How to Choose a Plumber in Tomball, The Woodlands and Houston Metro Area

It’s no secret that taking the Do-It-Yourself route can save you some hard earned money when it comes to home repairs in Tomball, Conroe and the Houston Area. However, no matter how handy one might be around the house, there are some times when the job simply calls for a professional, especially when it comes to plumbing related problems.

Hiring a qualified service company for your home can end up being a wonderful experience or a nightmare. It is important to have a basic understanding of what to look out for.

Sure, unclogging a drain and tightening loose, leaky faucet spouts are simple enough tasks. But even seemingly straightforward problems can have hidden and more damaging causes.

So what is it that a professional plumber brings to the table that even best DIY folks around don’t possess?  Here’s our top four

Experience – Simply put, professional plumbers deal with plumbing issues on a daily basis. They bring years of experience and training to any situation a homeowner might throw at them. And with that experience, they are able to look beyond the obvious, and get to the root of the direct cause of the problem. In addition, they can look into the future and predict more damaging and costly issues that may arise because of your current plumbing glitch.

Access to proper tools and equipment – Everyone has a toolbox with the basics. Some might even have a garage full of tools. However, when it comes to plumbing, not all tools are created equal. Take the standard wrench, for example. The average homeowner may not have access to a pipe wrench, basin wrench, and deep socket wrench:  they all have different features for different needs. Is the plumbing problem deeper than meets the eye? A well-equipped plumber can perform a video drain or sewer inspection, something we don’t recommend you try yourself.

Timely service – Truth is, plumbing emergencies rarely happen when it’s convenient for you. Between work and family, your days are busy enough. And because we know your time is precious, a professional plumber can assess the problem and remedy the situation quickly, accurately, and efficiently.

Licensing and insurance – A licensed and insured plumber offers you greater peace of mind. Should your home suffer any damage during a repair, you know that it will be fixed at the company’s expense. But if you inadvertently flood your finished basement while attempting to fix a burst pipe, you’ve just turned a relatively inexpensive repair into a costly renovation.

So how do you pick the right company or contractor? Sure, you can choose a random name out of the phone book, but how long have they been in business? What about testimonials? Are they insured? Here are a few things to think about to help point you in the right direction.

• Use Referrals. It is always good to begin by talking with family friends and neighbors. Ask them who they recommend and if they would use them again.
• Ask about Prices. Keep in mind though that the cheapest company isn’t always the best. Ask about regular rates and if there are any other service charges, like dispatch fees & after hours fees. Be sure to ask how they pay their technicians. This is important because when technicians are paid commission they must sell you something to make money. Whereas technicians paid by the hour get paid whether they do work for you or not.
• Ask About their Experience. How long have they been in business? How many times have they done what you need, for example installing a water heater, installing air conditioning, clearing our drains, etc. A competent service contractor that focuses on repairs & emergencies may not be qualified to put an addition onto your home, and vice verse.
• Find out if they are Licensed, Insured, and State-Certified. It is a good idea to call and check if their license and certification are current & in good standing. Also, be sure to verify they have liability insurance and have workman’s compensation. This will help protect you and your home.
• Ask About Getting a Written Estimate. States like California, for example, protects consumers from being charged a certain percentage above a written estimate without signed consent. Getting a written estimate will help ensure you won’t be surprised with a huge bill at the end of the job.
• Ask for References. A good service provider wants you to know and see his work experience. Be sure to ask for and call references, asking if they were satisfied with the workmanship, price, and if there were any communication problems.
• Check them out on the Internet. Take a few minutes to look at their website, read some of their testimonials. Are they members of the Better Business Bureau? Check a few of the local review sites: Yelp, Yahoo Local, Google maps, Insider pages, Angie’s list and others.

At Daniels Plumbing Company in Tomball, TX,  we have more than 25 years of experience in coming to the rescue for home owners throughout the state.  We can do the same for you for emergency and routine plumbing repairs or new installations alike.  Contact us today for service. You have choices when it comes to choosing a plumber, but we’re confident that when you choose Daniels Plumbing, you’ll never need to look for another plumber again.