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Canada spends a whopping $250 million a year to clean up and get rid of the garbage in its sewer systems. This includes the so-called “fatbergs.” Fatbergs refer to solidified fats, oil, and grease (FOG) mixed with trash.

The plumbing system of your Toronto home is just as prone to developing these fatbergs. If this happens, you’re sure to experience problems with your drains and toilets.

Professional drain cleaning services are the quickest, safest way to address such issues.

How exactly do you tell that you need pros to help clean up your drains, though? Can’t you clear your Toronto home’s drain lines and pipes on your own?

This guide lists the top signs that you need expert drain cleaners as well as when and why DIYs aren’t a good idea.

1. Drains That Take Forever

The most common sign that you need to start cleaning drains is if they now take a lot of time to flume wastewater away. This often occurs due to a clog blocking the drain pipe connected to that specific drain. That can be the drain in your sinks, floor, shower, or tub.

The clogs themselves can consist of FOG, but they can also be larger pieces of food debris. In Toronto, “non-flushables” also lead to hundreds of thousands of plumbing service calls. These are items that clog up drains, and unfortunately, many of them claim to be flushables.

If you only have a single problematic drain, you may try using a plunger to unclog it. If it doesn’t do the trick, you should already ring up a drain cleaning plumbing expert.

You should avoid using chemicals unless you have an in-depth knowledge of how they work. Even a tiny miscalculation of how much to use can cause more damage than good to your plumbing pipes. Incorrect use of these substances can damage your fixtures, sinks, drains, and pipes.

Expert plumbers, by contrast, know exactly which drain cleaners to use for a specific case. They know how much of it to use to ensure that your drains get cleared without the risk of damage.

In many cases, plumbing experts may use a combination of drain cleaning techniques. For instance, they may start the process with the use of an auger, also known as a “drain snake.” If this doesn’t do the trick, they may employ more powerful cleaners, such as hydro-jetters.

2. Slow Moving Drains Everywhere

If you have multiple drains that take forever to channel wastewater out of your home, ring up a plumber ASAP. The slow-moving drains can be anywhere in your home, from the kitchen to the bathroom to even the garage.

Either way, this is a solid sign that you have a major clog in either a branch drain line or the main drain pipe. Branch lines connect individual drain lines to soil stacks that are under your home. All other drain lines then ultimately lead to the main drain line.

So, when any of these lines get clogged, they will affect multiple drain fixtures in your home. However, they are almost impossible to access without professional help. As such, DIY drain cleaning, in this case, won’t do much to help.

For starters, branch lines often run inside walls, ceilings, and under floors. The main drain line, on the other hand, is underground, usually beneath the garden or lawn.

That said, if you notice multiple faulty drains at home, get in touch with a licensed Toronto plumber. The plumbing specialist can quickly determine the cause by using specialized cameras. These video cams allow plumbers to find not only clogs in pipes but also potential water leaks.

By knowing where exactly the clog is, a pro plumber can then take prompt actions to get rid of it. By finding out what makes up the clog, the plumbing expert can use the proper cleaning techniques. All these, in turn, contributes to the faster resolution of your clogged drain woes.

3. Water in Toilets Takes a Long Time to Recede

When you flush the toilet, it should take only a few seconds for the water to recede. Wastes should also disappear with the first flush.

If neither of the two occurs, then you may be dealing with a clogged toilet drain line. There may also be a blockage affecting a branch drain pipe or the main drain line. In either case, such toilet woes warrant a drain cleaning service.

4. Weird Sounds from Drains

Plumbing clogs can cause weird sounds like gurgling or “glugging.” Glugging is akin to the sounds you hear when you rapidly pour a beverage into a glass. In plumbing systems, these noises are usually a result of air forcing its way through the water in a drain trap.

You may also hear bubbling or “whooshing” sounds from drains. These noises can occur as the water enters the holes in the drains, or once it’s flowing through the drain lines.

In these situations, clogs in the plumbing vents are often to blame. The blockage forces air from other than the vent to enter and help push the wastewater. In many cases, this is the air that’s right outside of the drain holes.

Clogs in the drain lines can also be the culprit, as they keep the water from flowing “straight” and with ease. The sounds produced in this case are a result of the wastewater struggling to get past the clog.

5. Bubbling or Gurgling Toilet Water

Have you noticed how the water in the toilet bubbles or gurgles whenever you flush it? You may have also observed this whenever you run the bathroom sink. In either case, these are signs that there’s a clog in a bathroom drain line.

