Before You Call for Service:
- Plan the best time for reoccurring smells or banging – it’s always frustrating if the problem doesn’t happen when the plumber arrives.
- Locate any of the original paperwork or get the information off the appliance to help identify the model and part numbers so theplumber can come prepared.
- Group plumbing problems together and make one call.
When Calling for Service:
- Tell them, to the best of your knowledge, exactly what’s wrong when you talk to the office.
- There are thousands of brands and of thousands of different parts, a plumber can’t be expected to carry them all. So, provide as much information as you can (i.e., size, part, model numbers and previous history etc.).
- Make sure you give the dispatcher all of your information, gate codes, unit numbers, cell phones. Nothing is worse then when a tech in at the gate and is not able to reach you.
- Don’t expect a quote over the phone. Yes sometime the issue is straight forward and you can get an average cost, but you have to remember the person on the phone can not see the problem and they usually are not a plumber. Free in home plumbing estimates.
Before the Plumber Arrives:
- Remove or restrain pets from area. They maybe sweet and friendly to you but they may not like the stranger coming through the door.
- Empty cabinets and sinks where work is to be performed.
- Clear a path to water heater or crawl space entrance.
After the Plumber Arrives:
- Explain what you see as the problem and everything that has been done previously. This will speed the work and lower your plumbing bill.
- Ask for a quote, you should always know what to expect before the plumber starts the job.
Before the Plumber Leaves:
- Inspect the work to ensure what you expected was done. Make sure everything every thing working properly.
- Ask questions about this or future projects.
