As any homeowner will tell you, if something major is going to break, it will happen on the weekend. That's so you can spend hours trying to find a tradesman to fix your problem and then spend double-time paying for the repairs.
If you still are not lucky in finding a good local plumber, contact your local plumbing store, they can help you in recommending a reliable and Trustworthy plumber in your area as they deal with them every day.
An unqualified plumber will charge usually high service fees and provide substandard service and poor quality parts. After the plumber has completed the job, check the work. You can check to see if everything is put back together and there is no mess on the floor. As well, you should turn on the taps and flush the toilet to see if everything is running properly.
If your service provider has adequate knowledge and training on the topic, this might be a good time to find out more about energy alternatives. He may be able to install low-flush toilets and lower-output shower heads. This is also a good time to talk about solar thermal water heating, though perhaps before the roofer is finished up top.
Frozen Pipes: When water in pipes freeze they expand and may even burst the pipe. Close the water conditioner main shutoff valve. If the pipe has not split yet, thaw it with hot water bottles from the end of the pipe nearest to the tap. Thawing must be gentle, never with a naked flame, to avoid thermal water expansion that too can split the pipe. As a preventive maintenance make sure your pipes are appropriately insulated against the cold months.
The number one thing you need to check when hiring a plumber is to make sure they are fully qualified and are certified by the TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority). Most plumbing contractors are also heating contractors, therefore they need to have a valid TSSA number. Having a license is also very important. A license ensures that the plumber is following rules and standards. Do your homework when researching a plumbing contractor and try to get reviews from previous customers. Advice from friends and family who have dealt with a Local plumber is priceless. If you don`t know anyone who has had services from a local plumber recently, online is the next best place to look for reviews of local contractors.
If you really want to be highly selective, you can search for those plumbers with identification, which includes years of experience. If your house has some little problems with leaks, there is really no need to consult the best plumbers, paying the highest cost when even the apprentice can fix minor problems.
Even if you have not noticed a problem with your sewer lines, consider calling in a plumber for an inspection. If there is a problem, set up an appointment to have it repaired right away. Remember that replacement can be costly but you can save money by going with a company that will avoid trenching the yard.