It’s been more than a month since the closing and I don’t have any heat or hot water. I’ve given the previous owner enough of my patience and time, so now, I’m calling english speaking workers in. Few notes about how to choose a plumber (mostly for me, but if it’s useful down the line, cool): The Top Five Things You Should Know (link Story2)

1. Hire a company that is licensed and insured. For your safety, many demand drug-free workplaces and conduct thorough background checks of their employees. Ask for your plumber’s license number. This can be hard to do; no one wants to look like they’re accusing complete strangers of being charlatans, especially if they’re going to be working on your house. But, besides giving you peace of mind in the knowledge that you truly do have a licensed plumber, you’ll be showing your prowess at finding the right person for the job, and be giving off signals that you aren’t to be trifled with (aka ripped off).
2. Get references if possible. Satisfied customers speak volumes about a contractor’s professionalism and experience. Be sure to ask the following, very important questions. How long has the plumber been in business? What is his/her specialty? What guarantees does the plumber offer? How much experience does the plumber have with your type of project?
3. The plumber should arrive on time, be dressed in uniform and have company identification.
4. Except with larger jobs or custom products, the plumber should have enough stock to lessen returns to the shop.
5. The plumber should be able to give you the total price of the job, and you should approve the price before the work starts. Don’t get caught in the pricing game. You deserve to know what the repair or service will cost BEFORE the work begins. For the most part, an experienced plumber has seen your problem before and knows what it will take to fix it. The “time and material” plumber has no incentive to get the job done quickly, efficiently or on budget. He actually makes more money by working slowly and having to go fetch parts. So look for a plumber that uses a flat rate up front pricing system and protect your wallet. And don’t let the plumber “send you the bill”- your nice house can easily become a “they can afford it” higher price back at the shop.
6. Can the plumber show proof of worker’s compensation and general liability insurance? If not, you will be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.

What else to look for:

Appearances Count So what does the plumber who showed up at your door look like? Is he clean, shaved and in uniform with a company logo and a name badge on his shirt? Does he/she smell good, wear protective shoe covers, and look you in the eye to say hello and introduce themselves? Is his truck clean and neatly lettered with the company name and phone number? Does his truck run quietly and is it free of leaks that will make a mess of your driveway? If the plumber doesn’t care about himself or his truck, what kind of care will he take with your house? Can you understand what he’s saying? If you can’t communicate, it’s not possible to get the job done correctly.

Service Agreements These days many plumbers offer service agreements, which provide periodic check-ups of your plumbing system and discounts on repairs and services. These check-ups can prevent big problems and really be lifesavers. And those discounts can add up in a hurry when problems do occur. What are the plumber’s problem-solving policies? Are guarantees offered on the work and the products used?

Payment

Does the plumber take credit cards?

New York State Resources:

O.P.A.L: Online Permit Assistance and Licensing (State licensing requirments)

NYS ASSOCIATION OF PLUMBING, HEATING, AND COOLING CONTRACTORS, INC. P.O. Box 1080 Warwick, NY 10990 (800) 933-9040 www.nysphcc.org

ASSOCIATION OF CONTRACTING PLUMBERS OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, INC. 44 West 28th Street 12th Floor New York. NY 10001 (212) 481-4580 www.acpcny.org

American Society of Plumbing Engineers 8614 Catalpa Avenue, Suite 1007, Chicago, IL 60656-1116 773/693-ASPE (2773) • info@aspe.org http://www.aspe.org/

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association 180 S. Washington Street P.O. Box 6808 Falls Church, VA 22040 Phone: (703) 237-8100 – (800) 533-7694 – Fax: (703) 237-7442 http://www.phccweb.org/

My Choice:
Mr. Rooter
http://www.mrrooter.com
Queens 718-597-4028 (Mt. Vernon)