Getting A New Plumbing Installation

Changing the look of a house can mean many things. A plumbing installation can be the answer for a new home under construction or offered as a replacement to an installation that?s no longer viable. Either way, a plumbing installation that?s done well can instantly change the look and feel of a room ? and a home in general.

For those who are building a new home, a plumbing installation may be just one of the myriad of choices that the homeowner must make. Sinks, showers, bathtubs, and the like will all need to be decided upon. The choices are often made by taking into account the overall feel of the home and choosing products that fit seamlessly into that atmosphere.

For those who are performing upgrades on an already existing home, a plumbing installation may mean the replacement of an existing installation that no longer fits the environment of the home. Swapping out plumbing installations can change the look of a room enormously and give new life to a home.

While a plumbing installation can certainly be tackled by a confident do-it-yourselfer, most often they are left to the professionals. While a plumbing installation performed by a homeowner may be completed successfully, there may arise problems down the road.

Therefore, in some cases ? when a homeowner is adequately experienced in plumbing installations - it?s best to use a professional plumber. Then, if there?s an issue in the future, the plumber can attend to it. Additionally, the materials used by the plumber should be guaranteed; something you?re not likely to get if you perform the plumbing installation on your own.

Whether it?s done by a professional or an self-assured homeowner, a plumbing installation can be worth the time and money it will cost. The reward will be a beautiful room ? and home ? that matches your personal and unique ideas of perfection.

For easy to understand, in depth information about plumbing visit our ezGuide 2 Plumbing

Ideas For Your Home Plumbing

Plumbing projects can get messy from time to time. Whether you are upgrading an appliance or fixture, installing new plumbing, or repairing old plumbing, it is important that you research what your options are and prepare for a plumber. If you are in need of a repair there are tricks to solving the problem without having to call in a plumber. And if you do have to call in a plumber it is important that you carefully select one.

Plumbing consists of the pipes and fixtures for the distribution of water or gas in your house. Some of the most common and not so common types of plumbing appliances and fixtures include lavatory sinks, pedestal sinks, utility sinks, a shower/bath, a toilet, a whirlpool, a steam shower, a tankless water heater, solar water heaters and a septic tank. In addition to these fixtures and appliances, you may want to consider the following ideas for your next plumbing project:

Freeze protection for your pipes.
Insulated pipes.
Insulated water heater.
A circulating hot water pump.

Often times a plumbing problem arises in your home, such as a drain problem, a leaky faucet, or a faulty fixture that needs replacement. Many homeowners instinctually call a plumber before taking the time to think about the ways in which the problem could be solved without spending so much money. For example, if you have been wasting money on an annual drain-clearing procedure then you may want to stop for a second and think about what the cause of the problem is. Simple cost effective solutions can be used on almost all plumbing issues. Make sure to review the problem, search for the cause and try attacking the source on your own before calling in an expensive plumber.

In addition, you may be able to save yourself some pennies by purchasing your own plumbing fixtures. Often times you end up paying more for a fixture if you purchase one from your plumber. This is mainly because plumbers sell you toilets, sinks, and faucets that they get at a discount and charge you full price for. The rack up in price is meant to cover the costs of dealing with purchases, returns, and storage. Fortunately, home center stores are now charging you prices that are even lower than the contractor prices that plumbers pay their suppliers. It never hurts to shop around at your home center first because you might just catch yourself a deal.

If and when you do decide to hire a plumber, be careful doing so. Hiring a plumber is very similar to purchasing a car. In both situations, it isn?t wise to go to the yellow pages and choose a dealership/plumber at random. You never know what you are going to get that way. It is best to shop around and get at least three price quotes. The best advice to offer when it comes to hiring a plumber is to do your research and find a qualified plumber who can suit your needs the best.

To learn more about plumbing, and for a free price quote on plumbing services visit www.PlumbingKey.com.

 

Opportunities in Plumbing Design

A plumbing designer is an engineer that is charge of planning the big picture of plumbing in building, reservoirs and other situations dealing with water. In the process they will work with architects, engineers, plumbers, and other designers. Their charge being to design the most efficient and effective plumbing systems in the new structures. The materials they choose on include pipes, tanks, valves, pumps and other means of channelling water as needed.

Plumbing Design requires building extremely strong plumbing systems with failover. The plumbing designer must never cut corners even if encouraged to, as the end systems may cause major disaster should they fail. When it comes to this, redundancy and backup systems are a large part of the planning. Failures in plumbing design could cause many displaced persons, and maybe even fatalities.

