Just like you wouldn’t buy a car before you test drove it, or buy a house before having it inspected, you shouldn’t hire a plumber without properly vetting them. A plumber is likely going to do some very important work on your house, so you want to make sure they are the best person for the job. Whether you just have a leaky faucet or are remodeling your entire bathroom, these are the important questions to ask before you hire a plumber.
- Are you licensed?
This is probably the most important question you should be asking, because though most homeowners don’t realize it – there are some plumbers that work without a license. If a plumber does not have a license, there is a possibility he is not up-to-date on the latest industry news, does not have insurance, or has a criminal background (and therefore can’t get a license).
- Do you charge per hour or one flat fee?
Before you get an estimate, make sure you know how you will be charged. You should also know if that is just the cost of labor or if materials have also been included in the final estimate.
- When do you want to be paid?
If your plumber asks for 100% of their payment on the first day, that is a red flag! Professional, accredited plumbers will ask to be paid in weekly or monthly increments, or all at the end.
- Will you clean up after yourself?
It may seem like there’s an obvious answer here, but not all companies require their plumbers to clean up after themselves. If you don’t know the answer to this question upfront, you could be stuck cleaning up tools, boxes, and debris for days.
Mitch Wright Plumbing, Heating & Air​