What are the most common plumbers' mistakes?

Hiring a plumber can be an expensive and time-consuming process. However, there is a lot of information out there that can help you avoid making costly mistakes. The plumbing industry is full of old adages and folk wisdom, but some of them are surprisingly accurate. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when hiring a plumber so you don’t end up paying more than necessary for work that may not be top-notch. If you are in the process of hiring a plumber, you might feel like you are being bombarded with questions that seem to have no end. However, these are all important things to ask a potential plumber before you hire them to work on your home. There are many things to consider when hiring a plumber, such as licensing and insurance coverage, but there are also some things you should avoid doing if you want to get the best service possible. The following are some common mistakes people make when hiring a plumber.

Not doing your research

One of the first things you should do when you are looking for a plumber is to do your research. Find out how much each project costs, how long it will take, and who the best companies are to hire. You can find this information by searching online and by asking friends and family for recommendations. You should also find out which types of plumbing services each company offers. This will help you determine which company is best for your needs. You can also find out about licensing and insurance requirements. This will help you make sure that the company you hire is legitimate and has the proper licensing and insurance coverage.

Not asking about their experience

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when hiring a plumber is not asking them about their experience. You should never hire a plumber without asking them about their experience. You should also ask how long they have been in business. This will help you determine if they have the experience you need. You should also ask if they have any certifications. This will help you determine if they are qualified to work on your project. You should also ask if they have a good reputation. This will help you determine if they have a history of doing good work.

Not asking about their rates and what is included

Another common mistake people make when hiring a plumber is not asking them what their rates are and what is included. You should never hire a plumber without knowing what their rates are. You should also ask what is included in the rates. This will help you determine if the rates are fair and if there are any hidden fees. You should also ask if they offer any discounts or specials. This will help you determine if they have any promotions that could save you money.

Not asking about their insurance and licensing requirements

Another mistake people make when hiring a plumber is not asking them about their insurance and licensing requirements. You should always ask if they are properly insured and licensed. This will help you determine if they are a legitimate company. You should also ask if they have the proper certifications. This will help you determine if they are qualified to work on your project.

Not asking for references

Another mistake you should avoid when hiring a plumber is not asking for references. You should never hire a plumber without asking for references. You should also ask for the names and contact information of the people you can contact. This will help you determine if the company is reliable and if the plumber is honest. You should also ask if the references are still in business. This will help you determine if the company is still in business and if the plumber is reliable. You should also ask for the dates of service for each reference. This will help you determine if the references are recent and if the plumber is still working on your area.

Not asking for their insurance bond or license number

Another mistake you should avoid when hiring a plumber is not asking for their insurance bond or license number. You should never hire a plumber without verifying their insurance bond or license number. You should also ask for the expiration date of the bond or license. This will help you determine if the company is still in good standing and if they are reliable. You should also ask for the name and address of the insurance agent. This will help you determine if the insurance company is reputable.

Not asking if they have a contract

One of the most important things you should do when hiring a plumber is to make sure they have a contract. You should never hire a plumber without a contract. You should also ask to see the contract before signing it. This will help you determine if the contract is fair and if it includes all the information you need. You should also ask to see their insurance policy. This will help you determine if the company is reliable and if they have the proper coverage. You should also ask to see their liability insurance. This will help you determine if the company is reliable and if they have the proper coverage.

Conclusion

The plumbing industry is full of old adages and folk wisdom, but some of them are surprisingly accurate. The most common mistakes to avoid when hiring a plumber include not doing your research, not asking about their experience, not asking about their rates and what is included, not asking about their insurance and licensing requirements, not asking for their references, not asking for their insurance bond or license number, not asking if they have a contract, and not asking if they have a good reputation.

Frequently Asked Question

How can I find a reputable plumbing company?

When researching plumbing companies, use the word reviews or customer comments to find their review profile. Google reviews are found in the maps profile of each company. In there you can easily see what customers think of the service they got from each contractor.

What do local plumbers charge per hour?
Typical hourly rates for plumbers cost between $45 and $200. A journeyperson charges about $70 to $120 per hour, but they are only licensed to handle the most common household repairs. Complex problems or installations will require the help of a master plumber.
​What is the hourly rate for a plumber in my area?
Most plumbers charge an average of $70 to $120 per hour before trip fees and materials. Rates can range as high as $200 or as low as $45.
​How long should you run water to clean pipes?
Open ALL hot water sink fixtures, hot water bathtub or shower fixtures. Next, open all other hot water fixtures, such as in the kitchens, wet bars, etc. Run all of these hot water fixtures for 15 minutes, then shut the water off. This is also a good time to flush the hot water tank to remove sediment.
Can boiling water unclog a drain?
If your drain is clogged with ice cubes — then yes, boiling water can unclog a drain. But if your drain is clogged with the things that normally clog drains — grease, oil, dirt, hair, etc. — then no, boiling water isn't likely to help.
Why does my bathroom sink drain smell bad?
A smelly sink is usually caused by bacteria build up from grease, fat and food which have been flushed down the drain. These will then get stuck in the pipes causing the familiar rotten egg smell.
​What is the best material to Repipe a house?
Cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, is the new standard when it comes to repiping your house. Since it is made of plastic it is a more cost-effective alternative to copper. Pex is easier to install and lighter in weight, reducing shipping costs too.
​How long does a house repipe take?
A complete repipe can take anywhere from a few days up to a week. Smaller homes can be repiped in as little as two days, while large homes with multiple bathrooms can take much longer. However, it's important to note that you won't necessarily be unable to use your plumbing during that entire time.
​Should I replace all my copper pipes with PEX?
If just a pipe or a section of your copper plumbing is leaking, you could just replace it with PEX piping. But if you have an old copper plumbing system that leaks frequently in different areas of your home, you may want to consider a whole-house repipe
​How do you stop a plumbing leak?
Turn off the water supply to the leaking pipes and clean the area around the hole to be patched. Use a metal file to smooth any sharp edges that might cut through the patch. Apply the patch and repair clamp so it evenly overlaps the damaged section of pipe. Tighten the clamps to seal the leak.