What Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber

Whether you’re in the market for a whole-home repiping job or just need some minor water leak repairs, if you are in a situation that requires you to call a plumber, you are probably overwhelmed and could use some guidance. It can be overwhelming to find a plumber if you are already dealing with the repercussions of a broken pipe or a malfunctioning toilet. You can find the right plumber if you ask the right questions when you call around for a quote. You should always be careful to research to find the best technician for the job. You want someone reliable and affordable to service the needs of your home like PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air.

Are You Certified and Licensed?

You should double-check when you call for a quote from a plumber and ask if they are certified or licensed. You want to ensure that whoever you trust to work on the plumbing in your home is qualified to do so. The last thing you need is someone who is underqualified to work on your home. This could lead to mistakes that would not otherwise be made that cause further damage.

Can I Get a Quote Before Hiring a Plumber for the Job?

You should never hire the first professional you call. When you require someone like a plumber to work on your home, you should do your research and call multiple companies. Ask if you can get a quote for services before you hire them. Once you have gathered detailed quotes from different companies, you can compare and contrast them to figure out what you need to do.

Can You Provide a Detailed Report of the Fees?

Unfortunately, it is possible that some professionals might try to hide fees within their final bill. To avoid paying for something you were unaware of, you can ask for a detailed report of service costs. When you are calling to book a plumber’s services, you should ask if this is something they can provide you with before you pay them for their services. If they are honest and reliable, they should have no problem agreeing to these terms before you hire them for services.

Do You Have Liability Insurance?

Liability insurance is an important thing to ask for when hiring a professional to come into your home. Liability insurance will help to cover costs if something goes wrong. This is a manual labor job, and something may go wrong that could harm your plumber or damage your home. Liability insurance will prevent you from having to pay for any damages. Only hire a plumber if they have liability insurance and workman’s comp.

What are Your Areas of Expertise?

Depending on your plumbing issue, you might need a plumber with specialized skills. When you call to hire a plumber, you can ask them what their area of expertise is. If they are more equipped to handle installation vs. repair, you need to know that before you hire them, especially if repair service is what you are looking for. When calling, ask plumbing companies for a quote to them if they have any specialized skills or areas of expertise.

Can You Provide References?

References are always a good way to verify the quality of a professional’s work. Ask every plumber you call for a quote if they have references. They should be able to give you the information of individuals who were satisfied with their work and can attest to their experience with this plumber. You can hire a plumber knowing how they conduct their work.

How Are Your Ratings and Reviews?

This is the first thing you should ask, and can easily done on your own with just a few clicks of the mouse. Do a quick search of their reviews through various online sources like Google, Facebook, and Yelp to see if they are highly rated and what their customers are saying. Glass Door is another online review source that shares what their employees have say about the company. You also want to pay attention to the total number of reviews they have. A five-star rating may look great, but if they only have one review it may not be an accurate indication of the quality, value and service they provide.

Do You Provide Warranties on Your Work?

A great question is whether or not they provide warranties on their work. Sometimes mistakes are made, and things go wrong after a plumber is finished with their work on your home. A warranty would guarantee that if something went wrong with your plumbing within a specific time frame, the plumber would come out to fix that issue for a reduced price or free of charge. A warranty guarantees quality work, and it is fair to ask a plumber if they offer warranties before you hire them for services.

How Many Years Have You Been in Business?

It is reasonable for you to want someone with enough experience to qualify for the job. If you hire someone with a good amount of experience, you can ask them how long they’ve been in business. You can usually find peace of mind knowing that a technician is reliable if they have years of experience.

If Your Plumber Notices a Separate Issue on the Job, Will They Repair It Right Away or Bring it to My Attention?

You can ask them if they plan to notify you of all issues they encounter while working on your home. If they find damage, they should fix it immediately or bring it to your attention before they proceed. If they work outside your original agreement, it could cost you more money.

Final Thoughts

Finding a plumber to take good care of your home can be daunting. You don’t want to worry about which plumbers are reliable and which aren’t when searching for the best technician for the job. You can ask several questions to help you find the most reliable plumber. Make sure you figure out who has the best price for service, ask for referrals, make sure they have insurance, and make sure they are licensed professionals before you hire them for your plumbing issues.

If you need residential or commercial plumbing and aren’t sure where to turn, or if you’ve already called a plumber and they’re giving you a price that seems too high, contact us at PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air and we’ll tell you whether the price you’re being given is too high, and what you should be paying.

Even if you don’t use us, call us and we can tell you if you’re paying too much.

We Were Voted #1 Plumber by Mesa Residents Two Years in a Row!

Of all the professionals who come into your home to keep everything in good working order, finding an honest plumber in Mesa, AZ is one of the toughest. It’s right up there with finding a reliable mechanic. Fortunately, every year, the readers of the East Valley Tribune lend their voices to a series of awards designed to pinpoint the best and brightest service professionals in the Mesa area.

For the last two years, the award for the best plumber in Mesa, AZ has gone to PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air—and for good reason.

