Two great things about living in a place like Burr Ridge (IL) are the close-knit community and the sense of tranquility that comes from being so close to nature. These are some reasons why this comfy Chicago suburb is considered the 52nd best place to live in Illinois.
But the things that make Burr Ridge such a nice place to live in also make it difficult in other ways. Finding a good plumber in modern villages like Burr Ridge can be hard. Due to its small population (less than 12,000), most good plumbers in the area have their hands filled most of the time.
That means that for homeowners dealing with a plumbing emergency in their home but don’t have an existing relationship with a good Burr Ridge plumber, the only plumbers available to them will often be the less-than-average ones. That can be a nightmare.
Finding a good plumber in Burr Ridge (IL)
If you are looking for a good plumber for your Burr Ridge home, there are two important rules to know:
Rule #1: You must start early
Waiting until you have a plumbing emergency in your home before you look for a good plumber is a bad idea. The sound of a burst plumbing pipe emergency dumping water onto your flooring is incompatible with keeping a cool head while searching for a plumber.
Rule #2: You must screen the plumber
Olympic Management says it is vital to the competence and trustworthiness of each plumber you intend to hire. The process can take days, which is why you want to start early.
Below are some of the essential steps to use during your screening process.
- Identify your plumbing needs
What kind of plumbing systems does your home have? What are the common plumbing issues in the house? For instance, if you have a septic system or have had past problems with low water pressure, you want a plumber with in-depth knowledge of how to solve those problems.
- Ask the right people for recommendations
Knowing who to ask for recommendations will make finding a good plumber easier. A good place to begin your search is by asking other trusted tradespersons such as electricians and HVAC technicians. You may also want to ask your local home improvement store.
- Give priority to experienced plumbers
There are things that a plumber can only learn by experience. Young plumbers who have just opened a shop may not have the required knowledge to deal with complex issues. Choose a plumber who has been in business in your locality for many years.
- Ask to see their credentials
These should include professional certifications, permits or licenses from state or local government authorities and membership in the local chapter of their professional body. Plumbers who are unwilling to share this information or whose information is unverifiable should be avoided.
- What is their expertise?
In addition to having adequate experience, a plumber must have the right people on their team. They should have the tools and equipment to handle difficult plumbing problems. As much as possible, you want them to be a one-stop shop for all your plumbing needs.
- Check references and online reviews
If a plumber is competent, reliable and has been operating in an area for a long time, they will have satisfied customers who are happy to vouch for them. Moreover, the plumber will be willing to share the contact of those customers. Also, customers will leave the plumber a positive online review.
- Get everything in writing
A plumber who doesn’t do an on-site inspection before giving you a quote cannot be trusted. Furthermore, the quote must be written to be considered valid. Never accept a handshake in place of a written agreement; a gentlemen’s agreement is not binding.
- Compare quotes and get clarifications
Compare quotes from at least three plumbers. These estimates should be precise about the work to be done, the materials to be used and the plumber’s hourly rates. Do not choose the plumber with the lowest quote. Choose the most competent plumber.
- Ask about insurance and warranties
The right plumber will have these three insurance policies: worker’s compensation, liability insurance and property damage. Additionally, you want to know if they offer warranties and for how long. If there are problems with a job they did for you, will you be expected to pay a second time for them to fix it?
- What about emergency plumbing services?
Are they available for emergencies? Do they offer emergency plumbing services or only within specific hours? What is the average wait time before the plumber arrives at your home to fix your emergency? What kind of plumbing emergencies will they not handle?
Finally, a good plumber is not just for emergencies.
A good plumber will work with you to design a plumbing maintenance program specific to the needs of your home. That program will not only improve the lifespan and function of your plumbing, but it will also cut your plumbing costs and reduce the rate of plumbing emergencies.
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If you are in need of a local plumber in Burr Ridge, IL, please contact us at 708-480-2073 or fill out the form below.
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