What’s the Best Way to Save Money When Hiring a Plumber?

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There’s one thing that absolutely everyone hates to deal with, and that would be plumbing issues in their home. How did they start? Why did they even happen? Honestly, what can you even do to fix this? It’s a lot. Well, that’s not necessarily all, either. Can you DIY this fix? Sure, a clogged drain can usually be fixed with a quick DIY, but leaking fixtures? 

Probably not. Usually, homeowners are reluctant to hire plumbers because, well, they’re expensive. There’s no denying that. But is that all? Well, it’s not like you can just sit and deal with these plumbing issues or attempt to fix these issues in hopes of not making them worse. You might be able to save a bit of money. You read that right! 

So, with that all said, here’s what you need to know when it comes to saving money on hiring a plumber. 

Do Your Homework

Alright, so for starters, you will have to do your research! This isn’t just about Googling “plumber near me” and picking the first name that pops up. You need to dig a little deeper. This is actually where people get it wrong! Now, you will want to check out reviews on Yelp, Google, or Angie’s List. Look for plumbers who have solid reputations and lots of positive feedback. It’s also a good idea to ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations. Word of mouth can be incredibly valuable.

Get Multiple Quotes

Ideally, you don’t just want to settle for the first estimate you get. Instead, you’ll need to contact several plumbers and ask for quotes. This not only gives you a ballpark figure of what you should be expecting to pay but also gives you some leverage to negotiate. When plumbers know they are competing for your business, they might be more inclined to offer you a better rate. Plus, you might discover that prices can vary significantly from one plumber to another.

Ask About Flat Rates vs. Hourly Rates

This is one that a lot of customers didn’t know they could ask about, but by all means, you should! So, one way to keep costs down is by understanding how your plumber charges. Some plumbers charge by the hour, while others offer flat rates for specific jobs. 

For the most part, flat rates can sometimes save you money because you won’t be charged for unexpected delays or complications. However, hourly rates can be advantageous if the job is straightforward and quick. Make sure you discuss this upfront and get a clear understanding of how you’ll be billed.

DIY Prep Work

If you’re a bit handy, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the plumber’s visit that might save you some cash (sometimes, not always). For example, if the issue is a clogged drain, you could try using a plunger or a drain snake to see if you can clear the blockage yourself. 

If the problem persists, then it’s time to call the pros, but at least you’ve tried the simpler (and cheaper) solutions first. Also, clear the workspace where the plumber will be working. If they have to move things around, that’s time they’re billing you for!

Look into Combining Jobs

Got more than one plumbing issue? Instead of calling the plumber out multiple times, combine the jobs into one visit. If you’ve got a leaky faucet and a running toilet, get them both fixed at the same time. This way, you’re only paying for one service call and possibly getting a better overall deal. So, this should most likely save you money, but it’s not 100% guaranteed though.

Start Investing in Quality

It might seem counterintuitive to spend more money to save money, but investing in quality materials and a reputable plumber can save you big bucks in the long run. As you might have guessed, cheap materials and shoddy work might solve the problem temporarily but could lead to more significant issues down the line. 

Plus, a well-done job with quality parts might cost more upfront but can prevent future breakdowns and costly repairs. But it can be hard to figure out what’s high quality and what’s not, so you can have a talk with your plumber about it. 

Ask About Discounts and Promotions

Is it actually this easy? Yes, it truly can be! Seriously, don’t be shy about asking for discounts or if they have any promotions running. Some plumbers offer discounts for first-time customers, seniors, or military personnel. Others might have seasonal promotions or referral discounts. It never hurts to ask, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the savings you can snag.

Friends, what are your best tips for plumbing projects at home? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.