5 Things You Should Know Amidst This Plumbing Disaster: A Plumber Can Help You | Carrollton, TX
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The winter freezes and power outages in February have caused more than 15 million Texans to be faced with burst water pipes and other plumbing disasters. There’s a rush to find more plumbers who can tackle plumbing emergencies amidst these disasters. Gov. Greg Abbott is making it even easier for Texans to get the help that they need by giving out provisional permits to out-of-state plumbers, as well as those who have expired licenses.
This will allow more professionals to work around the clock to restore the plumbing issues that residents are facing at this current moment. Due to the high demand for plumbers, the Fort Worth Better Business Bureau is worried that some homeowners may fall prey to some less than savory business tactics. Due to this reason, they have offered some advice.
#1. You Can Hire Out-of-State Plumbers or Those with Expired Licenses
First and foremost, you need to understand that there are not enough plumbers in Carrollton, TX at this moment who can handle the current disaster. Due to this reason, you can hire out-of-state professionals, as mentioned above because Gov. Greg Abbott has given provisional permits. With that said, you don’t want to hire just anybody that’s available. You should still check their credentials.
For example, when hiring out-of-state professionals, consider their current reputation as well as the quality of work that they can provide. There is no need to hire anyone with a less than stellar resume. The same goes for plumbers with expired licenses. Many of these individuals are retired and are coming out to help with the disaster. With that said, they should be able to provide you with some reassurance in their quality of work. For example, they may be working for their old company, or they may be able to provide you with some references to call.
#2. Avoid Plumbers Using High-Pressure Tactics
Unfortunately, there are still some professionals who may be using unsavory business tactics to get clients. Oftentimes, these professionals will use what’s known as “today only” tactics. They offer what appears to be a great deal, but they will try to pressure you to close the sale by the end of the day. This means you won’t have enough time to do all of your due diligence or to really sit on the idea of hiring that individual.
The Fort Worth Better Business Bureau recommends hiring someone who isn’t using any of these high-pressure tactics, as you’ll likely get a higher quality of service from them. You’ll also feel a lot more comfortable during the entire process, and will not feel rushed or taken advantage of. You’ll also be able to do your due diligence.
#3. Get Pricing and Overall Project Scope in Writing
This emergency has led to some pretty complicated plumbing issues arising. To make sure that you fully understand what you’re getting and that there are no further misunderstandings down the road, make sure that you get the pricing and overall project scope in writing. You can refer back to this contract at a later time should any issues arise.
The project scope should clearly outline everything that the professional will be able to complete. In addition, the pricing should be set in stone. This way, you won’t need to pay anything else out of your own pocket at a later time.
#4. Price Gouging Following a Disaster Is Illegal
While we’re on the notion of getting the pricing in writing, it’s important that you also take a look at what the prices of the services that you need may be. You should consider what the prices were prior to the disaster. The pricing for the plumbing services that you’re looking for should be the same because price gouging following a disaster is illegal. In short, you shouldn’t have to pay an arm and a leg for the plumbing services that you need.
If a plumbing company is trying to price gouge, you definitely should avoid them. You should also report to the Fort Worth Better Business Bureau in order to let other people know. Don’t forget to spread the word to your friends and family members. Many people don’t realize that price gouging following a disaster is illegal, so they’ll end up paying a lot more for the services that they need.
#5. Contractors Cannot Waive the Insurance Deductible
Last but not least, when you’re looking at the pricing, you need to understand that the contractors cannot waive the insurance deductible in order to work it into the service bids. They must clearly outline the insurance deductible within the contract.
You also need to make sure that all of your plumbers are licensed and insured. You might even want to consider taking a look at the insurance papers to better understand the amount of coverage that they have. You definitely don’t want to be on the hook should any accidents occur, as the cost for repairs can be extremely expensive depending on what’s damaged.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas Can Help!
If you’re faced with a plumbing emergency at this time, you should consider giving bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas. We serve many areas within North Dallas, including Carrollton, TX. Our plumbers are licensed and insured. They also receive ongoing training, so they are always up-to-date with the latest techniques and products. They’ll be able to tackle just about any plumbing emergency that you throw at them with ease.
Our professionals are more than ready to deal with the plumbing crisis that our state is facing. We can help you assess your situation in order to determine what types of services that you need. Our professionals can also walk you through the various solutions that are available, so you are well-informed of the pros and cons of each solution. Last but not least, we also offer competitive prices for all of our services. Give us a call today to learn more about what we can offer!
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