A professional plumber offers repair services, pipe installation, and drainage system installation for fixtures and appliances. Plumbers in Toronto provides these services to commercial and private properties.
While DIY tutorials promise high success rates and convenience, a cheap plumber in Toronto will save you money and time. So, you should consider a cheap plumber when you have a major project like a bathroom remodel or a “minor” problem like a leaky faucet.
With a sea of plumbers in the market, choosing the right plumber Toronto isn’t a walk in the park. You need to consider several vital factors before making a choice. This blog highlights the qualifications a plumber should have. You will also learn key questions to help you pick the right plumber for the job.
#1: Plumber Qualifications
When you ignore your plumbing issues, no matter how small they seem, they usually result in costly damage. This is why you need a plumber’s contact information. You do not want to experience the inconvenience of frozen water lines during the winter, which could lead to a ceiling or wall damage.
Other common problems that you are likely to encounter as a result of plumbing issues include the following:
- Damaged floor or home foundation
- Broken toilet caused by backed-up sewer lines
So how do you pick the best plumber? And what should they charge for their services?
Estimates are essential, but here are the qualifications and skills that your preferred plumber should have:
Training/Education
Plumbers don’t need a degree to offer their services. However, they rely on the training offered in trade schools or apprenticeships—where they learn at the feet of a master plumber or journeyman. An internship follows coursework that takes some years.
Operating Licence
The local authorities only issue licenses to trained and experienced plumbers. A plumber with a valid license has typically passed their C of Q examination. That means your property is insured against common plumbing mistakes or damages that will likely occur during the project.
Insurance
Proof of insurance should come first when deciding on the right plumber. All plumbers in Toronto need to have liability insurance that’s enough to cover accidents that may happen during the project.
Most home insurance policies usually cover damages from sudden or unexpected water damage caused by a pipe malfunction. However, only a few will cover damages caused by regional flooding or gradual damages like a slow, continuous leak.
Master Plumber
Master plumbers are professionals with more education and training. They take a different exam to become certified master plumbers. To get a master plumber certificate, student plumbers pay more money, and their course takes longer. However, this certification qualifies them to handle more complex plumbing jobs.
The fee per hour of a master plumber is often higher compared to the average plumber. That’s because of the expertise they bring to the job. You’ll appreciate the skills they display in solving complex problems—saving you time and money in the long run.
Services the Plumber Provides
A plumber instals, repairs, and maintains different piping systems in commercial and residential properties. However, a plumber’s responsibility depends on your specific project. They should be able to work with your blueprints and be at home with the different materials required for your project.
A good plumber should also be able to employ maths skills and know how to use different plumbing tools.
When you think of a plumber, you can summarize their responsibilities as fixing drains and toilets. However, plumbers perform many other plumbing services, including:
- Drain cleaning
- Installing, inspecting, and replacing fixtures
- Septic/sewer repair
- Line replacement and repair
- Water heater repair
- Water/sewer line replacement
- Dishwasher, dryer, and washer installation
- Garbage disposal
Hiring a Plumber
Hiring the perfect plumber for your project involves researching local and national companies. You can narrow down your search by:
- Reading customer reviews
- Asking for friends’ or relatives’ recommendations
Getting recommendations from satisfied online customers or friends and relatives will simplify your search. Once you have shortlisted a few plumbers you can work with, you can proceed with phone interviews. You should discuss their rates, experience, and qualifications during the call.
#2: Questions You Need to Ask a Plumber
We have compiled a list of questions you need to ask a plumber during interviews. They include:
- Are you insured or licensed?
- Do you charge a flat rate or hourly?
- What alternative companies could I consider?
- Do you have experience in this job?
- What payment expectations do you have?
- Can I get an estimate for my project in writing?
#3: Picking the Right Plumber for the Job
Plenty of plumbing companies in the market promise to deliver quality service. However, you need a reputable plumber who can do the job right the first time. Here’s how you select the right plumber:
- Check out the reviews and estimates from fellow homeowners.
- Look the company up on review sites.
- Reach out to the company’s competitors and compare the free quotes.
- Ask questions and be sure to get satisfactory answers.
- Ask for your estimates in writing. An expert plumber will let you review the contract details carefully before committing.
Experienced certified plumbers have the knowledge and skill to handle plumbing tools and resolve any plumbing problems.
