7 Things to Consider when Contracting a Commercial Plumber for your Business

7 Things to Consider when Contracting a Commercial Plumber for your Business

7 Things to Consider when Contracting a Commercial Plumber for your Business.

The plumbing system in a commercial building is much more complex than a residential plumbing system and often a forgotten part of the business. The plumbing system is taken for granted until something starts leaking or stops running. Any business, large or small, must remain open and run efficiently in order to be successful and profitable. A sudden failure in the plumbing system could stop any business in its’ tracks.

The following are some things to consider when it comes to hiring a commercial plumber to work in your building. You don’t want to make costly mistakes when it comes to your commercial plumbing. You want to make sure the plumber you are hiring is licensed and insured, as well as knowledgeable and experienced in the commercial aspects of plumbing. Hiring a licensed plumber with commercial plumbing experience isn’t as simple as it should be, and there are several things that you don’t want to go wrong during the process. In order to ensure that your commercial plumbing needs are met and the best possible services rendered, you’ll have to shop around before making your decision.

Here are 7 things you need to consider before securing the services of a commercial plumber:

1. Is the plumber licensed, experienced and insured?

Licensed plumbers will be more likely to have the knowledge necessary to ensure any work you have done follows all plumbing and building codes; liability insurance will protect both parties in the unlikely event of a costly mistake. Both are critical when it comes to hiring a commercial plumbing contractor. Remember, a commercial plumber should be experienced with plumbing repairs and maintenance for businesses of all types. Think of the many types of businesses that rely on plumbers. Everything from a gas station to a restaurant to a manufacturing plant needs working plumbing so the commercial plumber you hire should have experience fixing the plumbing in your specific type of business.

2. Does the plumbing company charge for estimates?

Before the plumber comes out to your business, make sure you know whether you’ll be charged for the inspection. It depends on the plumbing company whether or not this fee will be assessed. Sometimes these fees are called “trip charges”. That’s just the cost for the plumber to stop by and assess your problem before any real work begins.

3. Are rates hourly or does the plumber charge a flat rate fee?

In order to avoid unnecessary overages, check to make sure the number the plumber quotes you is either all-inclusive of the labor and parts necessary or if you will be charged by the hour. You don’t want to get nickel-and-dimed by the company for unknown charges. It pays to know exactly what they’re charging you for and how they’re levying those charges.

4. How long has the plumbing company been in business?

Commercial plumbers that have been around for a while will be more likely to have favorable reviews from the community. In addition, an older, better established company is more likely to have experienced plumbers with proven track records for good quality work. Established companies are also more likely to provide 24-hour emergency service. Remember, your business may be at a standstill until the plumber can fix the problem.

5. Can the plumber provide references of other customers?

It is always good to try to obtain references from the plumber from customers they have previously done work for. These references can be contacted and can provide valuable information about the plumber. This will build confidence in your decision on who you hire for your plumbing work.

6. Does the plumbing company sub-contract their work?

Some companies will sub-contract their work to other plumbers or independent contractors. This is not always the case, but it is something that should be asked when hiring a plumbing company. You want to be sure the plumber doing your work is a qualified employee of the company you are hiring.

7. What is the warranty policy?

It’s important for plumbers to guarantee their labor when they are rendering services to your business. Be sure to learn what the protocol is for claiming a warranty before you sign on the dotted line. Most often the plumbing fixtures are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, but you should be concerned about how long the plumber will guarantee his personal work (labor).

If your commercial plumber has checked off all 7 things to consider when hiring a commericial plumber, you are in good shape to finish the project!

Contact Us

To learn more about plumbing programs for your multi-site portfolio, give Ferrandino & Son a call at:

866-571-4609

and ask to speak to someone in our Business Development Team. You can also reach us at:

 sales@ferrandinoandson.com

Start Irrigation Out Right

Start Irrigation Out Right

Start Irrigation Out Right

If April showers bring May flowers, what follows May flowers? If you’re in elementary school, the answer is Pilgrims. For the rest of us, the answer is a little less witty. As the cooler, rainy days of early Spring fade away, we are faced with the longer, hotter and more drought prone days of summer. While this may mean a day at the pool for some of us, it’s the most stressful time of the year for your sites’ landscaping. To overcome these hot dry days and to help lawns and plants stay healthy, and to maintain your brand image, underground irrigation systems offer a strong solution.

If Spring has sprung where you are, it’s time to get ahead of the what’s next and get those irrigation systems started! Here are some things to consider when activating irrigation after a long winter:

1. Timing:

While below freezing temperatures will wreak havoc on irrigation systems that are active, the reality is that they can be activated far in advance of when they are needed. Starting your system early in the Spring allows you to choose when to run the system and ensures that the system is ready when you’ll need it.

2. Be Prepared:

What could possibly go wrong with an irrigation system that has been winterized and hasn’t operated since fall? Unfortunately, a lot! To have the most efficient process in place when starting irrigation systems, it’s best to have an established NTE value set with your contractor. This allows for smaller, less costly repairs to be made on the spot; saving time and money in the long run.

3. What Should Be Done:

Here’s what you should expect as part of the activation process: the entire system should be run, adjustments to the heads completed and times on the controller set based on the current needs. When larger issues are found, cost estimates on repairs should be provided immediately. When your contractor leaves the site, the irrigation system should either be completely operational or you should have a full report outlining any issues; with cost estimates included, so you can make the necessary repairs.

4. Next Steps:

Once your systems are started, it’s not over. To ensure proper operation and efficient use of water as a resource, an ongoing monitoring program should be in place. Monthly wet tests to check for needed repairs and adjustments to system run times will help to maximize the systems’ effectiveness and deliver a responsible use of water.

As the seasons unfold the need for irrigation will follow. The first step is to activate the irrigation system, and the points outlined above will help to get things off to a good start.

Contact Us

To learn more about irrigation maintenance or comprehensive landscape programs for your multi-site portfolio, give Ferrandino & Son a call at:

866-571-4609

and ask to speak to someone in our Business Development Team. You can also reach us at:

 sales@ferrandinoandson.com