Plumbing repairs can be a difficult, timely and messy process.  No one wants to add to the stress of the situation by choosing the wrong plumber for the job.  Since you don’t have a handy plumber in your speed dial, how do you go about finding the right plumber the first time?

Get organized – Before you call a plumber, have a list of all the repairs you need.  You don’t want to slow the process (and potentially raise the price) by needing the plumber to come out multiple times for estimates.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions – Don’t assume the first plumber you call or that comes to visit your home is the right person for the job.  Take some time to ask a few questions and get to know the plumber you are considering.

Ask about licensing and insurance – One of the most important questions to ask your potential plumber is whether or not they are licensed and have insurance.  You want to make sure you are working with a reputable company that can make reparations if the worst should occur.

Ask for an itemized estimate – Make sure you know from the very beginning how much things will cost.  Be sure to request an itemized estimate so you can know exactly where what funds are going.

Consider getting a second opinion – Don’t assume that just because one plumber says a job should cost a certain amount or be done in a certain way that he is right.  Consider getting a second opinion so you have something a frame of reference.

Ask for references - While not as important as asking about licensing or insurance, you might want to consider asking for references from previous customers (or look online for company ratings).  This can provide yet another idea of how well the plumber might do for you.

Related posts:

1. Things To Do Before You Call a Plumber Murphy’s law tends to tell us that if something can...
2. How To Find The Best Plumber When do you start looking for a plumber? It’s usually...
3. Tips On Choosing A Plumber Think you’re ready to tackle your own plumbing problems? Think...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Think you’re ready to tackle your own plumbing problems? Think again. While some things may seem like an easy fix – replacing a dripping faucet for instance – after many trips to the hardware store you may begin rethinking your decision.

Professional plumbers can help you save money and get the job done quickly. However, you may have heard horror stories from friends and neighbors who have chosen a plumber that is anything but reputable. How do you know who’s good – and who’s not – just by an advertisement? Here are some tips to help you through your process.

Because it is hard to tell who is good, and who is not, through a simple advertisement, start out by looking for referrals first. Ask around your community. Friend, neighbors, and family members may have used a great company in the past they are more than happy to recommend. You can also ask contractors or real estate experts, as they work in that marketplace daily and often have the perfect referral to give.

And while its easy to ask your neighbor for a referral over a cup of coffee, don’t forget about online resources as well. A quick question on Facebook could give you dozens of referrals from your friends. Look for a company whose name pops up again and again. You can also check out a companies website and other online sources like Yelp to see what people are saying.

Once you get to connecting with potential candidates, ask about certification and education. How long have they been in the business? Do they take their job seriously or are they looking for fast money? A company that is here to stay is concerned about reputation. They will be happy to list their credentials and show you what they are doing to stay at the top of their industry.

You can also ask about warranties. A professional plumber with a great reputation will stand behind his work, no matter what. Find out what the company will do if you have problems or concerns.

And while price is an important factor, its almost always a last concern. If you start out a conversation with “how much”, you’re likely to be disappointed. Some less than professional plumbers create overly low priced “leading” services to get you in the door, and then nickle and dime you with the extras. Don’t concentrate on initial costs; instead focus on the entire job.

Related posts:

1. How To Find The Best Plumber When do you start looking for a plumber? It’s usually...
2. Tips That Can Help You Hire The Best Plumber Plumbing repairs can be a difficult, timely and messy process. ...
3. The Do’s and Don’ts of Working With A Professional Plumber When it comes to plumbing, the best choice is usually...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

If you leave your pipes unprotected, you run the risk of having frozen pipes. Imagine waking up on a frosty, cold morning and having no hot water – not exactly an ideal situation for anyone.

Neglecting your plumbing in the winter can lead to a variety of costs – costs that you can avoid by winterizing your home. If a pipe bursts, the cost can be much more than you ever expected.

Cleanup costs from water damage can run anywhere from a few thousand to multi-thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage. If you have a pipe burst while you are not home, there is a good chance you will have significant damage, especially if the water is flooding your home. If you are at home when a pipe bursts, you will still have some out-of-pocket expense. In both cases, the sooner you stop the flow of water, the easier road you will have towards recovery.

You can hire a plumber to fix the problem, which can run you several hundred dollars, depending on the length of time it takes to make repairs. Because they are professional and they deal with water damage frequently, they can help you assess the situation and begin putting things in order immediately.

