Are you experiencing a plumbing emergency or simply looking for a good plumber to use for future services? It’s important to make sure that you know what you are getting into when choosing a plumber. Are they qualified to do the work you need them to? Are they the best at what they do? At All Ways Drains, we pride ourselves on being the trusted plumber in Vadnais Heights and the surrounding areas – but we still recommend that any time you are hiring a new plumber, you ask these questions.
Are you licensed and insured?
For any contractor that you are asking to complete work in your home, you should ensure that they are fully insured and licensed. If the plumber you want to hire is not, then it may be worth asking why they are not licensed – and worth wondering if they can do the job.
At All Ways Drains, we are fully insured and bonded! We are also licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Our license allows us to complete projects in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the rest of the Twin Cities metro area!
Do you charge hourly or is it a flat rate?
Depending on the plumber and the project, this answer may vary, so it’s important to know in advance! If they charge a flat rate, you’ll have a more accurate estimate of costs upfront – however, you may end up paying more than if you hired the plumber who offered hourly rates.
When asking this, it is also a good idea to ask for an estimate of the time required to complete the project so you can compare estimates.
At All Ways Drains, we will provide free estimates for a job or we can provide an hourly rate depending on what you prefer!
Do you have references?
Always ask the plumber you plan to hire if they have references. People with real, firsthand experience will be able to warn you if the plumber you are looking to hire is not up to the task.
At All Ways Drains, we proudly post our customer testimonials on our website – allowing prospective customers to see for themselves what our customers are saying.
Can you provide me with a written estimate?
While ideally you would never need to dispute costs with your plumber and would be able to trust them, that isn’t always the case. If you choose to hire a less-than-reputable plumber (whether knowingly or not), it’s important to have that written estimate or quote in case they come back and try to charge you more than they initially told you for the same services they quoted you for.
Is cleanup included in the quote?
Sometimes, plumbing gets messy. That’s why it’s good to know if cleanup is included in the quote, an extra fee, or left to the home- or business-owner to handle.
While this is not an all-exhausted list of questions you should ask, this is a good list to get you started! If you have any concerns about the responses from your plumber, listen to your gut feeling. Chances are if you feel something is off, it probably is.
Call All Ways Drains today at 612-922-9422 or request a free estimate! We have an emergency plumber available 24/7, 365 days a year and we also offer routine plumbing services for your home or business in Vadnais Heights.