Why Is It Important to Hire Qualified Residential Plumbing Services?

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Plumbing is an essential aspect of any residential property, and a well-maintained plumbing system ensures the proper functioning of your home. Therefore, when facing any plumbing issues, it is essential to hire a qualified residential plumbing service. Plumbing issues can arise at any time, and it is important to have access to reliable and qualified residential plumbing services to fix them. However, with so many plumbing services available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which ones are qualified and reliable. In this article, we will discuss why it is crucial to hire qualified residential plumbing services.

Ensures Safe and Efficient Plumbing System

Hiring a qualified residential plumbing service ensures the safety and efficiency of your plumbing system. Experienced plumbers have the expertise to handle any plumbing issue effectively and efficiently. They can identify the root cause of the problem and fix it correctly, preventing any future issues. Moreover, qualified plumbers use the latest tools and techniques to repair and install plumbing systems, ensuring the system’s longevity and proper functioning.

Licensing and Certification

One of the most important factors to consider when recognizing a qualified residential plumbing service is licensing and certification. Professional plumbers must have a license to operate, which is issued by the state. This license ensures that the plumbing company has undergone the required training and certification to provide plumbing services. Moreover, licensing ensures the plumbing company is knowledgeable about plumbing codes and regulations, and the work is up to the required standards. 

Provides Professional Expertise

Qualified residential plumbing services have professional expertise in handling various plumbing issues. They undergo extensive training and certification programs to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to handle any plumbing issue. Their expertise enables them to diagnose and resolve complex plumbing issues that might be difficult for inexperienced individuals to fix. Moreover, professional plumbers can offer useful advice on maintaining your plumbing system, preventing future problems. Experience is a crucial factor in choosing qualified residential plumbing services. Experienced plumbers have a wealth of knowledge and skills, enabling them to handle any plumbing issue effectively and efficiently. Moreover, they can diagnose the problem accurately and offer the best solution, preventing any future plumbing issues. Therefore, it is essential to hire a plumbing service that has been in business for a considerable period and has a track record of providing quality services.

Saves Time and Money

Hiring a qualified residential plumbing service can save you time and money in the long run. Professional plumbers have the necessary tools and expertise to handle any plumbing issue quickly and efficiently, saving you time. Moreover, they can fix the problem correctly, preventing any future plumbing issues, saving you money in the long run. Attempting to fix the issue yourself or hiring an inexperienced individual can lead to costly mistakes that might require extensive repairs, costing you more money.

Offers Emergency Services

Plumbing emergencies can occur at any time, and it is essential to have access to reliable emergency plumbing services. Qualified residential plumbing services offer emergency services, ensuring that you can access plumbing services whenever you need them. They have a team of experienced plumbers available 24/7 to handle any emergency plumbing issue effectively and efficiently, preventing any further damage to your property. From an automobile hitting your water main to a water heater that springs a leak, it is a good idea to have a qualified, dependable plumbing service on your team.

Provides Warranties and Guarantees

Qualified residential plumbing services offer warranties and guarantees on their services, giving you peace of mind. Their warranties and guarantees ensure that any issues that arise after the plumbing service is completed will be fixed at no extra cost. This ensures that you receive high-quality services that meet your expectations, and you do not have to worry about any additional expenses. Similarly, using unlicensed and unauthorized contractors may void the warranties on products.

Maintains Health and Safety

Hiring a qualified residential plumbing service can help maintain the health and safety of your home. Plumbing issues such as leaks, clogs, or sewage backups can lead to serious health hazards such as mold, bacteria, and viruses. Professional plumbers can identify and fix these issues, ensuring that your home remains safe and healthy. Moreover, they can install plumbing systems that meet the required safety standards, preventing any potential safety hazards.

Insurance

Qualified residential plumbing services should have insurance coverage to protect their clients from any liability in case of accidents or damages that might occur during the plumbing work. The insurance coverage should include workers’ compensation, general liability, and property damage insurance. This ensures that any accidents or damages that might occur during the plumbing work are covered, and the client does not incur any extra expenses. Keep in mind that using uninsured contractors means that you are taking on the contractor’s liability, and that can become very expensive if anything goes wrong.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Customer reviews and testimonials are an excellent way to recognize qualified residential plumbing services. These reviews offer insight into the quality of services provided by the plumbing service and the level of customer satisfaction. Positive reviews and testimonials indicate that the plumbing service is reliable, efficient, and provides quality services. Therefore, it is essential to check online reviews and testimonials before hiring a plumbing service to ensure that you are hiring a qualified and reliable service.

