Author: Claude Lowe
Author: Claude Lowe
7 Tips for Hiring a Professional Plumber
A plumbing crisis can happen at any time, to anyone. Small plumbing problems, like a burst pipe or leaking faucet, can turn into a massive and expensive crisis if gone untreated. Having a knowledgeable and professional plumber on call is crucial to the safety of your family and home. From the experts at Big Bird Plumbing, here are a few tips to help you hire the best and most professional plumber: Ensure the Plumber Is Licensed. One of the most important considerations when hiring a plumber is whether or not they are licensed. A simple Google search will reveal their credentials, reviews and ratings from past clients, and any complaints associated with their work. Ask Around. Despite nearly everything being Online nowadays, word of mouth continues to be one of the most reliable ways to find out about the best plumbers in town. If a Neighbour, friend, or family member has recently had their house renovated, inquire about their plumber services and ask for feedback. Be Sure It’s a Good Match. Different plumbing companies operate on different schedules. Before choosing the right plumber, ensure you ask questions about things like liability insurance, estimates, extra fees, and the length of time expected for the project. Talk to Different Plumbers. Before deciding on the right plumber for the job, it’s in your best interest to do some research and speak with plumbers from different companies. A simple phone call will give you an idea of what the individual is like, what the company values are, and what kind of service you can expect. You can learn a lot about a person during a five-minute chat. Inquire about Work Guarantees. No matter what kind of plumbing work you are having done, it should be backed by a full warranty. If a plumber suggests that their work or the materials they are working with are not covered for a substantial period of time, you may want to consider looking for services elsewhere. Ask Other Professionals. If you live in a small town, or remote area, Online information about plumbing services may be sparse. To learn which plumbers are highly recommended, ask other professionals, like HVAC technicians or electricians, for their opinions. Consider Their Experience. As a rule of thumb, you should always hire the plumber with more experience. At Priority Plumbing, we have been in the business for years, and have a proven track record with past clients. To learn more about a company’s
Read More6 Reasons To Hire A Professional Plumber
Because you spend a significant amount of your time each day inside your home, you need to ensure that everything is in perfect shape for harmonious living. You should frequently check the condition of your home from your floorings up to your roof. Along with this, you shouldn’t miss inspecting your plumbing, as a faulty pipe can lead to tremendous problems like flooding. You may tend to look past your plumbing, but you should remember that it plays an essential role in your home. When it gets broken, you can expect that you’d be facing a lot of mess. While you can always try to DIY, it’ll be best if you hire a professional Newcastle plumbing service instead. Their services may be costly, depending on your plumbing issues, but they’re all worth it. Professional plumber. Plumbing repair service. Listed below are a few reasons why you should hire a professional plumber: 1. They Can Do More Than Just Pipes Apart from your pipes, a professional plumber can also help with your sewer system, which could be dirty work. It would be helpful if you could learn how to maintain your sewer to lessen any issues that could develop in your home. However, if a problem is already present, you should hire a professional plumber immediately. You can search for one on the internet, like the A-1 Sewer and Septic Service, and they should be able to help you with your sewer issues. Fixing a sewer isn’t easy work, especially if you’re considering doing it by yourself. With a professional plumber, you can guarantee that they’d be able to get the job done without leaving any possible issues. 2. Proper Tools And Materials If you’re considering fixing your plumbing issues yourself, you should ask yourself if you have the right tools to accomplish your project effectively. When you hire a professional plumber, you can expect that they have every tool and material needed, allowing you to be at ease that they’d be able to complete the job well. The materials and tools they’ll use are up-to-date and will help you prevent any future repairs. With the proper materials for plumbing, you can have peace of mind that their repairs will last longer and won’t just be a temporary fix. Plumber with Plumbing tools on the kitchen. Renovation. 3. Provide Expert Advice With their experience, a professional plumber can better inspect your pipes and diagnose a wide
Read MoreChoosing a Plumber: 5 questions to ask before you hire a Plumber.
