A household plumbing inspection is an important part of buying a home, but you should have one every few years after the closing as well. Keep in mind that not all plumbing inspection companies are the same, however, and work with a company that best suits your plumbing needs.
1. Licensed Contractors
Licensed household plumbing inspectors can repair any problems found during an inspection. They are also authorized to pull any permits and request municipal inspections on the work they perform. Unlicensed contractors can’t get permits or schedule inspections, and that can lead to major problems a few years down the road.
2. Insurance Coverage
Responsible home plumbing contractors carry liability insurance that protects you and your home against faulty plumbing repairs, injuries that occur during the repair process, and more. If you allow an uninsured contractor to perform plumbing repairs, you may not have any recourse if the work does not meet code requirements, uses inferior materials, or results in additional damages. Contractors are licensed to protect property owners and settling for anything less could cost you a lot more.
3. Clean and Courteous
Reputable home plumbing inspectors should be professional in appearance and attitude. Don’t be taken in by contractors who are rude or try to push you into repairs that aren’t necessary. With only a few exceptions, your home plumbing contractor will show up wearing company uniforms, leave the work in a safe and tidy condition at the end of the day, and will always treat you and your family with the respect and courtesy you deserve.
4. Complete Plumbing Services
Ideally, your home plumbing inspectors will also be the contractor who makes the repairs. In fact, an inspector who advises you to seek repairs elsewhere may not be the best choice to perform the inspection at all because they aren’t backed by years of practical experience in plumbing repairs. Finding the source of a problem is only the beginning, and no inspection is complete if they leave your home without addressing the problems they find.
5. Reviews and Testimonials
Look for positive reviews and testimonials from people who have had the same type of work performed. This is an important final step in the selection process because even contractors who are licensed and insured will occasionally turn out to be unprofessional or even dishonest, and their faults will only become apparent by first hand comments from previous customers.
A household plumbing inspection is only the first step in locating and repairing faulty plumbing or sewer systems. Once you have chosen a responsible company, ask them to perform a complete inspection and provide you with a checklist of what has been inspected when the job is done. In some cases, uncorrected problems multiply, so getting a complete picture of what needs to be done may save a lot of money over the course of home ownership.
Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating
Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.
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