What if this occurs along with multiple slow-moving drains? Then it’s likely your main drain that requires cleaning ASAP.

6. Water Backs Up from Other Drains When You Flush the Toilet

Does water come up of the floor, tub, or shower drain whenever you flush the toilet? If so, then that indicates a clog in one of your drain lines. The clog is forcing the wastewater to back up and then come out of a lower set drain.

In this case, you need drain cleaning services as soon as possible. The wastewater may still recede right after, but it’s still dirty water, which can be full of pathogens.

Scientists say that untreated wastewater is home to plenty of disease-causing organisms. They found that 1,000 to 10 million virus particles can already be in just one ml of sewage. Moreover, wastewater can contain other harmful elements like E. coli and salmonella.

Never underestimate the health dangers of a drain back-up, as it can really make you sick. The thought alone of touching dirty water should be enough to make you ring up a plumber right away. Besides, it’s easier and more affordable to fix small clogs with prompt drain cleaning.

By contrast, allowing clogs to get bigger can result in massive sewer line blockages. When this occurs, you’re likely to end up needing more complex sewer repairs. In addition, clogs in the main drain or sewer line can affect many, if not all, of your drains.

7. Sewer Smells

Sewer gases don’t only smell bad; they can also cause headaches and dizziness. This is especially true for hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the gas that gives sewage the smell of rotten eggs. Exposure to even low levels of H2S can already lead to such symptoms, as well as nausea and diarrhea.

Aside from H2S, sewer gases also consist of ammonia, which is very pungent. It’s also dangerous, especially at high levels, as it’s very toxic and corrosive. Inhalation, for instance, can cause coughing, as well as nose and throat irritation.

On that note, clogged drains and sewers can result in sewer smells permeating homes. For example, a clog in your sewer line may lead to sewage or wastewater backing up into your house. This, in turn, can result in the sewer gases mixing up with the indoor air of your Toronto home.

As such, if your home carries a sewer-like smell, be sure to ring up a plumber right away. You may have wastewater backing up somewhere in your house. Decaying wastes, in turn, may be releasing sewer gases into your home.

8. Moldy Smells

Aside from sewer odors, water back-ups from clogged drains can also make your home smell like mold. That’s because the backed-up wastewater can raise your home’s indoor moisture level. This, in turn, can lead to higher levels of indoor relative humidity (RH).

Unfortunately, molds and most other species of fungi thrive in RH levels of over 60%. If your home’s indoor moisture exceeds this, molds can start growing and spreading. The longer these fungi remain in your home, the larger their colonies can get.

There are many other causes of indoor molds, though, such as leaking water supply lines. Still, plumbing issues, especially water back-ups, are some of the most common. That’s why you should be proactive in keeping your drains clean and clear of clogs.

In case your home smells like a gym locker, stale bread, or damp socks, take that as a sign of mold growth. It’s best to get in touch with a licensed Toronto plumber to determine if the issue is with your plumbing system. Plumbing professionals can pinpoint problems like drain clogs, back-ups, or hidden water leaks.

9. More Encounters With Pest and Vermin

The smell of waste can attract unpleasant visitors, like rats, roaches, and flies, to your home. The odor of rotting food debris that makes up plumbing clogs can then cause these pests to invade your home.

Plumbing back-ups can release all these smells that beckon to pests and vermin. Keep in mind that mice can squeeze their way into US nickel-sized holes. That’s how easy it is for these rodents to invade your home and cause diseases and property damage.

Roaches, being sewer-dwellers, also thrive in environments packed with the smell of wastewater. They don’t cause as much property damage as rats or mice, but they still carry at least six species of parasites.

If you’ve seen more flies at home, it’s also possible that you’ve had a recent plumbing back-up. Sewage provides these pests not only food but also breeding grounds. They’re pesky enough as it is, but they can also carry and transport germs all over your home.

It’s a good idea to get in touch with a plumber if you’ve had more encounters with these critters. A plumbing specialist may only need to clean your drains to prevent future back-ups. However, it’s also possible that you have a cracked sewer line that needs prompt repairs.

10. Recurrent Clogs, Toilet Overflows, or Back-ups

A plunger may help clear blocked lines, so long as the clog is small enough or if the issue occurred for the first time. However, if you’ve had these problems several times now, then you may be dealing with a larger clog. Blockages in many drain lines or multiple clogs may also be giving you all these headaches.

