An Essential Guide to Plumbing and Plumbers

There are many advancements that current generations enjoy that were once unheard of. When thinking about all of these advancements, most people think of computers, the internet, even video games. However, there are so many other things that are seldom, if ever thought about in these terms. One of the most used advancements of the modern world is indoor plumbing, for that matter plumbing in general. It is hard for the generations who have never known a time without plumbing to fathom existing without it. It has become an integral part of everyday life. The problem is that occasionally plumbing breaks and must be repaired. When this happens, you have two options. One you can fix the problem yourself or two you can hire a professional. Either option is entirely viable depending on your exact situation and needs. Either way is is useful to have a guide to help you along the way and to have as much information as possible. That is exactly what you will find here. A list of tips to help you hire a great plumber, as well as a basic to to DIY your own plumbing.

~DIY Plumbing Guide~

Tools - The first thing you need to do is assemble the tools you will need to basic plumbing repairs. There are different types of pipes located in any residence. Different pipes require different tools. PVC pipe takes one set of tools while copper pipe takes a different set. The pipes you see directly under your sink is different than the ones under your house. Each requires specific tools. For PVC pipe, you will need a pipe cutter, plumbers tape, pipe cement, spare pipe, fittings, and pipe joints. In addition to most of these, you will need solder and a soldering tool for copper pipe. Other tools you may need include a pipe wrench, pipe clamps, adapters, and gaskets.

Repair - There are quite a few different types of repairs you may need to perform. You may need to replace entire sections of pipe, or you may need to replace a joint or connection. Other possible repairs include replacing a gasket, changing the route of the pipe, replacing faucets, and clamping loose pipe. Each of these will require slightly different skills. If you are replacing an entire section of pipe, there are a few simple steps to follow. The first thing you always do before beginning any plumbing project is turn off the water supply. There is always a shut-off valve located somewhere near where the pipe enters the structure. Also, if the repair is directly under a sink, there will be a shut off valve on both the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe. In the case of replacing a section of pipe, you will then want to use the pipe cutter to remove the broken or busted area. Be sure to go at least an inch past the busted area on both ends. You will then apply a connector to each cut end securing them with pipe cement. A new section of pipe will be inserted into the connectors secured in the same way. Leave the pipe for a while so that the cement can cure and set. Then, turn the water back on and check your work for leaks.

~Finding a Professional Plumber~

Hiring a plumber may sound like an incredibly simple task, but when you have a multitude of options, that is not the case. Every situation has different requirements and this should be reflected in the choice of the plumber. This is why it is incredibly helpful to have a guide to make the process easier. The first tip is to create a list of all the things you are looking for in a plumber. This list can include anything that is important to you, but some of the most commonly added things include price, experience, location, and specialties. Price is one of the leading considerations that must be factored into this decision. This is because the vast majority of people have a budget that they must stick to when it comes to paying for these types of projects. Location is another important factor for two reasons. One, some plumbers charge more if they have to travel more than a few miles to reach your location. Two, If a plumber is located very far from your location, it may take more time for them to be able to begin work on your project. Specialties are often important due to the nature of the needed repair.

After putting this list together it is time to begin searching for plumbers in your area. To do this, you will have to perform a bit of research. This can be done in three ways. The first is to simply search for local ads in the form of flyers, signs, maybe even billboards. The second is to search the phone book for listings. Finally, the third is to search the internet for websites, listings, and reviews. If you choose to go this route, it is best to keep the search terms simple. For example, if you live in Carlsbad, a perfectly acceptable search phrase is "plumber Carlsbad". If a search term becomes too complicated or overly specific, it will eliminate any relevant options and will not allow you access to the full list of possibilities.

Once you have a complete list of plumbers located in or near your location, you will begin by comparing each plumber to your list of requirements. Some choice will be quickly eliminated for one reason or another. Because of this, it is important to remember that it will be difficult, perhaps even impossible to find a plumber that perfectly matches every single one of your requirements. It is important to find the closest match possible, but do not automatically count everyone out right off of the bat. Continue to compare and contrast until you find your optimal match. If you are still having a difficult time with the decision, turn to reviews which will provide a more in-depth look at each business. Ideally, you will be able to use the reviews to finish narrowing down your search and find the best plumber for your needs.