Author: Leon Soto

If your water heater is acting up, the garbage disposal is backed up, and drains are clogged (hopefully not all on the same day), you don’t have time to deliberate over finding the perfect plumber. But making a rash decision about the plumber you employ could result in more problems down the road. You want to find a plumber whose advice you can trust and who offers long-term results. While you can’t avoid plumbing problems entirely, you can avoid having to fix the same problem several times. We know that price is an important part of making your decision, but it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. Sometimes plumbing companies offer the lowest possible price over the phone but then add on charges once they get to your home and properly inspect the problem. So how do you find the right plumber for your home? Here are seven tips to help you make your decision:

MAKE SURE YOUR PLUMBER IS LICENSED AND INSURED

This goes without saying but is the most important factor in finding the right plumber so bears repeating.  Ask if they are licensed and make sure they carry insurance in the case of a catastrophe.

ASK HOW LONG THEY HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR

As with most services, you want someone with the most experience performing repairs on your home. A plumbing company that has been established for decades is likely to employ knowledgeable plumbers and have a well-known reputation. They’re also less likely to disappear on you halfway through your repair.

INQUIRE ABOUT WRITTEN ESTIMATES

A reputable plumber often won’t give you an estimate until they have properly assessed the problem in your home.  Once the problem has been determined but before any work is performed, inquire about a written estimate that includes labor and part costs.

CHECK REVIEWS AND REFERENCES

When making your decision, don’t rely on the website or advertisement of the plumbing company alone. A good aspect of the Internet is that it forces businesses to be transparent about their services. If a plumber offers subpar work, a quick Google search will reveal past customer experience. You can also check Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau for reviews.

COMPARE COMPETITION

You may not know much about plumbing when looking for a plumber, but you certainly know how to look for a company that delivers more than others in their industry. Check to see if the plumbing company has been given awards voted for by their industry and customers. Another good indication of the plumbing company’s values is to see if they take an active part in their community or regularly share their knowledge online.

PERSONAL REFERRALS

Ask your friends, neighbors, and colleagues if they have a go-to plumber or have had positive experiences with a local plumbing company. Often, asking someone you trust for a referral is how you find a hidden gem.

PROFESSIONAL REFERRALS

Don’t be afraid to ask you’re A/C technician, electrician, or construction worker for a referral. Often they will know the best plumbers in your area and mentioning their name may result in a discount!  According to a July 2004 survey conducted for Kohler, about 28 million U.S. households experience a toilet clog each month. 10% of U.S. households have leaks that waste 90 gallons (and more) per day. The IBHS found in a study that plumbing pipes and drain systems were the leading cause of interior water damage, with the average incident costing around $5,000. We’re not telling you this to make you nervous or have you checking your plumbing every 5 minutes, we’re letting you know why it’s important to have the best plumber in Plano on call! You may be thinking “well that’s all well and good, but how do I know when I have found the best plumber in Plano, who can handle any plumbing emergency I may have?” We’re glad you asked because we’ve compiled some tips and strategies that will help you identify the best plumbers in Plano (or anywhere else in the U.S. really)!

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE BEST PLANO, TX PLUMBERS

• Start looking now. Finding the best Plano TX plumber is easier when you have time to do the necessary research. Eventually, something in your home will spring a leak or wear out, so make sure you’ve selected a reliable plumber while you have the time (not when you’re scrambling to search the phone book as your house fills up with water).
• Ask your friends and family. Talk to family members or neighbors about their experiences with local plumbers. They will probably be more than happy to share the good and bad encounters with plumbers and will steer you clear of suspicious or unreliable plumbing companies.
• Ask a trusted professional. If you’ve relied on a trusted HVAC or electrical contractor over the years, ask them for a recommendation. Reputable pros are always glad to share references and your inquiry might net a discount on an introductory service call.
• Check online reviews. Scanning the local yellow pages might get you to contact numbers, but if you head online and search for local plumbers you’re going to find a plethora of local listing sites that include reviews and recommendations (or warnings) along with the contact information. Check out online review sites that consolidate positive and negative consumer reviews about local plumbers, because the more feedback the company has, the more accurate the general assessment of their service will be.
• Check the local Better Business Bureau and other business organizations. Sometimes it’s beneficial to check with local business organizations to verify the details of the plumbing companies you’ve found. Local business organizations typically hold their members to higher standards, so if the company you’re checking on is included in the Better Business Bureau or other organizations’ listings, that is a solid vote of confidence in their service.
• Contact the plumbing companies that interest you. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, fill out emails and contact forms of different Plano plumbers. An established business knows that you want an overview of its services, so most companies will offer a contact form, email, or phone number that is open to calls from people who just want preliminary info. This is how you can find out how many years of experience the plumber brings to the jobs, the area of service they cover, and if they have any specials or discounts.

You can (and should) spend time doing your research and verifying information on local plumbers, but we’d like to offer you a shortcut!…

Finding a good plumber or tradesman can be a nightmare, especially if you have an emergency that cannot wait. But it doesn’t have to be! Read further and learn our 7 tips on how to find a good plumber in your area and save yourself the hassle of dealing with cowboys and shoddy workmen.