Even if you keep plunging away, it may no longer be enough to dislodge larger clogs. Also, if you’re dealing with multiple clogs, your efforts will likely only go to waste.

In such cases, it’s best to leave the drain cleaning task in the hands of skilled plumbers. This way, they can address the root cause of your plumbing issues, and not just the symptoms.

Restore the Function of Your Drains With Prompt Drain Cleaning Services

As you can see, there are many signs that can help you tell if you need professional drain cleaning services. Again, you may be able to clear a clog on your own, given that this is the first time it happened. However, if it’s a recurrent issue, or if the other symptoms listed here also occur, then that’s your cue to go with a pro.

Ready to make all your drains fully-functional again? If so, then please don’t hesitate to drop us a line here at Anta Plumbing & Drain. We offer round-the-clock services, so we can get those drains cleared and cleaned for you, any time of the day.

The post 10 Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning Services first appeared on Anta Plumbing Blog.

This post first appeared on https://blog.antaplumbing.com

The water in the sink or the bathtub or the shower is not going down the drain, or is not going down the drain fast enough. You’ve got a clog in the drainpipe, but what?

There are many different ways you can end up with a clogged drain, and this is why there is no single solution you can use at home to solve the problem. A plunger can clear out some simple clogs. A hand-cranked drain-snake can take care of others. Chemical drain cleaners—are not good for anything except damaging the pipes, so please don’t use those. If you don’t know what’s clogged your drain and you can’t unclog it with the simple methods, it’s time to turn to plumbers in Peoria, AZ. We can find out the source of the problem and have your drain opened back up in no time at all.

But let’s get back to the original question: what’s clogging the drainpipe? Here are 5 common possibilities.

ONE: Hair tangles

This one is the bane of shower drains, and it’s rough. This is where people often make the big mistake of trying to use a chemical drain cleaner from the store to unclog the drain—and nothing happens, because those acidic chemicals can’t eat through a thick hair clot. We recommend all homeowners have special drain covers for the shower and bathtub drains to help keep as much hair as possible from going down them. When hair clogs stop up a drain, it usually takes plumbers with mechanical drain augers to fix the problem.

TWO: Soap scum

It’s hard to keep soap scum out of most sink, shower, and tub drains. It’s also difficult to remove soap scum, and a reaction with chemical drain cleaners can create corrosion in the drainpipes. Hydro-jetting can unclog soap scum, and we also recommend routine drain cleaning each year to keep the build-up from coming back.

THREE: Fats, oils, and grease

Collectively known as FOG, these are the major foes of the kitchen sink drain. It’s easy to mistake FOG for being harmless when its hot, because it’s in liquid form. But when cool, it turns into a waxy solid that will develop on drainpipe walls until almost anything can clog the drain. Hydro-jetting is the best way to get rid of FOG. Chemical drain cleaners are almost useless against it.

FOUR: Limescale from hardwater

If your house has hard water, the mineral deposits (limescale) along drainpipe walls will build up over the years until even small objects can clog the drains. Hydro-jetting is effective at removing scale, but if it is allowed to develop for too long, the pipes may need to be replaced. We also recommend having a water softener installed for the house to stop hard water issues.

FIVE: Sewer line troubles

This is a major problem that’s bigger than cleaning out a drain. If you notice more than one drain is clogged at the same time, call for our plumbers right away to see if you have a clog in the sewer line (such as root infiltration) or a broken sewer line.

The Trusted Plumber offers drain cleaning and other plumbing services to Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas. Schedule service today.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

When your toilet backs up at 2 a.m., you’ve decided you’ve had enough of your dripping kitchen faucet or you decide to remodel the master bath, you probably think that any plumber will do. And if you have good DIY abilities for minor fixes, you may have been able to forgo calling a plumber. But when you need one, you need to know that not all plumbers have the same level of education, skill and commitment to professional conduct and ethics. This is why you should hire a certified plumber.

What is a certified plumber?

In the state of Florida, a plumber needs one of two licenses to do business: a certified plumbing contractor’s license or a registered plumbing contractor’s license. Certified plumbing contractors are able to work statewide; registered plumbers are only allowed to conduct business in the locale that they are registered in. Businesses and employers must possess the statewide certified plumbing contractor license.

