When you’re in need of a San Diego plumber, you most likely have an immediate need – so time is of the essence. Searching for a plumber can be a frustrating endeavor of comparing costs, response times, and client reviews. Simplify and expedite the search by knowing what to look for – below is our list of tips.
Get Educated Plumbing Service Estimates
Always secure an estimate for work before proceeding. Having a go-to plumber on-hand is a good idea for common issues, like a clogged drain – but estimates are a must-have, particularly for bigger items. For example, say that you have an issue with your lateral line (the line that connects your home to the city’s sewer main) – that line has various access points which could require a simple dig a few feet down or in a worst case scenario, might require the excavation of the lateral line approximately 13 feet down. Estimates will not only help you learn more about the exact issue (rather than an over-the-phone guess based on your description) but will help provide a more precise cost for your exact problem. When securing estimates, be careful to secure apples-to-apples comparisons from at least three companies. For example, a $25 quote from an unlicensed and uninsured plumber compared to a $75 quote from a licensed and liability insured contractor is not apples-to-apples. $25 may seem like the better deal up front but you are assuming a significantly greater amount of risk with no guarantees and less accountability.
Be Sure the Plumber is Licensed, Bonded & Insured!!!
These are the three magic words for any contractor that you work with. They confirm that your San Diego plumber is licensed to operate and knowledgeable about their subject per the relevant certification boards, that they are approved to do business in your area, and that they have their own insurance should anything go awry. If your contractor is not insured, you as the homeowner could be held liable for accidents, not to mention costs for projects gone wrong. One tell-tale sign that a plumber is not licensed is them asking you to secure relevant permits – if you receive this request, move on to a different plumber.
San Diego Plumber Recommendations
Seek recommendations from friends or colleagues – this is often the quickest way to find a reputable San Diego emergency plumber. Also consider using online review sites, such as the BBB or Angie’s List. Remember that people are often more likely to vent about a negative experience, so contractors with positive public reviews are typically quite noteworthy.
Get it on Paper
When you select your San Diego plumber, make sure to get a written contract that describes the scope of work in full. For example, which materials will they use, what are the product and workmanship warranties, exactly what work is the plumber to complete and by what date? For smaller jobs, the plumber should be able to provide a firm cost.
Look Before There’s a Need
If you have the chance, search for and vet plumbers before you have a need. Although you won’t be able to secure a work-specific estimate, you can get an idea of typical costs and reputation, so when emergency strikes, you know just who to call.
For information about San Diego plumbing services, costs or tips, call us at (866) 374-0402 or request information online.