How much does an answering service for plumbers cost?+
Traditional answering services usually charge per minute, per call or through monthly plans, so storm weeks and cold snaps can cost more. On their pricing pages, checked 2026-09-22, PATLive lists 500 minutes for $759 a month, Ruby 500 minutes for $1,725 and Smith.ai 90 calls for $810. NuTalk Unlimited is $499 USD a month for unlimited AI calls and call evaluations on your line; simultaneous-call capacity, phone numbers, carrier usage and hardware are confirmed for your package, and premium voices may be billed separately. Usage-based plans start free, and the 14-day trial needs no credit card.
Does it work for electricians and multi-trade shops?+
Yes. You set the job types, questions and urgent situations for each trade, so a tripped breaker and a slow drain each get the right questions. A company that offers several trades, heating and cooling included, can run them on one line; NuTalk's HVAC answering service page covers what is specific to no-heat and no-cooling calls.
What happens when a customer calls at 2 a.m. with a burst pipe?+
The AI answers, takes the address and details, and follows your urgent-call rules: it saves the call with the transcript and summary and tells the caller only what you've approved, such as your emergency number. NuTalk doesn't wake your on-call tech itself, so promise a callback time only if someone will see the call and make it. For a gas smell, smoke, a burning smell or anything life-threatening, your script can tell callers to call 911 or their gas utility's emergency line. The AI doesn't judge how serious the problem is or give repair advice.
Can it book service visits on my calendar?+
Yes. It offers open slots from your connected calendar (Cal.com, Google Calendar or NuTalk scheduling) and books, confirms or reschedules visits while the customer is on the phone. Your team can follow up on WhatsApp from the same inbox.
Can customers send photos of the problem?+
Yes, through a WhatsApp follow-up. After the call, your team can message the customer on WhatsApp from NuTalk, and the photos they send stay in that conversation for your team to review before the visit.
Will the AI diagnose the problem or quote a repair price?+
No. It asks the questions you set and answers from the business information you provide, such as your service-call fee. Diagnosis and repair pricing stay with your technicians.
Does it connect to my field-service software?+
Not directly: NuTalk has no built-in connection to field-service software. It syncs call records to HubSpot and Kommo and can send call events to other tools through webhooks or Zapier. If your dispatch software accepts webhook or Zapier data, test that step during the trial before you rely on it.
How do I set it up without changing the number on my trucks?+
Start the 14-day free trial, add your service area, job types and urgent-call rules, and test a routine booking and an urgent call. Then forward your existing number to NuTalk or connect the NuTalk AiBox to your analog line or SIP trunk, after checking compatibility with your carrier. A new NuTalk number is also an option for new ads.