General tips on hiring a Plumber. Below are specific questions and answers but first it’s best to learn some general tips and suggestions for choosing the ‘right’ plumber for you. This is a significant decision that can bring you joy or heartache. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing a plumber. Consider only licensed plumbers, especially if your state requires licensing, as most US states do. Evaluate only plumbers who can deliver proof of insurance. Ask the plumber how long has he/she been in the plumbing industry. The more experience the plumber or company has, the better. After the professional analyzes your plumbing, he/she should be able to give you accurate estimates of what the charge should be for solving the plumbing problem. Ask about the guarantees (your satisfaction with his/her work) included in the pricing estimate, including new parts needed. Ask for a list of satisfied customer references—and check them out–before you hire the plumbing professional. Now that you know the general tips, here are five critical questions you should ask every plumber before hiring them: Are you considering hiring a contractor to solve a plumbing problem? We have the right questions that you need to ask the plumber before you do! The answers will help you choose a plumber who is qualified to solve both minor and major issues. They will also prevent you from hiring the wrong plumber – a mishap that could result in major plumbing issues that could cost you thousands. 1. What is the estimated total cost of fixing your plumbing problem? Homeowners should be careful, if not skeptical, about quotes you receive over the phone. Good plumbers typically want to see and analyze your piping problem, before giving you an estimate of the total cost of finish the repairs. Also, experienced professionals include the cost of any new parts needed to complete the repair. You can verify this issue by asking the plumber you’re considering if the price estimate includes both parts and labor cost. 2. Ask who will be doing the work? If the plumber you speak with uses helpers or subcontractors, ask about the credentials and experience they have. You don’t want to risk having the person who is actually fixing the plumbing to have less training or experience of the plumber you initially speak with. 3. Is the Plumber licensed? If your state requires licensing, be sure your
Read MorePlumbing Tips for Homeowners: How does Home Plumbing Work?
What are my Responsibilities for the Plumbing and Drainage as a Homeowner? When you sign on the dotted line for homeowner insurance, you might assume you’re in the clear for any costly nightmares with drains, pipes, sinks, and other plumbing appliances. Not necessarily! Though policies vary in the details, most do not cover blocked toilets, sinks, showers, moving parts within a toilet tank, and other potential plumbing problems. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there are many steps that are preventive and proactive when it comes to the short-term and long-term health of your plumbing and drains. Preventative Plumbing Keep drains clear. In the kitchen, that means not pouring food bits or anything greasy down your sink, including lettuce, raw vegetables, and meat bits. In the bathroom, be extra careful to remove hair and soap from sink and shower drains, as they are notorious for clogging pipes. Once a month, use a biodegradable drain treatment to eliminate any buildup of debris in sink and shower drains. Toilet tissue is the only thing you should flush down toilets. Not cotton swabs, sanitary products, diapers, paper hand towels, or anything else. If you have young children, make sure they don’t throw toys in the toilet. Run hot water down all your drains regularly. Even if you’re extra-careful, bits of grease can end up down your kitchen sink, and hot water will help dissolve it to avoid buildups. Same goes for your garbage disposal, especially the newer units, as they’ll run more effectively if you run hot water into them for at least 15 seconds before every use. Proactive Plmbing Have your home inspected annually by a licensed plumber. This professional should double-check all plastic fittings for the dishwasher, ice maker, laundry hoses, and more. A good inspection includes exercising all the stop valves and flushing the water heater from sediment. Check your washing machine hoses annually as well, looking for any bulges that might lead to problems. Always be on the lookout for signs of wear, bulging, or leakage in any lines or pipes. You don’t want a plumbing emergency on your hands while water gathers at your feet! It can be extra-perilous if a leak occurs when you’re away from home! Look for products that offer wireless sensing, as this technology sends an alert to your smartphone and instantly shuts off your water in the event you have
Read More5 Tips To Find Best Plumbing Services
Are you facing a leakage problem in the kitchen? Or do you need to remodel the bathroom? Get professional plumbing services to quickly fix the problem and have the fastest repair. Usually, it is not possible for a person to fix all the plumbing and heating problems – it requires expert technicians to do the things for you. Minneapolis Plumber offers the quality and fastest fixing solution. Now, the question is how to find the best plumbing & heating solution to fix things. Here are some tips that will help to pick up the best services to fix the plumbing issues: Check customer review First of all, it is essential to check the online customer review. It helps to provide clear insight into the quality of the services. Moreover, you can get a better idea of whether the relevant one is good to pick or not. Almost every company has a website that offers transparent customer reviews – whether positive or negative. So, better to choose the one according to the reviews and rating. Professional experience Make sure the plumbing services provider has professional experience of working in the relevant field. Moreover, it is necessary to ask for their expertise and success stories in the relevant field. Only the professional plumber cannot just quickly find the problem but also offer a reliable solution. Furthermore, they consider it best for the new system installation and for the remodeling services as well. 24/7 emergency services It is necessary to pick the one who offers round-the-clock services. No matter what the time is – if you need an emergency fixing solution then the service provider has to be at your doorstep. So, choose the one who operates with 24/7 emergency services in town. As well as they have to be pro-efficient in the reliable or quality fixing solution. Cost-effectiveness No doubt plumbing or heating services can cost a lot. It depends on the nature of the services you are required for the place. Like if you need to install a hot water heater, looking for leakage fixing or renovation regarding kitchen or bathroom fixtures – then choose the one that offers services within budget. You have to ask about the packages and discounts and choose by keeping the cost in consideration. Licensing Do check the registration and licensing before hiring professional plumbing services. Make sure, the plumbing services company has the trained staff, latest techniques, and proper license
