How To Choose A Qualified Plumber
Whether you’re a home or business owner, chances are you’ll eventually need the help of a plumber to repair a tricky plumbing issue. But how do you choose a qualified and reputable plumber who will not only resolve the situation but also create a lasting relationship in the process? Find the answer to this question and more with the following tips from our trusted plumbing repair company.
Many people would rather have a plumbing issue resolved as quickly as possible than spending precious time calling multiple plumbers. But with Sunshine Plumbing and Gas, you can rest assured that your plumbing is in good hands. Our Ocala and Gainesville plumbers work diligently and quickly while treating you and your home or business with respect. Contact us today to schedule plumbing services in Gainesville and Ocala, FL.
What Attributes & Requirements Should I Look For?
Plumbers share many common skills, but the most qualified and skilled plumbers typically have the following attributes.
License
All requirements for plumbing licenses in Florida are set by local municipalities and counties. The state also requires both contractors and individual plumbers to be licensed, although which entity issues the license is different. Both individual contractors and contractors with a plumbing company receive licenses from the state, while individual plumbers are licensed by a municipality and/or county.
Insurance
Choosing a plumbing company that can provide you with proof of insurance is important. The state of Florida requires a plumber to have at minimum general liability insurance with coverages of $100,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
Apprentice
An apprentice is someone new to the plumbing trade and is currently enrolled in a training program. Classes and on-the-job training are generally used in an apprenticeship.
Professionalism
A reputable Gainesville and Ocala plumber will understand the lasting impact professionalism has on every customer and job. Professionalism means the plumber arrives on time, calls if they will be late, and answers any and all questions you may have. It also means your home and business are treated with care and respect during each appointment.
Journeyman
Journeymen plumbers have successfully completed an apprenticeship program or have at least four years of experience in the plumbing trade.
Recommendations
Friends and family members are a great source for finding a reliable plumber. The Better Business Bureau and other online home service-related websites are also a good source for finding trustworthy reviews of an Ocala plumber or plumbing company.
Master
A plumber reaches the level of a master plumber after completing at least two years as a journeyman and at least seven years of plumbing experience total. Certain Florida counties also have testing requirements for a plumber to pass before becoming a master plumber.
Does The Type Of Property Matter When Choosing A Plumber?
At the core, all plumbing systems perform the same task — bring fresh water into the home or business and carry away wastewater. But, building and zoning codes and regulations usually outline specific plumbing requirements, which some companies and plumbers are skilled to handle, while others aren’t.
New Construction
When it comes to plumbing for new construction, professional installation and proper design are crucial for effective plumbing function and system longevity. It’s the best way to avoid leaks and other headaches after construction is complete and occupants move into the building. No matter the size of your new construction project, we coordinate with each of our contractors and subcontractors to keep the project on budget and on schedule.
Residential
A qualified and experienced plumber will know how to handle all types of residential plumbing issues. Home plumbing problems can range from nearly every issue imaginable, including dripping faucets and shower heads, leaking water heaters, and backed up sewer lines.
Commercial
Commercial plumbing is considered a specialty area in plumbing due to the various municipal codes to which commercial properties are subject. Sunshine Plumbing and Gas is up-to-date on the requirements for Gainesville and Ocala businesses and commercial properties.
What Questions Should I Ask The Plumber?
Whether you’re speaking with an Ocala plumber on the phone or in person, remember to ask the following seven questions.
1. Are You Licensed & Insured?
License and insurance requirements are put forth by municipalities and states to protect both the home or business’ property owner and the plumber. Plus, if a plumber’s workmanship is not up to par and they aren’t licensed and insured, you may be left with little recourse for recovering damages.
2. Do You Provide Warranties Or Guarantees?
Professional and reputable plumbers stand by their work. This is often done with either a warranty or guarantee. A warranty is generally a written guarantee that promises to repair or replace the serviced plumbing if an issue develops within a specified timeframe. A guarantee is also a warranty but usually not as well-defined as a warranty.
3. Who Will Perform The Work?
Sometimes a plumbing company assigns different jobs on a singular property to different plumbers, usually based on experience and licensing. However, it’s always a good idea to find out who will perform the work in case there is a discrepancy in credentials when they arrive.
4. Do You Offer Emergency Service?
If you’re satisfied with the work done by the plumber, ask if they or the company offers emergency service. This will be good to know in case the shower springs a leak at 2 a.m., as you won’t have to spend extra time on the phone calling more than one company for a plumber.
5. Can You Estimate The Cost Of Service?
Depending on the type of plumbing, the issue that needs repair, and the labor required to repair the problem, the final cost of plumbing services can vary. Most home and business owners want at least an educated estimate of how much the job will cost and an experienced plumber will be able to provide this information. But, keep in mind there may be unknown factors that aren’t apparent until the plumber arrives and begins to work. If this happens, the final cost will likely be higher than the estimate.
6. What Can I Do To Prevent The Issue?
Usually, plumbing issues are preventable with regular system maintenance and timely repairs. But it’s still a good idea to ask what can be done to prevent a problem from recurring in between regularly scheduled plumbing services.
7. What Caused The Problem?
Calling a plumber usually happens when there’s a problem with the plumbing system. Oftentimes, determining the cause of common plumbing issues occurs after services are performed. But an experienced plumber will be able to explain the overarching cause of the problem before the work is completed, even if the issue requires multiple visits to resolve.
What Should I Do Before Hiring A Plumber?
When it comes to choosing a plumber, there is a lot of information and variables to consider. Before you make a final decision, consider these three tips to ensure you choose a qualified plumber who provides services tailored to your property’s unique plumbing needs.
Call At Least Two Plumbers
Even if the first plumber you call meets the necessary qualifications, it’s always a good idea to get a second — or third — opinion. The more information you have, the better educated the final decision will be. Having more than one option will also help you assess pricing for services.
Make A Cheat Sheet
Make a list of the plumbers you’ve called and all the related information you’ve collected, such as qualifications, what each company charges for services, and so on. By having this information in one location, it’ll be easier to compare each plumber side-by-side before choosing one for the job.
Decide What You Want Or Need Before Calling
Sometimes it isn’t easy to succinctly explain an issue over the phone. Take a few minutes — if possible — to think about why you’re calling. While the majority of experienced and qualified plumbers can understand a situation even with scant information, it’s always helpful to prepare a list of specific details about the plumbing issue to ensure you choose the right plumber for the job.