The Benefits of Finding a Reputable Plumber

Did you know that water waste in the UK amounts to ~460 million liters each year? The reason is that even the smallest of leaks can waste many liters of water. Leaks can not only cause damage to your and your neighbors’ homes but can also break the bank and have a negative impact on the environment. Hiring a “cowboy” to do the job of a professional will only contribute to these adverse effects. Here are a few reasons why hiring a reputable plumber in your area is worth every penny.

• Good understanding of the local plumbing needs – local plumbers are familiar with the area, the parking situation, the hardware stores, and the local directives.
• Short-notice appointments and a one-stop-shop service – hiring a local plumber often means he can come out quickly and offer you a full-package service – from diagnosing the issue to sourcing materials and completing the job.
• Valuable advice – an expert can provide helpful tips on how to prevent the issue from recurring. They can help you with trusted recommendations, such as how to upkeep your bathrooms and plumbing installations. You get more value for your money.
• You support the local economy – buying local is a building block of any good economy. This way, you help hard-working professionals find work and you keep your money circulating locally.

Plumber vs Heating Engineer

Have you ever wondered what the difference between a plumber and a heating engineer is? Plumbers deal with the water fixtures and pipework around the home. If you have a leak or a drip, you call them to fix it for you. They can install or repair showers, sinks, and toilets, and unblock a sink or a toilet. However, if you have an issue with your boiler or central heating, you need a heating engineer. They maintain, install, and repair boilers, gas appliances, and radiators. Some plumbers are also heating engineers and vice versa. The same can’t be said about a handyman vs plumber, though.

All heating engineers have completed specific training and are legally required to be on the Gas Safe Register, which allows them to work on boilers and other gas appliances. But you can’t trust every boiler engineer that knocks on your door. Some tradespeople may appear to be unqualified for specific tasks and cause further damage to your home.

A Service Company Vs Local Plumber

While it is tempting to hire a local tradesman from the yellow pages and pay a lower rate, it is worth examining the idea from all sides. For example, a one-person business would find it difficult to complete a complex project on time because they would work on their own. You would have less control over their work and no way to verify if they are as good as their ad claims or if they have proper insurance.

Hiring a recognized company comes with a lot of benefits. Foremost, it is certainly much easier to check the company’s reputation and track record online. Companies have large teams of experts, working not only Monday to Friday, but weekends, late nights, and bank holidays included. So you can rely on them whenever you need any help. In addition, it is easier to communicate with companies, since they have a dedicated Customer Service department. They can arrange your service and handle any requests or specific issues. You could easily hold them accountable for their work as opposed to individuals that become difficult to find if things go south. Not to mention that companies are committed to improving their services at all times.

You can expect your plumber to have the required certificates, qualifications, and proof of licenses and be up to date on the newest skills and trends in the plumbing world. Professional companies have strict control over their tradesmen’s health by providing personal protective equipment, guidelines, and regular checks.

How to Find a Local Plumber You Can Trust

1. Ask another tradesperson

Have you had tasks done by a handyman or an electrician, whose work you were happy with? Ask them to recommend a plumbing specialist. People in the trades business often know each other and sometimes work together on complex projects. Professionals enjoy working with other professionals, so they are likely to recommend someone reliable.

2. Look for a trusted company

Choosing a reputable plumbing service company over a relatively new and unknown one is the better option in most cases. The company’s reputation often speaks for itself, and you can’t just ignore other people’s opinions.

3. Plumbing Trade Associations

Most knowledgeable plumbers are members of a trade association. A trade association membership is a sign of quality and dedication to the craft, as they encourage focus on technical ability, customer service, and delivering top results. Being a good plumber is more than being technically adept and doing the job. It’s about communication, reliability, and trust. There is no use for a plumber who doesn’t respect your home. Good tradesmen deliver all-around professional services.

The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) are two of the most well-known associations in the UK. Tradesmen, members of these trade associations are unlikely to jeopardize their good reputation by doing shoddy or shady work.

4. Ask friends and family

Another great source of plumber recommendations can be your friends and family. Chances are they have experienced similar issues and can recommend a tradesman you can count on. Word-of-mouth recommendations are still important and can carry a lot of weight. Plus, a personal account is a more persuasive tool than a hype ad without a customer review to back it up. If you want to find a local plumber, perhaps consider inviting your neighbors over for a cup of tea. Find out who they look up to for plumbing repairs and installations.

5. Search through directories and rating pages

Perusing through directories and rating pages improves your chances of finding a plumber you can trust. It is less likely to find a “cowboy” or wanna-be plumber listed in there. When searching, look for authenticity. Always take anonymous reviews with a grain of salt, as they cannot be verified either by you or the rating pages. Some of the most popular and credible directories and aggregator sites are:

• YellowPages.com – one of the biggest directories
• Yelp.com – another great directory with a rating system
• Truspilot.com – search by rating
• Threebestrated.co.uk – best 3 plumbing service providers in your area
• Trustatrader.com – qualified professionals registered with a trade association

Don’t rush the decision unless you are in an emergency. Search the second and third pages, since forward placement doesn’t guarantee better service quality.

