How to Make Things Easier for Your Plumber When They Arrive

Are you having plumbing trouble? Here are some tips on How to Make Things Easier for Your Plumber When They Arrive

 

How to Make Things Easier for Your Plumber When They Arrive

So, how do you fix a plumbing issue? Well, you hire your trusted local plumber of course! So when you call your local plumber up and set up a time and date for them to come fix up the issue, but is that all? While it might seem like your job is done until they get there, taking a few extra steps to prepare can make a big difference.

But why? Well, there are a couple of reasons. For starters, it’s always nice to make your plumber’s job a lot easier, but they usually charge by the hour. So, if all of these little and helpful things that you do can also make a difference and help them out. So, at the end of the day, you’re saving some time and money since you’re creating an efficient and safe work environment, and you’re setting the stage for a faster, smoother repair. 

But where exactly do you even get starters for being your plumber’s dream client? Well, here’s exactly what you need to know!

You’ll Have to Clear the Work Area

Let’s be honest—nobody wants to trip over a mountain of stuff while trying to fix a leak. Plus, it’s really rude too. Chances are you’d clear clutter if a guest were to arrive, right? So why not for a plumber? So, with that all said, a clutter-free workspace is a plumber’s dream. When they have to weave through piles of cleaning supplies or boxes just to reach the problem area, it not only eats up extra time but also ramps up the risk of accidents. By spending a few minutes to clear the area, you’re helping your plumber get straight to the job without unnecessary delays. Plus, it’s just courteous, right?

Give a Detailed Description

When the plumber arrives, be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about the issue. A vague description like “there’s a leak” can lead to guesswork and extended repair time. Instead, be specific: Is it a slow drip or a steady stream? Is it constant, or does it happen only when using certain fixtures? Have you noticed any strange noises or odors?

The more information you provide, the quicker the plumber can diagnose the issue and get to work. This level of detail ensures they have the right tools and parts on hand, reducing the likelihood of delays. But of course, it’s understandable if you really don’t know what’s happening, plumbers don’t expect you to have the same knowledge as them.

Share the History

If this is an ongoing issue or something that has been “fixed” before, let the plumber know. So, with that all said, sharing the history of the problem can give them valuable context and might even point to the root cause more efficiently. If you’ve already attempted any DIY fixes, be honest about what you’ve done. 

They’re not going to be mean and judge you for going the DIY route (at least any good plumber won’t). It might feel embarrassing to admit, but it’s far more helpful for the plumber to know what they’re walking into. This transparency can prevent further complications and ensure the job gets done right the first time.

You’ll Have to Ensure Easy Access to Utilities

Your plumber might need to shut off the water supply to make repairs, so it’s helpful to know where the main water valve is located. Usually, if this is an emergency, they’ll ask you to shut it off. 

This is especially important in emergency situations where time is of the essence. If the valve is blocked by furniture, storage boxes, or other items, make sure to clear a path so the plumber can access it quickly and easily. So, doing this in advance can shave precious minutes off the repair time, which can be crucial in preventing water damage.

Know the Layout

If the plumber needs to access different areas of your home, like the basement, attic, or crawlspace, be prepared to guide them. You can’t just describe where this is at or make them do guesswork. That’s only going to cause tension! Instead, you’ll need to make sure any paths, stairs, or doorways they might need to use are free of obstacles.

You can also point out the locations of other utilities they might need to interact with, such as the hot water heater, sump pump, or exterior hose bibs. But overall, just by knowing the layout of your home, you help the plumber navigate efficiently, which means the job gets done faster.

Keep Pets and Children Out of the Way

Needless to say, we love our pets and kids, but let’s face it—they can turn a plumbing repair into a circus. No matter how good either of them can be, they should not be near the plumber or the workspace. Seriously, this cannot be stressed enough! So, with that all said, keeping them out of the work area not only makes the job safer but also allows the plumber to work more efficiently.

Overall, creating a distraction-free environment ensures the problem is fixed as quickly as possible. It’s a simple step that can make a huge difference in how smoothly the repair process goes. So, before the plumber arrives, secure pets in another room (with the door closed, especially if it’s a dog— regardless of size) and keep children occupied.

You’ll Need to Create a Quiet Environment

This goes hand in hand with what was said above. So, pets and kids can be super noisy really loud, and that alone is a super distraction, right? A calm and quiet environment allows the plumber to concentrate on diagnosing and fixing the issue. This is particularly important if the problem requires them to listen for specific sounds, like dripping, running water, or unusual noises that could indicate the source of the problem. 

Overall, you’ll have to do what you can to control the noise levels. By minimizing background noise and distractions, you’re giving your plumber the best chance to assess and resolve the issue accurately and efficiently.

Stay Available for Questions

Once the plumber is on the job, it’s essential to remain available for any questions they might have. They may need to ask about the home’s plumbing history, verify the location of utilities, or seek clarification on the issue you’re experiencing. While you don’t need to hover over them, being within reach if they need more information can help the process move along smoothly. 

For example, you don’t need to be in the bathroom or kitchen or whatever room they’re in, but being in a room nearby so they don’t need to shout would be really helpful. This just helps because a quick answer can often prevent unnecessary delays and help them get to the root of the problem faster.

Know When to Ask Questions

Okay, so let’s flip this, what if you have questions? Well, it’s completely reasonable to have questions about the plumbing issue and the repair process. However, try to time your questions for when the plumber isn’t actively diagnosing or working on the problem. So, just asking questions while they’re in the middle of a task can be distracting and might slow them down.

Instead, wait for a natural break in the work, like when they’re switching tools or explaining the next steps, to ask for clarification. This shows respect for their time and allows them to work more effectively.

A Little Assistance Goes a Long Way

While you shouldn’t interfere with the plumber’s work, offering small acts of assistance can be appreciated. For example, you could provide a clear plastic sheet or old towels to protect your floors if the plumber needs to carry dirty tools or equipment (that helps you, too, actually). 

But you could even consider offering a glass of water or a cup of coffee, which is also a simple, kind gesture that shows appreciation for their hard work. Overall, it creates a positive atmosphere and helps establish a good rapport.