Finding a plumber who you can trust to deliver quality, reliable service during a time of emergency can be challenging. Reason being, you are usually in need of emergency plumbing services during a time when water is pouring out of a pipe or sewage is coming up from your shower drain. Because of this, you simply don’t have the time available to research the company you are calling. You simply need someone who can fix the problem, fast!
At Blakeslee & Son, we have experience with thousands of people in West Michigan who rely on us time and time again for their plumbing needs. Because of this, we know what you should be looking for before you hire a plumbing service provider. To help you make the best service provider decision, we have developed five questions you should be asking your plumber before you invite them into your home.
You may have a friend that knows a lot about the plumbing business and may even pick up a plumbing job every now and again, but is that person licensed and insured to do the work? This is important
In Michigan, being licensed means the plumber must be a certified Journeyman or Master plumber with the state. Apprentice plumbers also must be registered with the state, but do not require an official license. If
Question #2:
“ How long have you
been in business?”
Experience can tell you a lot when it comes to plumbing providers. If nothing else, how long they have been in business can give you some reassurance that they won’t disappear on you midway through the project. Additionally, plumbing providers who have been around awhile usually understand that their future business depends on delivering quality results to their existing client base. Experienced plumbing companies want you coming back to them for services time and time again, so they deliver the results that will keep you calling them first.
Question #3:
“Can I see a list of your references?”
Although the reviews you find online can be helpful, they don’t always show a complete picture of a contractor’s abilities (or, in some cases, their disabilities!) Asking the plumber for a list of references will allow you access to
We understand that in an emergency you may not have time to contact the references before hiring someone, but the fact that the contractor is able to quickly provide them to you should give you some insight about their level of professionalism. So, even if you
Five Questions You Should Be Asking Your Plumber
Question #4:
“ Do you offer any
guarantees on the
services you are
providing?”
You might think that nothing is worse than having your plumber leave only to have the exact same problem repeat itself within hours or even minutes. What would be worse is paying them (or someone else) to return again to solve the same issue. Because of this, we cannot stress enough the importance of covering your bases ahead of time. Ask if there is a money back guarantee, if it is limited in any way and if you can have the guarantees put in writing on your quote for services. This gives you more reassurance that your plumber will do the job right the first time.
Question #5
“ Do you provide pricing
over the phone?”
You may think someone who will provide you with a quick quote for your issue over the phone is doing a good thing, but this isn’t usually the case. Plumbing problems are complex issues, and plumbers that are eager to give you pricing over the phone may be more interested in your money than actually fixing your problem the right way. Getting the job done correctly requires a visit to your home to see what the issue is, as well as what equipment will be required to repair it.
Since 1948, West Michigan has depended on Blakeslee & Son for quality plumbing, heating, air conditioning and drain cleaning services. From new construction to equipment replacement to maintenance and repair, Blakeslee is the name that people trust for quality and prompt, efficient results.
We install quality systems and back them up with guarantees to protect your investment. We also provide yearly preventative maintenance programs for homeowners who would
like the peace-of-mind knowing their equipment is working safely and efficiently. Our licensed installers and service technicians treat your home with respect, posing minimal interruption and taking special care to protect your property during the job.
At Blakeslee & Son, we want to be the service provider that answers these five questions for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to solve your plumbing crisis, because it’s what we’ve been doing for in West Michigan for over 65 years!