6. Read reviews and testimonials

Most advertisements claim that you get the best service for the best price. These ads are catchy to hear on the radio or read on the internet, but they rarely provide more than brand recognition. While this is important, it does not give you the security and peace of mind that your home and family are in good hands. Take the time to carefully evaluate reviews and testimonials on aggregator pages or the company website. It is important to look for authenticity and honesty, so better look for the following information:

• What was the project?
• When was it carried out?
• Were there any issues?
• What is the result?
• Would the customer consider hiring the same plumber again?

7. Compare rates and collect quotes over the phone

Like with any other service, it is best that you receive 3 or more quotes to compare the costs and the service perks. The more complex the job is the more quotes you need to get, and the more questions you should ask. Depending on the requirements of a specific situation, they might give you a quote over the phone or after a survey. Beware of suspiciously low rates. Most good plumbers know what their work is worth. It’s unlikely that they will charge either too little or too much. A low price might mean a lack of licenses or specialized knowledge. Another trick to watch out for is quoting only for part of the job and then charging extra for “the additional work”. To avoid these situations, you need to have the following information:

• Does the plumber have Public Liability Insurance?
• Is the tradesman a licensed professional?
• What is the guarantee?
• How is the service charged – by the hour or is it a fixed price?
• Do you get a quote in writing with a description of everything included as part of the service?
• Does the professional bring his own tools for the job?
• What are the hidden costs?
• Do you get a hard copy invoice?

A good tradesman can:

• Make sure he understands all your wishes and concerns;
• Explain what he does to fulfill the request to the highest standards;
• Clearly explain how the price forms and what does it include;
• Be patient, friendly, clean, and professional.

The work of the plumber you hire might affect the health of your family. Saving a few pounds is not always worth it. It’s important to remember that you are paying for a lot more than just the time spent on the job, you are paying for expertise and skills.

In The Case of Plumbing Emergencies

Sometimes you just don’t have the time to carefully research your plumber. Have you signed for home emergency coverage? Your insurer should send a reputable professional to fix your problem. Give the plumber specific information about the issue. Don’t forget to ask about a guarantee and the rough costs. The tradesman should be able to give you the call-out price, but additional costs often depend on the nature of the issue.

And if you need urgent assistance, find a reputable company to book an emergency plumber in your area.

How to Avoid Common Plumbing Scams

Unfortunately, there are some rogue plumbers or even just plain scammers out there. To avoid falling victim to a plumbing scam, we recommend that you consider the following guidelines:

• Ask for identification, proof of license, and insurance;
• Ask for company address, telephone number, e-mail, and opening hours;
• Do not give money “under the table” – ask for a receipt for every payment you make;
• Do not trust door-to-door plumbers;
• Ask for a written quote with details about the work;
• Never sign a blank document or a vague contract.

Takeaways

A good plumber is someone professional, trustworthy, and dedicated to his craft.  Quality is of the utmost importance for you and your family’s comfort and safety. Take the time to thoroughly research the plumbing companies and be mindful of your choice.…

Whether you’ve seen white particles around your faucet or shower head, found yellow stains on your clothes after washing, or are getting a chlorine smell from your water, the source of the problem is generally the same: you are drinking, bathing in, or cleaning with potentially harmful chemicals, often due to unfiltered or improperly filtered water.

But what is water filtration and how do water filters work? We’re about to explain it all for you right now.

What is Water Filtration?

Water filtration is a process that removes unwanted—even dangerous—chemicals and contagions from water by putting that water through a fine filter. Water filtration helps improve the taste, smell, and quality of your water by decreasing the number of contaminants in it, making it safer for drinking, bathing, and cleaning.

Water filtration protects you and your family against harmful bacterias and heavy metals, guaranteeing that you can have safe drinking water in your home. It’s one of the most efficient ways to ensure your water is safe without wasting electricity, water, or plastic from disposable water bottles.

How Does Water Filtration Work?

So, how do water filters work?

It’s a fairly straightforward process where contaminated, unfiltered water is forced through a very fine filter (physical filtration). This filter is fine enough that water is able to seep through, but unwanted particles and other dangerous contaminants are not. Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect the water and purify it of any bacteria or pathogens that may have made their way through the filter (chemical filtration).

Municipal water filtration systems are a little more complicated than a simple filter—they usually involve several basins, pipes, filters, a disinfection segment, and a storage and pumping section—the overall process relies on pushing unfiltered water through dense filters to remove impurities.

Here are some important water filtration facts to keep in mind:

• Municipal water filtration doesn’t addresss water hardness (average water hardness in D.C. metro area is 7-13 grains per gallon). In-home water softeners are key to tackling water hardness.
• Chlorine is often used to disinfect water, but it is not filtered out. This makes in-home water filtration a crucial step to improve the taste and smell of your water.