Education Required For Plumbing Design

The most complete education for Plumbing Design is through a university. You won't find a 4 year program called ?plumbing design? rather you would focus on studies related to building construction, civil engineering, or mechanical engineering. This choice of study will bring you the widest spectrum of knowledge, and other opportunities should you decide that being a plumbing designer isn't for you. These programs will likely find you a vast resource in contacts, and some excellent internship opportunities that can give your career an extra boost from the start.

You will often find a more specific 2-year program in ?plumbing design? at a number of colleges. This shorter degree program will definitely get you what you need. Still you will want to gain experience in your field prior to graduation to give you better chances once you are ready to start your career.

Some plumbing designers come from the many master plumbers out there. With years of experience they have become experts at the big picture of plumbing. With this come many certifications from various professional plumbing organizations that specifically confirm their qualifications. Often their career path was aimed towards the engineering side of commercial plumbing where the systems are much larger than those in residential installations and repairs.

Certifications and Continued Education

Plumbing design requires continued training on the skills needed to cover changes in plumbing, technological improvements in related fields, and changes in local codes that need to be followed in new civil engineering. Some plumbing engineers may even be involved in the development of these local laws.

Often plumbing engineers are ?certified in plumbing design?. This is the result of passing tests proving they have strong knowledge in plumbing design. They also have to retest and train additionally to maintain their status. This not only keeps them at the top of their field, it also brings improvements in their designs.

The American Society of Plumbing Engineers is a professional trade organization that publishes magazines, and newsletters keeping their members up on the latest advances as well as other resources to help their membership keep up on the latest in their industry. If you are looking towards engineering related to plumbing you may want to become a member at the earliest possible time.

Interested in Plumbing as a career? Do you know what the plumbers hourly rate is? Visit the House Plumbing Site which provides comprehensive and up to date help and advice on all plumbing issues. Be sure to check it out today here: - http://www.houseplumbingsite.com

Dealing With A Plumbing Problem

Nothing can be more frustrating in a home than a plumbing problem. A leaky faucet or running toilet brings dollar signs to mind as you envision the recruitment of a high-priced plumber and time spent inconvenienced by in-home repairs.

But every plumbing problem does not immediately spell disaster. There are quite a few basic plumbing problems that almost all homeowners experience at one time or another. Therefore, it?s best to educate yourself on these potential issues so that you are prepared and knowledgeable to best tackle them should they arise.

The most common of our plumbing problems is that of an annoying leaky faucet. This can be the most aggravation to address if you don?t know how to fix it yourself; calling out a professional plumber for this mostly simple issue can cost you needlessly. But in order to determine if it?s a minor leak or a major pipe breakage, you must first turn off the main water source. If your leak continues then chances are you have a minor issue on your hands. If you actually hear water continuing to run then you may have a bigger problem.

Take time to examine all elements of a plumbing problem. Often the mere tightening of a bolt can eliminate your problem. Replacing simple parts that have eroded with age can also save you big bucks. If you?re unsure how to proceed go online for step-by-step instructions. Or you can visit your local home improvement store where you?ll likely find all the help that you need.

Arm yourself with the tools necessary for success. Call on help to make sure you have the proper inclusions in your tool box. Having what you need on hand increases your chances of completing the project successfully.

In the end, if you find that you?re over your head, don?t be afraid to call in the professionals. A plumber can actually wind up saving you money in the long run; if you do more damage trying to fix a problem yourself then you?ll eradicate any savings anyway.

A plumbing problem doesn?t have to leave you broke and confused. Simple steps can be taken to examine and diagnosis any common plumbing problem. With a little research and some time spent dedicated to the problem you may find that you?ve successfully solved your plumbing problem all on your own. And nothing is more self-satisfying then accomplishing a job with your own two hands.

For easy to understand, in depth information about plumbing visit our ezGuide 2 Plumbing.

Pex Plumbing Supplies

Pex Plumbing Supplies include the parts that might be needed to install a plumbing system. These parts include chemicals, faucets, valves, and many more.


Hercules Chemicals including Block, Furnace Cement, Pro Dope, Soldering Paste, Boiler Liquid, Grit Cloth, Root Destroyer, TFE Tape. Boiler liquids used for Seals and repairs cracks and leaks in stem and hot water systems. This liquid formula will not clog hot water coils, controls, valves, or vents. They form a tough seal that expands and contracts with heat.

