Ask about prices, but keep in mind that the cheapest plumber isn't always the best. You should be able to know the price before they start. Ask about regular rates and if there are any other service charges, like dispatch fees & after hours fees.
Trustworthy. The best way to find a Trustworthy plumber is to ask a close friend, family, or a good neighbour for recommendations. They're the best people to ask because they've experienced the services first-hand and they will never lie to you about it. This works in the same way they won't let you hire someone who has worked for them and delivered bad service.
In addition to the main cut off valve in a home, each fixture has a shutoff valve. The water to a sink or toilet can be turned off by turning this valve. You will find the valve to the kitchen sink under the sink inside the cabinet. In the bathroom, the shutoff valve to the sink will also be under the sink in the cabinet.
To repair this internal shut-off valve you need to shut the water off to the whole house. When repairing the valve be aware that they are factory sealed and are not easy to take apart. Make sure to be careful when attempting to take them apart so that you don't put too much stress on the solder joints. Use two wrenches in opposite directions holding on to the body of the valve and the section that you are attempting to remove. Make sure to grab the hex shaped spot below the packing nut. Removing the packing nut won't get you to the washer you need to replace.
Today, it is important to take care in hiring a contractor to work in your home. In order to ensure the safety of your family and your home and make sure you are not being toilet taken advantage of it is prudent to do a little research before you let a stranger into your life.
Should you call your Local plumber or should you fix the problem on your own? It's strongly recommended to look into the pros and cons of the two options.
PRICE: There are various factors that will come into play where price is concerned. When your plumber determines what the problem is, be sure to ask him or her if the charges are hourly or if there is a standard fee for each job. Also remember to ask the price of parts as well as labor. Also make it a point to ask if the plumber charges for any overtime and what his rate is if he does charge that. It may be to your advantage to look for a plumber who has Upfront Pricing that is, a plumber who charges by the job, instead of by the hour. It is actually better to charge this way in order to make it easier for the customer to stay within their budget.
If you have cold called a plumber, that is just found their name in the local paper or the internet, ask them for a reference. Getting in touch with a recent client is a great idea, they can give you an honest testimonial of the plumbers services. Even if you are looking for someone to complete a small job, finding a good plumber who you can trust is a great contact to have.