Owning a home comes with responsibilities, and that includes maintaining your plumbing system. If you are a first-time homeowner or have never had to handle repairs on your own, it can often be hard to decide when it’s time to call a professional. Clogged drains, burst pipes, overflowing toilets, sewage backups, and water supply issues are among the many reasons to call a plumber right away. When hiring one, follow the tips below to avoid common pitfalls and costly mistakes. 

How to Hire a Good Plumber

1. Ask for Referrals

Chances are, you know someone who has worked with a reliable plumber before. Ask your family, friends, and colleagues if they know an efficient, trustworthy contractor that you can hire. They’ll be happy to give referrals to someone they believe will do a great job. When it comes to service providers, nothing beats word-of-mouth and an excellent recommendation. If you’re not satisfied with the list they’ve provided you, go online and do your research. If you chose to do this, make sure you read negative as well as positive reviews to get the most accurate information.

2. Get Written Estimates

Many plumbers offer free estimates, but these are just rough figures. The cost will depend on the extent of the repair, and the more complicated they are, the higher the expense will be. Choose a contractor who’ll come to your home to assess the issue and then give you a detailed quote. At the very least, get estimates from three different plumbers to compare their rates. However, the lowest price isn’t always the best, and you should take this into account with reviews and other information.

Check the inclusions in the estimate, such as materials and labor. Ask if the total cost covers a flat or hourly labor rate so you won’t be caught unaware when you receive your final bill. Inquire about payment terms, and if they ask for full payment before work gets started, you’re better off looking for another plumber.

3. Do Your Due Diligence

Ask for their license and permits to ensure that they’re legitimate and allowed to do business. For plumbers, they have to be licensed as proof that they were trained extensively and passed a competency exam. Look for their insurance as well, as it will serve as your protection against accidents and property damages that could happen during work.

4. Check for Warranties

Look for a plumber who can give you a clear appointment schedule, as this means that they value your time as much as they do theirs. Aside from this, hire someone that offers guarantees. Ask what’s covered in their warranty, which is an assurance that they’re confident with their work and intend to provide exceptional service.

When you need a plumber for any home repair emergency, turn to Tim's Plumbing Service. Serving Lexington, Jessamine and the surrounding areas, they’ve provided a range of plumbing services, including pipe repairs, drain cleaning, and water heater installation, for over 30 years. They also offer same-day services for emergency plumbing repairs and will be on call to ensure that they can help you in any situation, at any time. Call (859) 533-1294 or check out their Yelp page today to book your appointment.