Furnace cement is used to seal and repair boilers, furnaces, flue pipes, stoves, ducts, kilns, chimneys, combustion chambers, and many other furnace and refractory applications. Unique patented clean'n friendly formula meets OSHA's requirement of less than 0.1% of crystalline silica content.

Grit cloth is used for cleaning and preparing copper pipe and fittings for soldering. Can be used in wet environments, and is easily cleaned with water for continual use. Made with resin-bonded 180-grit aluminum oxide for a sharper cutting face, both sides are equally effective in cleaning pipes. It?s non-clogging and long lasting packaged in a dispensing box.
Our Faucet line includes kitchen and bathroom faucets from Delta. Delta is the world's leading faucet manufacturer. Our PEX plumbing Systems, PEX pipe, Grease Traps, PEX Tubing are in high demand as more and more homeowners realize the problems with copper and CPVC and the advantages of our range. As Zurn PEX Radiant Heat Systems are growing in popularity. PEX tubing is poised to compete with copper Lightweight, tough, and flexible, PEX tubing is ideal for sub-slab jobs and messy retrofits.


PEX Plumbing is the future of the plumbing industry. PEX Plumbing involves PEX tubing, PEX fittings, PEX manifolds or Plumbing Manifolds, and the PEX Tools that accompany these parts.







To know more, visit: www.plumbinggoods.com

What To Expect From A Plumbing Contractor Service?

Any home runs and functions properly only if all the allied services and systems function the way they should be. A building structure like a home building depends heavily on various systems that work round the clock to serve the residents. Some of these systems are

*Electrical system
*Plumbing system
*Security systems

Out of these the plumbing systems is primarily divided into water intake and drainage. All those points that take in water and throw or carry the waste water out of the building, follow a system.

Every single element of this entire plumbing system has to be 100% "water tight". By water tight I mean leak proof. When a pipe starts to leak, it happens usually at joints. The leaking of joints can happen because of two reasons.

1) The pipe is carrying more water than what it is designed for. Because of this the water flowing inside extra pressure from inside. And the only possible weak point is at joints.

2) The joinery of pipes is itself weak at the time of installation of pipe.

* A plumbing contractor must first understand the various standard diameters of the pipes required for the type of service the pipe provides.

For example the water intake pipe has a lower diameter than a drainage pipe. Also the material of both the pipes is different. It can range from PVC to cast iron.

* If you are planning to hire a plumbing contractor service, ask for a quotation before the work starts.

* A good plumbing contractor will always give you alternative solutions for a given problem to be solved. These alternatives can be with respect to budget alternatives or material alternatives.

* Always hire a licensed plumber. A licensed plumber is always a pre-qualified professional from the government of the country in which you reside. most countries have such kind of certification available for professionals.

I hope this article was informative.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

Are you a homeowner looking for a plumbing contractor? register FREE with your ZIP code and get a list of pre-qualified licensed plumber contractor service in minutes. No work begins without your approval. Visit http://bedroom-design-and-decorating-ideas.com/plumbing-contractor.htm

Plumbing As Part Of Home Improvement Projects

In order to determine the market value of a home, experts and buyers alike will form their opinions around two very important rooms; the kitchen and the bathrooms. As this is commonly known, many people will choose to do a remodeling project on these rooms in order to increase the value of their home. To accomplish the project, there are inevitably going to be some jobs which involve a degree of plumbing expertise. If you are a do it yourself type of person, then it is important to realize that plumbing is not an area that can be glossed over. The proper installation of piping and the individual faucet alike are imperative in order to save time and money in the future. In order to determine what you will be able to handle on your own during the project, make sure that you are aware of the different tasks that the plumbing on the project will entail.

Most do it yourselves do not have a problem when it comes to admitting that plumbing is an area in which their knowledge is limited. While the job may seem hard to understand, the fact is that there are a lot of plumbing jobs that a novice can undertake with confidence that he will be successful. There are many resources available to those who want to try a task on their own, including sources found in books, magazines, and on the Internet. Most of the really good sources will not only include step by step instructions but also clear diagrams on the procedures. Some tasks, such as putting in a new faucet or a tap, are easy enough to do on your own. Other more involved tasks, like replacing a lot of pipes or extending pipe systems, will require the help of trained professionals.

One way to decide what you can undertake yourself and what you will need a pro for is to create a detailed plan before commencing the project. This will help you decide which areas you will need help in, and when that help will be needed. You can also use this plan to set up a schedule in advance with the plumber who you want to do the work.

