1. When you sign up for a Service Agreement, the first thing we do is thoroughly inspect all of the plumbing, drains, pipes and appliances in your home.  If we see a problem in the making we can either fix it (usually when it’s still a small problem) or explain what to look for so you can spot it before it becomes a big problem.
2. During the initial inspection, we’ll look for ways to help you save on energy costs.  We evaluate your home and discuss how you can keep everything working at peak performance.  Remember, our goal is to make sure your plumbing is safe and running efficiently.
3. When a plumbing issue does occur, service agreement customers get priority scheduling.  That means you move to the front of the line!  We will also waive the service call fee AND provide special pricing.  Suddenly, investing a little money up front looks pretty appealing!

Implementing a plumbing service agreement is one of the best home maintenance moves you can make.  If you have any questions, give us a call.

It’s safe to assume this big box store is outsourcing the work, hopefully to a local company that is licensed to do this type of work.  But why not have complete control over the contractors who come into your home?  You should be absolutely sure that the professionals working with your gas lines know what they are doing.  Do your research – and if the service is offered for free, just know that somehow it’s built into the price!

According to the PHC, the annual ranking is a way for some of the smaller companies across the country to be recognized for their hard work.  To learn more about the award, visit Patch.com.

This is important because one resident’s faulty cross connector can lead to flooding in other homes.  During heavy rain, water from the storm drains flows into the sanitary drain system.  Cross connectors are located where the storms drains meet the sanitary drains.  Basements often flood because too much storm water is being pushed into the sanitary lines, which leads back into the basement of residents’ homes.  A neighbor’s faulty cross connector could cause your basement to flood, and the new ordinance will help remedy this issue.

Residents have 45 days to get a permit and 60 days to complete the work.  If you have any questions about how this relates to your property, give us a call.

• The program doesn’t cover piping that is clogged, leaking or damaged before enrollment.  If you suspect that you have a plumbing issue already, don’t assume that enrolling in the program is an easy fix to your problem.  Preexisting damage isn’t covered.

• The program doesn’t cover defects or failures that result from neglect, failure to maintain the plumbing, or damage caused by natural disasters or acts of God.  Double check with an attorney, but this type of clause pretty much limits any responsibility on the program to make repairs.

• If structural alterations to walls, floors or fixtures are necessary, you will be required to pay for those repairs.  So if you have plumbing repairs behind the bathroom wall, you’ll be responsible for the drywall repair.

• Although it appears you’d be supporting the Cleveland Division of Water, in reality you won’t be.  The services are offered by a third-party company called Dominion Products and Services.

• Just like the Water Line Replacement Program, the fine print doesn’t specify who will be hired to complete the work.  If you think you can hire the contractor of your choice, think again.  The program will send a contractor to complete the repairs (if you’re eligible) and there is almost no way for you to know who will be doing the work.

While $4.25 per month isn’t a lot, why not hold on to your money.  If you do need in-home plumbing repairs, hire a knowledgeable plumber who you trust to complete the work.

Step One: Budget

The first thing Larry, our lead estimator, discusses with the homeowner is budget.  We’ll often meet homeowners who want to gut the bathroom – and then want everything replaced for $2,000.  We can work with a $2,000 budget, but most contractors will tell you that you won’t be getting a new master bathroom at that price point!  It’s best to be realistic about your budget and what you can do with it.

Step Two: Estimate

Once Larry is in the space, he’ll take a closer look at what needs to be replaced.  Some clients will hire us to complete the rough plumbing at the start of the project, while others hire us for the complete remodel.  Every homeowner needs something different, and we factor that into our estimate.

Step Three: Design

We refer our clients to a Cleveland-area plumbing supply company to take a look at tubs, toilets, fixtures, tile and more.  An important detail we keep in mind is the client’s timeline.  If the bathroom needs to be finished in three weeks, we’ll make sure the client avoids fixtures that have a six-week lead time.

