Are you thinking of upgrading your kitchen or bathroom? Are you planning to replace an appliance, a sink, shower, or toilet, or to upgrade your water heater? Whether it’s a small job or a major project, it pays to talk to a professional plumber first. Even if you’re just researching pricing for a home project, getting advice from a professional will make the whole project smoother.
Plumbing Is Too Important to Leave to the Internet
When you’re researching information for home projects, like upgrading appliances or major systems, there’s more than one way to get the details you need. These days, most people turn to the internet to find what they’re looking for. Information such as model specifications and prices are there at your fingertips. And it’s so convenient to do research online!
But what important details are you missing by doing all your research via internet lookups? How can you be sure that the information you find online is accurate and applicable to your project?
Why You Need to Talk to a Plumber
Of all the problems that can happen in a home, plumbing problems are oftentimes some of the worst. They have the biggest impact on the health and stability of the home, and they’re some of the most expensive to fix. Though the DIY Channel is great entertainment, remember that they cut to commercial breaks in the middle of projects and don’t show the issues the professional had to correct before the next stage of work. Don’t be fooled by how easy they make it look.
Having easy access to clean water for drinking and hot water for getting clean, is vital. For these reasons, it’s important that any research you do is thorough and that the information you get is accurate. Things like the order of the project can be discussed with a plumber, and they can help you avoid costly mistakes.
1. They Can Provide the Most Accurate Pricing
When you’re buying a new appliance, or upgrading an existing one, there are generally two different prices to consider. The first is the sticker price, or the amount you pay for the appliance. Then there’s the total price: how much you pay for the appliance, plus whatever it costs to deliver and install it. For instance, if you’re planning to do the job yourself, that might mean the cost of tools and supplies. If you hire someone to do it, it means whatever you pay them for the installation. If you’re only looking online for pricing for a home project, you’re unlikely to get an accurate breakdown of the total cost, therefore making your budget inaccurate and often understated.
For accurate pricing information, your best approach is to talk to the professional tradesperson who has daily experience doing the type of work you would like done. If you call a plumber, you can make an appointment to get pricing for the whole project, so you’ll know in advance how much it’s going to cost. This eliminates costly repairs in the future when something has to be redone.
2. They Have the Most Current Information
One issue that can arise when you’re researching plumbing projects is that sometimes it’s hard to tell what information is current and what might be a year or two—or more—out of date. That can be a crucial consideration because older appliances are often less energy-efficient or use more water and are therefore more expensive to run. And when they need repairs, it may be difficult to locate parts for older appliance models.
Plus, technicians like the ones at CW Service Pros are trained on new technology within the plumbing field that can help you save money and keep your family comfortable. For example, have you considered the pros and cons of a water softener vs. a descaler and which one is better for your home? Have you looked at what it costs per year for your home not to be on a recirculation system? You may not have even known to ask these types of questions, but we know how they affect you and can help to educate you so you can make informed decisions.
Often, the internet fails to divulge manufacturer’s issues and problems with products. So while starting with an internet search is beneficial to narrow down what you are looking for, after that, consult with a professional.
3. They Know How to Make Sure Everything’s Up to Your City’s Current Codes
A well-designed plumbing system makes your home more comfortable and convenient to live in. But do you know if it is it up to code? Plumbing codes are designed to ensure plumbing systems are safe to use. They are reviewed annually by municipalities and are based on current technology. It’s likely the code that was in place when your home was originally built is not the same as the code in place now. Plumbing systems that violate code can incur some hefty fines or even put your home at risk of material failure. For instance, materials that were originally put in place to help during construction may be found to cause issues years later. Your plumber can help identify if these exist in your home.
Codes regulate everything from the kinds of materials that can be used to the proper sizes of pipes to use for specific purposes. It’s important to get the advice of someone who’s familiar with the current codes, knows how to follow them, and has experience with common plumbing failure points.
4. They Have the Most Accurate Safety Advice
Last, but definitely not least important, is the issue of safety. A good plumbing system helps make your home warmer and drier, meaning it’s a safer, more pleasant place to live. On the flip side, plumbing systems that are poorly installed or maintained can be extremely unsafe. Plumbing problems can lead to water damage, which can be costly to repair, and can ruin irreplaceable items like pictures and family heirlooms. In the bathroom, a toilet malfunction may cause the buildup of sewer gases that are unsafe to breathe. A leak in the gas system can build up and catch on fire, cause carbon monoxide poisoning, or explode.
When there’s so much at stake, talking to a professional plumber is important to help ensure that home plumbing upgrades are installed safely. They can give you advice on safe installations or take over the job if you decide it’s something you’d rather leave to an expert.
There’s No Substitute for Professional Experience
All of this comes down to one thing: There’s no substitute for the experience and expertise of a professional plumber. Whether you need advice on an installation or are just pricing out a home project, speaking to an expert can help ensure your home project is a success.