How to Choose the Right Emergency Plumber in Edmonton

Picture this: you're lying in bed, enjoying the gentle pitter-patter of an Edmonton summer rain lulling you to sleep.

Suddenly, you hear a loud crash of thunder. Boom. In typical Edmonton fashion, when it rains, it pours.

As a peaceful summer storm turns into a torrential downpour, your stomach drops. All you can think about is the standing water you'll inevitably find in your basement tomorrow morning.

The only thing worse than a major plumbing emergency is not knowing who to call when it happens. Choosing the right emergency plumber can be a big headache when you're already wading through a flooded basement.

That's why we recommend picking a high-quality emergency plumbing service before disaster strikes.

Not sure how to find one? No problem. Here's our complete guide to finding the best 24-hour emergency plumber near you.

Not All Emergency Plumbers Are Created Equal

With so many plumbers to choose from, finding an exceptional emergency plumber may seem impossible. However, there are some important factors to consider when hiring an emergency plumber that can help you narrow down your search.

Education and certification, after-hours availability, specialties, distance from your home, and pricing can all play a role in determining which emergency plumbing service is best for you.

The last thing you want is to be stuck in an emergency with someone who is not fit for the job. That's why we recommend meeting with your chosen emergency plumbing company before you need to hire them. A good plumber will happily answer your questions to help you feel more secure in your choice.

Don't get stuck without a reliable plumber! Here are five questions you should always ask before you hire an emergency plumber.

What Are Your Plumbing Certifications?

It's hard to tell which plumbing company to choose based on word of mouth alone. While your sister may have had a great experience with a plumber she found online, hundreds of online reviews may tell a different story. No one wants to find themselves in an emergency with an incompetent plumber.

While there is nothing wrong with asking friends and family for a recommendation, it's important to keep in mind that they may not have done the extensive research to determine if their plumber is the best emergency service available.

One way to determine the highest quality plumber is to ask about their credentials.

In Alberta, all plumbers are required to hold specific licenses and complete technical, on-the-job training hours to work legally. Before you hire a plumber, check the legitimacy of their experience by asking about their experience, certifications, and licensing.

When an emergency strikes, the situation can quickly go from bad to worse with an inexperienced plumber. Most credible plumbing companies have insurance just in case a home they are working on is damaged from a plumber's mistake. Ask about the company's insurance policy and ensure that your home is safe in their hands.

What Is Your After-Hours Availability?

What sets a great emergency plumber apart from a regular plumber? Emergency plumbers specialize in any type of plumbing situation that happens outside the regular working hours of 8 AM to 5 PM. That means, no matter if your DIY fix breaks at 10 AM or 10 PM, you're covered.

Additionally, some smaller plumbing companies may only have one plumber able to work during off-hours. If that plumber isn't available when your emergency hits, you could be left in an unexpected lurch.

Keep in mind: lots of plumbing emergencies happen due to weather changes. If you're experiencing plumbing problems during a heavy rainstorm or bitterly cold temperatures, there are likely many other Edmonton residents going through the same thing.

Check with your plumber to see how many 24-hour team members are regularly available. They may even have a policy where more plumbers are on-call when bad weather is forecasted.

You may want to check the average experience level of the company's 24-hour staff, too. An emergency plumbing situation is definitely not the best time to have a plumbing apprentice at your door. When interviewing companies, ask how their on-call system works during off-hours and who is typically sent for 24-hour emergency projects.

However, having someone that can come to your house at any hour is not enough. That plumber needs to be prepared to handle a variety of different plumbing emergencies. It's crucial to learn about what your emergency plumber specializes in and whether they have the right people on their team for any emergency you may face.

What Do You Specialize In?

There are lots of different types of plumbing emergencies, from flooded basements to burst pipes to sump pump failures and beyond. Since there are so many types of plumbing issues that require immediate attention, it's imperative that your emergency plumbing service offers a wide range of specialties.

The plumber who can fix a toilet clog may not be the best option for managing a gas leak or a water heater issue.

