When it comes to hiring a plumber to do a job in your home or office, you should choose carefully. A botched job by a cut-rate plumber or an unethical contractor can leave you spending even more money to fix it. But how do you choose the right person for the job? 

5 Questions to Ask Your Prospective Plumber

1. What Are Your Payment Terms?

How much payment does the plumber need upfront, and what forms of payment do they accept? You need to know in advance, so you can be prepared if the contractor only accepts cash or check. If your job is a big one, like a bathroom remodel, sometimes, payment will be requested at project milestones. Find out what those are.

2. How Long Will the Job Take?

Unexpected delays can extend the time a job takes to complete, but you’ll still want to get an estimate of how long it will take your contractor to complete the job.

3. How Much Experience Do You Have?

If you have a clogged drain, 20 years of plumbing experience might not be necessary, but when it comes to remodels or solving complex plumbing problems, experience is paramount. You don’t want your plumber getting halfway through your new bathroom only to discover they don’t have the know-how to see it through. Don’t be shy about asking for specific examples of other projects similar to yours.

4. What Licensure & Insurance Do You Have?

Don’t hire an unlicensed or uninsured plumber. Ask to see their credentials before making any decisions. Licensing bodies ensure that contractors have the training they need to do the job right. Insurance is vital because it protects you and the plumber, should they get injured while working in your home.

5. May I Contact a Reference?

You wouldn’t hire an employee for a business without a reference, and you shouldn’t hire a plumber without one either. If you haven’t already gotten a word-of-mouth referral for the plumber you’re considering, ask for one who has hired that plumber previously for a similar project.

Hiring a reputable plumber can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Arm yourself with the right questions, and you’ll find the right person for the job.