Plumbers

Make a plumber your new best friend

You may be able to get along without an accountant or a lawyer, but you definitely need a good relationship with a licensed plumber.

What plumbers do

In addition to unstopping drains and installing bathroom fixtures, your plumber can

• Hook up washing machines, dishwashers, as well as gas appliances.
• Install gas lines and shut-off valves.
• Add drains for air conditioning units.
• Install water-based heating systems.
• Install storm drains.

Choosing your plumber

To get started on your plumbing repair or installation, get several estimates. Once you´ve narrowed the field of prospective plumbers, get answers to the following questions:

• How long has he been in business and what is his plumbing specialty?
• Is he experienced with your type of project?
• Can he supply copies of licensing, liability insurance, worker’s comp insurance, and bonding?
• What warranties does he offer?
• What references can he provide? In addition to asking about work quality, make sure the plumber was tidy and respectful of the work environment.

About money

A detailed estimate should specify how charges will be made. Is it an hourly fee or by the fixture?

Current plumbing rates range from $45–140 an hour per plumber, so you´ll need to find out if your job is going to entail more than a single plumber. Extra men or charges for transportation can quickly blow your budget out of the water. Often, common jobs are billed at a flat-rate.

Warranties and service agreements

All work and fixtures should be guaranteed by the plumber and manufacturer respectively. Also, consider a maintenance agreement. Regular inspections over time may prevent an emergency that costs more than the agreement itself.

Multiple projects

To get your money´s worth, combine several small projects for the same job. It will save not only money, but make better use of the plumber´s time; often he´ll give you a break if he saves travel time on purchasing fixtures and supplies.

If you make a list of all your planned plumbing-related projects, your plumber can help you prioritize them to further reduce your bill.