Hiring a qualified residential plumbing service is crucial for maintaining a safe, efficient, and functional plumbing system. Their expertise, professional knowledge, and access to the latest tools and techniques ensure that your plumbing issues are handled effectively and efficiently. Moreover, they offer emergency services, warranties, and guarantees, saving you time and money in the long run. Therefore, whenever you face any plumbing issue, it is essential to hire a qualified residential plumbing service.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

6 Popular Residential Plumbing Services That Benefit Landlords

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As a landlord, one of the most important things you can do is to maintain the plumbing system in your rental property. A functional plumbing system ensures that your tenants have access to clean water, functioning plumbing fixtures, and proper waste disposal. Plumbing issues can cause inconvenience and discomfort for your tenants and can lead to property damage and costly repairs. In this article, we will discuss six popular residential plumbing services that benefit landlords.

1. Drain Cleaning

Clogged drains can cause water backups and slow drainage, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health hazards. Professional plumbers can use specialized equipment to clean clogged drains and prevent future blockages. Regular drain cleaning can also prolong the lifespan of your plumbing system and save you money on costly repairs.

By providing your tenants with functioning and efficient plumbing fixtures, you can improve their quality of life and attract quality tenants to your rental property. In addition, regular drain cleaning can prevent potential health hazards and reduce the likelihood of property damage caused by water backups.

2. Faucet and Toilet Repair

Faucet and toilet leaks are common plumbing issues in rental properties. These leaks can waste water, increase utility bills, and cause water damage to walls and floors. Professional plumbers can quickly identify and repair faucet and toilet leaks, ensuring that your tenants have functional and efficient plumbing fixtures.

Regular maintenance can also prevent future leaks and extend the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures, saving you money on costly repairs and replacements. By providing your tenants with properly functioning faucets and toilets, you can also improve their quality of life and attract quality tenants to your rental property.

3. Water Heater Installation and Repair

Hot water is essential for everyday activities such as bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. A malfunctioning water heater can cause inconvenience and discomfort for your tenants. Professional plumbers can install and repair water heaters, ensuring that your tenants have access to hot water when they need it.

Regular maintenance can also prevent future issues and extend the lifespan of your water heater, saving you money on costly replacements. By providing your tenants with reliable hot water, you can improve their quality of life and attract quality tenants to your rental property.

4. Pipe Repair and Replacement

Damaged pipes can cause water leaks, water pressure issues, and even flooding, leading to costly repairs and property damage. Professional plumbers can identify and repair or replace damaged pipes, ensuring that your plumbing system operates efficiently and safely.

5. Garbage Disposal Installation and Repair

Garbage disposals are a convenient and efficient way to dispose of food waste in rental properties. However, they can malfunction due to misuse or age, causing unpleasant odors and clogs. Professional plumbers can install and repair garbage disposals, ensuring that your tenants can use them safely and efficiently.

6. Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling

Bathroom and kitchen remodeling can add value to your rental property and attract quality tenants. Professional plumbers can assist with the plumbing aspects of remodeling projects, including fixture installation, pipe relocation, and bathroom and kitchen layout design.

Do-It-Yourself Vs. Professional Plumbers

When it comes to plumbing in your home, you have two options: DIY or professional services. While DIY plumbing can be cost-effective, it also has its risks, including potential damage to your home and personal injury. Residential plumbing services, on the other hand, provide experienced professionals who can identify and solve complex plumbing issues with ease. In this article, we will compare DIY plumbing and residential plumbing services to help you determine the best option for your home.

Benefits and Drawbacks of DIY

DIY plumbing may seem like an attractive option at first glance, particularly for those who are skilled at DIY projects. One of the primary benefits of DIY plumbing is cost-effectiveness. By doing the work yourself, you can save money on labor costs and avoid the expenses associated with hiring a professional. 

There are, however, significant drawbacks to DIY plumbing that must be considered. First, the lack of experience and training in plumbing can lead to mistakes and accidents. If you make a mistake while working on your plumbing, it can result in significant damage to your home and even personal injury. Additionally, DIY plumbing may not be as cost-effective as it seems. While you may save money on labor costs, you may end up spending more money in the long run if you make mistakes that require professional repair or replacement.

What It Takes to Be a Professional Plumber

Residential plumbing services, on the other hand, offer a range of benefits that cannot be replicated through DIY plumbing. The primary benefit of residential plumbing services is the expertise and experience of the professionals. Plumbers have undergone extensive training and education to become certified and licensed professionals in their field. As a result, they are equipped to handle even the most complex plumbing issues with ease. Additionally, hiring a professional plumber can provide peace of mind knowing that the job is done correctly the first time.