Good plumbing is a crucial element in the value of your home. It will not necessarily add equity, since plumbing is invisible and sadly what people care about is only what they can see. However, bad plumbing will definitely work to decrease the value of your home in the case of a breakdown. If you have doubts about your capabilities on a project, make sure that you are not afraid to call a plumber.
Johnathan Bakers usually writes long articles on problems related to kitchen cabinet and countertops. His writings on kitchen faucets can be found on his site .

 

Plumbing Design As A Career

Plumbing Design involves the implementation of plumbing fixtures into a house during the planning stages. Plumbing design means getting involved on the ground floor and working with other home design professionals. The result is a conglomeration of efforts to make a home as efficient as possible.

The goals of plumbing design include form, function, and safety above all. Someone involved in plumbing design must have the capacity to see the bigger picture and integrate their designs into the overall design of the home.

Someone who is interested in plumbing design can be educated in a number of capacities. Those embarking on plumbing design almost always have either a two-year or four-year degree or previous experience as a plumber.

You can find a number of programs within accredited universities that will help you on your road towards plumbing design. Most engineering or construction programs will offer classes in plumbing design; the information they impart will be specific as well as offering a generalized industry overview.

Part of the education in plumbing design includes professional experience as in intern or apprentice. Making career contacts while still in school will allow for an easier transition into your chosen career.

To find those schools that offer plumbing design majors or classes, get online to research your options. You?ll find a multitude of choices to help you on the way to your new career.

Upon completion of your schooling and the passing of specific tests, you will become certified in plumbing design. This certification will allow you work in the field of plumbing design as you begin working with clients and building your professional book.

Once immersed completely in your career of plumbing design it will be necessary to revisit your certification along the way. Clients will look for professionals who are experienced and armed with the most up-to-date certifications.

Certification will award you the privilege of the highest honors in plumbing design and clients will reward you with ongoing work.

Becoming educated and certified in plumbing design will allow you to begin a journey into a fantastic career where you can assist others achieve their pinnacle of home design. It can be an enormously satisfying and lucrative career.

For easy to understand, in depth information about plumbing visit our ezGuide 2 Plumbing.

The leading online Plumbing

PlumbingGoods.com is an online leader in PEX Plumbing, general plumbing supplies, Radiant Heat Products, heating supplies, and more. Plumbinggoods.com is among the trendsetters who are one of the kinds to provide exclusive information needed to purchase right product with a list of popular companies to offer you guarantee products. It is the best and most popular websites to provide with the best information and quality products for your home or office. The website provides the best information in the plumbing goods available in the market. Not only, the information found here is reliable but the products available are assured of top quality in best prices.

The website has the most remarkable names attached to it such as Wirsbo, Taco, Watts, Bell Gossett, Honeywell, and McDonnell Miller that are considered as the highest standards setters among the others in the industry. It has commendable policies that prove always beneficial to the customers. Customer satisfaction being the prime motto the website is designed in such an easy way letting you visit in the most special way. The website respects the privacy of the online visitors hence ensures full privacy without any sort of interference. The essential and minor information that we require from you is assured to remain private and not being shared moreover it's just a way that enables us to serve you best. Get the Radiant Heat with installation accessories, manifolds and adaptors, that are capable of heating an entire house, and is far more comfortable and efficient than forced air or convection heating.

To get the most value, you need to plan differently for a PEX installation. Instead of following a road like network of large pipes that would normally feed smaller ones in straight-line fashion, water flows from the main PEX line to a central location called a manifold, which in turn feeds smaller PEX lines that supply fixtures directly.

Our PEX plumbing Systems, PEX pipe, Grease Traps, PEX Tubing are in high demand as more and more homeowners realize the problems with copper and CPVC and the advantages of our range. As Zurn PEX Radiant Heat Systems are growing in popularity. PEX tubing is poised to compete with copper Lightweight, tough, and flexible, PEX tubing is ideal for sub-slab jobs and messy retrofits.

Before you buy PEX and plumbing supplies, create a schematic drawing of your proposed layout. Mark the location and type of any fittings you will need, and note any major obstacles caused by framing details or inconvenient routes. By doing this, you can make a list of all the supplies and tools you will need before making a trip to the hardware store. As you plan your layout, remember that the flexibility of PEX offers potential for designs not possible with rigid piping. For instance, you can run PEX lines through holes drilled in floor joists, keeping your pipes tucked up inside the floor frame, where they will be out of the way. With headquarters in New York, USA PlumbingGoods.com is the country's newest plumbing industry offering the plumbing supplies and goods with customer ease while availing the products. plumbing goods is your one stop shop for Radiant Heat & PEX plumbing Supplies.