A certified plumbing contractor has obtained a passing score on both parts of the Florida State Construction examination – which consists of the Business and Financial Management Exam and the Florida Plumbing Contractor Exam – and meets the following additional qualifications:

• Is at least 18 years of age.
• Meets the educational/experience requirements.
• Is of good moral character.
• Pays all applicable fees.
• Obtains workers’ compensation coverage.
• Demonstrates financial responsibility.

 

How to find a dependable plumber

If your home is new or relatively new construction (or, again, you’re handy in the DIY department) you may not have had need for a plumber’s services. But when an issue does occur that’s beyond your experience and comfort zone, you should have a dependable “family” plumber you can call to handle basic repairs – such as leaky faucets, clogged pipes, etc. – as well as emergencies.

Speaking of, it’s a good idea to establish a relationship with a plumber before that 2 a.m. toilet backup! An emergency is the worst situation for calling a plumber for the first time. As Danny Lipford, writing for This Old House recommends, “If possible, hire him to do nonemergency repairs or fixture installations during normal hours.”

Your search will probably start with Google. If so, most plumbers will be on Google My Business, which provides basic information about the business, along with customer reviews. If you want additional information and reviews, visit Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor and Yelp. The Better Business Bureau is also a reliable resource for learning about a plumbing company’s professional reputation.

Visit the plumber’s website. The license number of reputable plumbers will be prominently displayed on the website – as well as on service vehicles. In Florida, the prefix for a certified plumber is CFC, followed by a seven digit number. For those exercising extra caution, visit the website of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DPBR), go to the DPBR Services portal and enter the license number. To view additional information about the business, click on the result. Any complaints or disciplinary action will be listed.

While certified plumbing contractors are required to have current workers’ compensation coverage, also confirm that those you contact carry liability insurance.

In addition to reputation, also consider the following:

• The plumber’s proximity to your house (for emergencies).
• Availability/responsiveness to emergencies.
• General availability. You want a family plumber you can schedule to perform routine repairs and maintenance within a reasonable timeframe.
• Clear communication – the plumber is up-front about the work to be done – including the timeframe and cost – answers your questions respectfully and has an overall professional attitude.
• Punctuality – sometimes jobs take longer than expected, and emergencies come up, but you want a plumber who respects your schedule and arrives on time or within the service window given.

 

In addition to a family plumber, you may need a plumber if you remodel your home or build an addition. Both types of projects require a general contractor who typically hires, coordinates and oversees the work of all the trades involved in the job. A homeowner may act as their own general contractor, but this is a highly complex role that most people lack the experience and time to do correctly. When it comes to the expense of a major remodel and all the things that can go horribly wrong, it’s far better to hire a pro!

As many general contractors have tradespeople they work with on a regular basis, your family certified plumber may not be involved in the remodeling job. When discussing your project with the general contractors you contact to bid on your remodel, ask which tradespeople they use, and why they work with those particular individuals or companies. Then check out their reputations for yourself.

What to ask before hiring a plumber

As with any tradesperson who will be performing work on your house, be sure the plumber you hire is experienced, qualified and reputable. HomeAdvisor offers an informative article on questions to ask – including the following:

• Proof of license, insurance and registration.
• References.
• Experience – has the plumber or plumbing business been around long enough to have seen and done it all?
• Method of payment – including financing options, if applicable.

 

Hire your plumber with confidence

Our master plumbers at Adams and Son Plumbing believe the more you know about basic plumbing care and maintenance, the better you’ll be able to recognize when it’s time to call a professional to prevent even more serious damage and major expense. We’ve proudly served Central Florida homes and businesses with the highest level of quality and experience for over 60 years. We are family-owned and operated, and all of our plumbers are state-certified master plumbers. Contact us to get – and keep – your home’s plumbing in top repair.

 

The post Why Should You Hire A Certified Plumber? appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.

Occasional water heater repair isn’t uncommon. After all, water heaters are like any other machine that requires routine maintenance from time to time. For instance, if you’re noticing you’re out of hot water or it runs out quickly, your water heater thermostat may be failing. The good thing is most problems can be solved with a simple DIY, saving a little time and money.You can do both by replacing your hot water heater’s thermostat yourself! Luckily, it’s a simple fix! 

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Indoor air quality is something that many of us take for granted but is a critical component of your home’s overall cleanliness. Maintaining indoor air free of dust, dander and other particles helps with allergies and respiratory issues, and leads to a cleaner, healthier environment.