A history of first-rate service

PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air first opened our doors in 2006 with an assortment of experienced plumbers on the team. Our goal was to build a business where our customers came first. A lot of companies make that promise, but 14 years later, we’ve held to it.

In the words of the East Valley Tribune, “PlumbSmart has created a long list of customers for life with its highest-quality service and the best warranty in the industry at the lowest possible price.”

Universal acclaim

Those good words from the Tribune aren’t the only time in our history in which our customers have gone out of their way to sing our praises. During our time as a plumber in Mesa, AZ, we have cultivated and maintained a coveted A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

What’s more, we’ve garnered more than 800 5-star reviews since we opened our doors. That’s a testament to our ongoing dedication to customer satisfaction. Of course, it’s also a testament to the sheer variety of services we offer to each of our valuable clients.

Stay comfortable with help from a pro

Over the years, PlumbSmart has developed into a full-service home care provider. Our expertise falls into three major areas of expertise:

That’s just a small list of the services we provide our customers.

Trust in PlumbSmart

When you’re looking for the best plumber in Mesa, AZ, call on PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. We’re proud to serve clients throughout Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and the greater Phoenix metro area. Now we’d love to show you why we’re one of the most popular service companies in the state. Give us a call today to get a free estimate. We can’t wait to hear from you!

PlumbSmart Recognized for Community and Charity Work This Winter

Winter in Arizona can still be fraught with heating and plumbing issues. These are often tiresome circumstances for homeowners, and no one wants to face these expensive and inconvenient events. But when they arise, the plumbers in Mesa, AZ at PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air are here to help.

Excellent customer service

Owner Wayne Decker founded PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air to address customer service gaps he found in the industry. The company focuses on providing high-quality service at affordable prices, and all work is backed by lifetime guarantees.

“I started PlumbSmart as an answer to an industry where basically it preys on the ignorance of homeowners, like auto repair and other home services,” says Wayne. “They charge too much. In fact, every one of our company trucks now has our motto, ‘Plumbers Charge Too Much!’ because they do industry-wide.”

This focus on service and a desire to be different paid off. PlumbSmart was voted by consumers as the top plumber in Mesa, with nearly 1,000 five-star reviews. The company has also earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

“I will not allow there to be a complaint against me that I’m aware of, whether it’s money back, redoing it, whatever it takes,” says Wayne. “If a customer lets us know, and we try our best to get a hold of them, we’ll solve the problem.”

Service to the community

PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air’s desire to avoid overcharging also transfers to a commitment to the community. Wayne considers himself an advocate for customers in a market that often overcharges and recommends services that may not be necessary. His mission is to form relationships with customers and offer transparency in every transaction.

“We want to be all things to all people,” says Wayne. “If it’s a single mom and she’s living paycheck to paycheck or an elderly couple who are on a fixed income, we’re going to fix their problem. We’re going to work with them in whatever way we need to and that includes benevolent repairs.”

Last summer, a customer called PlumbSmart when her home air conditioner quit functioning. She did not have the means to pay for the repairs, and was in a panic during the hot summer. PlumbSmart not only fixed the problem, but also did not charge her for the repairs.

“We remind our guys that they’re servants,” says Wayne. “Life is really, really tough and when they have somebody that’s pleasant and caring, especially about their pocketbook, that matters. You want a servant in your home. You want somebody that’s on your side, not somebody that’s telling things you don’t really understand and giving you a price that shocks you.”

This approach also includes a service that is rarely offered in the industry: PlumbSmart’s professional plumbers in Mesa, AZ also help homeowners make their own repairs.

“We have no problem with a customer calling us and saying, ‘Hey we want to change out our own garbage disposal, can you kind of look over my shoulder over the phone and tell me what to look out for and give some tips?’” says Wayne.

If you require the assistance of an HVAC technician or plumber in Mesa, AZ, you cannot go wrong with PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. Check out our money-saving coupons and contact us today to schedule a visit!

Plumbing Tips to Get Ready for Spring

In many households across the nation, spring cleaning is in full swing. The start of a new season is the perfect time to get your home cleaned and freshened up after a long winter. However, spring cleaning doesn’t only apply to your laundry, floors and windows. Your plumbing system may need some spring cleaning, as well.

Preventative maintenance and routine plumbing checks can make a huge difference in the long run. It’s much easier to spot an issue now than to need the help of a plumber in Mesa, AZ during an emergency!

To get your plumbing system prepped and ready for spring, here are some tips.

Throughout the home

Start your spring cleaning by working through the plumbing fixtures within your home.

First, check all the faucets in your home for drips. Dripping faucets waste immense amounts of water each year and are usually fixed very quickly by replacing a rubber washer or valve.

Then, check under all of your cabinets that contain water supply lines or drains (like bathroom vanities and kitchen sinks). Check the pipes and the surfaces below them to verify there are no leaks.

While you’re inspecting drains and hoses, look for the valve on each hose and turn it slightly one way, then back the other way to tighten it. Doing this ensures that the valves won’t stick shut in case you need to turn water off during a plumbing emergency.

Finally, check each drain in your home and verify that it drains appropriately. If any fixture drains slowly or appears to be backed up, have the drain cleaned by a certified plumber in Mesa, AZ.

