Do you need a new plumber to clear a clogged drain or stop a sewer line backup? Even though five-star reviews and real-world references can help you to find the perfect plumber for your home’s needs, these aren’t the only factors to consider. Take a look at the system-specific and service-related questions to ask before you choose a plumber.

Do You Offer Trenchless Sewer Services?
A sewer line replacement is a major plumbing project. Older pipes, tree roots, and severe clogs can cause cracks, backups, and other issues that require a replacement service.

Unlike the drain in your kitchen sink or the pipes behind your shower, the sewer line is outside of your home and under the ground. In the past, the only way to reach this pipe was to dig through the dirt with a backhoe. The older traditional method of sewer line replacement was expensive, labor-intensive, and messy. The plumber would need to dig a deep trench, removing the grass, plants, and anything above it.

If you don’t want to displace part of your yard, a trenchless sewer replacement is an easier option. Cured In Place Pipe (or CIPP) is a popular service that won’t require the plumber to bring in major machinery to excavate your yard. This no-dig alternative allows the plumbing contractor to feed a pipe lining material into the existing sewer line.

The material inflates or expands inside the sewer line and hardens to form a permanent pipe. Even though this method doesn’t require major yard upheaval, the contractor will need to create an access hole in the ground. Unlike a full trench, the plumber won’t need to bring in a backhoe to place the CIPP restoration hole.

A CIPP option requires specialized knowledge, materials, and equipment. Not every plumber can provide this type of service. If you need to replace the sewer line and prefer a trenchless option, ask your would-be contractor if they have substantial experience with the CIPP restoration process. If the plumber has never used CIPP or rarely does, you likely need to find a more knowledgeable contractor.

The contractor should also provide you with information on the specific process they offer, the costs involved, and other potential issues. While costs vary depending on factors such as the line placement, your yard, and the complexity of the restoration, most trenchless repairs are less expensive than the traditional version.

Do You Have Experience With Septic Tanks?
Like trenchless sewer replacement and restoration, septic tank installation and repair require a specialized skill set. If your home has a septic system, the wastewater flows into a tank. When it gets to the tank, the system digests the organic matter. Solids and floatable liquids separate in the system — and the tank discharges the liquids (via perforated pipes, pumps, or gravity) into a drain field.

This complex system requires equally complex knowledge to repair or replace. If the plumber doesn’t have the expertise or experience necessary to work on your home’s septic system, wastewater could back up into your home, the drain field could fail, or other serious issues could result.

If your home has a septic tank and drain field, ask the potential plumbers Reno how much experience they have with this type of system. Again, like with trenchless replacements, no or almost no expertise in this area is not the best answer. The more professional experience the plumber has with septic systems, the better able they are to meet your home’s needs.

Do You Offer Emergency Services?
Even though the ability to offer specialized services such as CIPP or septic tank replacement is a major plus when you choose a new plumber, your home’s system won’t always require a repair on a nine to five, Monday through Friday schedule.

Some plumbing services can’t wait overnight or for an entire weekend. A burst pipe, blocked the main drain, or uncontrolled leak needs immediate attention. Failure to fix these potentially serious plumbing problems as soon as possible can result in extensive damage. Not only can the damage affect your home’s plumbing system, but it can also spread to other interior areas.

A burst or leaky pipe can ruin furniture, rotting wood, or cause mold growth. The faster a plumber can repair the problem, the less likely your home will sustain permanent damage. A 24/7 plumbing service can help you to reduce the risks and maintain your home’s pipes, drains, and other interior features.

Before you choose a plumber, ask if they offer emergency services. Along with this question, discuss the specific aspects of this type of 24/7 option. You need to know if the contractor charges extra for appointments outside of the normal business day, what hours are emergency hours, and what types of emergency services they provide.

Are you ready to start your plumbing contractor search? Contact Easy Rooter Plumbing for more information.