Your home’s heating and cooling system plays a major role in this goal. Your experienced HVAC provider may talk with you about your system’s Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) and its importance in regard to your indoor air quality. There is a wide difference in MERV ratings, so it is key to do research before making a final decision with your air filters.

What is a MERV rating?

MERV measures the filtration capability of air filters. The range of MERV ratings is from 1 to 20, which compares the performance of different filters. The rating was developed by members of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Check the package before you purchase a filter to see the rating.

What is the best MERV rating for furnace filters?

While the “best” on the MERV scale is 20, meaning that filters of that rating catch the smallest particles, that doesn’t mean that it’s the best for your home. Each heating and cooling system is different. Depending on what particles you wish to remove from your home may help determine the recommended MERV rating. For furnace filters in residential systems, filters with a MERV rating above 16 are rarely even available. Most residential air filters fall between 1 and 13. Hospitals use filters with MERV ratings of 16 and above to help create as clean an indoor environment as possible. Also, your specific furnace will have its own specifications.

What is the difference in MERV ratings?

The quality and number of particles that move through a filter are indicated by (MERV filter ratings. Explained) simply, the higher the MERV number, the smaller the particles that can get captured and the larger total percentage of particles that get captured.

Here’s a guide to how MERV ratings work:

• 1 to 4: Less than 20 percent of big particles (3 to 10 microns) are captured
• 5 to 7: Between 20 to 70 percent of big particles are captured
• 8 to 10: About 85 percent of big particles and 50 percent of medium-sized particles (1.0 to 3.0 microns) are captured
• 11 to 16: More than 90 percent of large particles and between 70 to 90 percent of medium-sized particles are captured
• 17 to 20: Even small particles (less than 0.3 microns) are captured

What are some things that air filters capture?

There are thousands of particles that attempt to enter your airstream daily. Filters help collect these and keep them out of your home. This includes dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, dust mites and pet dander. Higher-rated filters can even snag things like smoke, cooking oil and smog.

Does a higher MERV rating restrict airflow?

It can, but only under certain circumstances. Older heating and cooling systems may not be able to handle filters with higher MERV ratings. If you go a long time between changing your high-rated filter, this can also lead to particle buildup and restricted airflow.

What is the best MERV rating for airflow?

This will depend on your current HVAC system. Reach out to your local, knowledgeable HVAC provider and have them take a look at your system. An older unit may only be able handle filters with MERV ratings from 1 to 3, for example. In this case, you may want to discuss with your HVAC provider about an upgrade to your unit. In newer units, filters with MERV ratings of 13 or higher will give you good airflow and catch particles, but need to be changed at a quicker rate – once every couple of months – or else they will become clogged and reduce airflow.

Keeping your home clean, comfortable and energy efficient requires your HVAC system working at its best, and one big element of that is the filters involved. The thought of, “What MERV rating filter should I buy?” probably never crossed your mind, but it is an important element of maintaining good indoor air quality.

While several factors – including the age of the HVAC system, health concerns of your family, whether you have pets – can make a difference, making sure you’re aware of MERV ratings and how it can affect your system will help you select the right filter for your home. In addition to keeping your family healthy and happy, it can also help reduce the cost of your energy bill!

The post A Guide to MERV Ratings: What is MERV and How Does It Work appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

What’s the most important thing in your home here in Florida? We’re not talking about your prized possessions, your furry friends, or even your loved ones—we’re speaking very practically here. What’s one thing that you would struggle to go a week or even a day without? Your water!

If you don’t have high quality, clean water in your home then it’s a problem. You’re going to need a water treatment system in Orlando, FL. We know that it can be a little difficult to pinpoint what you need from the homeowner’s perspective. We get it. You might know that something is wrong, but you don’t know the source of the issue. Make sure that you’re yielding to professionals when you need great work.

Do You Need a Water Treatment System?

Are you wondering if you even need a water treatment system for your home? Water treatment systems aren’t something that seems that common in homes. It’s not something that you’re often discussing with friends over a cocktail. We know that it’s not the most exciting topic, but it’s more than necessary if you want a healthy home and a healthy body.

