Plumbers do the dirtiest of work, but somehow the profession has garnered a reputation for rip-offs. But where would you be without them? Where would your bathroom be?
And let’s be honest. We do not schedule plumbing appointments months in advance. Plumbers are the ones we frantically call at 2 a.m., with water pooling up around our ankles and stolen hotel monogrammed towels strewed across the floor. We call plumbers mid meltdown, and somehow they have to explain the inner workings of our pumps and valves in plain English and jump to action before more damage is done.
Just because it is a dirty job does not mean its practitioners do not deserve our respect—or our understanding. Here are nine things plumbers wish you, their clients, knew to clear the air—or the drains, so to speak.
Your drains are dirty. Really dirty. But that does not mean you are.
People have no concept of what they are flushing down the toilet. You probably assumed that it is pretty gross down there, but if you have never watched someone snake your toilet or shower, it may surprise you just how gross it is. But that is normal. The amount of muck pulled out of your drains is not a reflection of your cleanliness—or of your plumber’s skill. The least helpful thing you can do is remark on how appalling the bathroom looks mid renovation. They know, and it will get better. There is nothing pretty about sewer lines, but when they do not work, you sure notice it.
They will clean up after themselves—but not after you.
Even though the process might be messy, good plumbers will leave your home exactly as they found it. They want it to look just like it did when they got there. But that does not mean they will clean up your messes. If they walk into a bathroom and there is already sewage all over the bathroom, they will get the clog undone, but they do not carry a full line of janitorial supplies on the truck. Most plumbers try to go above and beyond, but sometimes it is going to take a coat of paint and new flooring, not just cleaning to fix the space.
Do not feel bad for calling late at night.
Plumbing is a 24-hour-a-day job, so no reputable plumber will be miffed by a midnight emergency. Call and they will answer. They do not get mad. Sometimes they get the better jobs that way because you could not get anybody else.
Do not overestimate your DIY abilities.
Unless you are seriously handy, leave plumbing to professionals. Know your limits. Some people do not need a plumber. Some get the wrong tool, taking a small problem and making it a big problem because you should not have pried. That turns what could have been a quick fix and an easy job into a strenuous ordeal that could involve pulling up floorboards or tearing into your walls. Yes, sometimes you can save money. But wouldn’t you rather spend a small amount of money now than a huge amount later? Plumbers may have to deal with waste, but that does not mean they like wastefulness. If your mechanical abilities are low, leave it alone.
Stick around or leave during the job—it does not matter to them.
Do not feel bad about hanging around while your plumber is working. Unless you are really grumpy, they do not mind you watching. In fact, many plumbers prefer it if you stay—that way you can answer questions about the home in case an emergency arises.
Maintain your appliances.
Your home does not take care of itself, even if it is new. Most water heaters require yearly maintenance, like flushing them out and checking the anode rod for corrosion. You should regularly check your water shut-off valve for corrosion, too. Some retail stores will perform that for you, but if yours does not, do not ignore your duties. Instructions are in the owner’s manual, but a lot of people do not maintain the plumbing in their home. That can cut down its lifespan and cause issues down the line.
Do not wait for a crisis
Hear a faucet dripping or a toilet running? Have a small leak in the basement? Call your plumber now, before it becomes a major emergency and your basement floods—or something equally tragic happens. If proper maintenance occurs or full attention is paid, the problem will not rise to that level. Be aware. Fixing a small problem is far easier on your wallet—and will not require a major renovation.
Know your home
Quick: Where is your shut-off valve? If you do not know, go find out now—you will save your plumber precious time if something goes wrong (and save your house from further water damage). That way, if there is a leak, or you notice water spraying or not turning off, you have the ability to turn it off at the source.
Plumbing can be expensive
But just because it is expensive does not mean it is a rip-off. People do not realize how expensive plumbing can be. It requires time, expertise, training, and materials to bring things up to code. While you should always get several estimates, do not dismiss one just because it is expensive. When you hire cheap plumbers, chances are good you’ll get what you pay for—and they will not provide the same guaranteed service as pricier plumbers.
Not that price alone determines quality. Check reviews online and even the Better Business Bureau to make sure the plumber you are hiring has the integrity and the ability to handle a situation if it escalates. In particular, make sure the plumber is licensed and insured. If uninsured plumbers were injured on your property they may be able to sue you for damages—and if they destroy your pipes while working on them, they could just skip town, leaving you to pay for yet another plumber to do the repairs.
If you need a list of Houston plumbers, contact me and I will be happy to provide a list that Meadows Property Group has compiled.
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