Plumbing contractors provide a wide variety of services. Common residential projects for plumbing contractors might include repairing leaking pipes, laying new drains, installing toilets, and sinks, and installing water heaters and hot water tanks. On the commercial level, plumbing jobs can include plumbing repairs, mechanical services, plumbing fixtures and installations, and hot water tank installation and repairs. Professional plumbers can help you with all of these projects.
All plumbing work must be certified by the relevant plumbing standards to ensure compliance. Professionals in the plumbing trade understand building codes and their regulations, which are essential to meeting building regulations and health codes. This is not an exhaustive list but rather a sampling of the most common plumbing work that needs to be done in most municipal buildings. If your plumbing work is required, a professional contractor will provide you with a comprehensive quote based on the scope of the work. If the work isn’t what was originally anticipated, a written quotation for the entire project will be provided upon receipt of the completed bid.
Plumbing contractors that perform work in commercial buildings follow a different set of rules than those plumbers that perform residential work. Plumbing systems in commercial structures are usually connected to sewers that bring drinking water and wastewater into the building. To install a new construction plumbing system, plumbers generally need to have a permit from the local government. New construction plumbing contractors need to apply for permits from the local governing authority before they start working.
As a contracting professional, it’s important for a plumbing contractor to be licensed. Without a valid license, he can’t perform plumbing work. In some states, he might even be penalized for practicing without a license. The majority of states don’t require plumbing contractors to obtain a license, but it is strongly encouraged – and a prerequisite for a contractor seeking employment.
A plumbing contractor can be very creative when it comes to hiring employees. Some plumbing contractors offer free estimates to potential employees so that they can come and look around the property before making a decision. Plumbing contractors that have good references from former employees are more likely to get someone that is reliable and pay a fair price for the services that they’ll provide.
Once you’ve decided to hire a plumbing contractor, he or she will need to have the proper insurance. Most states require plumbing contractors to purchase general liability and workman’s compensation insurance. This type of insurance protects contractors from lawsuits related to any injuries that occur while they’re performing plumbing work. The price of the insurance policy depends on the size of the business and the number of employees who will be covered by the policy. Be sure to ask your prospective plumbing contractors to purchase general liability insurance before signing any agreements with them.
Some plumbing contractors choose not to buy insurance because they don’t believe that their plumbing contractors have a need for it. However, it’s important to know that plumbing contractors who don’t purchase insurance are not covered for any incidents that may occur on your property. For example, if you had a water heater break and it was repaired by a plumber who didn’t have insurance, the repairman would be responsible for replacing the water heater. Additionally, if your plumber’s employees damage your fixtures or steel pipes and tools, they may be held liable for this. Don’t hire a plumbing contractor without knowing what kinds of coverage they have purchased.
One thing that many people don’t realize about plumbing contractors is that many times they are referred to as just plumbers. Other times, people refer to them as roofers, flooring installers, or gardeners. Plumbing, by its very nature, involves the movement of water and is often used interchangeably with drains. It is vital to keep in mind that different plumbing contractors work with different types of fixtures and require different types of insurance. Get as much information about your plumbing contractor as possible so you know exactly what you’re getting.