Qualities Of The Company & Plumber
All professional plumbers share similar qualities, but it’s little nuances that make some stand out. If hired to solve a plumbing issue, a qualified and respectable plumber will:
- Call if they’ll be early or late to the appointment;
- Have the right tools when they arrive;
- Communicate with you if the job will take longer than expected and explain the situation;
- Answers any questions or concerns you have;
- Remove footwear or use plastic booties while on the job; and
- Tidy up the work area before leaving.
But the qualities of a good plumber don’t stop there. When searching for Gainesville, FL plumbers, you’ll also want to inquire about licenses and certifications, experience, and trustworthiness.
Licenses
Any plumber you hire for any job should be licensed. A valid license shows that the plumber has met certain minimum competencies for the job. In Florida, individual counties issue plumbing licenses that must be renewed every two years.
Apprentice
An apprentice is enrolled in a training program, usually at a community college. Though licenses aren’t required for apprentices, their programs use a combination of classes and on-the-job training to give them a foundation in the plumbing trade.
Journeyman
A journeyman plumber has at least four years of plumbing experience or completed an apprentice program. They’re also required to pass a local licensing exam and pay the license fee to receive a journeyman license.
Master
Master plumbers in Gainesville, FL, have at least seven years of plumbing experience, including at least two years as a journeyman. They’ve also passed the licensing exam and paid the licensing fee. Some Florida counties require a master plumber to also complete a business principles test.
Gainesville plumbers are also required by the state to have a contractor license.
- Certified license: The plumber is allowed to work as a contractor throughout Florida.
- Registered license: The plumber is limited to a specific jurisdiction, such as a city or county.
A quality plumber will also be insured and bonded, for their protection and yours, against unanticipated costs and damages. Ask the plumber for proof of commercial liability insurance and surety bonding before hiring them for maintenance or repairs.
Experience
Experience is important for the plumbing company and individual plumbers. Ask how long the company has been in business and don’t overlook asking if they specialize in an area of plumbing, such as multi-family residences. Most plumbers are qualified to perform appliance installations and repair minor issues such as leaks and clogged drains, but not all are experienced enough for larger, more complex plumbing tasks.
Trustworthiness
Reading online reviews of a plumbing company or individual Gainesville plumber is a good way to begin checking their trustworthiness. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) website has profiles of companies showing how long they have been in business and any complaints filed against them. You’ll also be able to see how the company responded to the complaints.
Another way is to ask for references, such as homeowners and companies they’ve completed work for, and contact these references. Some questions to ask the references are:
- Was the final cost the same as the estimated cost?
- Was the job completed on schedule?
- Has the quality of work, or craftsmanship, held up over time?
A reputable plumber will be happy to provide you with a list of references. If the one you’re considering balks, cross them off the list.
Services For Different Types Of Properties
The premise of plumbing is the same in any type of building or property — to remove wastewater from a home or business. But the skills and tools necessary for maintenance and plumbing repairs in Gainesville differ depending on the characteristics of the property, such as a home or office building.
Residential
The plumbing system reaches every part of a home, though only a small portion of it is visible in daily life. A reputable plumbing company will have experience in handling any type of residential plumbing issue that may arise in areas such as:
- Drains and sewers;
- Faucets and sinks;
- Showers and bathtubs; and
- Water heaters.
Managed Properties
The plumbing systems in managed properties, such as multi-family residences, are a blend of residential and commercial systems. For that reason, ask plumbers what their experience is working with this type of plumbing system. A good plumbing company will not only have a history of working in managed properties but also encourage you to schedule regular maintenance to keep the plumbing functional.
Commercial
Although the services for a commercial property are the same as residential, these properties are subject to local codes and different plumbing standards than a home. That’s why commercial plumbing is a specialty area that not all plumbers or plumbing companies are adept at. Choose a plumber qualified and experienced in providing commercial plumbing repairs in Gainesville.
New Construction
Proper design and installation of a plumbing system is important in any situation, but extremely so during a new construction project. A qualified Gainesville plumbing company will work with the general contractor and subcontractors to plan and schedule the installation. Coordination is key to keeping the overall project on schedule and on budget. It’s critical for the plumbing in a new residence or commercial building to comply with all local code requirements for system functionality and safety of the building occupants.
Questions To Ask Your Plumber
Yes, there are even more questions to ask your plumber than the ones we’ve already discussed. The more questions you can ask, the more informed your final decision will be.
Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Repairs?
The last thing you want is to face a plumbing issue in the middle of the night and then find out a your plumber doesn’t provide emergency plumbing repairs. Ask what the plumber charges for the service and what the response time is so you don’t have more surprises in an emergency.
Will You Install Fixtures I Purchase?
This is important to know because if the fixture fails, you may be responsible for removing or fixing the issue. Look for fixtures with a Uniform Plumbing Code stamp or National Sanitation Foundation approval if your plumber will install what you buy.
Do You Offer Warranties or Guarantees?
A reputable plumber or plumbing company will have warranties and/or guarantees for parts and labor. This information is usually found in a written agreement that outlines a description of the job, cost of labor and materials needed, permits and inspections if necessary, and estimated completion date.
What Will Prevent This Problem From Happening Again?
Usually giving regular maintenance to Gainesville plumbing systems prevents issues from recurring, but you may not know the solution to a specific problem unless you ask. A plumber should be able to explain what caused an issue if they were able to repair it.
When Is Payment Made?
No qualified and reputable plumber will ever ask for the full cost of a plumbing repair or service up front. If it’s a major plumbing project, payments are usually made in installments as stages of work are completed. Smaller jobs, such as emergency repairs, are generally paid for in full once the repairs are done. It’s also a good idea to ask if the work is based on a flat or hourly rate.
What To Do During A Plumbing Emergency
A plumbing emergency in a home or business can be stressful, but here are four ways to start mitigating the situation while you wait for plumbers to arrive.
Shut Off The Water
Start by shutting off the main water supply line. Then, turn off individual lines to fixtures and appliances. This will help stop further damage, which is often caused by small leaks that go unnoticed. Shutting off the water also reduces the risk of electrical shock from nearby wiring as you and the plumber assess the situation.
Assess The Damage
The more information you can provide plumbers over the phone, the better prepared they’ll be when they arrive. Let the plumber know what fixtures, appliances, and areas of the home or business have been affected and what you’ve done, if anything, to mitigate the damage.
Turn Off The Water Heater
Turning off the hot water heater prevents too much pressure and heat from building inside the tank. Otherwise, the pipe has the potential to burst or overheat and cause hot water burns when the water is turned back on.
Call Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc.
The Gainesville plumbers from Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. know emergencies don’t always happen during business hours. That’s why we offer 24-hour emergency service. Our staff arrives promptly, communicates with you throughout the repair process, and provides the quality service expected of our company.
Gainesville, FL Plumbers
Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. has been owned and operated by a family for more than 30 years. During that time, we’ve earned a reputation for customer service and craftsmanship for every plumbing service we offer. Every one of our plumbing technicians is certified, trained, and fully insured. We pride ourselves on being prompt and courteous during every job while communicating honestly and openly with each customer. For all your residential and commercial plumbing needs in Gainesville, FL, call the team you trust at Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc.