Plumber Near Me: A Guide to Hiring a Plumber for Your Home – Bob Vila

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Whether facing a plumbing emergency or a home bathroom remodel, many homeowners turn to a professional plumber for help. Some professional plumbers specialize in providing emergency services, while others work as remodeling plumbers for home improvement projects.

If you dont already know a trusted local plumber, you may be wondering: how can I find a reputable plumber near me? Heres what you need to know about hiring a plumber that meets your needs.

Sink still not draining?

Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from professional plumbers near you.

A plumbers rates typically range from $45 to $200 per hour, though they may instead charge flat rates for basic service calls. On average, a single projects total cost can range between $173 and $459, with an average repair cost of $316. Plumbers may also charge extra for travel time, supplies, and after-hours or emergency jobs. Overall rates will vary by the type and complexity of the job, the geographic location, and the skill level of a professional. Simple jobs that can be finished by apprentices will generally cost less than more complex jobs that require the expertise of a master plumber.

If a plumber is needed in the event of an emergency, on a holiday or weekend, or after-hours, you can generally expect to pay more than you would pay for work done during the individuals working hours. Plumbers will charge anywhere from time-and-a-half to triple their hourly rate for jobs done outside their working hours, depending on their individual policies and practices.

Regardless of the plumbing issue you face, its advised to always get a quote in writing before agreeing to hire a professional.

A plumbing professional can install, assess, and repair systems used for water, sewage, and drainage. Common problems include:

Anything related to a homes water, sewage, and drainage would fall under a plumbers scope of practice. Home repairs outside this purview would typically be addressed by another professional, such as a general contractor or an electrician.

Before hiring a plumber, its important to determine whether you actually need one for the task at hand. Certain emergency and non-emergency situations will necessitate a professional, while others may not require a plumbers specific expertise. In addition to the task at hand, there are other factors to consider to determine whether a plumber is needed.

Certain plumbing issues should be addressed by a professional immediately to limit further damage to the home:

Toilet Still Clogged?

Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from professional plumbers near you.

Even if a plumbing issue is not an emergency, it should still be addressed to prevent further damage or issues from occurring. For these non-emergency situations, its best to schedule an appointment in advance with a local plumber:

Before calling a plumber, consider the urgency of the task at hand. Emergency jobs often come at an additional cost, but if safety and home integrity are at risk, its worthwhile to call a plumber. Otherwise, the job can be scheduled in advance.

Finally, the best way to prevent a plumbing emergency is to conduct regular maintenance. In addition to monitoring for leaks or slow drainage, scheduling inspections throughout the year can help solve problems before they arise.

To save money, handy homeowners may consider taking the DIY approach to plumbing repairs. While some jobs are indeed easy to address by the average homeowner, its important to consider the potential for water damage if you run into issues or make a mistake during your DIY repair.

For basic issues, such as a slow drain or a running toilet, homeowners can typically tackle these with off-the-shelf repair kits. However, more complicated issues or plumbing emergencies can only be made worse if they arent addressed by a professional.

Additionally, home renovation projects are best left to a professional. Even if a homeowner has a basic working knowledge of plumbing, many municipalities prefer to see a licensed plumber who knows the local building codes on the permit application for jobs like bathroom or kitchen renovations. To avoid any issues with permits and inspections (or any errors with parts and installation), its often wise and worth the investment to contract a professional local plumber.

In general, if the project is outside your skill level or if you are unable to devote the necessary time to it, its best to call in a pro.

Leaky Pipes?

Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from professional plumbers near you.

In an emergency, it can be tempting to enter plumber near me in a search engine and call the first name on the list. However, taking the time to do the necessary research can help you find a qualified plumber whose services meet your needs. Here are some tips on finding a reputable local plumber:

When working with your local plumber, asking the right questions can ensure you get the results you want. Here are some questions to ask throughout the process:

Before hiring or starting the project:

During the project, if there is a problem:

After the project:

Before hiring a plumber, its important to understand everything that goes into the process. Here are some frequently asked questions that homeowners have when hiring a plumbing professional:

The national average hourly rate for plumbers is between $45 to $200, though this number may vary based on the plumbers geographic location. For certain jobs, plumbers may charge a flat rate or service charge rather than an hourly rate. Generally speaking, more experienced professionals and more complex tasks will entail higher rates.

Friends and family, neighbors, and online directories are a great place to start the search for a plumber. Your insurance company or realtor can also provide information on qualified local plumbers. Once youve found a potential plumber, ask them to provide licensure information and professional references.

The average cost of snaking a drain will depend on the complexity of the work. A simple toilet or kitchen drain can cost between $80 to $120, while a short stretch of a blocked drain can run between $300 to $500. Exact costs may vary based on geographic location as well as the plumbers skill level.

Some jobs are better left to the pros

Get free, no-commitment estimates from licensed plumbers near you.

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Plumber Near Me: A Guide to Hiring a Plumber for Your Home - Bob Vila