Benefits of Home Water Filtration Systems

Eliminates Dangerous Elements

Filtered water helps eliminate dangerous, unhealthy heavy metals in your water, as well as pesticides, mercury, lead, and arsenic.

Efficient and Waste-Free

A water filtration system helps give you clean water in an efficient way. You won’t need to continually stock up on plastic water bottles to have clean drinking water, since your tap water will be safe.

Improves Taste and Smell

Filtering your water hugely improves the taste and smell of your water, since it helps remove bacteria, diseases, and other impurities.

Is Your Water Supply Safe?

If you’re not sure when your home water filtration system was last updated, contact CroppMetcalfe. We test your water to check pH, hardness, iron, and help reduce certain unwanted chemicals. If an issue is found, our 5-Star Technicians can install under-sink or whole-house water filters, as well as whole-house water softeners. Call or contact us online today to schedule an appointment!…

Who is a Contractor (definition)?

In construction, a contractor is an organisation (or sometimes a person), hired by the client to carry out the work that is required for the completion of a project.

Nevertheless, contractors don’t always have the expertise or the trades that are needed for completing all construction work by themselves. For that reason, they are also in charge of appointing subcontractors who would be able to complete some parts of the project. Normally, there will be a significant number of subcontractors involved in a construction project.

It goes without saying that the role of a contractor has many different levels as they are responsible for a wide range of tasks and people. In this article, we try to shed some light on the various responsibilities that a contractor can have.

The responsibilities of a general contractor

Contractors can serve a construction project from many different roles and positions. That of a general contractor (main contractor) is potentially the most influential of all.

A general contractor is responsible for a plethora of details in the course of a construction project. Finding the right people to get the job done is probably one of their most important missions. But it’s not the only thing they have to do.

Taking care of materials, equipment, and any other services required for the smooth development of the project is part of their job. This is also where subcontractors can provide valuable help, as in most cases they have their own network which can support the progress of the project.

Furthermore, here are some of the most common project aspects that a general contractor can be responsible for:

• Building permits application
• Property security
• Providing (temporary) facilities on site
• Taking care of generated waste
• On-site personnel management
• Site surveying
• Site engineering
• Schedule monitoring

It’s clear, then, that a general contractor is also the one accountable for the quality of the work delivered to the client. In any case, though, safety should always be the top priority for everyone involved in a construction project.

Other types of contractors

General contractors are probably the primary type of contractor that you can find. However, this doesn’t mean that they are the only contractor category in the industry. There is a plethora of different contractor roles which vary between them with regards to the assigned responsibilities, the level of risk they take on and of course the amount of reward that they require.
In a nutshell, here are the main types of contractors that you need to know about:

Construction manager

A construction manager is normally hired in the design phase so that they can help the team in developing the project based on their rich experience. In some cases, a construction manager can initiate the construction phase before the design process is over.

In such cases, construction managers must be perfectly sure that they have all the information they need in order to kick off the project and keep it running within the agreed deadlines and budget. Otherwise, there is a serious possibility that the efficiency and quality of the project will plummet.

Want to learn more? Construction management 101: The ultimate guide

Construction managers can also be responsible for managing trade contractors. Nonetheless, clients can be in charge of the trade contracts in many projects if they have the required experience. If the trade contracts aren’t placed with the client side, then the management contractor is the one responsible for that.

Construction managers are seen as the king of the construction site given the vast amount of responsibilities and people that they have to manage.

Prime contractor

Another category of contractors that you need to know about is the prime contractor category. It is a vague category as there are many definitions someone can give to prime contracting. Sometimes a prime contractor can be a synonym to a general contractor.

Prime contracting is a good choice for large-scale clients. Ministries, such as the Ministry of Defence, could be an excellent example of a prime-contracting client, as they are constantly in need of building or maintenance work.
In general, though, the relationship of a client with a prime contractor is a long-term commitment which may include one or more future projects.

Principal contractor

A contractor can also be responsible for ensuring that all work done in a project complies with the CDM regulations. They cover a wide range of project aspects which primarily have to do with health and safety.

In short, these are some of their most noteworthy duties and responsibilities:

• Progress monitoring.
• Planning and managing a project’s construction phase.
• Coordinating with principal designer and the client.
• Staying on top of the work done on site.
• Making sure that health and safety specifications are followed.
• Continuously reviewing, modifying, and updating the programme of the project based on the latest changes and received feedback.
• Collaborating with other contractors.

Design and build contractors

Last but not least on our list, it’s the design and build contractors who are in charge of first designing the project, and then take care of its development while managing the numerous details on site.
It’s a more holistic approach as the contractor is involved in almost every step of the project. In some projects, the contractor remains on top of the project even after its completion by maintaining the built structure.