Hiring a Professional for Sudden Emergencies

Another advantage of residential plumbing services is the availability of emergency services. Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, and having a reliable professional to call can be invaluable. Professional plumbers have the necessary equipment and experience to handle even the most challenging plumbing issues quickly and efficiently.  As a landlord, this means tenants can safely return to their homes with confidence the emergency has been fixed.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

Can I Claim Burst or Frozen Pipes Under My Home Insurance Policy?

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Whether or not you can claim residential plumbing services under your home insurance policy depends on the specific details of your policy and the circumstances surrounding the damage. In general, most home insurance policies will cover water damage caused by burst or frozen pipes. However, it is important to review the specific terms of your policy to understand what is covered and what is not. Insurance policies and coverages vary by company, region, and state laws.

Home Insurance Exclusions

It is important to note that some policies may have exclusions for certain types of water damage. For example, if the damage was caused by a flood or other natural disaster, your policy may not cover the cost of repairs. In some regions, you can purchase flood insurance as a separate policy, but the cost of flood insurance is often prohibitive. 

Another exclusion may come into play if the damage was caused by negligence or lack of maintenance, your claim may be denied. Scheduling annual plumbing inspections and taking care to winterize your pipes in late autumn is typically the only regular maintenance required beyond random or unexpected damages.

Act Quickly

To determine whether or not you can make a claim for burst or frozen pipes, it is important to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the damage occurs. You will need to provide details about the cause of the damage, the extent of the damage, and any steps you have taken to mitigate further damage. Taking steps to reduce additional damage is important. For example, failing to shut off the water at the leak may be determined to be negligence, and could limit or eliminate any coverage you may have deserved. When a pipe bursts, call for emergency plumbing services to prevent additional damage.

What You Can Claim

If you have costs associated with mitigating the damage, you may be able to claim them as an emergency repair. It can benefit your position to take photos before and after every step of the repair process, beginning with the initially broken pipe.

What You Cannot Claim

A home insurance claim will not pay for pre-existing damages, rot, mold and mildew. This is because some homeowners have allowed their plumbing to leak for extended periods that result in decayed ceilings, walls, and floors. A burst pipe may be covered under your policy, but home renovations are not.

Related Insurance Claims

Storm damage or other types of incidents can cause plumbing problems that are covered by your homeowner’s policy. In some cases– such as a reckless driver, or your neighbor’s tree falling on your home– May be covered by someone else’s insurance policy. If you have a plumbing leak, flooding, or other plumbing problems that you believe are caused by someone else, contact your insurance company and ask them how to proceed.

Know Your Policy

In order to ensure that you are fully covered in the event of burst or frozen pipes, it is important to review your home insurance policy on a regular basis and make sure that you have adequate coverage for your specific needs. You may also want to consider adding additional coverage options, such as flood insurance, if you live in an area that is prone to flooding or other natural disasters. The key to successfully making a claim for burst or frozen pipes is to act quickly, provide detailed information to your insurance provider, and work closely with them to ensure that your claim is properly processed and handled.

Home Warranty Coverage

In addition to the possibility of being covered by your insurance policy, you may be able to file the claim against your home warranty if it is still in effect. Unlike insurance, a home warranty is typically a one-time purchase that covers home appliances and essential systems for a prescribed period of time. In most cases, home warranties are bought at or near closing on the property and last for between 2 and 5 years.

Plumbing Services

Qualified plumbing contractors are your best course of action when a pipe breaks, whether you have home insurance coverage, a home warranty, or will be paying out of pocket. Plumbers are experienced in emergency shut-offs, and may be able to talk you through the disconnect over the phone and before contractors arrive on location to repair the problem. Unless you are experienced in home plumbing repairs, call an experienced contractor as soon as you discover the leak.

Summertime Plumbing Issues

The vast majority of broken pipes outside the home occur during the Spring and Summer months. Rather than being caused by inclement weather, warm weather broken pipes are typically the result of digging related to new construction or landscaping.

This type of damage is not generally covered by a home warranty or homeowners’ insurance, but it does underscore the need to vet any contractors who perform work on your property. A contractor that is licensed and insured would be responsible and capable of repairing any damages they make. On the flip side of the coin, uninsured contractors may pass the damages on to you, generating additional costs because of unprofessional workmanship.

