subject: How To Hire a Plumber in North & West Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Coquitlam, Westminster, Surrey or Delta [print this page] How To Hire a Plumber in North & West Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Coquitlam, Westminster, Surrey or Delta
For more info, click here: www.youradvantage.ca
by Fred van Hunenstijn, CEO, Advantage Plumbing Drainage & Heating
How much can poor plumbing repairs cost you? Imagine taking your garden hose upstairs and letting it run full blast while you go out and enjoy dinner and a movie. That is what can, and often does, happen with unqualified and unscrupulous plumbers who disappear into the night
Before you choose your plumber, make sure they fit within the guidelines below. That way you can sleep peacefully when you are at home and have no worries when you are not.
Credentials & Memberships
Your Vancouver plumbing contractor should ideally be a member of reputable and international organizations such a Plumbers Success International (PSI), Board of Trade and Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). These organizations hold the member firms to high ethical standards and accountability. A plumbing company that has achieved the privilege of being accepted into these organizations is much more likely to have a long term view to business practices with a corresponding concern for you, the customer, both today and tomorrow.
History
It is important for your plumber to have been in business for many years. For example, Advantage has been in business since 1972. Plumbing, like most trades and businesses, is continuously evolving. A plumber with a proven track record and history is most likely also a plumber that keeps up to date with the latest products and technology with the added benefit of experience, to realize when and where to use various products and techniques.
Bonding & Insurance
No matter how good a plumbing company is or tries to be, very occasionally, things can go wrong. It is in these rare circumstances that you, as a consumer are protected by the various insurances and bonding that your plumber carries. For example, if a fly- by-night plumber is injured on your job and does not have workers compensation, you could be held fully liable for his injury including loss of his or her income, medical expenses and rehabilitation expenses a very costly proposition.
Qualifications & Licensing
It is easy for someone to buy a truck and stick on a sign, but that does not make them qualified. They will not have spent four years in trade school and had thousands of hours of experience working under ticketed plumbers and gas fitters. Again, a reputable plumbing contractor will have invested in their employees with registered apprentice programs. These firms will also be aware of and follow all local building, plumbing and gas codes, and have all necessary business licenses and permits required for the work.
References and Testimonials
Nothing is more powerful than experience. A reputable plumbing company will have customers who are so satisfied they voluntarily send in references and letters of commendation which they are willing to share with others. If your proposed plumber cannot supply these, beware.
So to sleep peacefully at night and avoid your home unexpectedly becoming a swimming pool, use these tips to find the plumber that is right for you.