If you’re experiencing any of the following things, then it’s definitely time for you to consider a water treatment system:

• Your water has a nasty, oily film on top
• Your water is gritty (ex. A sandy texture in your mouth whenever you have a glass that sourced from one of your taps)
• You’re having digestive problems out of nowhere with no clear cause
• Your water is discolored
• Your water is cloudy
• Your water is staining your clothes or other items
• Your water smells bad
• Your water is damaging your plumbing system
• Your water makes your hair, skin, and nails feel dry and brittle

We know it’s easy to sidestep water problems, but we really want you to attempt to address it head-on. We’re here to help.

Your Water Treatment System Options

Here are a few options that you’ve got when you notice that your water is of poor quality.

Water Testing

If you want great water treatment services then this is the first step. You need to test your water to see exactly what’s contaminating it. This isn’t a science project that we want you to take on by yourself. Instead, call our professionals up so we can give you great work.

Water Filters

Water filters are exactly what they sound like. They’re placed within your plumbing system and they filter out all the contaminants and leave room for clean, high-quality water.

Water Softeners

If you’re battling against hard water then a water softener is what you need to make your home balanced again.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

If you have hard water then a reverse osmosis system is what you can use to get rid of the minerals. If you can’t opt for a water softener because of the sodium that it puts into your water, then a reverse osmosis system is another great option.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Proudly Serving Central Florida Since 1975.

This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com

What does it mean to go pro? Is hiring a professional for all your HVAC needs too expensive? Well, we’d absolutely say no to that. Professional HVAC service is the first line of defense against pretty much all problems that your comfort system will run into. The price might be higher than the amateur who lives down the street, but it’s worth every penny.

Today, we’re going to talk about HVAC in Cedar Grove, NJ—more specifically about how professional HVAC service makes a huge difference. When you sign up with a team that’s licensed, well-trained, and well-equipped for the job on hand, your results will always be better.

Don’t gamble with the health and longevity of your air conditioner. Schedule professional service with our team today to experience a new level of service and comfort.

The “Pros” of Professional Service

Professional service is important for a variety of reasons, which we’ll get into. If you could take one thing away from this blog post, it’s that your air conditioner or other HVAC system is just going to be in better hands when you work with a team that’s more experienced. Don’t be enticed by cheap prices, price is not everything in this equation.

Proper Licenses and Certifications

Do you know what can happen when an amateur opens your air conditioner up to perform repairs? You could get smacked in the face with a huge repair bill down the line and a voided warranty by the manufacturer. That’s bad news for your budget and your mood.

Licensed and certified HVAC professionals are the only ones you should be letting open your system up and provide repairs. There’s no need to worry about a botched repair job or voided warranty. You’re in good hands when you make this kind of call.

24/7 Emergency Service

Amateurs are free when they want to be free. HVAC professionals are free when you need them to be free. This is a big difference. Our team offers 24/7 emergency services for this exact reason. Air conditioner repair needs don’t always come up at convenient times. In fact, more often than not they happen at the most inconvenient moments. That’s why our team is always available to take a call and come help you out. Professional service means a higher standard for customer service, which is exactly what you should grow to expect.

Experience

Sometimes homeowners can be tricked into amateur service by charisma and cheap prices. However, what you’ll end up with is someone who has never dealt with the specific repair you need. This can be a disaster, both for your HVAC system and your wallet.

When you sign up with a team of professionals, you’re getting their experience as well as their technology and expertise. When it comes to repair needs or installations, a more experienced technician is always better. Our team might be small but we’ve got trustworthy technicians with years of experience that have dealt with every HVAC repair you can think of. Don’t hesitate to call on the best in the business.

Ready to upgrade to professional service? Call the team at MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc.

 

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

Most plumbers appear honest when you first encounter them. 

But eventually, they show their true colors. How can you avoid this scenario?

In this article, I want to show you effective ways on how you can find an honest plumber.

You may have heard or read of how difficult it’s to get a reliable, trusted, and honest plumber. But I’m going to make it easier in this article.

According to ResearchGate, “Homeowners have an important stake in finding the right plumber and plumbing system for their households.”

Getting the right plumber to handle your plumbing needs can go a long way in helping you fix common issues on time, at the right price.

Whether you’re looking for a plumber to handle a private job or commercial apartment, as long as the serviceman is honest, you’ll get the right quote, and be assured of a great job.

These are 7 effective ways, which I have used to get an honest plumber in my area.

Let’s get started.

 

1. Get Referrals

This is one of the easiest ways you can get an ideal plumber that will not cheat you. Especially when it comes from your friends or any other person you trust.

