If you’re getting ready to hire a plumber, Edmonton is a great place to be. While everyone has heard the horror stories about plumbers who do shoddy work for expensive rates, this type of thing is rarely a problem in Edmonton. Here, if you want to be a plumber, Edmonton requires you to be licensed, and most licensed plumbers have years of apprenticeship and training under their belts. Plus, since plumbers rely largely on references to get business, they tend to be quite courteous and professional in their work. So, forget those horror stories. They don’t apply here.
That being said, it’s still a good idea to take a number of cautions when hiring a professional to work in your home. While scammers are few and far between, it’s important that you hire the right person for your job, and it’s essential to communicate clearly about the work you need to have done.
Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Don’t be in a hurry: Unless there’s a risk of permanent damage to your home, there’s no need to rush to call someone. Take the time to do a little research.
Ask around: Talk to other homeowners you trust about whether they know a good plumber. Edmonton has many great plumbers, but they’re not all listed online or in the “Plumber Edmonton” section of the phonebook, so word-of-mouth is often the best way to find people.
Know which questions to ask: Before you hire a plumber, even one who is highly recommended by someone you trust, there are certain questions you should ask. Most importantly, ask about hourly rates, and find out if and when the plumber has time to work you into his or her schedule.
Next, ask if the plumber has one or two references you can call. They’re used to fielding this question, so don’t hesitate to ask. They should be able to give you a couple of names and numbers of people for you to call right away. You may also want to ask about the plumber’s license number, and it can’t hurt to find out whether he or she offers a warranty for the work performed in your home.
Also important to keep in mind when calling a plumber: Edmonton is not the biggest city in the world, but it can still take a little bit of time to drive from one side of town to the other. So find out if your plumber charges for travel time, and if so, make sure he or she is based in your general area.
You can get a quote: If your plumbing situation is not an emergency, you can ask a plumber to come to your house for a consultation. Of course, if the plumbing issue is merely a leaky pipe or a clogged tub drain, the plumber will probably be able to give you an accurate quote over the phone. But if it’s a more complicated project, you can have him or her come to the home, diagnose the problem, and then give you a quote.