It's best to call an emergency plumber right away if you notice a plumbing abnormality like low water pressure, no hot water, or any leaks. Your plumber can help you determine if you're dealing with an emergency and whether they have the right person for the job.

You may be surprised to find out that not all plumbing companies offer every service outside of business hours.

Hiring a company with multiple specialties is your best bet for exceptional emergency service. Check your emergency plumber's website to see what services they offer. Then, while interviewing the company, ask which services they offer emergency services for.

Many plumbing emergencies require immediate attention, so ensuring that the right person is available at any time can ensure your plumbing problem doesn't get worse while you wait for Monday to come.

At Mr. Rooter, we always have the right person for the job on call and ready to go. Our team members specialize in every imaginable plumbing specialty, so no matter what you're experiencing, we'll send out the best plumber for your needs.

Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Near Me?

Many plumbers claim to serve the city of Edmonton and surrounding suburbs, but they may not be able to get to your home quickly when time is of the essence. Plus, some plumbers charge extra for travel time, so calling a plumber could end up costing you way more than you expect. Make sure to check if your plumber charges travel fees and if they offer discounts within a specific service area.

It's especially crucial to ensure that it's easy to get from their location to your home. In inclement weather, when many plumbing emergencies happen, side streets and highways might be unexpectedly closed. Finding an emergency plumber near you can increase the likelihood that they will get to your home quickly even in the worst weather.

How Much Does Emergency Plumbing Cost?

There's nothing worse than calling an emergency service and getting an exorbitant quote for off-hours service. That's why it's crucial to ask if your emergency plumber charges extra for night and weekend service.

Some plumbers who do not specialize in emergency plumbing may charge you extra fees for coming out late at night or on a Sunday. These are not the best people to work with during an emergency.

Most credible companies who specifically offer emergency services do not charge extra for those projects. To avoid unexpected costs, it's important to find an exceptional plumber who is willing and able to complete jobs 24-hours, 7 days a week. If your plumber says they charge extra for after-hours services, it's safe to assume they may not be responsive in an emergency situation.

Understanding the costs of different plumbing services can help you avoid ‘sticker shock’ after a repair. The cheapest option is not always the best one, especially if you try to fix a plumbing issue yourself! A quick fix may end up costing you more down the line, so make sure your plumber offers fixed pricing for solid work.

It's important to know the price of your plumbing fix before any work begins. Here at Mr. Rooter, we offer flat rates and upfront pricing so you are never surprised by an unexpected bill!

Trust Your Instincts

Conducting an interview isn't only about getting your questions answered. Otherwise, you could just review their website and call it a day!

Lots of homeowners make the mistake of hiring the first plumber they can find. However, that could lead you to get burned by an unprofessional, overpriced, or incapable plumber.

Interviewing plumbers ahead of time can help you feel confident that you'll get exceptional service.

Part of interviewing your emergency plumber is to help you find someone you trust. In an emergency, you don't want to have someone who makes you uncomfortable in your home.

One important reason to interview your emergency plumber is to see how they communicate. Good communication is essential during an emergency to help define the problem and understand costs.

When you're in the middle of a plumbing emergency, it's natural that tensions are running high. You may be worried about an expensive fix or about the damage a plumbing incident will cause to your home. Knowing you have someone you trust on speed dial can help you stay calm and relaxed no matter what happens.

A lack of professionalism can quickly turn a situation from bad to worse. Hiring a respectful, communicative professional ensures your plumbing fix goes smoothly.

Find an Emergency Plumber You Can Rely On

As a homeowner, you know that home repairs can be unpredictable. When disaster strikes, having an emergency plumber you trust can give you peace of mind.

Not sure where to start your search for an emergency plumber near Edmonton? You've come to the right place.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton, we offer exceptional service that you can trust. Our experienced staff offers a reliable 24-hour emergency service that's in your budget. We're happy to answer your questions so you feel prepared for any plumbing emergency.

Our fast response times ensure your plumbing emergency doesn't go from bad to worse. When you're working with Mr. Rooter, you always know what to expect.

Even before disaster strikes, give us a call at (780) 429-3600. We're happy to help you with all your Edmonton plumbing needs, day or night.