Things to Consider When Hiring a Plumber

When it comes to plumbing, it’s always best to hire a professional, licensed plumber. Even a small mistake can lead to leaks that can cause wall, floor, and ceiling damage and require costly repairs. Many people don’t think about hiring a plumber until they have a problem, but plumbing maintenance is important, too. With so many options in choosing a plumber, there are a few things to consider before hiring a plumber to make sure you get the best professional who will do the job right the first time.

Is the Plumber Licensed?

Being licensed means the plumber registers with a governing body that makes rules the plumber must follow. Always remember to ask for a plumber’s license number, and don’t just take the plumber’s word for it. Plumbers should always have the proper certification on hand to show their clients. Often, homeowners assume every plumber has a license, but some plumbers may work without one, so it’s always worth asking.

How Long Has the Plumber Been in Business?

It’s a good sign if the plumber has been in business for several years because it means they have proven success in the field and have a track record of quality work. A larger company will probably have plumbers with many years of experience, but it helps to ask about certain plumbers. Don’t hesitate to ask the plumber how long he or his company has been in business.

What If Something Breaks?

Hopefully, the plumber will do the job right the first time, but if something unforeseen happens, make sure to leave nothing to chance and cover all bases. Every plumber should guarantee their work, including the parts. Ask your plumber what kind of warranty or guarantee comes with the work. Many plumbers offer a 1-year warranty on their products, while others may only cover certain things, such as replacement only if a leak occurs. Make sure that you get any kind of warranty or guarantee in writing and that the contractor has insurance. If a plumber refuses to offer a warranty, move on.

Check Out Some Reviews

Thanks to the Internet, it’s now easy to look up reviews on plumbers and their work in the nearby area. It doesn’t hurt to read some reviews, both positive and negative, about the company before hiring a plumber to see what other clients are saying about them. You’re probably going to have a better experience with a company that receives generally good reviews than a company that receives generally bad reviews. Also remember to leave a review after your own project is complete to help out someone else.

Ask For References

If you can’t find any reviews online for a plumber or if you just want added peace of mind, ask your plumber for references. A plumber who has been in business for any length of time should have references available to show a homeowner. If a plumber doesn’t have any references or is unwilling to give them, look elsewhere. Talking to past customers is one of the best ways to determine a plumber’s work quality.

How Is the Communication?

Don’t underestimate how important communication is when hiring a plumber. Having a plumber who is open about his work, willing to discuss problems and how to solve them, also willing to answer any questions or comments is important to avoid costly errors. If you can’t get in touch with the plumber easily before the job starts, odds are good that you won’t be able to get in touch when you need him during or after the job, either.

By considering the simple factors above, you will increase your odds of getting the highest quality and efficiency from your plumbing expert. Keeping communication open with your plumber and asking the right questions will help you make sure you get someone who knows what they’re doing, does good work, and completes the job in a timely manner.

Here at Precision Plumbing, your hometown plumbing company, we are a 5th generation plumbing company, that has been performing plumbing services for years and stand behind all the work we do for homeowners like yourself. We are proud of our reviews, the warranty we offer on our craftsmanship and the satisfaction we receive by making happy customers from our precise work. If you are in need of any plumbing services, call today and we will happily take your service request and get one of our hometown plumbers out to you today! 925-240-0565

10 Tips for Home Plumbing Success

When it comes to taking care of your home, plumbing should be at the top of your priority list. There are a few things every homeowner should know about plumbing to keep their home in good condition. You can keep your plumbing system working and avoid major problems by following these ten tips.

1. Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain!

Over time, grease and oil can build up in your drains and cause clogs. To avoid this, dispose of grease and oil in a container, such as an old coffee can.

2. Use strainers in your sink

This will help catch food particles and other items that could clog your drain. Be sure to clean your strainers regularly so that they continue to work correctly.

3. Know what to flush and what to NOT!

Flushing items like diapers, sanitary napkins, and paper towels can cause major clogs in your plumbing. Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Pro tip: those “flushable” wipes may not be a good idea either.

4. Inspect your pipes regularly

Check for any leaks or cracks in your pipes annually, and have them repaired as soon as possible. This will help prevent any further damage to your home and avoid the need for more extensive repairs down the line.

5. Don’t use chemical drain cleaners

These can damage your pipes and be harmful to your health. Instead, try using a natural drain cleaner like baking soda and vinegar or calling a professional.

6. Install a whole home water filter

This will help filter out impurities in your water and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. Ask us about the newest and best way to filter your water!

Whole-home water treatment is necessary for homes in California. The water here is very hard, meaning it has high mineral content. This can cause problems with your plumbing, ( like breakdowns in equipment – water heaters, washers, faucets, etc.) and can result in mineral deposits on your fixtures, further, it makes it difficult to get clean, drinkable water from your tap. Whole-home water treatment will keep your water safer for your plumbing and better for your hair, skin, and FAMILY!

7. Use a plunger to clear clogs

If you have a clog in your sink or toilet, try using a plunger to dislodge it, and don’t ever resort to chemical cleaners (see tip # 5).

For a sink clog, use a cup plunger. For a toilet clog, use a flange plunger. Be sure to cover the entire drain opening with the plunger and create a seal before you start plunging. Plunge up and down several times before lifting the plunger to see if the clog has been cleared. If it has, give it a flush, or pour in some boiling water. If not, repeat the process.

8. Know where your main water shut-off valve is located

In the event of a plumbing emergency, you’ll need to know how to shut off your water. The main shut-off valve is usually located near your water meter or where the main water line enters your home. It is vey important to know this location in case of an emergency or a leak in the home.

9. Annual Water Heater Inspection & Maintenance

An annual inspection and maintenance service performed by a licensed pro will ensure your water heater lasts longer and operates safely and efficiently. What many homeowners DONT know is that annual maintenances are actually required to keep many manufacturer warranties valid!

10. Don’t hesitate to call a professional

If you do encounter a plumbing problem, its always best to call a licensed professional plumber to handle it. Trying to fix it yourself can often make the situation worse.