You can also choose to fix the problem on your own. Emergency repair kits are available at most home improvement and hardware stores. If you make a quick repair on your own, you run the risk of adding additional pressure to the rest of your plumbing, and possibly missing the root cause of the problem. This could lead to even more damaged pipes and more expense. Imagine having to replace ALL of the plumbing in your home – that is thousands of dollars worth of expenses.

While its good to know what to do in the event of a broken pipe, the easiest way to overcome it is to avoid it all together.

If you spend a little money now, before your pipes freeze, you can help avoid the problems and the price. Insulate exposed pipes and purchase a heater, if necessary. Heated pipe wraps are also available. Prices for these wraps depend on the length of pipe you need to cover – the longer the wrap, the higher the cost. The goal is to keep the pipes warm enough that they do not freeze the water within.

Related posts:

1. Plumbing Tips To Prepare For Freezing Temperatures As the leaves start to change, and the daily temperatures...
2. The Real Reason You May Be Having Sewer Problems Sewer problems are a mess – literally. Having issues with...
3. 10 Things That Will Ruin Your Plumbing No one wants to face expensive but avoidable plumbing repairs. ...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

As the leaves start to change, and the daily temperatures remain at an all-time high here in Colorado, it’s hard to imagine waking up to snow and frost. But as we all know, that will soon be the case. With winter comes freezing temperatures and with those cold temps, your plumbing is at risk. When the weather becomes cold enough to freeze, if your plumbing is not protected, it can freeze, too. It can be very frustrating to turn on your water, only to discover that nothing comes out because it is frozen. The following tips will help you prepare your plumbing for the freezing temperatures that are soon to come.

Insulate any unprotected pipes, such as in your garage or basement. This layer of insulation will help protect your pipes from freezing. You can even find heated insulation that will keep your pipes warm, even through the coldest weather. If you do not have access to pipe insulation, you can use rags and newspapers to help protect the exposed pipes.

When a particularly hard freeze is expected, leave your hot and cold faucets trickling. This will stop the water from freezing in the pipes and leaving you with no water.

Open cabinet doors under the sink to allow the warmth of your home to keep the pipes from freezing.

Keep up the maintenance of your water heater because it works harder in the cold months to heat the water. Flush it out to remove any buildups that could lead to corrosion.

Turn off outdoor water faucets and disconnect any hoses. You can also insulate any exposed outdoor faucets to prevent them from freezing. Wrap the faucets with insulation or rags to protect them from the cold.

Have your plumbing inspected by a professional for signs of any leakage. Leaks, even the smallest leaks, can freeze in the winter and cause hundreds of dollars in damage. Take care of the minor fixes now to avoid major problems later.

Related posts:

1. What A Frozen Pipe Can Truly Cost You As the winter months approach, so do the freezing temperatures....
2. 10 Things That Will Ruin Your Plumbing No one wants to face expensive but avoidable plumbing repairs. ...
3. 7 Tips To Keep Your Basement Dry Here in Colorado, most homes have a basement. Whether you...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

When do you start looking for a plumber? It’s usually at a time when you need them the most.

When something goes wrong with your plumbing, it usually happens in a big way. Even the most minor repairs can require immediate help, especially if you are not handy with a wrench.

But how do you choose when the water is flowing all around you, or your sewer is backed up? Instead of relying on the first number you find, keep these tips in mind. There are plenty of plumbers available and as long as you know what to look for in a plumber, you will be able to choose the best one for your repairs.

If you own a home, you’ll eventually need a plumber. Why not start with small jobs to test the waters? The best way to find a great plumber is to choose one in advance. This gives you the time to research and investigate to ensure that you make the best choice, and find someone you can rely on in the event of an emergency. A yearly cleaning of your water heater, fixing a small drip in your bathroom, or an energy audit to see where you can improve your water savings, are all things you can do now and learn more about a plumbing company. Choose your plumber before an emergency. Then, all you need to do is make a phone call.

To narrow your choices down, start researching each plumber on your list of possibilities. The Internet is a good source of information – you can find customer reviews and feedback. Word-of-mouth is also important – don’t be afraid to ask your friends and neighbors which plumber they use and why. You want a plumber that has a solid reputation for satisfying customers – not a plumber that has a history of shoddy work. Remember, every person has a different experience and opinion; do your own research and find someone who has the experience and knowledge you are looking for.

