How to Find an Emergency Plumbing Service - Rooter Shark Plumbing

Posted by Rooter on July 5th, 2022

At some point in your life, you’ll need an emergency plumbing service. It could be in two weeks or two years. Whenever you find yourself scrambling to call a plumbing expert, one thing remains true – quality matters. You need a professional you can count on, and that means hiring the best plumber Chatsworth. If you’re not sure how to get started, follow these tips.  

Plan Ahead

First and foremost, you should plan. When a plumbing emergency strikes, you won’t have time to research companies and ask key questions. This puts you in the hands of a company that might not have your best interest at heart. For the best results, research an emergency plumber long before you need one. When you first move into a home, find out who to call for a plumbing service. After you make your pick, keep the number in a safe place. The moment disaster strikes, you’ll know who to call.   

Make a List of Recommended Providers

As eager as you might be to make some phone calls, you first need to create a short list of reputable plumbers. The best way to do this is to request recommendations. First, ask your close friends if they have a trustworthy emergency plumber. Then, ask your family members and your co-workers. You might be new to an area and not know anyone, in which case you won’t get any direct recommendations. Fortunately, the internet can help with your list. If you’re active on social media, check local groups for emergency plumber recommendations. Whenever you get a recommendation, ask why the person speaks so highly of the company. If a friend only recommends a plumber because they saw the logo somewhere, you should reconsider. Make sure the person has a valid reason for recommending the plumber.   

Check Their Licensing Status

Once you have a list of potential plumbers, you can delve into the research portion of your search. It all starts with finding out whether or not a company is licensed in your area. If they don’t hold a license or have an out-of-state license, the plumber won’t have the knowledge they need to perform an emergency repair. To obtain a license, a plumber must take a written exam. Passing the exam is challenging, so you can be sure a licensed plumber knows their stuff. Even if you have a complex repair, a licensed plumber should have the knowledge and experience to fix it. Although you can usually find the plumbing license number on a company’s website, you might have to call them and ask for it. However, make sure you get the plumbing license and not the business license.   

Find Out if They’re Insured

All professional emergency plumbing companies will have insurance. But that doesn’t mean you won’t come across plumbers that have no insurance. If someone wants to save money or cut corners, they might skimp on the insurance. The lack of insurance comes at a high cost to you. If a plumber is injured while working in your home, you might be responsible for their medical bills. Working with an insured plumber protects you from this. Similarly, insurance takes the financial burden off of you if the plumber causes damage during the repair. You can save a few bucks by working with an uninsured plumber, but there’s a high risk. When you hire an uninsured professional, you stand to lose thousands of dollars.   

Question Their Availability

Whatever plumbing problem you have, you probably want a professional who can get to you quickly. With everyday issues, a fast response might only be on your wish list. But with emergencies, immediate availability is a must. Not all plumbers offer emergency services, and those that do aren’t always available when you need them. Before you pick a plumber, find out if they provide 24/7 services. Ask them how long it usually takes to respond to a call and where the plumber is coming from. If the company sends you a plumber who lives two hours away, a rapid repair is unlikely. When you’re dealing with a leak, minutes matter. An unrepaired leak causes water damage, which leads to mold growth. Repairing wet wood and removing mold often costs thousands of dollars. If your plumber isn’t fast enough, they will cost you.   

Ask About the Fee Structure

It would help if you didn’t base your decision solely on the cost of plumbing service, but the price does matter. For many companies, there’s an additional charge for emergency calls. Call the company and inquire about their rates for regular and emergency calls. If you choose the cheapest plumber, you may end up with shoddy work. Choosing the most expensive plumber also isn’t to your benefit because it’s no guarantee they’ll do the job well. Instead of focusing on the hourly rate, consider service call fees and other expenses.   

Look for a Company with a Warranty

If you find a reputable plumber, they may offer a warranty on their work. This protects your finances and shows confidence in your work. Typically, you will have a warranty on the labor as well as the parts. Most plumbers offer this information on their website or over the phone. While you’re asking questions, find out about the parts used by the company. Do they keep the parts on the truck, or does the plumber need to go to the store for parts? By working with a well-stocked plumbing company, you can get faster repairs and save money on hourly rates.   

Trust Your Gut

As you speak with plumbers and customer service technicians, listen to your gut. If a company doesn’t seem genuine or makes outlandish claims, keep shopping around. But if you find someone who seems honest and reliable, you can stop looking. As long as they meet the criteria above and you feel good about them, you can count on them for emergency services.  

Still, Looking for an Emergency Plumbing Service?

There’s no need to spend hours researching the perfect plumber in Chatsworth. If you’re looking for a reliable emergency plumbing service, Call us at Rooter Shark Plumbing. We’re here to help, and we don’t waste any time.