5 Important Questions to Ask Your Plumber Before Hiring

What you should know before hiring someone to perform services in your home

You need the expert help of a professional problem with any complicated plumbing fixture defect. From clogged drains and sewers to leaky faucets and backflow of wastewater, an expert plumber is the only solution on offer. However, there are a few key questions that you need to ask your expert before hiring him.

 We have compiled a list of 5 important questions for you to ask your plumber to ensure you get deal for your buck. Plumbing is a difficult and tricky job, and since the workers will be working inside your property, it is important that you make your decision regarding Sewer line repair Virginia Beach only after favorable reviews from previous employers of the service.

So let’s have a look at the questions

Are they licensed?

This is the big one. A license holder ensures that the service and the workers are legal, trained workers and insured. Never miss out on the point of the valid certification for your expert plumber. Always ask first and make sure that you review at the very least three plumbers with respect to licensing and quotations.

What is the total cost?

Most of the professional services offer free estimates, but you should ideally get it in writing. A visual check is essential for an accurate quote so be wary of services who want to do this over the phone. Some estimates might look good on paper, but the cost goes up with the requirement of materials and fixtures.

Is it an hourly rate or flat rate?

You need to make sure of the payment policy for the plumbing service you are thinking about employing. There are two structures at work, the flat rate, and the hourly rate. The second one might be unfavorable for some as the longer the work continues, the higher you have to pay. So make sure you know the details to avoid unwelcome surprises later on. 

When is the payment due?

You need to ask the plumber when he expects to get paid. The payment protocols are different for various services and plumbers. If your expert is asking for the full payment before the job, you should be walking away. Most plumbers use a system of “milestone” which means paying off a certain percentage once a significant part of the work has been completed. Some will use the “number of day” system and ask to be paid after a certain number of days at the job. Always ask your questions before investing in a service. 

Who will be doing the work?

When you are going for a professional plumbing service chances are they will have a number of plumbers at their service. There will be a fleet of experts and work laborers working with the service. You need to ask about the plumber and workers who will be working at your property and about their experience, levels of professional courtesy and punctuality. If you do not feel comfortable with the personnel and they don’t not match up to your standards or the service cannot provide the details, you should keep looking.

Always invest in thorough research before investing in plumbing service. This will help you save time and money in the long run.
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Tree Roots – How They Can Damage your Drains

Good home maintenance involves a complex range of essential services, which includes drain care and maintenance. Your drains are a series of underground pipes and trees are almost always a factor. Growing trees spread their roots, which often affects the drainage system. Trees have very strong roots, which, over time, can cause the sewer pipes to collapse, something that usually results in a total blockage, as the side wall caves in. This might take a long time, but once a drain has been compromised by tree roots, it will only get worse.Tree Roots - How They Can Damage your Drains-Feature-1

Identifying The Culprit

Tree species vary, of course, and the tree that is causing your drains to collapse might not be the one that’s closest. Trees can spread their roots far and wide and whether you are experiencing a blocked drain Southampton homeowners go through, calling in a plumber is by far the best solution. The modern plumber makes good use of available technology and can identify the problem in no time at all, with a go-anywhere CCTV camera that will give him a close-up view of the insides of the sewer. Once he has located the problem area, he can dig out a suitable section and carry out effective repairs, while causing minimal damage.

Pipe Relining

Rather than replace the damaged section, it might be possible to insert a thin membrane that, when inflated, repairs the damaged pipe. This is much cheaper than drain replacement, yet whether or not relining is the right solution depends on the level of damage. The plumber can also inspect the entire system while he’s there and can carry our timely repairs, which would avoid costlier repairs later.

Rusted Pipes Image Source: Pixabay

If you are new to home management, there are a few tips on drain care and maintenance that will help you minimize the risk of a blockage.

Seeking Out Moisture

Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture, which can be the reasons why your drains are affected. The plumber can cut the roots while he is repairing the damage, thus avoiding a repeat at a later date, and with his CCTV cameras, he can gain an overall picture of the state of the drainage system. The worst part about repairing a blocked drain is actually locating it, which used to involve digging up a large part of the garden. However, technology enables today’s plumber to locate a blockage without having to excavate, saving both time and money.

Regular Drain Care

Regular Drain Care Image Source: Unsplash

It is recommended to have your sewers checked on an annual basis, which will ensure that any issues are quickly dealt with. Preventative maintenance is the key to minimizing costly repairs and if you would like to have your drains professionally inspected, an online search will put you in touch with a local expert.

While there are no guarantees, regular drain inspections will minimize the risk of a blockage and if your garden has many trees, the drain clearing specialist can soon tell you if tree roots are an issue.

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