Finally, make sure that your plumber is licensed to plumb and has all the necessary credentials. It is also a good idea to talk to your plumber in advance and ask any important questions. For instance, ask the plumber if he or she is trained in the latest techniques and regulations. You want a plumber that stays on top of the plumbing industry, not one that received their license 30 years ago and has never updated their training since. By taking your time and choosing your plumber with care, your next plumbing emergency will be that much less stressful.

Related posts:

1. Tips That Can Help You Hire The Best Plumber Plumbing repairs can be a difficult, timely and messy process. ...
2. Things To Do Before You Call a Plumber Murphy’s law tends to tell us that if something can...
3. The Do’s and Don’ts of Working With A Professional Plumber When it comes to plumbing, the best choice is usually...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

As you move through your busy days, you probably don’t think much about your plumbing. We take the modern conveniences of plumbing for granted.  We turn on the faucet or the shower and expect the water to be there and be the right temperature.

Like everything though, eventually, the pipes in your home will start to break down and will need to be replaced.  The question is, do you know when that time is?  Do you the signs that tell you your home needs repiping?  If not, here are a few helpful hints to guide you on your way.

1. Water pressure - Does your water pressure leave something to be desired?  Do you turn the faucet on to full blast only to get a small stream?  One of the biggest signs of faulty or failing piping is a lack of water pressure.

2. Water color – Does the river run red?  When you turn on a faucet do you have to wait a moment (or longer) for the rust to clear out and the clean water to come?  Rust in the water is another major sign that a home probably needs to be repiped.

3. Leaky pipes - Do you have a permanent wet spot from a leaky pipe?  While it may only be a sign that the pipe in question needs to be replaced, it could also be a sign of something bigger.  Remember, since most pipes are out of sight, you probably won’t know if one leaky pipe is just one leaky pipe, or one of many.  Especially if you have any of these other signs, you should have someone come check if you need a new pipe or all new pipes.

4. Corroding pipes – If your pipes show signs of corrosion, that is a pretty clear sign that they need to be replaced.

5. Lack of hot water control – If you get scalded in the shower when someone uses water anywhere else in the house, you might want to get your pipes checked out.  The key to a controlled shower could be a new set of pipes.

Related posts:

1. What Could Be In Your Water Supply When you get a glass of water from your kitchen...
2. Preventing the Hot Water Shock Imagine being in the middle of a perfectly warm shower....
3. Natural Gas Safety at Home Whether it’s a water heater, a stove, or a furnace,...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

1. Locate the problem – Do you hear the sound of running water?  If no one in your home is using any water that could be a problem.  Follow the sound and do your best to locate the source of the issue.  If the toilet is overflowing, turn off the water lead to that toilet.  If the problem is restricted to one place, the simplest first step is to turn off the water to that item or area.  If you can’t pinpoint the source of the problem, another alternative is to turn off the water to the house.

2. Determine the extent of the problem - Is the problem one leaky faucet or has the issue spread to several rooms?  Also, how far has the damage gone?  Answering these questions will help you determine what needs to be done next.  If it’s the middle of the night, answering these questions will also help you determine if the problem can wait until morning.

3. Talk to your water company – Is your plumbing problem a result of an issue your water company had?  Especially in older, more established neighborhoods, your local water company may be in the process of improving out of date pipes. If you know they’ve been working in your area, find out if your home may be in the path of the work-in-process.

4. Do your research - Unless you have a plumber you know and trust, take a few minutes to do your research.  Instead of trusting the coupon in your mail, make sure you check out the reliability and expertise first. Many plumbing companies come and go; be sure to find and trust one with integrity and will be there to help you know and into the future.

Related posts:

1. How To Find The Best Plumber When do you start looking for a plumber? It’s usually...
2. Tips That Can Help You Hire The Best Plumber Plumbing repairs can be a difficult, timely and messy process. ...
3. How To Determine If Your Main Plumbing Line Is Clogged When you notice that your kitchen sink is draining slowly...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

When it comes to plumbing, the best choice is usually the professional choice.

Plumbing is not as easy as it looks, especially when the project is complicated. Depending on your skill level, you may attempt easy repairs, like a leaky faucet or a running toilet. However, for those difficult projects, hiring a pro is the best idea.

When contracting with a professional plumber, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The following list of do’s and don’ts will help you make the most out of your next plumbing experience.

Do’s –

Communication is the key – be clear when you express your needs

Be involved in the project – this is your home and your money so keep up-to-date on what is happening with the project

Be respectful – treat your plumber with the same respect and courtesy that you expect from him or her. They will be much more responsive and helpful to you if you are nice. Be a jerk and you are likely to be treated like a jerk.