Our Radiant Heat Products include PEX Tubing, Taco Pumps, Wirsbo PEX Pipe, Honeywell, Mcdonnell Miller Controls, and Wirsbo PEX. For the best services, reliable information and best companies please contact us

For the best services, reliable information and best companies please contact us

Dial Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm EST at toll free number 888-551-7600

For general inquiries please visit info@PlumbingGoods.com

For best customer service please visit customerservice@PlumbingGoods.com

For corporate sales please visit corporatesales@PlumbingGoods.com

Product requests are entertained at productrequest@PlumbingGoods.com

Contact us and we assure that it will become your top choice forever.





Name: John Parker

Email: plumbgoods@gmail.com





To Know More Visit: http://www.plumbinggoods.com

Listening Devices Aid Plumbers & Wild Life Lovers

There are all types of listening devices available on the market today. The can be as large as a twenty inch parabolic dish, as small as a wristwatch, or even as small as a matchstick lapel microphone.

Listening devices have many more uses than just surveillance work, too. Listening devices such as the Bionic Ear have been used for magnifying animal sounds for personal safety, recording bird calls for nature photography, and were even used during Desert Storm. You can even use listening devices with your recorder to make fantastic recordings as gifts.

Some listening devices can be added onto a camera or DVR system. Other devices can accurately pick up sound from as far as three hundred yards. Listening devices can increase sound up to thirty decibels and record with concert-hall quality sound. There are other listening devices called concrete microphones or electro-acoustic receivers that can pick up minute vibrations like those given off by a bomb, and professional plumbers can even use them to locate leaky pipes in the foundation of homes. Naturally, they can also be used to identify voice leakage and their sources in a room, as well. They can detect vibrations in virtually any solid surface whether it's steel, glass, concrete or wood.

One of the best uses for listening devices is to amplify sound for the hearing impaired. These listening devices can pick up sound from as far away as one hundred yards, and they are small enough to fit into a woman's purse or a man's shirt pocket. One of the best features about these listening devices is that they minimize feedback and scratchiness and weigh as little as three ounces.

To purchase Gps Products and Surveillance Products Read other related articles on our Spy products blog

Plumbing Noises: Noisy Water Pipes

Q: Since we have been on higher water pressure from a new source, we are getting more noise in the pipes. Not banging or clunking, just more water moving through the system faster, kind of a "rushing" noise. The pipe into the house is plastic, then hooks into copper pipe. The noise reverberates down the whole line, and since the pipe is strapped to the floor joists, it makes the noise under the kitchen, bathroom and one bedroom. I know about having a foot or so of capped pipe going up from a line to trap air and cushion the noise of "on" and "off" clunking, but this has me stumped. I am at the point now where I am about ready to rip the strapping off and putting foam around the pipes before I strap them back up. Before I spend the money on this, I thought I would check with you to see if that is what I need to do, or can you suggest something else ? Thanks very much.

A: A reduction of 1.5:1 (typically 3/4" to 1/2" is commonly used to increase or maintain water pressure throughout a house. The theory is that, given constant supply pressure, restricting volume will increase velocity. Released pressure at a fixture will be compensated for by this increased velocity.

I expect your hot and cold supply pipes are 1/2 inch diameter. What diameter is the plastic feed? If the reduction is greater than 1.5:1 it's quite likely that the velocity is great enough to cause noise in the pipe.

Check that all the shut-off valves (below the sinks etc.) are completely open. They too, can cause turbulence/noise by restricting water flow. Also, check all the pipes to see if there are any crushed or dented sections.

Foam wrap is a great for insulating purposes, but perhaps a little too soft for noise damping (it would crush flat). By all means, wrap the pipes, but use denser rubber for vibration pads. Extra bracing (for clamping to) might also help.

Alternative: Before you start pulling out nails, check the water velocity at your fixtures, and if it is extremely high, a pressure reducing valve can be installed on the supply line.

Gil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario, Canada since 1994. Visit http://www.allaroundthehouse.com to learn more about home inspections.

"The Home Reference Book"
You can probably find a home inspection for a little less than what we ask, but you probably won't find the Home Reference Book. A $60 value, this solutions-oriented reference tool comes free with every inspection we perform.
It's the first tool you should have around the house!

