One of the areas of your home you cannot afford to leave unattended is the sewer. Although the sewer is located out of sight, it shouldn’t be out of mind. As a homeowner, We at plumbers in Baltimore BFMD, LLC know that keeping your sewer in good shape through timely sewer repair, inspections, and maintenance can save you a lot of money. However, if you have never had a sewer service done before, there is a huge chance that you may not know what to expect. This article takes you through one of the most important steps in the process; estimates.
Your sewer service estimate says a lot about the company you have hired as well as the services to be rendered. Sometimes, the prices climb up based on the difficulty of the task. Other times, high prices may be a factor of the company you have hired to do the plumbing job. Irrespective of the amount quoted in the estimate, you need to compare the prices across different plumbers to be sure you aren’t being cheated. Far more than the prices, you should also consider the value the company offers for the price charged.
As you navigate the plumbing and sewer service world, some of the important information you ought to know is provided below.
What Happens During A Sewer Service Estimate?
As a novice who has never had a sewer service done, it is healthy to be curious as to what happens during a sewer service estimate. The entire process begins with contacting your local plumber for help. Plumbing companies will usually ask you some questions regarding the problems and signs you’re experiencing. The questions they ask and the answers you provide will shape their understanding of the problem. Some of the common questions you’re likely to be asked include;
- Are there any plumbing fixtures like a bathroom, laundry basin, or floor drain on a lower level? If you answered yes, they may probe further to ask about clogs or backups.
- Does your backup problem get worse when other plumbing fixtures running?
- Do you perceive any foul or sewage smell when backups occur?
- Have you experienced this problem before? What did you do the last time it happened?
These questions will guide your plumber to make the right decision as to whether you are dealing with a sewer problem or other issues. It can also aid in their decision of whether you need an emergency plumbing service or not. For emergencies, most Westminster plumbers strive to dispatch their technicians as fast as possible to prevent extensive damage to the customer’s home.
At-Home Consultation For Sewer Service Estimates
After speaking to your plumber on the phone, the next stage is the home visit. Home visits or at-home consultations are where your plumber gets a first-hand idea of the problem. The response time will depend on factors like whether you have an emergency plumbing problem, how far out the plumbing company is located, whether or not there are free technicians to handle your needs, etc.
When your plumber arrives at your property, they’ll begin with an inspection of the problem. Based on the inspection, your plumber will;
- Explain. Your plumber will explain what is on the ground and the problem they’ve detected. They will also answer any questions you may have regarding their judgment and assessment of the problem.
- Present Solutions. After explaining the problem, the technician will offer solutions to address the problem. You may be presented with a sewer line repair or replacement recommendation. There is also the trenchless sewer line replacement option to choose from. Your questions regarding these options will be taken and answered to facilitate your decision.
- Pricing for Each Option. You can expect clear pricing after your plumber has provided the possible solutions to choose from. The prices quoted may appear too high or may match the current market average. Before making a decision, you may need to compare the pricing with at least two other plumbers in your area. Please note that pricing isn’t the only important factor to consider when hiring a plumber for such a job, you should also consider their reputation, past jobs, and the value they offer.
- Gather Information About Sewer Line Service. Your plumber will also gather all of the relevant information needed to provide the service in the event you choose to hire them for the job. The information gathered will help in the proper planning of the service to be rendered.
The entire at-home consultation process may take anywhere between an hour and three. The duration of the consultation will depend on the extent of the problem, sewer location, etc.
Questions to Ask When Getting a Sewer Service Estimate
Choosing the right plumber can save you from stress and disappointments. Before making a final decision on who to hire for the job, ask the following questions;
- Are You Licensed And Will You Handle The Permit?
You should always hire licensed and professional plumbers to handle your plumbing needs. Ask to be sure that the plumbing company or contractor is licensed. You can also save yourself from stress by asking whether the plumbers will handle the permits for the job.
- Will The On-Site Plumber Be Licensed?
It is not enough that the plumbing company is licensed. You should ask if the plumber that’ll be doing the job is licensed too. Licensure gives you a certain level of trust in the quality of their services.
- Do You Use Subcontractors Or Hire Employees?
Many homeowners are wary of hiring companies that hire subcontractors. While many prefer to work with employee plumbers, you can ask whether the subcontractors have undergone due background checks.
- Are You Fully Insured?
Insurance is a big topic that should not be skipped when hiring any professional. Ask whether the plumber is insured and whether their services are too. You stand a better chance of getting compensated for damages they cause on your property when the plumber or plumbing company is insured.
- How Many Sewer Repairs Or Replacements Do You Handle In A Month/Year?
This gives you an idea of how experienced the plumber is with handling your sewer needs. A plumber with a high number of sewer services under their belt will have the needed experience to handle all kinds of setbacks they may encounter.
- Do You Offer A Warranty?
You should also ask about warranty coverage on the service rendered. This assures you that the plumber has done an excellent job overall.
Finding a good plumber is key to getting an amazing plumbing service. Visit https://www.bfplumbingmd.com to hire a plumber or to learn more about plumbing problems.
BFMD, LLC, 4219-A Hanover Pike Manchester 410-440-5814 21102, 410-440-5814