Plumbers are necessary for new construction of homes to install pipes and water systems. However, most people need a plumber for their existing pipes when something breaks. Unfortunately, this usually occurs at an inconvenient time and often necessitates an emergency call to fix the problem quickly. Costs for this can be high so there are several things to consider before hiring one.
Plumbers usually specialize in either repair or new construction. If you need a plumber for new construction, get quotes from those who specialize in this area. If you are looking for repair work, hire a plumber who specializes in repair. It is always wise to get multiple bids on your project, but in an emergency situation this may not be feasible. Ask what the costs will be up front, including any after hours or emergency service fees. If the plumber works on an hourly basis, find out up front how the time is calculated and keep track of the amount of time spent.
Discuss the scope of work with the plumber so you are familiar with the type of work that needs to be done and how it may affect existing systems. Compare what each plumber told you so you can be assured you have a...