What To Look For When Hiring An Emergency Plumbing Company

Having an emergency plumber handy is considered good planning. When a plumbing emergency strikes, the difference between saving your home and belongings comes down to how quickly and efficiently you respond to the problem. It is important know the first steps to take in a plumbing emergency and what to look for when hiring a plumber.

The first steps to take in a plumbing emergency

When you have a burst pipe or something similar, every minute counts. You need to immediately begin removing your belongings, starting with cloth and wood items. Take these outside and start airing them out if they are wet. After this, if someone in your household hasn’t already, you can call an emergency plumbing company. The emergency plumber will have the equipment to quickly dry out your stuff and hopefully avoid mold or substantial water damage. In short, a good plumbing company can help salvage your property and your system.

Finding the right emergency plumbing company

Although it is vital to call an emergency plumber right after you notice an issue, it is best to do research before you need one. By doing this, you will know the best local plumbing company for your needs when something does happen.

Ask about licensing

Ask if each plumber has the proper licenses to practice. Not all states require licenses, so if they don’t carry one, ask why. It is good to ask because if they do carry a license, that means they are certified and passed a state examination. Moreover, don’t be fooled by a business license. A business license simply means that the plumber is allowed to operate a business in your city or state. Make sure to confirm it is a professional plumbing license.

Verify insurance coverage

Next, ask about their insurance coverage. Plumbing companies will carry two types of insurance: workers’ compensation and liability. Workers’ compensation is insurance that provides payouts to workers who are injured while doing their job. Liability insurance covers the plumber for any damage that he or his workers do to your home or belongings while doing their job. The liability policy is what you will try to recover against in the event that the plumbing company does further damage to your home.

You may wonder why you would want to check for insurance with a company you are hiring to do repair services. However, when operating in an emergency situation, don’t take anything for granted. The plumber you hire will need to act quickly, and if they aren’t experienced, it could result in unintended consequences.

Bear in mind that plumbing companies with insurance may be more expensive than those without. The added cost will be minimal in the event the plumbing company does damage to your home.

Ask about response time

Always ask for a plumber’s response time. Emergency plumbers are on-call 24-hours a day, but that isn’t the only thing that determines response time. How far is their location from your house? How quickly can they get their tools together? If their office is an hour away, no matter how professional or fast they may be, it will still take at least an hour to get to you.

Request information about fees

Always ask about fees when speaking with any plumbing company. Most plumbing companies do not like to give you an estimate without seeing the problem. However, you can always ask for hourly rates and potential parts costs. Also, keep in mind that many emergency plumbing companies will charge a special emergency or after-hours fee. Ask about the methods of payment they accept. Most people probably don’t carry enough cash or even have a checkbook, so make sure you can pay with debit or credit.

Ask about warranties, parts, and permits

Be sure to ask for the manufacturer warranty on the parts and the details of the work warranty for services performed. Also, ask about how parts are procured. Every minute counts, so you want drivers to be equipped with the parts they need before they leave. However, you should understand if a more uncommon part cannot be purchased if it is in the middle of the night or on a weekend. Don’t forget to ask about having a permit. The plumber should be familiar with the process to secure a permit, but you should always verify.

Getting the best emergency plumbing services in the Texas Panhandle

Finding the right local plumbing company is critical before an emergency arises. Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas has a team of experienced plumbers that are ready to respond to any call. We offer Residential and Commercial services, and are always stocked with the right parts. You can call us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email to learn more. You can also visit us in person at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo to see how we can help you.