The best course of action is to have the work area checked by a utilities locator before the job begins. Locators will locate and mark underground lines such as gas, water, and sewer. With the lines marked, contractors can more easily perform their work without the risk of utility-related damages. Depending on the type of lines being located, the utility company may furnish location services for you. Gas lines, for example, are typically located by a contractor working for the utility company, and it is done that way because your gas company would rather do location services than face the potential dangers and costs if a gas line is upset during digging.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

5 Residential Plumbing Services to Get Before You Sell Your Home

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A home is a huge investment for most people, and home buyers shop carefully to find homes that appeal to them in different ways. Don’t be surprised if a potential buyer asks about any residential plumbing services you have done recently. Even better, have a list of things that were covered on your home plumbing inspection, and go over them as you show the house. You want to get the most value for the property, and some simple plumbing services will help you sell for better prices.

1. Residential Plumbing Inspections

Getting a home plumbing inspection is one of the most important residential plumbing services to get before putting your home on the market. It provides prospective buyers with a sense of assurance that the home is well-cared for and in good condition. And while a home plumbing inspection is not required by law in most states, it is a great way to boost the asking price.

Residential plumbing contractors will give your plumbing system a complete evaluation, from looking for problems with septic systems to checking for leaks and slow-moving drains. Since home plumbing is inspected by licensed plumbers, any problems that are discovered can be repaired right away.

2. Septic Pump-Out

Knowing that the septic tank is newly emptied is another item that can lead to a faster or more profitable sale. Since this only needs to be done at long intervals, home buyers will immediately see the benefit of having plenty of time before they need to worry about their private sewer system. The process only takes a few minutes, and experienced contractors won’t leave a mess all over your property as some fly-by-night companies may do. Depending on your local laws, you may be required to get a pump-out before putting your home on the market.

Rooter service is one of the most common residential plumbing services, but not every plumber has the equipment to perform a septic pump-out. Because of the special equipment required, some companies avoid the added investment. Look for established plumbing contractors that feature household plumbing repair and rooter service.

3. On-Demand Hot Water

Tankless water heaters have become popular in recent years, and make an affordable plumbing upgrade that new buyers will love. On-demand water heaters are installed in your hot water line, typically beneath a counter or above a ceiling. This eliminates the need for a special water heater closet, and that can be a big plus for home sales as it provides extra space that can be repurposed for other uses.

Without a huge storage tank, tankless water heaters usually outlast conventional systems by 10 years or more. And since they have very few parts that can fail, tankless systems require much less maintenance and upkeep over the years. For many people, however, the biggest attraction for tankless water hears is the fact that they can save anywhere from 10 to 50 percent on your energy bills. For large homes, you can install tankless heaters at heavy-use points to assure the family of always having hot water when they turn the knob.

Even if you choose to stay with a tanked water heater, keep in mind that they are rated for around 10 or 12 years before they should be replaced. Replacing the ones in your home and then listing new water heaters as a selling point will increase buyer interest and appeal. 

4. Trenchless Sewer Replacement

Like on-demand hot water, trenchless sewers are growing in popularity because they can be done quickly and unobtrusively. If you have to make sewer repairs before your house sells, trenchless systems won’t destroy your landscaping or leave long scars across drives and walkways. If the sewer lines being replaced are beneath the home or run under any large slabs or paved areas, trenchless sewer repair is a more affordable solution to consider.

As the name implies, trenchless sewer repair and replacement is ideal for areas that would be severely damaged by digging a ditch. Trenchless begins by digging an opening at each end of the line to be repaired and then using special equipment to bore from one to another. If you consider a situation where the sewer line extends all the way across your basement it is easy to see how 2 openings saves time, money, and resources.

5. Repair Sinks and Drains

Don’t underestimate the power of minor plumbing repairs showing big returns. Shiny new drain covers installed after professional drain cleaning creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance that buyers will take note of. But the visual aspects are only the beginning of how your sinks and drains can affect the sale. Make sure that the drains are working properly and that there aren’t any leaks under sinks, in the water heater pan, or around tubs and toilets. Faulty plumbing can literally make or break a home sale, so take a little time and bring in licensed contractors to get everything in top condition.

Professional plumbers can handle everything from replacing tubs and showers to installing a new dishwasher to modernizing kitchens and bathrooms. You do not have to renovate before selling your house, but minor alterations can lead to big increases in home value and buyer appeal. Additionally, newly installed appliances like tubs or toilets have their own manufacturer warranties that mean years of trouble-free living, and everyone needs less stress in their lives.

Plumbing is a necessary part of modern living, and you won’t get much for a home that has decayed cabinets beneath the sinks, strange odors in the laundry room, or perpetually wet spots near your septic system. For a relatively small investment, home plumbers can repair anything that isn’t working, install new appliances where they are needed, or spruce up kitchens and bathrooms with a bright new look.

