Answers To Your Questions
"Can you tell me exactly how much this will cost?"
In our years of experience we have found that our clients prefer an accurate price based upon their specific problem. Most phone quotes given are low and will change once there is an actual site inspection of the problem. In person, our plumber will be able to correctly diagnose your problem and give you an exact price.
"Why do you have a service/diagnostic fee? I already know what my problem is."
Although
we can appreciate that you feel you have properly diagnosed your
problem, there are many things you, as a homeowner, may have
overlooked. Our plumber may discover a small problem that could have
gone undetected, causing a major problem, with major costs, if not
repaired. Or he may find a way of fixing your problem at a lesser
cost. Our plumbers have received professional training on the latest
technology and plumbing codes to ensure the safety of your home and
your family. They are background checked and receive ongoing
training. They arrive in a fully stocked service vehicle so they won't have to leave to get parts. We feel that a minimal service fee is a small amount
compared to the value homeowners receive from getting a skilled plumber and quality workmanship and parts with a solid 100% written satisfaction guarantee.
"What does that mean, 'charge by the job and not by the hour'?"
Charging by the job is simply more efficient. You receive one price, including all parts and labour, to complete your work regardless of how long it takes. It will not depend upon who the plumber is or how fast he may or may not be. You will know how much your final invoice will be even before we begin working.
"Do you do work in condos?"
Yes, we do emergency repairs, installations, renovations and maintenance work. (It is important to note that only copper piping is allowed in condos by the Ontario Building Code and that any renovation work be performed by a licensed and insured company. Any major changes are to be pre-approved by the Condo Board and management for legal and insurance reasons.)
"My water bill is very high and yet none of my faucets appear to be leaking. What else could be the problem?"
The most common culprit is the toilet. You may want to check to see if any of your toilets are leaking. The easiest way to find out is by dropping a toilet leak test tablet or a few drops of food colouring into each one of your tanks. Do not flush. If the water in your toilet bowl changes colour after 15 - 20 minutes, it indicates that water is leaking. Also be sure to check underneath your sinks for moisture or leaks. Even a slow leak can waste up to 75 litres (20 gallons) of water per day. Your furnace humidifier should also be checked for signs of leaking.
"What are those noises I hear in my pipes?"
There are a number of reasons for noises in pipes. They could either be coming from the supply system or the drainage system. It could indicate any one of the following: that a toilet or faucet repair is needed, water pressure needs to be addressed, lines need to be "purged" or pipes need to be supported. Your plumber is trained to determine the cause of the noises and perform the necessary repairs.
"I have an awful sewer smell coming from my bathroom in the basement. What is it?"
Plumbing systems were designed to prevent sewer gases from entering your home by means of a trap attached to each plumbing fixture that contains water and/or seal to block them out. From our experience, most people rarely use their basement washrooms and this water or seal dries up. To solve this problem, simply pour about 1 litre of water in each sink, shower and floor drain once a week to prevent these odours from entering the house. And don't forget to flush the toilet too! If that does not solve the problem, it could be that one of the seals needs replacing or the toilet gasket is worn out or improperly installed. Please contact a professional.
"I installed non-freeze taps outside but they still froze and burst. Why? And how can I prevent this from happening again?"
Non-freeze taps, or hosebibbs, still have to be correctly drained before the outside temperature gets too cold. To prevent freezing, turn off the water supply lines running to your outside tap. There is a separate shut off valve usually close to where it goes to the outside. Once the water has been shut off, go outside and remove and drain your garden hose. Now turn on the outside tap so any water remaining in the tap or pipe will drain. Store your garden hose in your garage or shed for the winter. Never leave it attached to the tap.
