The average household has about 20 different drains, faucets and pipes in their home. If any of them break down, you better be ready with a reliable service to take care of the problem at hand. And that’s where your local plumber comes in handy. Services like these are necessary for keeping your home safe from any water-related issues that may arise at any given time. No matter what kind of plumbing services you need: new faucet, leaky drain, clogged sink or tub…a plumber can help solve your problem and keep things flowing smoothly once again. But with so many options out there, it can be difficult to know who is right for the job. Here are some things you need to know before hiring a plumber in Los Gatos CA.
What to look for in a Los Gatos Plumber
First, look for a top plumber in Los Gatos that has a business address that is near you. That way, you can be sure of the plumber’s location and availability in case you need to call for assistance. Ask for the plumber’s license number or the license number of the company they work for. A license is required by law in order to operate as a plumber. Always ask for references. If the plumber is new to the area, ask how long they have been in the business and if they have experience in the kind of work you need done. Insurance is also helpful to know about. A plumber’s insurance covers them in case they are injured while working on your property.
Finding the Right Company for the Job
– Get recommendations: Talk to your friends, family and neighbors to find out which plumbers they recommend. You can also check online reviews to see what other customers have to say about the company you’re considering.
– Ask for a written estimate: Even if you already know what kind of work you need done, it’s a good idea to get a written estimate from at least 2 or 3 companies before hiring a plumber.
– Compare prices: Be sure to compare all the estimates, not just the price. You want to make sure that the work will be completed to your satisfaction, as well as the price that you’re being charged.
– Check their license, insurance and references: Just like we mentioned above, these are some of the most important things to look for when choosing a plumbing company.
Estimate and Contract
If you are hiring a plumber through a company, they will likely have a standard contract that they will give you to sign. If you are hiring a plumber that is out of their own business, then you will have to get an estimate from them first. An estimate is when a plumber comes out to your home, assesses the situation, and then gives you an estimate on how much the work will cost. If you decide to hire them, they will sign a contract with you for the work. Make sure you get everything in writing and have a contract signed by both parties. This will help protect you in case anything goes wrong during or after the work is done.
Before the Job Begins
Before a plumber comes to your house, make sure you inspect their work van and company vehicle for any signs of damage. You don’t want to hire a company whose vehicles have dents or are in bad condition. Their van or truck could hold potential bacteria that would be transferred to your home. If you find a plumber that is certified, you can check their certification online to see if they are still valid. If you are hiring a company, ask how they charge. Many companies charge per hour and will show up to your home with a team of employees. Others charge a flat rate and bring one technician. While a team is helpful, you don’t want to be charged an exorbitant amount for every employee that shows up.
During the job
Keep an eye on the plumbers. If you notice them doing something unsafe or without correct procedures, then ask them to stop. Always ask for a receipt when the plumber finishes their work. It’s important to have proof that the work was done and the amount you paid for it. You may need this receipt if you need to file a claim with the plumber’s insurance, or if you need to dispute the payment with your credit card company. Check for cleanliness when the plumber is finished. You should find no leftover debris, tools, or other items left behind.
After the job is complete
If the work was done inside your home, make sure the area is cleaned up after the job is done. If they were working on a garden hose and the area is muddy, tell them to clean up after themselves. You don’t want muddy footprints all over your house. If the plumber repaired or installed something, make sure it’s working correctly before they leave. If you notice something that isn’t working correctly, tell the plumber about it. Ask for the plumber’s business card. This way, you can refer other people to them if they need work done. Ask the plumber if they need you to sign a waiver. This is necessary if they were working on anything electrical.
Conclusion
If you follow these tips when hiring a plumber, you’ll be able to find the right person for the job. Be sure to do your research and ask questions, so you are completely satisfied with the end result.
