Plumbers know a lot about the industry they work in and the clients they encounter on a regular basis. They’ve built up a cache of knowledge over the years. After talking to a number of plumbers, we’ve compiled some of the things plumbers know about but ordinary people don’t necessarily know about. Here are just a few of those things.
Hanging Clothes
Exposed pipes in basements can often look like perfect places to hang clothes. After all, they aren’t that heavy are they? Plumbers say this is the worst thing you can do. Many basements have been flooded because heavy clothes have put an unnecessary amount of strain on the pipes.
Exposed pipes are reasonably fragile and shouldn’t have any outside weight placed on top of them.
It’s Not the Materials
Clients often enquire about the cost of the materials the plumber purchases. They might claim they can get them cheaper elsewhere. Employing a plumber isn’t about the parts they’ve sourced. You aren’t paying for these or you could just buy them yourself. You’re paying for the expertise of the plumber.
Only 70 percent of the fee actually goes to the plumber. The rest goes on materials.
Small Drips
We usually call the plumber when something has gone seriously wrong. Instead, if you notice slight drips it’s time to call the plumber. A small drip from a faulty faucet can waste eight gallons of water each day. You might not notice the consequences immediately, but you will when you get your water bill.
Warranties
Make sure you choose a company or plumber which offers some sort of warranty. This is them putting their money where their mouths are. They’re so confident in the quality of their work they’ll offer some guarantees to you. If you don’t have a warranty, you have no protection against a poor job.
Call-backs and emergency callouts can quickly add up to the cost of repairing your plumbing system.
Just Ask
Ever wondered how your water pressure is or whether those valves under your sink are still ok? Just ask your plumber after they’ve done their work. Most plumbers will be happy to do these basic tasks for free. Not every contractor is constantly checking their watch to see whether they can charge for an extra hour.
Going Out
Sometimes you might have to run out to the store to pick up some coffee or paper towels. If you’re going to do this, give your plumber a rough time for when you’ll be back. There have been stories of plumbers who have been left in the house hours longer than anticipated with nobody around.
This isn’t a safety issue. It’s a lack of respect. They might complete the job and have to leave, but they can’t because there’s nobody here to claim payment from or to lock up. You’ve cost your plumber hours of time because of your laxity.
If you’re going to be out for an hour, say you’re going to be out for an hour!
This article is penned by Oliver Torres, a successful businessman and a popular blogger. He specializes in writing home improvement and home décor articles. He says that you can get the best home repairs services at A-1 American, a Virginia Beach area HVAC and plumbing contractor, and recommends it to his readers.
