January 14th, 2016

Before The Levy Breaks

Plumbing has always been one of the most frequently referred subcontractor when my customers and friends call me for "who do I call".  Naturally, if the sink is stopped up, you have a leak, toilet does not work, OR WORSE  you want it fixed, and fast.

That’s why I advise homeowners to establish — before a plumbing emergency — a connection with a highly rated local plumber. I also urge you to find your home’s main water shutoff valve (it’s usually near the water meter, by the way). Quickly turning off water to your home could forestall extensive water damage from a leak or overflow that isn’t stopped by shutting off an individual toilet or appliance’s water supply.  Let your kids know where it is too.  Don't pile stuff in front of it.  When you need it -- YOU NEED IT.

Set aside money each month in a home maintenance account.  Have the plumber come one a year ( or while they are there for something else), and exercise all the valves in the house, tighten connections, drain the water heater of silt, tighten the toilet bolts to the floor, and a host of other very easy things that they can do very quickly and not add a lot to the bill.  Your plumbing is a system and keeping that system in good working order can help keep costly drywall, carpet, and structural damage to a minimum later.

Always follow the tried-and-true advice of only hiring plumbers who are appropriately licensed, insured and bonded and who have positive consumer reviews on a trusted online site and ESPECIALLY from a good contractor who uses top subcontractors on a normal basis.


I can also identify these items as part of an Annual Home Maintenance Inspection.  If you have lived in your home for awhile and don't know what to look for or have questions about how your home's systems work, you can call me and we can review them together.  As part of the process you will receive a booklet that help you track maintenance items and plan for future items.