The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Hiring a Plumber
Mistake #1 - You hire a Plumber based only on price!
You get what you pay for. If you want good plumbing, you should decide to deal with a plumber because of the overall value you receive, NOT because of the lowest price. Here's why...VALUE = QUALITY + SERVICE + PRICE.
Mistake #2 - You think all Plumbers are the same.
It's the law in Illinois to use only licensed plumbers. Ask to see your plumber's license.
Mistake #3 - You have three or more Plumbers competing with each other for your work.
You may think this is a good way to do business. And it is to some extent. But here is why it usually isn't a good way to deal with plumbers.
A good plumber has enough loyal customers that they don't have to deal with price shoppers. Once you find a good plumber, you must be loyal to them. If you flip-flop from plumber to plumber, a good shop won't be too motivated to keep YOU as a customer. Price is important. But price should not be more important than good quality and good service.
Mistake #4 - You think having the right tools is all a Plumber needs to do your job!
Studies show half of the people that own a VCR don't even know how to set the clock, let alone use its advanced features. Many plumbers have tools that have lots of bells and whistles, but if he's a technician who doesn't know how to use the new features, you might as well go to a company that has old tools. Our plumbers are trained by the manufacturers and their representatives. This ensures your work will be done right the first time...and on time!
Mistake #5 - You don't give your Plumber enough time to complete your job properly.
Mistakes happen when you rush. You can save time, money, and headaches from the very beginning by communicating with your plumber.
Mistake #6 - You hire Plumbers who don't guarantee their work.
Ask for a guarantee in writing!
Mistake #7 - You don't ask for references.
This is probably the easiest way to avoid any problems with a plumber. Most Plumbers will easily give you references.
Simple Steps to Protect Pipes from Freezing
Preventing frozen pipes is much less expensive than the cure.
Here's a cold-weather checklist to keep your pipes from freezing this winter:
1. Disconnect outside water hoses. If left connected during freezing temperatures, water in hoses will freeze and expand causing connection faucets and pipes to freeze and break.
2. Inspect outside faucets. If dripping or leaking, make the necessary repairs or call a plumber before a hard freeze.
3. Note that when pipes freeze, water pressure builds causing cracks, no matter if the pipe is made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a tiny crack can unleash 250 gallons of flood-water in a single day.
4. If your home is equipped with interior shut-off valves leading to outside faucets, close them and drain water from lines.
5. Cover outside faucets using a faucet insulation kit.
6. Insulate pipes in unheated areas. It's a lot easier to do this on a pleasant day than when cold winds are blowing. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables around exposed pipes.
7. Your water heater works harder during winter months. Drain sediment from the tank, which causes corrosion and reduces efficiency.
8. Set water heater thermostat to 120 degrees for optimum performance while reducing the risk of scalding.
9. Clear leaves and debris from roof gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage throughout the winter season. You may have to do this again until the leaves are off of the surrounding trees.
10. Inspect and clean basement sump pit. Remove any rocks and debris from the pit then dump a bucket of water into the pit to test the sump pump. If it turns on, empties the pit quickly then turns itself off, it is operating properly.
11. Make sure the furnace is set no lower than 55 degrees during the winter to prevent pipes from freezing.
Source: Newport News Daily Press