Every home and business owner needs to call a plumber at some point. But if it’s your first time reaching out to a plumber, you might have questions, and you might not know what to expect. When it comes to plumbing service and repairs, we’ve seen and done it all. Here are three tips to use when calling a plumber that’ll help you have the best possible experience.
1. Choose A Plumbing Company That’s Trustworthy
After a few minutes of searching online for plumbers in Ocala, you’ll find a variety of companies you could call. How do you know which is the right plumbing company for you? We have three suggestions.
Positive Reviews
You can tell a lot about a company based on the experiences of its past customers. Do the plumbers arrive on-time, charge fair prices for work, and deliver customer service that’s worth raving about? Reviews will tell you this and more — read reviews of Sunshine Plumbing and Gas.
Experienced Plumbers
If you still haven’t narrowed it down, then consider calling the plumbers with the most experience. Experience is important when it comes to plumbing service as plumbing companies that have been in business for a long time will likely have seen a variety of plumbing repairs.
Service In Your Area
Plumbers can say they serve your area, but there’s a difference between offering service to a location and actually being located in the area. Sunshine Plumbing and Gas is based locally in Alachua County. We understand plumbing issues unique to our community, and we serve our customers promptly. Say, for example, a plumbing emergency happens at your home or business. Would you rather wait for plumbers who are located several towns over, or call local plumbers who can be on the scene within minutes?
2. Anticipate Questions A Plumber May Ask
During the initial phone call, the plumbers may ask for your name and address, and what time you’d prefer they arrive. You can schedule an appointment up to several days in advance and at a time of day that fits your schedule. The plumbers may also ask questions about your plumbing problem so they can prepare to address it.
What Is the Problem?
A plumber understands that you may not know the cause of the plumbing issue. Perhaps all you know about the problem is that the pipes are rattling and making noise. Whatever information you can provide, though, is helpful, as it allows the plumbers to plan ahead and bring the correct plumbing tools and replacement parts. Want to increase your plumbing knowledge? Check out our plumbing FAQs.
When Did You First Notice The Issue?
You wouldn’t be the first person to ignore a dripping sink before calling a plumber. But if you did wait, you shouldn’t conceal that fact. When they’re caught early enough, leaky faucets or dripping water supply lines can be fixed with minor adjustments or dabs of sealant. However, when these problems fester for months, they can adversely affect other areas of the plumbing system. To help your plumber find the right solution, be upfront about the extent and duration of the problem.
What Steps Have You Taken?
Before calling a plumber, did you watch tutorial videos or search DIY fixes that you could attempt? There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious. However, the plumber should be made aware of any work you’ve done on the plumbing. It’s possible you’ve made the plumber’s job easier, but it’s also possible you’ve exacerbated the issue.
3. Prepare Your Home For The Plumber’s Visit
While you’re waiting for the plumber to arrive, follow these steps to get the most out of the service.
Know Where Your Plumbing Is Located
Knowing where to find the main water valve and the water heater allows you to direct the plumber to where he or she may need to go to complete the job. If you’re dealing with a leaky faucet or pipe, make sure to point out its location, as well.
Clear The Work Area
It’s a good idea to clear the area near a plumbing problem as a way to prevent water damage in the event of a leak. As an added bonus, an uncluttered work area makes it easier for the plumber to complete the job at hand. Turning a monkey wrench or feeding out a plumbing snake is much easier to do with plenty of elbow room.
Put Pets In Another Room
As long as they’re friendly, pets are usually welcome around service technicians. But plumbers are in your home to accomplish a job. A dog or cat wandering through their work area isn’t only a distraction — it also puts the pet in danger of falling tools. While the plumber is working, it’s best to keep your pets sequestered in another room.
As a full-service plumbing company in Ocala, Sunshine Plumbing and Gas offers plumbing repairs, installations, and planned maintenance. You can schedule service days in advance, or call us last-minute if it’s an emergency — because we’re available for all of your plumbing needs!