Poly B™ is a very dangerous material that should not form part of our homes. This thermoplastic polymer material can cause serious problems not only to your home but also to your health. If poly b piping is found in your home, it is imperative that you have it replaced with copper piping, pex piping or another substitute.
Don’t know what Poly B™ is? read our other article here: What is Poly B™ (Polybutylene) Pipe?
If you are considering replacing your polybutylene pipes, bear in mind that the poly b replacement can be a major undertaking and must only be entrusted to a reliable poly b contractor. There are a lot of risks involved, not to mention the high costs that have to be incurred.
However, with a reliable poly b contractor, you don’t need to worry about the costs as the professional will be able to turn them into profits eventually. Your poly b contractor will be able to guarantee timely completion of the pipe replacing project, while ensuring quality work and services. But how do you find the right contractor for the job?
1) Ask Around
If you don’t have somebody in mind, then consider asking around. Start with your neighbors asking them if they may know of any reliable piping contractor who is based locally. Depending on your needs, they will be able to recommend a few individuals who can suit your needs. Then proceed to your family and friends who will not be biased in letting you know who they think may do the job perfectly at affordable rates. They will also be able to let you know who they don’t feel confident about. Note down the names and proceed to the next step.
Read: Tips for Hiring the Right Plumber Locally
2) Conduct Interviews
After you have compiled a list of potential candidates, it will be necessary to contact each one of them inviting them to a face to face interview. Phone interviews are not quite recommended in this case because it is hard to know the kind of person you are dealing with through the phone. It is hard to assess someone without seeing them. Meet each candidate in person and ask them a few relevant questions. The manner in which each candidate responds to your questions will give you a good picture of their capabilities and how they relate to clients. Take this time to test their knowledge about polybutylene replacement and how they intend to work within your budget and schedule, as well as who is going to carry out the actual work. You want to ensure the person you select can plan out the work so as not to surpass your budget and estimated timeline.
3) Look at Experience
After you have interviewed and narrowed down your choices to 2 or 3 candidates, you may want to look at the amount of experience each candidate has. Polybutylene replacement requires more than just expertise in this area. A good poly b contractor should have several years of practical experience in poly b replacement and general piping. An experienced contractor can perfectly deal with problems that a newbie may not be able to deal with. Knowing how to replace poly b pipes without causing damage is a skill that is acquired over time.
Read: Why Plumbers need to Follow the National Plumbing Codes
4) Look at Insurance
Insurance is an important consideration when it comes to hiring the right poly b contractor. As said before, poly b replacement is a major process that involves a lot of risks. Something could go wrong amid the process thereby resulting in a costly damage to the entire house. When you hire an uninsured contractor to change your poly b piping system and they accidentally cause damage worth a lot of money, the contractor may not be able to compensate you fully. For this reason, never hire a contractor who has no insurance policy that covers his/her clients especially if it is someone you have never worked with before. Inquire about their insurance policies from their agents who will always be more than glad to tell you everything you need to know.
Read: WCB and Insurance Liability for Plumbers
5) Get Estimates and Select the Most Affordable Contractor
You have now narrowed down your list to 2 contractors with spotless track records and responsible work ethics. Now it is time to begin looking forward to your project. Ask each candidate to break down the cost of labor, materials as well as other expenses. Compare the quotes and settle for the most affordable and realistic quote.
Conclusion
Choosing a reliable poly b contractor should not to be as tricky as it seems. All you have to do to find the right professional is to vet all candidates in a thorough manner. Asking for referrals, conducting face-to-face interviews, looking at each candidate’s amount of experience, and settling for the most affordable contractor who is insured will go a long way in helping you find the right man for the job.
Learn why so many people choose us: Why Choose Urban Piping for your Poly B™ Replacement?
Related Articles
Top 10 Reasons: Use Urban Piping for Poly B™ Replacement
Buying or Selling a Home With Polybutylene?
Why Replacing Polybutylene Is Time Sensitive
Effects of Chlorine on Polybutylene Piping
Poly B™ Pinhole Leak? Here’s What Happens
A Brief History on Poly B™ Lawsuits and Litigation
Poly B™ to PEX Piping – Making the Switch
Difference Between Classes of PEX Piping
Color Coding Water Lines – Poly B™ Replacement