Read More7 COMMON PLUMBING MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Like your air conditioner, your plumbing plays a major part in keeping you comfortable in Sarasota, Florida. You probably don’t think about the plumbing system in your home until something goes wrong. Here are seven common plumbing mistakes and how to avoid them: Keeping the Water On During an Emergency If a pipe bursts, a toilet overflows or some other plumbing emergency emerges, turn off the water. Your primary water sources, like the sink or toilet, will have a shut-off valve. As soon as you notice the problem, turn the valve until it stops the water from flowing. Next, call a plumber. Many people don’t instinctively try to stop the water first. Instead, they try to clean the mess while more water pours out. Turn off the water, take a deep breath and call your plumber before commencing cleaning. Overusing Drain Cleaners When people have a clog, they often turn to drain cleaners in hopes of clearing it. Drain cleaners work in particular situations, but using them too much can corrode your pipes. Chemical drain cleaners work by breaking down or eating away at whatever is clogging your drain. When you use them too often, they start to eat away at your pipes too. Consider snaking out your shower drain instead of using a drain cleaner. Call in a plumber instead of dumping in Drano every time you notice a clog. If you have to use drain cleaners that often, you probably have a more significant issue. Fixing Plumbing Issues on Your Own Even if you’re handy, you should always leave a plumbing issue to an expert. Plumbing may look easy enough, but some aspects get really complicated. You can easily turn a small problem into a big one, turning the issue into a long and expensive fix. Unless you’re trained in what you’re doing, call in an expert to handle your plumbing concerns. Ignoring a Plumbing Issue People love to ignore problems hoping they go away. A running toilet can turn into a major water bill, or a clanking sound can turn into a big flood in your basement. Unfortunately, plumbing issues won’t resolve on their own. The longer you ignore the issue, the more it’ll worsen. If you have concerns, get an estimate on the repair and find out the nature of the issue so that you can make an informed decision. Using a Handyman Instead of a Licensed Plumber Anyone
Read More5 MOST COMMON PLUMBING PROBLEMS & HOW TO AVOID THEM
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON PLUMBING PROBLEMS? The most common plumbing problems are clogged drains and toilets, leaky faucets and pipes, water heater issues, low water pressure, and a running toilet. Each of these issues requires a different solution that we will cover below. You don’t realize how much you rely on plumbing until you start having issues. A dripping faucet here, a slow drain there — as your home ages, it’s natural to have some plumbing problems. Some of those issues are simple enough to DIY without much difficulty. Others come with some potential dangers and are better left to the professionals. Being aware of the common plumbing problems and solutions helps you know when to grab your tool belt and when to call the plumber. CLOGGED DRAINS AND TOILETS You can spot clogged drains when you see water backing up as you empty a sink or take a shower. For a toilet clog, the signs are often more immediate. Instead of flushing normally, the water backs up in the toilet bowl and may even overflow. Clearing the blockage typically restores your drains or toilet back to normal with a little DIY work or a visit from a plumber. What Causes the Problem: Slow or clogged drains occur when something blocks the drain partially or completely. In sinks and showers, hair is often the culprit, but other items, such as a shampoo lid or small toy, may enter the drain and block the pipe. In toilets, the problem often comes when something other than dissolvable waste enters the toilet and gets flushed. Those solid items cannot move through the pipe, so they stay put, making it difficult or impossible for water to flow past the blockage and down the pipes. How to Fix Clogged Drains and Toilets: Start with a plunger to help remove the clog. A plunger works on both toilets and on drains. The simple plumbing tool helps loosen clogs using air pressure. Place the open end of the plunger completely over the drain and move it up and down to create suction. If you can draw the blockage close enough, use tweezers or pliers to grab the clump and remove it from the drain. Chemical drain cleaners offer an option if you can’t remove the blockage with a plunger. Home improvement stores also sell plumbing snakes that can dislodge blockages to get the water flowing again. How to
Read MoreHow I Found Trust in the Trades