Common pains for a contractor

By now, it’s evident that being a contractor is extremely demanding. You need to have full control over your projects and be able to quickly identify any problem source. Only then, you will be able to act fast and prevent costly mistakes from happening.
All in all, here are some of the most common obstacles that contractors need to overcome:

• Managing the team on site: Keeping a strong connection between the site and the office can be tough. Especially, in cases where a contractor has to stay on top of numerous projects at the same time. That is where digital tools can bring great value today.
• Task delegation: The better connection between office and site the easier it becomes to delegate tasks and keep everyone on the same page. The advent of interactive systems has made things in that direction much simpler.
• Programme reviews and updates: As construction expert, Matt Ghinn said, “Programme is king”! That being said, contractors need always to be on top of the latest project updates. Tracking changes to the programme can be easier today with the help of construction software but it can still be a big challenge if a contractor works simultaneously on multiple projects.

Read also: Modern methods of construction – The future is now!

• Paperwork: Paperwork is one of the biggest nightmares for every contractor. The amount of captured data in the course of a construction project is humongous and with in mind, it becomes clear that the transition from pen and paper to digital is of paramount importance.
• Collaboration across the supply chain: Improving communication and by extension collaboration across employees and subcontractors can make the difference between the success and failure of a project. At the moment, there are too many decision makers in the supply chain and that needs to change.
• Learning from past projects: Last but certainly not least, contractors have to become better with the collected project data. These valuable bits of information can function as the basis for improving efficiency and reducing rework rates in future projects.

Contractors as specialists

There is a lot of discussion about the diverse role that a contractor has in a project. There are many examples of contractors who spread themselves too thin in an effort to satisfy different types of projects and clients.

Interestingly enough, an essential shift in that direction has started to emerge. The specialisation of contractors could be a smart strategy moving forward for the benefit both of the construction industry and the contractors per se.

What do we mean by referring to specialisation? Simply put, we refer to the dedication of contractors to a specific type of construction projects (eg. building bridges). This approach would allow contractors to become better on what they do while minimising their financial risk.

If done right, it can be a win-win situation for the entire sector as it can boost quality, financial stability and support the standardisation of the sector.

Final word

To sum up, it is evident that providing a specific definition for the role and the responsibilities of a contractor can be harder than it might look due to the multi-purposed services that they provide in the course of a construction project.

However, the advent of digital tools in combination with the challenges that the sector faces in terms of project delivery has paved the way for a new approach in the duties of a contractor.…

Pests have the ability to wreck everything you work so hard to protect. This includes your home, your property, and the health of your loved ones. Getting rid of pests is not easy on your own. Many do-it-yourself pest control solutions involve using harsh chemicals that can also harm your pets and loved ones. That is why it is important to call an experienced and professional pest control service company. There are many benefits of professional pest control. Hiring someone to eradicate your pests is the quickest and safest way to solve your pest control problem.

Below, we discuss five benefits of professional pest control.

Benefit #1: Accurate Pest Identification

You cannot control a pest problem without first identifying the pest problem. Various chemicals and bait may be necessary to get rid of different types of pests. Do you have a mouse or a rat problem? What type of spider infestation do you have?

Our Sacramento pest control company can accurately identify your pest problem and determine the most effective extermination method. We can also answer all of your pest control questions.

Benefit #2: Discovering the Source

Eliminating pests means finding the source of the problem. It is not enough to simply get rid of the pest you can see. You must find the source of the infestation and eliminate it. This may mean finding water leaks or plugging up holes in the foundation.

Benefit #3: Less Damage

Our professional pest control company will respond quickly and efficiently to your problem. This means less damage to your property and your yard. Effectively getting rid of pests is the best way to safeguard your home and prevent devastating structural damage.

Benefit #4: Pest Management

Our professional pest control service uses Integrated Pest Management programs to solve our clients’ problems. Do-it-yourself applications of pesticides can result in the over-application of harmful toxins. Pesticide exposure can hurt young children and pets. Integrated Pest Management is a multi-step approach that can provide long-term pest solutions. This involves pest identification, monitoring and prevention.

Benefit #5: Protect Your Health

Professional pest control can help you protect your health by completely eliminating your pest problem. Pests, such as ticks, spiders and cockroaches can carry dangerous and harmful bacteria and diseases. Some of these diseases include Lyme Disease, E-coli, and Salmonella poisoning.

Our Sacramento Pest Control Services Can Help

Pest control in Sacramento is easier with a professional pest control company on your side. At Jones Bros Pest Control, Inc., our trained and licensed experts can help you get rid of pests in your home or business.

We will help assess your situation over the phone to accurately provide you with a quote and consultation. We will schedule an on-site inspection and determine the best solutions for your pest problem. While on-site, our technician can perform Integrated Pest Management services.

We check with our clients to make sure the problem is resolved. We perform follow-up treatments when needed.

Contact Our Sacramento Pest Control Services

There are many benefits of pest control. At Jones Bros Pest Control, Inc., we work with homeowners and businesses in the Sacramento area to help them rid their properties of pests.

To speak with us about Sacramento pest control services or the benefits of pest control, give us a call. One of our professional pest control exterminators will discuss your pest control problem with you.

Call us.  We care about you and your property. Let us help you get rid of your pest problem once and for all.…

Summer is coming! You’re going to want to take some cool showers when the weather heats up, especially if you don’t like running the A/C on all day long. If you’re having an issue getting cold water in your shower, fixing that problem is going to become critical to your happiness when the weather gets warm.

