Be sure to consider these factors when deciding on an emergency Viking Plumbing & Drain Services: License, Insurance and Response time, as well as Fees. Warranty, parts & permits.
Licensing
The emergency plumber should be licensed in the state you live in. As all plumbers must complete an apprenticeship and pass the Tafe exam, you know they are familiar with plumbing. The average apprenticeship for an emergency plumber takes 4 years. It is important to not confuse a Business License with a Plumbing Business Licence. A plumber who has a valid business license in Australia can run their business. It does not mean an emergency plumber will be fully qualified.
Insurance
According to the law, an emergency plumber is required to have both workers compensation and liability insurance. If an emergency plumber or employee is injured on the job, workers compensation pays for their medical bills and other costs. This insurance will cover the costs of medical care and related costs for an injured plumber.
Liability coverage pays for damages or repairs due to the bad work performed by an emergency plumber. Insurance policies will often cover damage caused to your property by the plumber when he is trying to fix it. If the plumbing company does not carry liability insurance then the damage is on the homeowners or occupiers.
Plumbing without workers and liability insurance can often be less expensive because plumbers do not need to pay large premiums. Although the savings might seem small, they can be significant when you compare them to the price of an injury.
Response Time
Ask the plumbers how fast they are able to fix your issue. Even though emergency plumbers can be reached 24 hours, seven days a weeks, their response times will likely be slower if they are required to travel long distances to get your home. An extra delay in response can cost you thousands of pounds if your water is leaking badly. They may be several hours from your house, so ask if you could get a referral for an emergency plumber nearer to home.
Fees
If you can, ask the plumber about his hourly rates. Also see if they are able to provide an estimate on the phone. Many plumbers are unable to give an accurate estimate without first seeing the problem. However, you can get an estimate for your specific problem. Most plumbers who offer emergency services charge for a call out fee as well as the normal hourly rate. They will still charge this fee if they arrive at your home whether they solve the problem or no. What forms of payment will they accept? Only a few plumbers accept payment by credit card, while other will take only cash and checks.
A warranty is usually available for both labor and parts. Typically the warranty covers only parts. The plumbing contractor should warranty its work.
Parts
Find out if their van is stocked with the most commonly used parts or if trips to stores are necessary. The plumber may have to make a trip to a store to pick up parts. Determine who pays their time.