In the basement

If you have a basement, there are a few important things to check there, too.

First, make sure you test your sump pump. Spring showers can cause flooded homes if the sump pump malfunctions and does not empty water. Verify that the sump pump can drain water appropriately after you fill it.

Additionally, check and flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup from inside. If you turned the heat up during the winter, check the heater settings so that the water isn’t heated to a temperature that is too high.

Outside

Once the weather gets nicer, you’ll want to check outdoor plumbing fixtures, too. Check any external faucets and hoses that feed water outside to ensure there are no leaks. External faucet problems can quickly cause damage to your yard or the inside of your home by allowing water to accumulate.

Also make sure to clean out your gutters and downspouts, removing all debris or leaves that accumulated over the fall and winter. This will ensure proper drainage during spring storms.

Contact a plumber in Mesa, AZ

If you detect leaks or other issues with any aspect of your indoor or outdoor plumbing, don’t hesitate to call a certified plumber in Mesa, AZ like PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. The plumber will be able to resolve your issue quickly so you can best prevent emergencies.

PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air offers high-quality plumbing and HVAC services at affordable prices. We’ll handle all of your needs, so call today for a free estimate!

How Regular Plumbing Maintenance Saves You Money

Most people call a plumber in Mesa, AZ when they’ve got a problem on their hands. A sink is clogged or the toilet is backing up and there’s no time to waste in finding a solution! This is where those big plumbing bills come from and why so many people try to avoid calling a professional at all costs.

The irony is, most people could avoid that big plumbing bill by settling for a much smaller one. Paying for routine leak detection in Mesa, AZ or having your sewer line scoped annually will cost you… but not nearly as much as an emergency. Moving up your call to a plumber means avoiding a future bill with extra decimal places.

Preventative maintenance

The first way you can save yourself money is through preventative plumbing maintenance. Giving a plumber a call to have your plumbing inspected and your amenities tested could result in untold savings:

Each preventative maintenance item takes away from a future plumbing bill you’ll have to pay. Staying up on plumbing maintenance may even mean erasing an emergency plumbing bill later on!

Longer-lasting solutions

One of the under-appreciated benefits of proactive plumbing is the longevity it affords your pipes and fixtures. Nothing is costlier than having sections of plumbing replaced or having to pay a professional for completely new fixture installations. Proper maintenance keeps your hardware in good shape.

Plumbing that’s generally maintained isn’t as prone to failure, either. You’ll have peace of mind against the likes of leaks and corrosion, as well as simple things like flow and water pressure. Your plumbing will be able to handle your daily demands better, for longer.

It’s all about the money

It’s hard for a homeowner to hand over $200 to a plumber when there’s no immediate emergency. It’s even harder when your routine plumbing inspection turns up an all-clear report, with no issues.

Don’t look at inspections and proactive maintenance as a sunk cost—look at it as the cost of peace of mind. Without someone looking out for your plumbing’s integrity and functionality, who knows what types of costs are lurking in the future? Paying upfront for regular maintenance means staying ahead of any unknown costs.

Just like your HVAC system needs seasonal checkups and your car needs an oil change every 5,000 miles, your plumbing needs maintenance too. Taking it to heart and making the investment is something “future you” will pat your current self on the back for, instead of cursing them as they write a check to the emergency plumber in Mesa, AZ.

Some Common Water Heater Problems—and How PlumbSmart Can Help

It seems like water heater issues come up when you least expect them to, and it can be frustrating to try to get to the bottom of the problem. Whether or not you are a mechanically-inclined person, finding the source of an issue with your water heater, let alone resolving the problem, is not an easy task. The good news is that, with the help of a plumber in Mesa, AZ from PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air, you can more effectively troubleshoot water heater problems and get them resolved quickly by learning a little bit more about the most common water heater issues.

Preparing to troubleshoot your tank

Before you can actually get to the bottom of your water heater problem, you need to prepare your tank. First, turn off your water heater at your electrical panel or gas supply, depending on how your tank is powered. Wait for a while so that the water inside can cool off a little bit. Next, close the cold water intake on your tank and connect a hose to the drain valve. To allow air into the tank so that it drains properly, open a hot water tap in your home. Direct the hose to drain outside or down a basement drain and open up the drain valve.

After you’ve emptied your tank, close the drain valve and open up the cold water intake valve to add more water to the tank. Once you’ve filled the tank halfway, open up the drain valve again to rinse out any sediment buildup in your tank. In many cases, excessive sediment buildup in your tank may be the source of your water heater problems. After you’ve followed these steps, you will be able to get a better look at what’s going on in your tank.

Here are some signs to watch out for that indicate trouble with your water heater:

Hire a plumber in Mesa, AZ

If you need some professional help with water heater repair, reach out to PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. Since 2006, we have been serving commercial and residential customers with a wide variety of HVAC and plumbing services. Our team of expert plumbers in Mesa, AZ is experienced in providing comprehensive services, whether you are looking for maintenance, repair, product sales or installations. You can find out more about everything that we have to offer by browsing our website or giving us a call today.