Plumbing problems are never fun and can just flat out ruin your day. Let us count the ways: big messes, water damage, non-working faucets, toilets and appliances, inconvenience and unexpected repair costs.
Armstrong Plumbing, Air, Electric knows that plumbing problems can turn into emergencies quickly and that’s why our crew of professionally-licensed Lubbock, Texas plumbers are the best in the business. We stand ready and able to handle any plumbing issues you may have, so call us and we are on our way. Likewise, if you need to schedule plumbing maintenance. However, before you call us or any other plumber, there are a handful of questions you need to be ready to ask before hiring them. Ready, let’s go:
ARE YOU LICENSED?
This is the big question and should be the first thing you ask, to quickly be followed by “can you prove it?” In other words, ask to see it or check on their credentials yourself. Making sure the plumber you hire is licensed with the appropriate state or local organizations will save you headaches down the road if anything goes wrong with the work.
ARE YOU EXPERIENCED WITH THIS KIND OF PROJECT?
Most plumbers can handle the simple stuff, like minor fixture leaks, clogged drains and appliance installations. If your project is outside these parameters, make sure to ask them to provide examples of their experience.
CAN I HAVE AN ESTIMATE IN WRITING?
Ask the plumber for a written estimate; this will eliminate surprises down the road. You should be wary of a plumber who tries to give you an estimate over the phone without first coming out and looking at what needs to be done.
WHEN DO I PAY?
The plumber’s response will tell you a lot. If they ask for 100 percent upfront, walk away. Most may want a reasonable percentage for deposit to get started or partial payment when certain aspects of the project are completed, and the rest when the work is completed.
WHAT IS THE TIMELINE?
Ask the plumber when they can start. If it is a leak or other issue that is a potential emergency, immediately is the answer you are looking for. Otherwise, get a firm start date and completion date and hold them to it.
IS THE WORK GUARANTEED OR WARRANTIED?
Before the plumber gets going, make sure their work is covered if anything breaks down or is incorrectly repaired. Also, make sure they are insured and bonded and request all documentation in writing.
DO YOU CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF?
This seems like a “duh” question, but you need to make sure the plumbing company cleans up the mess they create, including old parts, boxes, etc. Insist on it and make sure it is included in the estimate.
Is something wrong with your plumbing? Better Call Armstrong, and we will do our best to make sure your day is not ruined. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter, too!
