Are your drains working as they should?
The drain cleaning industry in the US is worth $3.4 billion, and for a reason! A lot of homeowners don’t know how to clean drains themselves or maintain them.
It’s easier and safer to call in professionals to get the job done well. But, if you’ve never hired a drain cleaning and repair service before, you might not know where to start. How can you find a company you can rely on?
That’s where we can help! Keep reading for these 7 tips on how to choose a drain cleaning and repair service in Alexandria.
Signs Your Drain Needs Cleaning
As we’ve already stated, most people don’t know how to clean their drains in a safe and proper manner. A lot of people also don’t know how to tell when their drains need cleaning either.
If you don’t clean your drains when they need it, it can cause problems and damage further down the line. It’s important that you learn, at least, how to spot the signs and we’ll list a few common ones below:
- Water takes longer to drain away
- It clogs up more often
- You can hear a strange, gurgling sound when draining
- You notice bubbles in the water as it tries to drain
- There’s black residue coming from the drain itself
- You can smell a horrible sewage smell
- You’ve got flooding in your basement
- Drain and fruit flies hang around your home by your drains
If you notice any of these, it’s time to think about your drain repair service options. You’ll need an expert with drain cleaning experience to come out and take a look.
It might be a simple case of removing a blockage and giving your drains a good clean. If it’s built up over time, there might be the first signs of damage that an expert can spot and fix. Before it becomes a larger, more costly issue.
How to Choose the Right Alexandria Drain Company
There are a lot of reasons to hire a professional Alexandria drain company. These include:
- Saving time
- Staying safe
- Getting a superior result
- Avoiding accidental damage
- Having the right drain cleaning tools
- Avoid the use of harsh chemicals
If you’re in need of an Alexandria drain cleaning professional, then you’ll want to find the right one. Following these 7 tips will make sure you hire the right company for your needs.
1. Check Licensing & Insurance
The first check you want is to make sure the companies you consider have the right license to work in your state. For most states, the company has to pass standardized testing. They also need to meet set apprenticeship requirements too.
Make sure you only look into firms that have met those requirements. It’s the first step to ensuring they’ll have the knowledge to work on your Alexandria drains and fix them.
Most licenses also have insurance coverage but it pays to check. If they don’t have the right liability insurance, you could end up paying if something goes wrong.
2. Their Drain Cleaning Experience
Next, you want to ensure that they have the right drain cleaning experience and can make any repairs. Ask how long they have been in the business, and how many regular clients they have.
It’s also a good idea to see what types of property they’ve worked on. Have they worked on Alexandria homes like yours before, with similar pipe layouts?
The more experience the better, though don’t rule out younger firms. It’s a good idea, in general, to consider a company that has at least 3-4 years of experience in the industry already.
3. Check Reference & Reviews
You want to do your due diligence and check references. You should also spend time reading online reviews for each company. This shows you how they operate, and what previous customer satisfaction was.
It should be a big red flag if a company won’t give you references if you ask for them. Once you get those references, contact them and ask if they were happy with the service. And, most important, would they hire that company again?
4. Check the Services on Offer
Another early check to make is that the companies you consider offer the services you need. Do they also definitely cover the Alexandria area? There’s no point chasing a company that won’t be able to help you.
Most drain companies will have their services listed on their website. They’ll also provide a detailed map or list of the areas that they cover. Make sure you check them and they match what you’re looking for.
5. They Fit Your Drain Repair Budget
Depending on your needs, the cost of drain cleaning and repairs can vary. Ask them for a rough estimate for your problems to get an idea of what they will charge you.
As you consider a few companies, compare these quotes. Look at what you’re getting for your money, and which company offers the better deal.
It’s not always the cheapest company, by the way, you should consider the quality of the service too. You don’t want to end up paying less but getting an inferior service.
6. Check Availability
Before you get your heart set on an Alexandria drain cleaner, check their availability. Often the best companies have a long waiting list, and might not be able to see you right away. Find out how soon they can come to service your drains before you commit to hiring them.
7. Check They Have a Work Guarantee
Last, of all, check that the company you’re looking at guarantees their work. If something goes wrong after their service, will they come to fix the problem for free? If it needs extra work, will get a refund of your money and sort it out? You want to make sure you know what guarantees they offer before you sign any contracts.
Drain Cleaning and Repair in Alexandria: Make the Right Choice
So, there you have it! Now you know these 7 tips you know how to choose the right drain cleaning and repair service for you.
Make sure you choose a local company that covers your area and offers the services you need. Make sure they have the right license and insurance and will offer a warranty to protect you.
If you’re looking for a drain cleaning and repair service in Alexandria, contact us today. At Plumbing Pros DMV, we’ve got the knowledge and experience to help you with all your drain needs.