Take pictures of the project from start to finish. This will help in future projects and is helpful for insurance purposes, as well.

Be flexible. Things happen. As long as the deadline is not completely overlooked, try not to be too harsh and demanding.

Don’ts –

Avoid being a pushover. Flexibility is fine, but you can’t be without a bathroom for months. Be polite, but be firm

Avoid changing your mind a hundred times. Know what you want and express your needs clearly. If you do change your mind, remember that, depending on the stage of the project, your changes may add both time and money.

Avoid being in the way. While you may know plenty about plumbing, you are not the professional. Asking questions is fine but let the pros do their job.

Avoid complaining. Be the kind of customer that you would like to do business with. If you have valid concerns, voice them – just try not to voice every teeny-tiny concern.

Avoid expecting free service or advice. This is their job, their way of living. Just like you would not work for free, neither will they.

Related posts:

1. Tips On Choosing A Plumber Think you’re ready to tackle your own plumbing problems? Think...
2. How the Colorado Carbon Fund is Helping Colorado The Colorado Carbon Fund, or Project C, is a project...
3. When DIY Plumbing Projects Turn Into Something More When your plumbing starts acting odd or you finally decide...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

This fund supports large scale projects to reduce carbon emissions in Colorado.  These projects include efforts to increase energy efficiency in buildings, factories, and transportation; reduce pollution in the air; improve watersheds and water quality; generate renewable energy; and so much more.  However, it is only through the generosity and eco-conscientiousness of Coloradans that this project will succeed.  This is where you and I can pitch in to save our planet.

The project’s motto, “Think, act, fund” shows how Coloradans can get involved in the effort to clean up our state.  Your first step is to think and realize how much carbon emission your energy use leads to in a year.  The C Project website provides a calculator to help you determine your impact on our environment.

Once you realize the size of your carbon footprint, you are encouraged to act to change it.  There are several ways you can reduce energy consumption in your home and travel.  The website provides a list to help you start thinking through the process.

The founders of this project realize that no one can completely eliminate their carbon footprint, so they have developed a method for you to give back to offset or help make up for your carbon emissions.  The Colorado Carbon Fund offers tax deductible offsets you can purchase.  The funds from these offsets further the large scale projects mentioned above to clean up Colorado and reduce GHG.

Related posts:

1. What You Can Do To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint You carbon footprint is the environmental impact of carbon emissions...
2. Would Knowing A Products Water Footprint Help You Save? You’ve probably heard the term “carbon footprint”. And most likely...
3. Earth Day 2011 – Do Your Part for Global Conservation April 22, 2011 is a very special day for conservationists. ...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Here in Colorado, most homes have a basement. Whether you use it for storage, or have extra living space you depend on, it’s important to keep your belongings safe from potential damage. Basements that allow water to seep in through the walls smell terrible and often result in costly repairs. The following seven tips will help you keep your basement dry :

1. Check your gutters – If your home is equipped with gutters and downspouts, clean them on a regular basis and check for damage. If your home does not have them, install them to ensure that water is always directed away from the foundation of your home.

2. Do some landscaping – Grass, shrubs and the general state of the land around your home can cause water to gather around the foundation. Change your landscaping, and use plants that are more drought resistant, and don’t require an abundance of water. Bring in dirt to cause water to slope away from the house.

3. Install a sump pump – If you have noticed that your basement tends to have water accumulate after heavy rainstorms, installing a sump pump will make removing the water much easier.

4. Vent your dryer – Proper ventilation of your dryer (if it is in the basement) will help reduce the moisture in your basement.

5. Moisture-proof paint – Painting your basement walls with moisture-proof paint can help stop moisture from developing on the interior walls.

6. Install an exhaust fan – An exhaust fan will help keep your basement properly ventilated and reduce moisture buildup.

7. Check your plumbing – Make sure that your pipes are insulated and routinely check for leaks. Insulation will help reduce the condensation that can develop on cold water pipes. Leaks need to be fixed as soon as possible.

By following these few tips, your basement will stay dry, allowing you and your family to continue to utilize the extra space.

Related posts:

1. I Have Water In My Basement – Now What? Have you survived the drenching rains this past week here...
2. Basement Remodeling: Adding A Bathroom Your basement should be a useful space in your home,...
3. Green Plumbing Tips As the country becomes more aware of the impact we...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.