Master Rooter

When your home’s plumbing stops working, you need a fast, effective fix. But in your quest to find someone quickly, don’t skimp on finding the right plumber for the job.

With so many options for plumbing experts, choosing the right plumber can feel overwhelming. How do you know the one you choose is the right fit for you and your family? Here are four questions you should ask your plumber to give you your answer.

Are you licensed?

Idaho requires all professional plumbers adhere to a licensure process and be licensed at the time of providing service. If a plumber isn’t licensed, they may not follow state guidelines, codes, or regulations. This could mean your plumbing isn’t up to governmentally-mandated standards — which are put in place to protect you and your family — and is unsafe to use. Ask for proof before committing to your plumber. (All of our plumbers are licensed professionals!)

Are you bonded and insured? 

You should ask all home maintenance experts if they carry insurance. This will protect you from having to shell out any additional money should an accident or injury during the process of construction occur in your home.

However, you may not have heard of “bonded.” This protects you from the service worker, rather than the work itself. Should any of the work that not get contractually fulfilled, if the issue is made worse, or if your home is damaged, the company is then obligated to compensate you for the damages by being bonded. This can get legally complex, so be sure to ask your potential plumber about their process.

As with the licensure, be sure to ask for proof, too! (We also have proof of this.)

What’s the timeline for repairs? 

You rely on your toilets, dishwasher, sinks, showers, and washing machine every day, and it’s a hassle when something goes wrong. And it could be an even bigger hassle to have to wait for your plumber! Ask your plumber for an estimated timeline, but keep in mind that this is not a concrete timeline. Inquire about considerations for delays or mistakes because these are very common in home improvement.

Don’t forget to be honest about your own timeline, too. If you need repairs to be completed by a certain date — like if you close on a new house soon or are leaving for vacation — your plumber needs to know that.

How much will this cost, and why? (Bonus: Can I see an estimated invoice?) 

Many service providers will provide estimates for repair costs, but don’t take the cost provided at face value. Ask your plumber to explain the pricing and reasoning behind their valuation. Just as you did with the timeline question, be sure to inquire about potential add-ons or changes, should anything unexpected happen.

If you are inquiring about a larger project, you may want to ask for an estimated invoice. This will provide you with an idea of what this project will cost and how it can factor into your budget.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! This is a necessary part of the home improvement process, and a provider’s answers to these questions will give you insight into the true nature of the person you are trusting to resolve your plumbing needs. Our plumbers are willing to answer any additional questions you may have, so call us today!