Someone you trust can recommend a plumber they have hired to fix their plumbing issue in the past.

It may be a plumber they’re acquainted with over the years, whom they trust.

If you belong to any social media group, for example, Facebook, then you can ask members to refer or recommend a trusted plumber. 

Most times, open-ended questions like this on a social platform get a fast response. Ensure you state your location.

Referrals can also come from Tradesmen, Electricians, and Bricklayers you may know and trust.

An electrician, for example, may know an honest plumbing expert in your area, whom they can recommend. You can even get a discount if they have such an arrangement.

 

2. Look Out For a Qualified And Licensed Plumber

Now that a plumber has been referred to you, it’s your responsibility to find out if they are licensed and qualified to do the job.

It’s advisable to get a plumber that keeps a statewide directory, which you can easily search to confirm their information.

This search will help you to determine if the plumber holds a current and valid plumber license.

 

Because every state’s licensed plumber has their license database with the state. The service is mostly free. So take advantage of the service to find out if the plumber is licensed or not.

You can also get this information from the National Contractor License Service. This body also has a database of licensed plumbers.

Instead of basing your fact on the plumber’s credentials, spend a few minutes of your time to browse the statewide directory.

Because going to the internet to verify and confirm the authenticity of their license will save you time and money.

Don’t work with someone that has no valid operating license. Check out their business license from the state directory.

The state business license will give you detailed information about the plumber. This helps you determine if they are qualified to do the plumbing work or not.

For example, if you contact a new contractor in the business, you need detailed information from the state business license on their professionalism.

 

Different Titles of Plumber

Plumber titles are based on their experiences and training.

Plumbers have 3 main titles:

• Journeyman
• Apprentice
• Master

Usually, it’s not common to have these 3 types of plumbers on one job. The level of the plumbing will determine the plumber that best fits the job.

If it’s a simple work, contact a Journeyman or Apprentice plumber. But for larger plumbing work, which requires technical skill — then contact the Master plumber.

 

Description of Different Plumber Titles

 

The first stage of the title is Apprentice plumber. An Apprentice plumber is someone who is in the process of becoming a certified plumber through training.

Companies or local unions can offer this program to whoever is interested. An apprenticeship program is normally on the job training.

Though, Apprentice plumbers still do some classroom work. The duration to graduate from being an apprentice ranges from 4 – 5 years.

The next stage after an Apprentice is Journeyman. A Journeyman plumber is not an automatic title. It’s a process that requires an apprentice to move from apprenticeship to a licensed Journeyman.

After the application, the Apprentice has to pass a certified examinational body before attaining the title. This exam qualifies an Apprentice to become a professional Journeyman.

The last title is Master. The Master plumber is a Journeyman who has passed through specific training and acquired academic certificates as well.

The Master plumber certificate is obtained from the community college or vocational school.

To become a master plumber, you must pass a written exam and practical components.

Master plumbers have an annual exam to write to maintain their credentials. They oversee the Journeymen and Apprentice while carrying out a project.

 

3. Research Their Business History

How long the plumber has been in the business is important information, which will give you a clear understanding of their expertise.

You can have a Journeyman who is an experienced plumber that can get the project done easily and perfectly.

But all you should care about is an honest plumber that can get your work done.

In most instances, qualified plumbers will be too busy to move door to door searching for a job. So, when you see such things, be careful not to hand-over your plumbing project to an unqualified plumber.

Mainly, the longer the plumbers have been in the work the better experience they have. It’s good to contact those who had spent years in the business to handle your project.

 

4. Is The Plumber Insured and Bonded?

These are two different coverage’s that a certified plumber needs to have for any eventuality.

When searching for a reliable plumber, look for someone that has these two coverage’s. Because honesty has nothing to do with insurance and bond coverage.

 

A Plumber with a Bond has an instrument coverage that will pay a premium or compensate the homeowner — if the plumber fails to meet the industry standards.

For example, if they fail to complete the job or use substandard materials that are not quoted before the job.

On the other hand, the Insurance cover takes care of the hospital bill and any other bill in case of any occurrence of an accident while on the job.

Mostly, qualified plumbers carry both Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance. It is important to confirm if they have these coverage’s before signing up a contract with them.

Though, Homeowners Policy covers whoever is working in the home in case of an accident.

 

5. Don’t Depend On One Quotation

When a plumber gives you a project quotation, go further to get extra two or three quotations to confirm the actual price.

