Do you use drain cleaners in your home? If you do, you may be damaging your pipes. Regular use of caustic drain cleaners can cause extensive damage to your pipes that may cost you in the long run.
This isn't unique to homes in Fort Worth, and the good news is that you can avoid it to an extent. Food build-up, grease, and used oil are some of the major causes of drain issues, especially in the kitchen. Hair and soap scum may be the culprits involved in clogged bathroom drains.
Eliminating these can save you time and money. However, if you find that, despite your best efforts, your drain keeps getting clogged, it may be time to call a professional. Wondering how to find Fort Worth’s best plumber? Here are eight questions that you should ask before hiring.
Common Causes of Clogged Drains
Firstly, you should have an idea of what may have caused your clogged drain so the company you hire will know what to look for. Here are some things, in addition to the ones mentioned above, that may cause your drain to become clogged:
Dirt
Excess toilet paper
Food waste
Mineral build-up
Diapers and wipes
Leaves and plants
Tree roots
Feminine products
Cotton balls and swabs
Cat litter
Offset pipes
Objects, such as toys, that may have been accidentally flushed
Blockages can occur in your toilet, tub, shower, bathroom, or kitchen sinks. The best way to avoid clogs is to be mindful of the items you discard in your plumbing system.
Clogs may be unavoidable, so you should have the phone number of a good drain service company on hand.
How to Find a Drain Service Company
Many plumbing companies provide drain cleaning services. But how do you choose one that can effectively fix your problem within your budget and on time? Here are a few ways to find a drain service company in Fort Worth:
Ask friends, family, or your neighbors for referrals
Check online for plumbers in the Fort Worth area
Do a general search for companies that provide drain cleaning services
These are just the initial steps in finding a drain service company. You should also ensure they have the experience and qualifications to fix your drainage issue.
What to Look for When Hiring a Fort Worth Drain Service Company
A good way to find a quality company is through referrals. This allows you to judge a company by their past work and how their clients felt about the experience. During your research and conversations, consider the following often overlooked qualities that will help you pick the best team for your job:
Reliable - They should be on time for your scheduled appointment. Barring any unforeseen issues, they should also complete your work within an estimated time frame.
Courteous - They should provide exceptional customer service and treat you and your property with respect.
Professional - They should be adequately prepared and have the right tools needed to resolve your issue, and communicate clearly and honestly with you. Additionally, they should wear a uniform and arrive in a marked van.
What to Ask a Drain Service Company in FW Before Hiring
The technicians in the Fort Worth drainage service company you hire must possess the qualities mentioned above. But to ensure you make the right choice, here are a few important questions you should ask. The company's answers might make a big difference in the time and money you spend to resolve your problem.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Plumbing, along with HVAC and electrical are three types of work that require a license in the state of Texas. Before hiring a FW drain service company, find out if their technicians are licensed and insured. It permits them to work in the field of plumbing legally while confirming that they have the training required to effectively fix your problem.
It's also in your best interest to hire a company that also has liability insurance and workers’ compensation. Plumbing mistakes can be costly, so you want to make sure they're covered in the unlikely event that something does go wrong. The company you hire should be able to provide proof of both.
2. How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?
This should pertain to both the company and the technician that will be working at your home. A company might be well-established with years of experience, but they should also be able to give the same assurance regarding their technicians.
Ask about their training. They should have enough experience to tell you about their draining methods and maintenance, as well as ways to prevent clogs in the future. After examining your plumbing system, they should also be able to tell you if there are any other problems they may have noticed while doing the work.
3. Do You Have a Specialty?
Clearing a drain might seem like a basic task for an experienced drain service company in Fort Worth. But never assume that the company has the expertise to do the work.
Always ask about their specialty and if it includes the service you require. Some companies strictly do commercial work or specialize in specific areas of service. This will also mean that they will only have the tools and equipment based on the specialty they provide.
4. What Method Do You Use for Drain Cleaning?
An experienced drain cleaning company will have a system that is tried and true, delivering consistent results. They should also be able to explain it in detail and in a way that you understand.
If they can't, it may be a sign that they don't have a set method in place, and they more than likely do the work by "trial and error." You don't want your drain issue to be their next experiment.
5. What Type of Equipment Do You Use?
The company should know precisely what tools and equipment they need for the job. They should use high-quality tools.
Most experienced companies inspect drains using a video inspection system. This allows them to view your drain by snaking through it with a camera. They can see exactly where and what the problem is.
Mr. Rooter uses drain cleaning technology called HydroScrub® jetting. This method is most effective as it uses water at a high level of pressure to remove debris and blockages in the drain.
6. How Much Will It Cost?
An experienced drain service company should be able to give you an estimate or quote before they begin the job, though they will likely need to examine your plumbing system first. Find out if their estimates are free so that if they are not, you can budget for that cost as well.
They should also be able to give you a cost for any additional problems they find. Get a breakdown of all charges. Find out if your estimate includes labor and materials. If not, find out what those costs are.
Also, find out if they charge a flat rate or overtime fees. Mr. Rooter always charges an upfront, flat rate with no overtime fees, ever.
7. Do You Offer a Guarantee?
A guarantee is helpful so you can rest assured that if the job is not completed correctly, it will be fixed. Mr. Rooter is confident in our ability to get the job done right, so we stand behind our workmanship and parts with the Neighborly Done Right Promise.
8. Do You Do Emergency Repairs?
A drainage problem can happen unexpectedly. If it causes water to overflow onto your kitchen or bathroom floor, you'll want to have it repaired right away.
Find out if the drainage service company offers emergency repairs after-hours or on weekends, and if there is an additional cost attached. Mr. Rooter’s emergency crew are standing by 24 hours per day, seven days per week, so whenever you need us, we’ll be there.
Ready to Experience an Exceptional Plumbing Service?
Finding a drain service company in FW that provides all of the above is not impossible.
Mr Rooter Plumbing of Dallas is a locally owned and operated company with years of experience. We provide exceptional customer service with upfront pricing and convenient appointment times. We guarantee our workmanship as well as the parts we use.
Call us today at 214-838-8232 or request a job estimate to find out why we’re Fort Worth’s number one choice for plumbing services!