Always research your contractors before you hire them. Look at online reviews, check with the local Better Business Bureau, and always insist on contractors that are licensed and insured. Not only are unlicensed contractors breaking the law, but hiring them introduces the possibility of the project not turning out as planned.

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.

Residential Plumbing Services Help You Transition to Municipal Sewer Services

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All over the country, cities and towns are expanding, laying wider roads, and improving utility company coverage in rural areas that have relied on residential plumbing services for many years. The problem is, private systems are not allowed in some areas when a municipal system is available, but municipal lines terminate at the utility’s right-of-way. The result is that homeowners are left with the responsibility of integrating their private sewer lines into the municipal lines. The upgrade entails professionally transitioning to municipal lines and needs to be done by a plumbing company with experience in such residential-to-municipal interfaces.

Municipal Sewage

Municipal sewage systems drain to a treatment facility where water can be processed and cleaned and returned to the community water supply. It is not unusual for sewage upgrades to take place during road widening or resurfacing projects because the utility company has easier access to the underground infrastructure. Unfortunately, connecting to the municipal service is generally a mandatory transition, and homeowners are responsible for the cost of transition from the street-side right-of-way to the sewer line coming out of your home. 

In contrast to a septic-based system, municipal sewer systems use modern reclamation processes that separate nutrients, waste byproducts, and water. Where a private installation returns water to the environment, municipal systems purify water using processes such as reverse osmosis. Once purified, that water is returned to the community water supply where it can be used over and over again.

Installation

For homeowners, a growing community infrastructure may extend municipal reclamation lines into your area, and then force you to tie into the utility. When that happens, you will need reputable residential plumbing services to disconnect your septic and connect to the community line. In many cases, the old septic tank is either filled in or removed. Your experienced plumbing company can help you determine what your options are based on local regulations. The length of time required for the tie-in depends on how long the line to the municipal sewers are, the type of terrain where the home is located, and similar details. Some projects are completed in about a day, while others may require a few days to complete. Your residential plumbers will be able to give you a more accurate time estimate during the initial consultation, but keep in mind that unfavorable weather conditions may create unexpected delays.

Permitting

Complying with local building codes can be confusing or even seem irrational. For example, the city or county can require you to comply with a municipal sewer tie-in, but you still have to have the job permitted and inspected separately from the municipal-side project. Well-established plumbing contractors will know the permitting requirements for your location and have the licensed staff necessary to pull those permits, schedule any inspections required by state and local building codes, and perform the work so that everything passes code inspections and the job can be completed. This may seem like a lot of steps, but plumbing codes change over the years, and older lines often have to be replaced to conform to those codes before the tie-in will be approved.

Trenchless Sewer Solutions

Municipal tie-ins typically involve using rigid sewer lines, but trenchless sewer lines can be installed for some systems. And even if local codes prevent you from using trenchless lines for the tie-in, trenchless is still an excellent way to manage replacing any other sewage lines that need to be replaced. The beauty of a trenchless sewer replacement is that new lines can be installed without disturbing concrete slabs, asphalt drives, or landscaping. Trenchless systems are especially attractive to established residences or in situations where the sewer line needs to be installed under footings or foundations. In many situations, the additional cost of trenchless sewer replacement is offset by the time and labor required to restore an area following a more traditional trenched installation

Property Restoration

With or without a trenchless sewer replacement, tying into the municipal sewer will cause some damage. Interior tie-ins will need to have the opening used for trenchless installation rebuilt, and a traditional sewer line results in repouring the entire length of the trench cut through your foundation slab. Outside, property restoration means replacing foliage, laying sod, and more. The idea is that your property looks as good or better after the sewer tie-in as it did before the process began.

The Importance of Municipal Services

Municipal water utilities are good for the community and the environment. Areas without sufficient rainfall are protected against water shortages and soil contamination, and everyone is assured of a safe, dependable source of potable water. As populations grow, the use of individual septic systems has to be curtailed to protect both public access to drinking water and to ensure a safer environment. 

Another advantage for individual homeowners is that household sewage gets treated by the utility, eliminating septic tank pump-outs, septic treatments to maintain bacteria efficiency, and drain field repair or replacement. Additionally, lawn areas that were previously protected to avoid damaging the septic tank or drain field can be reclaimed as a usable part of the property once more.

Always verify the credentials of contractors you hire, including residential plumbers. In some states, including California, all contractors are required by law to be licensed and insured. This is important for you because it protects you from fly-by-night scams, and insures your home against any incidental damages that may result from the project. 

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating

Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.