If you are facing problems with your plumbing, you don’t want the wrong person to help you. However, finding a plumber Sydney capable of doing the job well isn’t always simple.
If you are a homeowner, it is easy to rush to hire someone before gathering the essential information needed to hire a plumber. Many homeowners react to plumbing emergencies by calling the first plumber that they meet. This could lead to a complete disaster.
Are you looking to hire a professional plumber, but not sure where to start? If this is you, then our company, Wilco Plumbing will help you locate a reliable plumber in your region. Below are questions we recommend you ask your plumber before hiring them.
Here are key questions to help find the best plumber in town. Continue reading to learn more.
- Are They Certified?
Not all plumbers can be considered equal.
Believe it or not many plumbing pros who are self-professed don’t have a professional license.
You must be certified as a Washington State Plumber Certification Program to work within the plumbing trade. However, not all plumbers are certified.
So how can you be certain that the company you’re hiring is legit?
You can ask for a duplicate of their plumber certificate. If they are hesitant to answer your questions or act suspiciously, it is a sign that you need to think twice about hiring them for your “dirty work”.
- What Does The Estimate Cover?
Before signing a contract with anyone, you should ensure that they provide an estimate. Also, make sure to ask what their estimate covers.
Or, in other words, is the cost estimate adequate to cover all potential costs. Are they able to add on fees?
If they won’t guarantee the estimated cost upfront, you could end up with a huge plumbing bill.
- Are They Insured
It is essential to determine if a contractor has insurance before they start work on your home. It may not suffice to have plumbers’ insurance to protect you from any plumbing-related damage.
Insufficient coverage could mean that you end up having to pay a lot of money in the event of an emergency. It is important to check if the insurance policy covers any unexpected problems.
- What Did Their Past Customers Say About Them?
Look at their past customer reviews if you want to know the level of expertise of a plumber.
Anyone who gets reviews with a rating below 3 stars on an ongoing basis should be disqualified.
- Are They Able To Offer Advice Specific To Your Problem?
While they may get five-star reviews all over the globe, it’s unlikely that they will offer five-star service unless you’ve done similar work.
Before they start any work, make sure that they know the basics. You can ask them to continue searching if you don’t know how to fix your plumbing problem.
Plumber Training Levels
Every state has its requirements. However, all states require that they have the math and mechanics skills to solve problems. Each plumber has different training requirements. It is important to familiarize yourself with the certification and training methods for plumbers. A plumber’s level of expertise is often directly linked to his level of training.
Apprentice Plumber
This plumber is learning the trade through both classroom and on-the-job training. Most apprentice plumbers are enrolled in the program through a local union. It is possible to also apprentice with a licensed plumber.
Apprentice plumbers will learn best practices by working alongside a professional plumber.
Journeyman Plumber
An individual who has been an apprentice for 4-to-5 years to become a journeyman. While requirements vary from one state to the next, most states require that you pass an exam and continue your education to renew your license.
Master Plumber
Master plumber is the highest level that a plumber can reach. Each state has a minimum time limit for a plumber to be a journeyman. After achieving this level, the plumber is eligible to apply for their state Contractors Board. The application process typically consists of both a written and practical knowledge test.