The Solution Is to Replace the Cartridge

The most likely cause of your problem is a defective pressure balancing spool, which is a part of the cartridge inside your shower faucet. To fix the problem, you’ll need to replace the cartridge.

Replacing the Cartridge is Harder than It Sounds

Unfortunately, a build-up of corrosion may have caused your cartridge to become lodged inside the faucet over time. For most people, the hardest part of replacing a shower cartridge is getting the old cartridge to come out.

You’ll Need a Special Tool

To make it easier to remove your old stuck cartridge, you’ll need a special tool creatively called a “cartridge puller.” Cartridge pullers are designed to thread into the old cartridge, making it easy to pull the cartridge out. In addition to the cartridge puller, you’ll also need a Phillips screwdriver, needle nose pliers, and silicone grease. Once you’ve got the right materials, the process is relatively straightforward. See below:

1. Turn off the water supply to the shower faucet.
2. Use the screwdriver to remove the handle of the faucet.
3. Take off the metal cover under the faucet handle to reveal the valve stem protruding from the wall of the shower.
4. Use needle-nose pliers to pull the retainer clip out of the top of the valve body.
5. Tug on the valve stem and pull it out. Removing the valve stem will expose a space inside the valve body. The cartridge is lining the wall of the space.
6. Use the cartridge puller to remove the cartridge from the faucet. Different types of cartridge pullers will function in different ways, so you’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to use your particular model.
7. Take the old cartridge to a home improvement center or hardware store to find an exact match, and purchase a new cartridge.
8. Line the inside of the valve body and the new cartridge with silicone grease to ensure that the new cartridge will slide into the valve body easily.
9. Insert the new cartridge into the valve body and put back the outer parts of the faucet that you removed in step 1 and 2. Don’t forget to put the retainer clip back into the valve stem.
10. Turn back on the water supply to the shower.

That’s it! Test the water to ensure that the cold water is now functioning. If the hot and cold water is reversed after reinstalling the faucet, this is an indication that the cartridge was put into the faucet backwards. To fix the problem, simply pull the cartridge out, turn it upside down and put it back in the valve body.

For additional help, take a look at this step-by-step tutorial with pictures.

There are Alternatives

There are ways to complete this task without buying a cartridge puller. If you have a tool called a tap in your home, this can be used to thread the inside of the cartridge. Once this is done, you can insert a bolt into the cartridge and pull the cartridge out of the wall. You can check out the process online in this YouTube video:

Finally, if you’re not interested in trying to replace the cartridge yourself, and you’re lucky enough to be a resident of Pittsburgh or the surrounding area, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help you get your shower back to full functionality.…

Save yourself from any toilet trauma with these tips.

Let’s say you’re a person who’s known for their devotion to extreme cleanliness—especially in the bathroom. You know your way around cleaning an air duct; you’re an expert on how to get bathroom grout pristine; you even mop your bathroom floors with castile soap! Now imagine anything more embarrassing than clogging a toilet and having no plunger. Think about it—there you are in a restaurant bathroom, using a friend’s commode, or even sitting in your very own rustic bathroom, taking care of business, when the toilet suddenly clogs, and there’s nary a plunger in sight. Panic sets in and you begin to wonder: Will the toilet overflow? Will it stay clogged forever? How long can I hide in here without arousing suspicion? It’s not a good feeling, people.

Before you consider jumping out of a second-story bathroom window or start exercising your potty mouth, know that you actually can flush your way out of this toilet travesty, sans plunger. (However, if you’re using a public restroom, you might just need to cut your losses.) Most at-home toilets can easily be fixed in a jiffy with a bit of elbow grease and a few ordinary items. Sometimes you can even wait it out and hope for the best—some toilet backups actually fix themselves, thanks to a little time and a lot of gravity. But when time is of the essence, here’s how to unclog a toilet without a plunger.

WHAT DO I NEED TO UNCLOG A TOILET WITHOUT A PLUNGER?

Depending on what you have on hand, you can determine your best course of action—because you can actually go about unclogging your toilet a few different ways. We’ll break down each method further, but make sure you have dish soap, a wire hanger, baking soda and vinegar, or even bath bombs to get the job done.

WHAT SHOULD I NOT DO?

Avoid flushing repeatedly, especially if the water’s already rising. In this instance, so you don’t have a clogged toilet and a flooded bathroom floor, remove the tank lid and push down on the flapper, which is the rubber contraption toward the bottom. Next, cut off the toilet’s water supply by turning the valve, usually located behind the toilet, and wait for it to reside before you tackle the mess inside.

HOW CAN I DE-CLOG MY TOILET WITHOUT A PLUNGER?

1. HOT WATER

If there’s not much liquid left in the toilet bowl to begin with, pour in a bucket or pan of hot (not boiling) water. The force of the water should help break up the clogging culprits. Houselogic also suggests tossing in 1/2 cup of salt prior to the H2O.