Step Four: Contract

Once the homeowner has selected their favorite items, the supply company will fax us the information.  We might make a few recommendations to better accommodate the space.  From here, we finalize the contract with the homeowner and secure a deposit to order the materials.

Step Five: Remodel

We wait until all the materials have arrived (and make sure nothing is damaged) before scheduling the work with the homeowner.  When Approved Plumbing is hired for a complete bathroom remodel, the work will take about a week.  Typically the work starts on Monday, and by Friday the owners come home to a beautiful new bathroom!

Every contractor’s process is a little different, but ours is designed so every homeowner can get the most from their newly remodeled space.

• The program doesn’t cover water lines that are clogged, leaking or damaged before enrollment.  If you suspect that your water line needs replaced, don’t assume that enrolling in the program is an easy fix to your problem.  Preexisting damage isn’t covered.

• The program doesn’t cover damage caused by third parties, natural disasters or other insurable causes.  Double check with an attorney, but this type of clause pretty much limits any responsibility on the program to make repairs.

• Although not extremely common, properties that are more than 500 feet from the street are not covered – an easy way for them to get out of completing a large job.

• Water lines installed for newer homes rarely need replaced.  Homes built after 1960 have copper K piping that is much more durable than lead or galvanized pipe.  In many cases, this type of insurance just isn’t needed.

• Although it appears you’d be supporting the Cleveland Division of Water, in reality you won’t be.  The services are offered by a third-party company called Dominion Products and Services.

• The one item not covered in the fine print is who is hired to complete the work.  If you think you can hire the contractor of your choice, think again.  The program will send a contractor to complete the repairs (if you’re eligible) and there is almost no way for you to know who will be doing the work.

While $3.25 per month isn’t a lot, why not hold on to your money.  If you do need water line repairs, hire a licensed plumber who has plenty of experience completing this type of work.

Have your family members take a shower, run the dishwasher or go outside and wash your car.  After an hour, head to your basement and listen to your water heater.  Stay down there as long as it takes to re-heat the water.  If you have a traditional water heater, you’ll probably be down there for an hour.  If you have a tankless water heater, you’ll be able to head back upstairs in about 10 minutes.

The difference between the two types is clear.  The tankless option uses less energy to heat water and it only heats water as it is being used.  Traditional water heaters will take a good hour to re-heat, and they continue to heat the water even if you don’t need it for another 24 hours.

The tankless models have a higher initial investment, but if you plan to stay in your home long-term, you will realize the benefits.  Plus, the tankless models tend to last much longer than traditional water heaters.  Like we’ve said before in our blog, plan ahead because you never know when your water heater will die and you’ll want hot water on a winter morning in Cleveland!

Drain Exterior Faucets

All exterior faucets should have their water supply turned-off from inside the home.  Once the water supply is turned-off, you’ll need to drain the remaining water from the pipes by turning on the faucet.  Some homeowners also utilize an insulated cover for added protection.  Don’t forget to drain garden hoses and if possible, store them in the garage or a shed for the winter.

Drain Sprinkler System

Just like outdoor faucets and hoses, you should also prep your sprinkler system for winter’s cold temperatures.  Once the water supply has been turned-off, blow compress air through the system to eliminate excess water and prevent pipes from bursting.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Some homes have exposed water or drain piping in un-insulated areas such as crawls paces or attics.  Be sure to wrap them with electrical heating tape and protect them further with foam insulation.  If you are unsure how to approach this project, give us call.

Protect Seasonal Homes

If you are closing your summer property for several months you should always have the water supply shut off and the pipes drained by a professional.  Plumbing leaks can occur while you’re away, and the damage can be devastating.  Protect your property and your belongings before damage occurs.

It’s best to complete your plumbing winterization before the end of October when temperatures really start to dip near freezing.  If you plan to go on vacation anytime during the winter months, leave the heat on and set to at least 55 degrees.