You may be thinking, “You actually trust trade’s people?” The answer is “Yes, I really do! But there is more to my answer – let me explain.” When I was young, I developed a fear of people taking advantage of me. It guided my decisions even as a child because I really didn’t want to be “ripped off” or lied to. It’s possible that many times I missed out on opportunities due to my lack of trust, but I learned to follow my gut and I felt pretty good about my decisions. As I grew up, I was intrigued by the fact that many people have a higher than normal level of distrust for tradespeople. I was hooked! I learned everything I could about trust and the trades. Today, I can proudly tell you that I have the secret to trusting trades. I also offer clients a trustworthy option as the owner of Quality Plumbing & Heating, based upon ensuring our clients never feel taken advantage of. So how do you know if you can trust a trade? To be honest, this works for anything or anyone, and I believe it is the best way to avoid dealing with people that cannot be trusted. For many years, I relied on gut instinct alone, and although that worked reasonably well, I soon discovered the following solid methodology. The challenge when trusting trades The reason trades are one of the toughest to trust for me, is because we need them but don’t want them. Harsh but true. To make it even tougher, it’s the last thing we want to spend money on or planned to spend money on. Granted, we do at times plan a renovation or new build, yet we still feel like we pay too much for heat, hot water, and even lighting. The difference in some of these is perspective. Lighting gets exciting when we get to pick the light itself, yet the wires to make it work clearly cost too much because they get buried in a wall. We use hot water every day and consider it a life source. We heat our homes for about 9 months a year most of the time in Calgary. If one of these goes down, man are we bitter! What’s important to realize is why we are so upset this happened. At this stage it isn’t even about the trade, it’s about
Read More10 Reasons to Become a Plumber
We’ve all heard about the shortage of skilled tradespeople in the United States, and the increasing age of those that are left. If you’re at this site, it’s probably safe to say that you have some slight interest in plumbing. Maybe you’re a plumber yourself, an avid DIY-er, or simply the curious sort. Perhaps you know someone who is. Whatever the case may be, if a new career is in the offing, there’s no reason to not consider plumbing. In fact, there are ten really good reasons to consider it! 1. Job stability. The need for plumbers is kind of like the need for doctors – everyone everywhere will always need them. Being a plumber offers you a certain level of security: a good plumber can always find employment, and the job can’t be outsourced! 2. Less student loan debt. College students these days are graduating with tens of thousands of dollars worth of student loan debt. Choosing a trade like plumbing often means you can attend vocational school or a community college for significantly less money, and then enter an apprenticeship where you’re actually paid while you learn the trade. 3. Advancement opportunities. Plumbing is a licensed and regulated trade, and you can choose to work your way all the way up to the master level if you have the ambition to do so. Master plumbers have a higher salary, more job flexibility, and more opportunities than many other professions. 4. Job variety. Being a plumber doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing house calls and fixing toilets all day (unless you want to, of course). Plumbers work in all kinds of industries. You could find a job designing plumbing systems for new buildings, deciding how to manage, repair, and expand city/municipal water systems, or developing new plumbing technologies. Where there’s water and people, there’s a need for plumbing. The opportunities are almost endless! 5. Independence. Professional plumbers can always choose to go into business for themselves. Owning your own plumbing business means you can work when you want and where you want, which is great for those who have family obligations or need flexibility in scheduling or location. 6. Personal benefits. As a plumber, you’ll be working your body and your mind all the time. Analyzing problems, developing solutions, and handling day-to-day business transactions will keep your mind sharp, and the physical requirements of the job can keep your body active and healthy. 7. Job satisfaction. Plumbers really do
Read More7 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SAVING WATER AROUND THE HOUSE
The most recent information from the EPA shows that the average U.S. household uses more than 300 gallons of water per day. However, now that many people are spending more time at home, that number might be even higher. Whereas most of us were relying on restrooms and kitchens at work and public facilities, that “business” is now being conducted at home–and as a result, water bills are going up. If you’re looking to lower your water usage and start saving money, there are several ways to begin, starting with some good habits and some “water-smart” plumbing improvements. START SMALL: 3 WATER-SAVING HABITS YOU CAN START TODAY 1. Use a “shower bucket.” If you’re like most people, you have to wait a minute or two before the hot water starts coming out of your bathtub or shower faucet. During that time, 2.5 to 3 gallons of water can go down the drain! Instead of letting it go to waste, collect it in a bucket or other large container to use for tasks like house cleaning, making homemade cleaning solutions, watering plants, shaving, and handwashing delicate clothing items. 2. Use your dishwasher rather than handwashing. Many people are surprised to learn that handwashing requires more water and energy than using a relatively new dishwasher. If you own an ENERGY-STAR certified dishwasher, you’re definitely missing out by handwashing because your efficient appliance can reduce your water usage by nearly 5,000 gallons a year. 3. Only wash full loads of laundry. Some newer washing machines can adjust how much water they add to the cycle based on how many clothes are going in. However, if you’re like most people, your washing machine adds the same amount of water regardless. This is why you should postpone doing the laundry (yes, you have a legitimate excuse!) until you have at least one full load to wash. NEXT STEPS: 4 SMART PLUMBING IMPROVEMENTS 1. Repair small leaks. Don’t let “small leaks” like a dripping faucet or a toilet that won’t stop running slip under your radar. WaterSense reports that leaks in the average U.S. home account for more than 10,000 gallons of wasted water yearly. You can run 270 loads of laundry with that amount of water! 2. Equip your faucets with aerators. Frequent handwashing is a must to prevent illnesses from spreading, but that can lead to a lot of water down the drain. An aerator injects air into the water coming out
Read More