2. DISH SOAP

No luck with water? Try filling the toilet with a hefty helping of dish soap. The slippery substance can break down solids and guide them down the drain. Give the mixture a bit of time to work its magic and move any bodily…unmentionables…along.

3. BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR

Mr. Rooter Plumbing attests to this method, which involves adding a cup of baking soda and vinegar to a half-filled toilet bowl (either add hot water or scoop some out to reach this level). Pour the baking soda first, then slowly apply the vinegar to prevent the mixture from spilling over. Let it soak for about 20 minutes.

4. EPSOM SALTS

According to Alpha Plumbing, any bath bombs or Epsom salts lying around can be worth sacrificing for the cause. Place either in the bowl and let the fizziness do its thing for a little while.

5. WIRE HANGER

For when something’s really jammed in the pipe, a wire hanger can be your saving grace. The closet tool basically works like a toilet snake and brings a more aggressive approach to your bathroom clog. Extend the hanger into a makeshift rod and use it to push around the blockage until it eventually gives.

6. TOILET BRUSH

There may not be a plunger nearby, but hopefully your friend’s home at least has a toilet brush waiting to come to your rescue. Essentially, use the cleaning wand just as you would a plunger, diving deep into the toilet bowl and thrusting away at the drain hole. You’ll probably want to toss the brush after the deed has been done, and have cleaning supplies handy to clean up the mess.

If all else fails, the situation might be out of your hands and best left to the professionals: plumbers. And might we persuade you to add a plunger to your shopping list (or your friend’s) in case of future emergencies?…

There’s never an appropriate time for your toilet to clog. Whether you’re at a holiday dinner or a neighborhood Bunco night, a clogged toilet can create an embarrassing mess. Clearing a clogged toilet can be tricky, and it’s even trickier when you don’t have a plunger. Don’t sweat it—we’ll talk you through clearing your clog, step by step.

Wield the Plunger

Get your clogged toilet back up and running again the good old-fashioned way—with a plunger and some serious elbow grease. Here’s how to restore your toilet to working order in just six easy steps:

How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

Today just isn’t your lucky day. Your toilet’s clogged, and you don’t have a plunger? Hang in there. There are still a few ways to work through this. If your toilet isn’t draining, you may not need a plunger to fix it. Here are three unconventional ways to remove a blockage from your toilet pipes.

How to Unclog Your Toilet with Soap and Hot Water

1. Manually remove some water from the toilet bowl, ensuring that there is space for adding a gallon of liquid. Remove the water with a small container—like a cup from the bathroom sink. Just make sure you don’t put it back on the counter when you’re done!
2. Lubricate the toilet bowl by adding some dish soap, shampoo, or a few slivers of bar soap.
3. Heat a gallon of water to very hot but not boiling. A drinkable tea temperature is just right. If the water is too hot, it could crack your toilet bowl. Pour the water into the bowl, and let it sit for 20 minutes.
4. Try flushing the toilet. If it flushes, you’re all set! If instead it starts to overflow, turn the water valve off behind the toilet—then start again at step 1 or try another method.

How to Unclog Your Toilet with Baking Soda and Vinegar

If the toilet remains clogged after a few attempts at resolving the problem, remove at least half of the water from the bowl. Then try pouring 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar into the toilet. The mixture will bubble excessively, which is why it’s important to first remove the excess water. Let the bubbles sit for at least 20 minutes before you try to flush.

How to Unclog Your Toilet with Coat Hanger

Still clogged? Here’s one last-ditch effort: Unravel a wire coat hanger, and put on a pair of disposable gloves.

Wrap one end of the straightened hanger with a cloth, and duct tape it firmly in place so it doesn’t scratch your toilet. Use the hanger to gently push debris down the pipe until you can flush. Twist and push the wire in a circular motion. If you can’t feel the wire hitting the obstruction, this task may be out of your reach.

Why Won’t My Toilet Unclog? Call for Backup

If, after several attempts at plunging your toilet, it remains backed up, it’s time to call for backup. Get help from the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We make your plumbing emergency our top priority and will schedule service with you as quickly as possible to resolve your problem.

Need help cleaning around the home? Contact us for more information.…

Hold it right there! Don’t even think about pouring that bacon grease down the drain. We get it – it’s a hot, oily mess. But it can cause serious issues when poured down your kitchen drain. So, what in the world are you supposed to do with it?

Why Is Grease Bad for Drains?

The grease solidifies once it cools off. Sure, it might flow out of the pan and down the drain, but in a few minutes, the grease solidifies in the pipes and acts as a sticky trap for gunk and debris. Over time this blockage can clog the pipes or slow the drain. Grease also wreaks havoc on local sewer systems and septic tanks. Significant amounts of grease in sewers have even clogged neighborhood sewer systems.

What to Do with Leftover Cooking Grease

Bacon grease, duck fat, lard – any grease that is solid at room temperature should stay far away from your drains. Cooking oils that are liquid at room temperatures, such as olive oil, vegetable oil or canola oil, should also never be poured down the drain. Here’s what to do with both after you’re done cooking.

