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It’s great to have incredible bathroom furniture in your home like the vanities and showers found on Tradewinds Imports. But, perhaps inevitably, there will come a time when something stops working just the way it should. Perhaps a little leak here, a pressure issue there… or something more serious. Is it time to rally the troops, and call in a licensed plumber from Northern Beaches?
The importance of knowing how to find a good plumber can’t be denied. In modern households, everyone depends on the arrival of clean hot or cold water upon demand. In addition, the removal of waste water from the premises is important to maintain hygiene and health. A knowledgeable and experienced plumbing specialist helps to assure that both intake and output of water is managed efficiently. But how do you pick just one plumber from the dozens listed in your local yellow pages? Here are some principles to consider before choosing the perfect plumbers near me to handle these tasks.
You Are the First Line of Defense
Tool of the trade. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In some instances, the best plumbing technician may be you, or a handy family member. There are certain types of jobs where you can save money by doing the work yourself. A clogged drain is one example. In this instance, prevention is certainly less costly and messy than repair. But if prevention doesn’t work, you will need to jump into action! Almost any “household hints” book has tips for keeping drains running free and clear. You don’t need harsh or dangerous chemicals if you practice weekly maintenance, even with such common household substances as vinegar and baking soda. Pour a tablespoon of baking soda into your drain, then about 1/4 cup of vinegar. This will create a fizzing reaction that can unclog your drain and let water flow through normally again. You can learn more about unclogging a bathroom sink in our Resources Center!
But if doing it yourself doesn’t work…
Know What You’re Up Against
When you search “plumber near me” online, you should be ready to define the job. Just as other types of tradesmen specialize in certain aspects of a job, so do plumbers. A plumber might usually work with large new construction project. Others might have the equipment to conduct a grease trap pumping or clear outdoor lines of tree roots and debris. You may also need a plumber that offers a water jetting service. Don’t pay for a plumber who uses construction project type equipment to come in and replace your bathroom fixture.
The Price is WRONG
Choosing a plumber on the basis of the price quoted can be a serious mistake. You should always make sure that you get the price based on the exact same job components. If you are pricing a large job, you might want to get a flat fee quote. If you have only a small project, you might want to get a per hour quote. In either case, the price quoted should be comparable in scope.
Once you know what the job is you can compare the quoted prices. Be sure to determine whether the scope of the quote includes any parts and supplies. Another component that can affect the comparison is mileage charges. Be sure that the quote is specific about whether mileage or minimum charges apply.
A Plumber at work. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Cleanliness is Next to Divinity
Another factor that can make a great deal of difference is the cleanliness of the workplace and the worker who does the job. A lower price might not be such a bargain if you have to dispose of broken parts, fixtures and equipment after the plumber leaves. Greasy clothing or shoes and tools can cause damage to your carpet or floor coverings. Check the policy of the firm in regard to cleanups. Good professionals should have an easy-to-understand insurance policy for damage done to your home, should there be any. They should also clean up after themselves, and have a policy related to that written clearly in their terms.
WTF Plumbing – trust ’em? (Photo credit: timballas)
Know Who You’re Dealing With
There are various types of reputation and reference checks that can be done these days. The Better Business Bureau is just one place. Ask friends and neighbors or look online for reference and review sites. Your realtor might also be able to suggest a reputable plumbing firm like homechoiceplumbing.com/.
These are just a few tips on how to find a good plumber. Perhaps the most important one is the reputation locally and online. Obviously the more years of experience a company has, the more likely it is to be reputable.
As with all household projects, with a little careful planning, you can be well on your way to a successful plumbing repair (such as drain installation and repair), replacement, or renovation in no time!
Want to learn more about taking care of your bathroom? Check out these other helpful articles from Tradewinds Imports!
Article written by Mike Bowman
Mike is the acting Digital Content Manager at Trade Winds Imports. He has been writing about home improvement, remodeling, and design for over 9 years and has been featured in such publications as theSpruce, ApartmentTherapy, Freshome, Huffington Post, and Forbes. When he’s not busy writing, developing websites, or working on his own house, he’s spending time outside with his wife, 2 year old daughter, and newborn son. If you have any questions or comments regarding the content on this site, please email Mike!
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