If a pipe in your home breaks, the toilet starts overflowing, or you have a clog that holds out against your plunger, it’s time to call a plumbing contractor. However, even in an emergency, it’s worth doing some research to ensure you’re getting the right person for the job. Poor work due to a lack of experience can create more expensive issues in the future. Therefore, here are some points to confirm when scheduling an appointment.

Plumbing Contractor Questions

1. Are They Licensed & Insured?

Proper licensing ensures the plumber has registered their credentials through the city or the state, so they can be held accountable for poor work practices. In the state of Texas, you can go online and find out specific information about the plumber including their workplace, recent disciplinary actions taken, and when their license expires.

Contractors should also provide their clients with proof of insurance. The coverage protects the homeowner financially if an accident occurs on-site.

2. Past Work Experience

The longer a plumbing contractor has work, the more hands-on knowledge they have, which can lead to more efficient repairs and installations. Plumbers go through three phases of experience—apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber. Their current experience level will be represented on their license. You can also ask them for references from former customers.

3. Ask for an Estimate

While a quote is a guaranteed fixed price, an estimate is an educated guess based on the circumstances. The plumber has a fixed hourly rate, but repairing the plumbing may have a variable cost based on the amount of hardware they have to replace. For larger projects, like repiping, ask for this breakdown to be specified in writing; it is less necessary for small projects, like fixing a leak.

 

If you’re looking for a plumbing contractor you can trust, turn to the experts at Gardiner Plumbing in San Antonio, TX. With over 30 years of experience, they provide full-service installations and repairs to clients throughout Texas Hill Country. Visit them online to review their services, and call (210) 421-7756 to schedule an appointment. You can also verify their license, #M-36967, with the state to check their certifications.