Plumbing issues can occur in your home or office at any time. You need a professional plumber to repair the damage be it clogging, leaks, drainage or sewage problems. But before you call a plumber, there are many things to consider before you can be certain that they can do the job you need. Some plumbers are specialized in certain kinds of repairs while others offer a wider range of services that include heater installation, sanitary installations and repair, as well as simple plumbing repairs.
As a homeowner or commercial property manager, you will expect certain qualities in your plumber, such as experience, prompt response, cost efficiency, good skills, and honesty. You want to select the best plumber in Alameda, California, who can fix your problem and also prevent further damage, allowing you to return to your daily routine. But, with a multitude of plumbers and plumbing services in your area, how can you decide which plumber to pick?
With a lot of plumbing services in your area, how do you know which plumber to choose? Here are some important questions that will help you decide how to choose the right plumber.
Ask around for referrals!
There are many professional plumbers in Alameda, CA, so it can be overwhelming to pick the best one. As a first step, ask your neighbors and friends to refer plumbers or plumbing agencies they hired previously and were satisfied with their work. This can be your first whetting list that you can use to shortlist the ones you will call. Make sure you tell people what kind of service you need. For instance, instead of asking “Can you recommend a good plumber?”, you can ask “Can you recommend a plumber who knows how to clean and descale a water heater?”
Check for licenses and certifications
This legal license requirement is non-negotiable. No matter how low the cost estimate, hiring an unlicensed plumber can lead to serious consequences. An unlicensed plumber may not be experienced and skilled enough, and instead of fixing your plumbing issue, he could cause further issues with poor quality work. Instead of saving money, you could end up spending a lot more in repairing what he damaged. For instance, some tankless water heater sellers require certifications to sell and install plumbing equipment. If you hire an unlicensed plumber to install your water heater, you could void your warranty.
Moreover, an unlicensed plumber may not carry insurance, leaving you liable for any accidents or injuries that occur during the work on your property. He may also not be well-versed in building codes and regulations, putting you at risk of fines from local authorities.
Make sure you’re covered with plumbing insurance and warranty
Plumbing projects can be complicated at times, and there could be accidental damage to your property or the plumber. A reliable plumber will carry liability insurance to protect you from potential damages or injuries that could occur on your property during the plumbing work. Additionally, make sure your plumber or plumbing agency in Alameda, provides you with a service warranty with a long enough time-period.
Experience with similar projects
A plumber might be licensed and insured, but do they have the experience and expertise required for your specific plumbing issue? Be it a large plumbing project or a minor fix, make sure you do thorough research before hiring a plumber. Check for their experience and track record. A plumber with more years of experience is likely to have come across several different types of plumbing problems and will be able to diagnose the issue and offer a solution more accurately. An experienced plumber is also more likely to be well-versed in the latest plumbing equipment and techniques. A successful track record will assure you of quality plumbing work as well.
Rapid response time
A prompt response to your call is important. Plumbing issues can escalate quickly and can disrupt your life and daily routine significantly. You don’t want to be stuck with broken pipes or damaged sewage systems for a long time. A plumber or plumbing company in Alameda, CA that can address your requirements promptly and address your inconvenience is the best choice. Quick responses mitigate potential damages and show that the plumbing company is reliable and professional.
Solid references and testimonials
This is an important one. A good and reliable plumber will be able to share customer references with you without hesitation. For larger plumbing jobs especially, you can speak to their previous customers and get direct feedback about their expertise and quality of work. You can also visit Facebook, Google Business, and Yelp to read reviews by other customers. If it’s a good plumbing company in Alameda, CA, then you can check their website as well. Of course, they are unlikely to post negative reviews on their site, so make sure you check other sources for feedback as well. Check to see if the plumber has a 100% satisfaction guarantee and whether, in the past, the plumber reached out to try to correct whatever the issue was.
Free, written estimates
Any reputable plumber provides estimates. Most websites of plumbing companies have a general inquiry box for you to fill out and clearly explain the plumbing issues you need help with, including asking for a general cost estimate. If not, you can always call them on the number mentioned on their website and ask for a quote. It doesn’t hurt to get two to three quotes from different professional plumbing services in Alameda, CA. This will allow you to compare the cost of material and labor.
You must insist on a written estimate before the plumbing job begins because it offers a level of clarity and transparency. A written estimate is binding and ensures that you and the plumber both agree on the scope of work and the investment required, protecting you from potential price hikes or unexpected charges. Reliable plumbing services in Alameda, CA, will ensure that you get a true estimate.
Hourly or fixed rate
When reviewing the estimate you receive, make sure to ask the plumber if it’s based on an hourly or fixed rate. Plumbing estimates can vary because the plumber may find that the job is more complicated than it seemed initially and might require more time. So it is a good idea to ask the plumber if they are going to charge you by the hour or a fixed rate. As a general rule, a flat-rate quote to perform service is preferable to an hourly rate quote.
How close is your plumber
You want a local plumber near you for two main reasons. A plumbing contractor is unlikely to travel outside of their local service area. Second, a local plumber must have served many customers in the local area, so you can more easily check references and get recommendations.
Trust Albion Plumbing for your plumbing needs
We hope you now are confident about how to choose the right plumber. As property managers or homeowners in Alameda, CA, you must be able to hire nothing but the best plumbing services. With Albion, you can be certain that you are partnering with experienced plumbing professionals. We have proven experience in responding fast and solving the most complex plumbing emergencies with precision.
Here is what one of our customers have to say about us:
“Albion plumbing is simply the best. Their friendliness, integrity and attention to detail are second to none. My water heater broke down one morning and Michael, the owner, left another job he was supervising and came to my house the same day. He went out and bought a new water heater and installed it himself that afternoon. I tried to pay him extra for doing the job on such short notice, but he would not hear of it. The new water heater works better than the last one. Great owner, great job.”
Charles Denton
Source: GMB Reviews
Whether you’re facing a minor leak or need major plumbing repairs, get in touch with us for the best plumbing services by Albion Plumbing.