No one ever wants to experience the nightmare scenario of waking up in the middle of the night and discovering that their kitchen or bathroom floor flooded, or their heat breaking in the dead of winter.
Unfortunately, however, for some homeowners, these situations are a stinging reality. Under such circumstances, you will need the services of an emergency plumber. That said, however, impacted home or property owners should not randomly choose any individual or company. The most optimal emergency plumbers will share several of the following common positive attributes.
Hold Appropriate Licensures And Insurance
In the province of Alberta, plumbers must hold a Certification of Qualification. This certification of qualification means that the professional in question’s skills meet industry standards set by province authorities, and they have passed an examination proving they demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of the craft.
Reputable plumbers should possess copies of these credentials and display no reservations should a prospective customer ask to see such documentation. That said, plumbers are not required to hold a licence. However, many experienced, professional individuals will obtain licensure anyway.
Additionally, reputable professionals will carry the appropriate insurance. Typically plumbers carry workman’s compensation and liability insurance. These policies protect the customer in two critical ways. Workmen’s compensation insurance protects the owner from bearing any responsibility should the plumber become injured while working on their property. Liability covers any damages should any damages be inflicted on the homeowner’s property during their work.
Possesses Significant Experience
A good emergency plumber is one who can boast significant professional experience. Industry professionals recommend hiring a plumber possessing at least ten years of experience. Professionals who have been in business for this length likely know what they are doing and have encountered diverse experiences.
Numerous Satisfied Customers
Respected and experienced plumbing contractors should boast a list of multiple happy clients. The easiest way to discern this information is through an online search. Using one’s favourite search engine, enter the plumber’s individual or business name into the search bar and wait for results. Should the majority of the returns prove decisive, said entity or establishment might warrant further inquiry.
A Formidable Presence
The most honourable plumbing contractors will possess a formidable public presence. For starters, the business should advertise in the sales pages of the municipality in question’s local phonebook. Moreover, the establishment or individual’s online presence must be stout. There should be an easily navigable, mobile-friendly website containing pertinent information, such as the address and phone number of the headquarters, a section detailing the type of services the business provides and testimonials from current or past customers.
Quick Response Time
Homeowners facing plumbing emergencies, like interior floods or no heat during the frigid winter months, want assistance as soon as possible. Typically, plumbers performing emergency repairs will be on call 24 hours per day. Often, a delay in response could precipitate further damages and more exorbitant remedial costs. Ergo, expedient response times are a must.
Warranties
Most reputable plumbers offer warranties covering the customer should any of their work not live up to expectations. Moreover, the replacement parts and products plumbers employ to execute necessary repairs or replacements are often warrantied by the manufacturers of said items.
Multiple Forms Of Payment
Professional plumbing contractors should enable their customers to remit payment through a variety of methods. Usually, they will not accept cash. However, checks, credit or debit cards would suffice.
Display Honesty
Honourable plumbers are those that perform only necessary work and detail each step of the process. When said professional determines the remedial measures, they should document the ensuing process. Next, the offering of a written contract, which highlights the specific job, approximate start and completion dates and an itemized list of costs, including parts and labour. The prospective customer should have the opportunity to read the contract over before adding their endorsement.
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