Hiring A Plumber - What You Should Know

If there’s a water leak, repairing faucets, fixtures and pipes can be quite urgent – and may require a plumber’s immediate attention. If you discover a leak, it is best to shut the water while waiting for a plumber to arrive, to prevent further water damage. The quickest way to stop water leaking from the pipes is to shut off the water supply from the main valve, then go to the lowest point in the house and open a faucet. Gravity will force the remaining water to drain out the faucet, minimizing the water that can escape through the leak.

Ask how to prevent recurring problems

For basic plumbing services, such as leak repair or installing new fixtures or traps, you’ll pay $45 to $65 per hour, plus parts, if necessary. For weekend or night calls, you can expect to pay as much as $100 just for the call and then $75 per hour. Even at these rates it is a good idea to ask what the options are for repairs and parts, and how to prevent any problems from recurring.

Calling a plumber for an emergency job will cost you more. But remember that you’re paying for their time to drive to and from your home, picking up parts and for them being on call. For a plumber specializing in drain-clearing services, you will pay at least $70 per hour for drain lines and $125 per hour for sewer lines. For weekend or night calls, add $30 per hour. But before you take out a second mortgage, you should know that most problems can be fixed in about an hour.

Hourly rates are often calculated differently

When hiring a plumber, it seems reasonable to hire a reputable, licensed plumber with the best hourly rate. The problem arises because plumbers count hours in different ways. For example, some plumbers will have lower hourly rates but charge for their driving time, while others charge what seems like an exorbitant hourly rate, but only start the clock once they arrive at your home. Others may charge an additional fee just for showing up. These are important differences to clear up before making your decision.

Have a plumber handy

When hiring a plumber, make sure they have a valid license, if required in your state. There is usually a phone number you can call to verify that the license is current and that there are no complaints against it. Any plumber you hire should have a minimum of $500,000 liability insurance and a current worker’s compensation policy. Once you find a plumber you’re satisfied with, keep his number handy for emergencies. In an emergency, it’s better to call someone who already knows you than a complete stranger.

Stu Silverman is a home improvement advice columnist and freelance writer for http://www.Contractors.com and http://www.ContractorGuide.com You can find his articles and many others in the Utilities/HVAC/Fireplace category of ContractorGuide.com

Hiring A Plumber - What You Should Know

If there’s a water leak, repairing faucets, fixtures and pipes can be quite urgent – and may require a plumber’s immediate attention. If you discover a leak, it is best to shut the water while waiting for a plumber to arrive, to prevent further water damage. The quickest way to stop water leaking from the pipes is to shut off the water supply from the main valve, then go to the lowest point in the house and open a faucet. Gravity will force the remaining water to drain out the faucet, minimizing the water that can escape through the leak.

Ask how to prevent recurring problems

For basic plumbing services, such as leak repair or installing new fixtures or traps, you’ll pay $45 to $65 per hour, plus parts, if necessary. For weekend or night calls, you can expect to pay as much as $100 just for the call and then $75 per hour. Even at these rates it is a good idea to ask what the options are for repairs and parts, and how to prevent any problems from recurring.

Calling a plumber for an emergency job will cost you more. But remember that you’re paying for their time to drive to and from your home, picking up parts and for them being on call. For a plumber specializing in drain-clearing services, you will pay at least $70 per hour for drain lines and $125 per hour for sewer lines. For weekend or night calls, add $30 per hour. But before you take out a second mortgage, you should know that most problems can be fixed in about an hour.

Hourly rates are often calculated differently

When hiring a plumber, it seems reasonable to hire a reputable, licensed plumber with the best hourly rate. The problem arises because plumbers count hours in different ways. For example, some plumbers will have lower hourly rates but charge for their driving time, while others charge what seems like an exorbitant hourly rate, but only start the clock once they arrive at your home. Others may charge an additional fee just for showing up. These are important differences to clear up before making your decision.

Have a plumber handy

When hiring a plumber, make sure they have a valid license, if required in your state. There is usually a phone number you can call to verify that the license is current and that there are no complaints against it. Any plumber you hire should have a minimum of $500,000 liability insurance and a current worker’s compensation policy. Once you find a plumber you’re satisfied with, keep his number handy for emergencies. In an emergency, it’s better to call someone who already knows you than a complete stranger.

Stu Silverman is a home improvement advice columnist and freelance writer for http://www.Contractors.com and http://www.ContractorGuide.com You can find his articles and many others in the Utilities/HVAC/Fireplace category of ContractorGuide.com