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The Basics of Hiring a Plumber

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You never know when you’ll need the services of a good emergency plumber, so if you don’t already have a trusted plumber on your contact list, don’t wait for an emergency before looking for one. In this blog, Countryside Plumbing and Heating, Inc. discusses the basics of hiring a plumber.



What Plumbers Do

Plumbers generally have the training to address issues related to home plumbing, and should have the skills and know-how to root out the source of plumbing problems. Commonplace issues such as plumbing leaks may have more than one cause, and finding the right solution is essential for a timely and permanent fix. Homeowners typically either won’t have access to water or will stand to waste a lot of it during a plumbing emergency, so the sooner it’s fixed, the better. 

While plumbers have more or less the same set of skills, some specialize in certain aspects of plumbing, such as commercial plumbing and gas line installation and repairs. Others may extend their scope to include proficiency in installing and repairing high-efficiency furnace systems. One of the advantages of working with an HVAC and plumbing company like us is that we can send the plumber that’s right for the job.

Hiring a Plumber

Look for the following when hiring a plumber:

  • License — The State of Wisconsin requires plumbers to hold a license issued by the Safety and Buildings Division of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Plumbers who apply for a Journeyman or Master Plumber’s license are required to pass the State Plumbing Exam. When hiring a plumber, make sure they have a valid license; this is your assurance of a plumber’s legitimacy, skill level and knowledge of applicable building codes.
  • Guarantee or Warranty — A good plumber or plumbing company will have their work guaranteed or warrantied. This is your protection against installation or repair errors.
  • Payment Method — Be wary of plumbers—and contractors in general—who ask for full payment upfront. A typical payment schedule consists of a down payment, one or two installments and a final payment upon satisfactory completion.
  • Good Customer Feedback — Take the time to call at least three references, as provided by the plumber. In addition to asking about the quality of their work, ask these previous customers if they would hire the plumber again. You’ll probably need a plumber more than once, so hiring one that provides quality work will be beneficial in the long run.

Countryside is your leading provider of plumbing services. Give us a call at (715) 246-2660 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment or make inquiries about the cost of a new furnace.