Having the knowledge necessary to hire a plumber can make life a whole lot easier when you find that one is needed. You never know when you’re going to have an issue with a burst pipe, leaky faucet, or flood from the water heater. That’s why understanding the best questions to ask a plumbing contractor can make life a lot easier. Here are a few things to consider before you sign a contract.

Are you Licensed?

Most states require that plumbers are licensed. If you aren’t sure about your own location, a quick Internet search will give you the answer you need. States that do require this will often have a way to search for licenses on their government website. This lets you verify that the person you hire is licensed and legitimate.

What is the Total Cost?

You should always speak with three or four contractors before choosing one. Each of them should provide an estimate after looking at the job that is needed. While some tasks are straightforward and easy to quote, you want the estimate in write regardless. Make sure to ask if the quote is the final cost. You don’t want hidden fees tacked on later.

Who Will Be Doing the Work?

You want to be aware of who will be in your home doing the repair job. If it’s a small company, the person doing the estimate may be the same one doing the work. Other companies might have another person who comes out to handle the project. If that is the case, make sure to ask for details about their experience and training.

Are You Bonded and Insured?

There is no reason you should ever hire a contractor who is not properly licensed. You also want to be sure that the plumber is bonded and has any insurance that is needed to cover potential accidents during work.

Do You Guarantee Your Work?

Not every plumber has a guarantee, but you should find out before you sign on the dotted line. You also want to be sure that what was promised verbally is put into writing. You should keep a copy of that information somewhere safe as it could be needed later if follow-up work is required.

At APEX Plumbing & Sewer, Inc. we provide drain cleaning, plumbing, water heater repairs, installations, and more. We have emergency service available and would be happy to give you a quote on a project. To learn more and contact us, visit us at APEXPlumbingChicago.com.