Some people ignore this aspect because they don’t want the plumber to get angry. However, a qualified plumber will expect you to get more quotations from competitors.

The plumber will tell you what caused the difference in the price — so that you could have it in mind when getting more quotations.

Sometimes, cheaper products aren’t necessarily the best product. The most important factor is that you get an honest plumber that’ll deliver on what they promised.

 

6. Use The Offline

You can also get an honest plumber from a reputable magazine. Once you get such a magazine, check for the plumber directory page.

All things being equal, the first plumber who makes the list is usually trustworthy and experienced. But don’t forget to conduct your research.

Most companies list reviews based on plumbers’ expertise. So take a moment to properly check the review before you make your conclusion.

Ensure the directory has the complete details of those plumbers. The complete details will help you reach the appropriate governing body if there is a breach of contract.

 

7. Search Within Your Community

One of the safe ways to get an honest plumber is through your community.

Getting a local plumber will save you time and money. The plumber’s address can easily be accessed since it’s within your area.

You can also get someone who can tell you more about the plumber.

 

Plumbers in your community will provide high-quality jobs at an affordable price. Because they won’t like to cut corners and rip homeowners off.

Conclusion

There you have it, the 7 effective and simple ways to find that honest plumber in your locality.

Although these are proven to work, I have found much success when I asked my neighbors and family members to recommend a trusted licensed plumber near you.

Oftentimes, they’ll recommend their plumber. This works like a charm!

Because you get to save money and time when searching for the right plumber that knows his job and would be glad to build a relationship with a new client.

 

The post 7 Simple Ways to Find an Honest Plumber Near You first appeared on Anta Plumbing Blog.

This post first appeared on https://blog.antaplumbing.com

Clogged drains happen to the best of us. When you do encounter a sink clog, it may be time to clean your drain trap. Drain traps can easily become congested with food and hair and other debris, and it’s essential that you routinely clean the traps to prevent damage to your plumbing system. 

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Do you actively practice ways to conserve water in your house? We hope so, because there’s massive water waste across the country, and most of it is preventable through several basic steps. You already know about taking shorter showers: keep showers to five minutes and the savings over the year are enormous. There are other little tips, like shutting off the water while you’re brushing your teeth, or never running the dishwasher unless there’s a full load.

But you may have a house that’s wasting water and not be fully aware of it. Problems with your plumbing in Buckeye, AZ can lead to significant amounts of water going to waste. These can be problems like outdated fixtures or much more serious conditions with the plumbing that need immediate attention. We’re going to look at five ways a house wastes water and what to do about them.

ONE: The Ancient Toilet

You might think of the toilet in a bathroom as an invincible device. It may need repairs now and then, but it will last for the full life of the house. But this is false, and older toilets should be replaced because of how much water they waste per flush. Some older toilets use 6 gallons per flush, while newer ones, even the most basic models, use 3 gallons or less. We recommend looking into replacing your old toilet with a low-flow model, which drops water use down to around 1.25 gallons per flush.

TWO: The Ancient Showerhead

Taking those shorter showers? Good! But you could do much better if you get rid of the old showerhead currently in place and put in a low-flow model. As with the old toilets, old showerheads are massively wasteful of water, and even a standard new showerhead uses less.

THREE: The Faulty Water Filtration System

Here is one people often don’t realize can be a problem. A water filtration system, particularly a water softener, can malfunction and begin to go through multiple cycles. These cycles drain water uselessly. If you hear your water treatment system running almost constantly, that will explain high water bills! Call for technicians to repair or replace the system.

FOUR: Leaky Faucets

This is a simple one, but we want to draw attention to it because homeowners often imagine that a dripping faucet is a huge source of water waste. The problem is that these drops accumulate fast, and they end up wasting many gallons per month. You shouldn’t tolerate a leaky faucet, and it’s an easy repair for a plumber.

FIVE: Hidden Leaks

This is the Big One. If you have water bills that seem sky-high but you don’t think you’re doing anything wrong with how you use water, it’s a warning sign you have hidden pipe leaks somewhere in the house, possibly down in the slab. These leaks often show few outwards signs—until water damage starts to show up! We recommend having water leak testing done every few years to catch these problems, and always arrange for it when you have mysteriously large water bills.

Trust in The Trusted Plumber! Talk to us today to help stop the water waste that’s affecting your house!

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com