What to Look For in a Plumbing Company

You have a leaky pipe, the water heater is busted, or maybe you have a clogged drain. The job appears too big and too complicated to handle with a mere plunger and commercial brand plumbing solution, so what recourse do you have but to call in a professional? Contrary to the popular belief that plumbers are expensive and slow to answer to emergency calls, it is possible to find a reputable company in your area.

Yet with pages and pages of available services in the phone book (not to mention listings on Internet search), how do you know which plumbing mechanic to choose? You want to be sure the fix you need is done right the first time to avoid follow-up visits, and a drainage on your wallet, so it is important to research before you make the call.

Here are a few suggested things to consider when choosing a plumber:

Longevity: How long has the company been in business? Of their staff, how long have their plumbers worked for them, and how many overall years of experience do they have?

Security: Are the plumbers bonded and licensed? Is the company listed with your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce?

Sanitary Conditions: Does the company do anything to ensure the work environment is left clean and tidy? Do they wear special suits or paper slippers over their boots so as not to track in mud? Do they use drop cloths around the workplace?

Referrals: Do friends and family recommend a company? When searching the Internet, have people left reviews of specific plumbers to use or to avoid?

The more you learn about the mechanics available to repair your pipes and drains, the better the peace of mind you'll have in knowing you chose the right plumber for your home improvement needs.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach plumbing and Virginia Beach home improvement.

A Commercial Plumber Helps Your Business Run Smoothly

If you operate a retail shop or run an office, the last thing you probably think about during a regular work day is the plumbing. You may have restrooms available in your store or restaurant, and at best an employee cleans the floors and straightens up the toiletries at closing. What to do, however, should something go wrong? Flooding, leaks, and other problems will slow down your business, so it's best to retain the services of a commercial plumber to handle the hard jobs.

Commercial Plumbing Works for Business

It is important to note the differences between a plumber specializing in residential bathrooms and fixtures and a commercial plumber. Public restrooms and industrial piping require different equipment and procedures to fix, so when you restaurant or office building experiences drainage and sewage issues, you'll know to call the right person for the job.

Commercial plumbing may require the need to check pipes within walls and floors to prevent flooding and sewage overflow. If you have leased or purchased a building and wish to renovate, that could involve changing the structure of current bathroom and kitchen fixtures. For involved changes, a commercial plumbing service is best to handle specific jobs.

What to Look For in a Commercial Plumber

If you lease a space within a strip mall or complex, chances are the landlords keep a plumber on retainer. If not, it falls on you to find a reputable company to take care of any problems. A good plumber will be certified and trained to work in large spaces, and keep a clean work area.

With an expert ready to repair any leaks or problems with your pipes, you can work on the rest of your business without any worries.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach plumbing and Virginia Beach handyman services.