Finding the right plumber in an emergency

Chances are you have a trusted mechanic and family doctor to call upon when something goes wrong. But what about a plumber who offers emergency services when there’s a problem in the middle of the night? Would you be ready?

Whether it involves a burst pipe, overflowing toilet, faulty water heater, or backed-up sewer, calling a plumber in an emergency is the obvious thing to do: it’s important to act quickly to resolve the problem and limit any possible damage – especially when raw sewage is involved.

Question:
So how do you find a professional plumber who offers emergency services in the middle of the night, when you’re in a panic – one who will come to your rescue and solve your problem?

Answer:
You don’t! You prepare ahead of time before an emergency arises.

Start by looking in the phone book or an online directory for specialized plumbing companies and contractors in your neighbourhood. You could even ask friends, family or neighbours for references.

• After you have chosen, it is essential to check their experience and especially their ability to get to your home quickly – usually in 30 minutes or less.
• Pick a certified professional with a permanent address who has worked in the field for several years.
• Give preference to someone who offers 24-hour emergency services.
• Check that they have insurance to cover any breakage or damage pertaining to their civil liability.
• Check out online reviews of their work, preferably not on the plumber’s own website. Often customers will leave comments about the service they received. However, remember to take the feedback you read with a grain of salt.

N.B.: If you’re in a bind and really need a plumber right now, explain the details of the situation as thoroughly as possible to ensure that the plumber brings all the materials (tools and equipment) needed in order to solve the problem quickly.

Call the plumber and ask for references from previous clients. This helps to ensure that you’ll be using a company with a reputation for good customer service.

• Although permits may be the last thing on your mind in an emergency situation, without them certain types of work may result in fines from your municipality.
• What’s more, good customer service is the sign of a responsible, professional company that you can trust with having the right paperwork when it is needed.

Emergency plumbing repairs have to be dealt with immediately. That is why it’s advisable to find a good emergency plumber before you have a problem.

• After doing your research and once you’re comfortable with your choices, prepare a list of the plumbers who meet all of the preceding criteria and keep it near the phone. You’ll be glad to have it handy if ever a problem arises. Plus, it makes picking up the phone so much easier with a plumber you know and have already contacted.

Being proactive and having your plumbing system checked regularly may also help.

• Keep in mind that maintenance costs will be a lot lower than those occasioned by emergency plumbing repairs.
• What’s more, there’s a chance the “regular” plumber with whom you have an established business relationship may also provide emergency services.

By following this advice, you’ll find it a lot easier to locate the ideal plumber, one who you’ll be able to contact in an emergency and who will come to your assistance as soon as possible.