Grease – If the grease is still hot, simply pour it into a dedicated grease jar or can. A mason jar works well, or you can make a disposable grease can by removing the lid of a soda can with a can opener. When the jar or can fills up, simply scoop out the solid grease into the trash bin or throw out the entire can. You may also leave the grease in the pan, wait till it solidifies, and then wipe it out with paper towels.

Cooking Oils – Allow the cooking oil to cool off before you do anything with it. If there is less than a cup of oil, pour it into the trash can on top of a few paper towels. This may not be an option if you’re dealing with large amounts of oil. If you need to dispose of more than a cup, pour the oil into a container and reuse it next time you’re frying. Or you can save plastic jugs with screw tops to collect used cooking oil in and throw the entire container away when it’s full.

What If I Already Poured Grease Down the Drain?

Our plumbers recommend the most eco-friendly drain preventative there is! BioChoiceES® is the safe, natural alternative to caustic drain cleaning chemicals that helps prevent drain build-ups by degrading organic materials such as soap scum, fats, oils, and grease buildup.

Call Expert Drain Cleaners

If you’ve been pouring grease down your drain for years, then you might need professional help. This grease is likely holding on to debris that is clogging your pipes and requires professional cleaning. Call us to unclog your drains and clean your pipes. You can also request an estimate on our homepage. We are locally owned and operated company. Our plumbers understand that plumbing service is about not only your pipes but also your satisfaction. We won’t begin work until we give you a complete diagnosis and the best options to get it fixed, followed by an upfront flat rate price; that’s what we guarantee.…

In any construction project there are three main parties involved: the owner or client, the management team, and the contractor. The building contractor plans and coordinates construction activities, and must complete the project within the established time and budget. Contractors are responsible for the entire construction process, and must determine the best methods to finish the project as specified.

General Responsibilities of a Building Contractor

In general terms, a contractor is responsible for planning, leading, executing, supervising and inspecting a building construction project. The responsibility extends from the beginning to the end of the project, regardless of its scope.

Contractors accomplish their duties by planning activities, supervising workers, and ensuring the project follows local codes and laws. A contractor may hire subcontractors for specialized areas, such as electrical installations and HVAC systems.

Specific Roles and Duties of a Building Contractor

As mentioned before, a building contractor has multiple responsibilities, which may vary depending on the contract. There are many roles a contractor can assume during different stages of a project, and this section covers the most common ones.

Project Planning

Every project has a master schedule that describes all activities, along with their time distribution and planned budget. This schedule has a completion date that contractors must meet, and hefty penalties normally apply for missing the deadline. A late completion can only be justified if the project was delayed by external factors beyond the contractor’s control, such as extreme weather.

The first duty of a building contractor is creating a project plan to deliver it on time. Some responsibilities include:

• Planning all crucial project development and implementation details.
• Determining the construction equipment and material requirements, and planning their procurement.
• Predicting possible changes and creating risk mitigation strategies.
• Meeting any legal and regulatory issues.
• Establishing effective communication among all project participants.

The building contractor must establish a budget for the construction project, and follow it as closely as possible. The budget is a useful tool to track project costs, since contractors can detect waste by comparing their actual expenses with the planned budget.

Project Management

The contractor needs to complete the project on time, and this involves many construction management activities:

• Ensuring funds are available to keep the project moving
• Purchasing materials with enough anticipation for them to reach the site when needed
• Purchasing or renting the construction equipment required for the project
• Interviewing and hiring subcontractors to complete specialized work
• Creating progress reports to justify intermediate payments

Building contractors are also responsible for their personnel, making sure their staff has the right size and technical skills. Contractors also manage payroll for their own employees, and subcontractor payments.

Project Tracking

Project tracking is fundamental to complete the work according to contract specifications and schedules. In addition to tracking progress, contractors must prevent disruption. This involves several complementary activities:

• Quality control
• Using cost-effective construction methods
• Ensuring a constant supply of materials, and scheduling purchases well in advance
• Construction site safety

During the construction process, the building contractor is responsible for tracking progress and managing any necessary changes. Of course, contractors must always have the project scope, time and budget in mind when making decisions.

Legal and Regulatory Issues

Contractors have a handful of responsibilities in terms of legal and regulatory issues. They  must acquire all the necessary permits and licenses before starting the project, while covering any fees and taxes that apply. Also, the entire construction process must follow local legislation and building codes.

Being unaware of legal requirements is not a valid excuse in construction projects, which means that contractors must have updated knowledge. With the right construction permits and contractor licenses, the project can progress without disruption.

Health and Safety Issues

The contractor must guarantee health and safety in the construction site, by implementing adequate procedures and raising awareness among workers. The contractor is also responsible for the proper operation of equipment and preventing any accidents from misuse.

The contractor deals with any emergencies and unforeseen issues at the project site, and must report them to the client’s supervision staff.

Conclusion

Building contractors have many roles during the different stages of construction, and each role comes with different responsibilities. Contractors should be capable of managing uncertainty and taking decisions on a daily basis. The track record of a contractor is also very important, since those with ample experience can respond better to common issues in projects. Contact us for more information.…