about.
8. “What Happens If You Find More Problems?”
Here’s the truth – sometimes a simple fix turns into a bigger job once the plumber starts working. The real test of a professional is how they handle these surprises. They should explain what they found, why it matters, and what it’ll cost to fix – all before doing any extra work.
9. “How Will You Protect My Home?”
This isn’t just about fixing pipes – it’s about respecting your space. Good plumbers treat your home like their own. They should have clear answers about using drop cloths, wearing boot covers, and cleaning up their mess. Your grandmother’s antique rug shouldn’t have to suffer for a pipe repair.
10. “What’s Your Emergency Policy?”
Even if you don’t need emergency service now, you’ll want to know for future reference. Ask about their after-hours response time, emergency rates, and how they handle urgent calls. It’s like having a good insurance policy – you hope you never need it, but you’ll be glad you asked if you do.
Making the Right Choice
Trust your gut. A good plumber won’t just rattle off answers – they’ll take time to explain things in a way that makes sense. They should make you feel confident about their expertise without talking down to you. Here at Maplewood Plumbing, we love these questions. Actually, we encourage them. We believe that an informed customer is our best customer, and we’re always happy to explain our process, share our experience, and provide clear, detailed quotes for every job.
For more than 30 years, St. Louis-area homeowners have trusted Maplewood Plumbing and Sewer. Our family-owned business prides itself on our solid reputation in the community. Contact us here, or give us a call at 314-645-6350 to see for yourself why hiring a plumber is simple for our loyal customers!
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