Tips for Hiring The Right Plumber For Your Home in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley
For many homeowners, it is an emergency situation that prompts them to look for a plumber. Unfortunately, this can mean that you may not be taking the time to look for the right plumber for your home. In an emergency, you are likely to prioritize availability and the price above any other criteria, but this could be a costly mistake in the long term. So, before you rush into hiring any plumber, take note of these three tips to help you to find the right one.
Emergency Steps
In the event of any plumbing emergency, you can buy yourself a little time to find a good plumber by quickly shutting off the main water supply. Shutting off the supply will stop any running water or leaks from a broken pipe from flowing into your home. Use old towels to mop up any water on the floor before you reach for the phone and start trying to find a plumber. By taking this time, you will not only ensure that the problem is quickly corrected, but that you won’t be overpaying.
Make Sure the Company is Licensed, Insured and Bonded
Although you are in a hurry to get a plumber to your home, you need to ensure that the company is properly licensed or certified. If your chosen plumber is not properly licensed, you are opening yourself to liability for insurance and other financial obligations in the event of a problem or an accident. Licensed plumbing professionals will have taken the necessary steps to ensure that they offer their customers the correct financial reassurance. If you hire an unlicensed plumber, and they cause additional damage to your home, you will find that you have little legal recourse to obtain payment to correct the damages and your home insurance may not even cover your damage.
Get an Upfront Price
An experienced and ethical professional will provide you with some form of estimate by phone or after they have inspected the issue. Reputable professionals will offer you a figure for the total cost of any repairs before starting any work. They will also be happy to explain what is and is not included so you can have a clear understanding of what you can expect to pay. An upfront price is vital, you may find that unethical plumbers appear cheap, but pad out the bill later when it’s too late.
Check if a Warranty is Offered
Whether the plumber is replacing a pipe or equipment, they should always offer some form of warranty. Reputable professionals take pride in delivering excellent service, so they want you to be happy even after they have left the job site. It is worth asking for the plumber’s warranty policy and ensure the details are provided in writing. This gives you the reassurance that should a problem develop later; they will return to rectify any fault without it costing you a cent.
Next time you need a plumber, following these tips will ensure that you choose a reputable company who won’t take advantage of your vulnerability. It is well worth taking a few minutes to check out any plumbing company before you opt for the first to answer your call. Although it may take a little more time, you are sure to be more satisfied in the long run.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solutions.
