When hiring a plumber, many people resolve to hire a “reputable firm” with the lowest rate. Though it sounds like a straightforward plan, it’s not always practical.
Many people assume a firm that heavily promotes itself must be reputable. Unfortunately, this isn’t necessarily true. Moreover, plumbers may spend a good part of their day driving from job to job, so it can be difficult to compare hourly rates without knowing whether it includes driving time.
Most important, of course, is that price should never be the sole factor—and usually not even the deciding one—in choosing a plumber. No matter what you pay in the short term, poor quality workmanship and lack of experience may end up costing you more over time.
Perhaps the best approach to saving money on plumbers is to reduce your need for them. Start by focusing on drain problems, which are often preventable.
Over time, grease tends to build up in drains and eventually clog them. You can stay a step ahead of the problem by periodically treating your drain—particularly the kitchen drain—with commercial products that reduce grease build-up. Pouring boiling, sudsy water down the drain can also help. To prevent hair from going down the drain, use a screen or drain cover.
Another costly but preventable problem is frozen pipes. Make sure your pipes, particularly those that aren’t in heated spaces, are well-insulated. As the weather turns colder in autumn, disconnect and drain your garden hoses, turn off the indoor cut-off valve located near the faucet, and open the outdoor faucet. If there’s no cut-off valve, consider installing one.
