Maintenance Tips from a Plumber

Everyone will have the need for a plumber at some point in their life because leaks do happen. However, every homeowner should take steps to protect themselves and their investment by having a basic understanding of how the plumbing works and what to do in the event of an emergency to prevent damage from becoming a massive amount of damage. Here are five basic things every homeowner should know how to do:

1. Turn off the water –
Even if you don’t take the time to learn anything else, this is the one tip that you can’t afford to skip. Every homeowner should know precisely where the water shut-off valve is and how to turn it off. This means that men should show their wives where it is also in case something happens and they’re not home. Turning off the water can save your home from becoming completely flooded if something terrible happens.
2. Repair faucets that are leaking –
Most homeowners have no idea just how much money they are sending down the pipes every single month simply because they have a faucet that is leaking incessantly. Sometimes all you need to do is replace a washer. Keep the manual whenever you replace a faucet so that you know how to handle this simple repair if you need to.
3. Septic tank inspections –
This piece of maintenance is probably one better left to professionals, but it is definitely up to the homeowner to call someone in to check it out. About every three years, you should have a plumber come and take a look at your septic tank. It will need to be cleaned if there is too much scum inside of it, so you don’t want to forget to do this. A clean septic tank is less likely to back up and cause a big smelly problem inside your home.
4. Annual pipe inspections –
These inspections are rather simple. Just go around and look for any leaks. Pay attention to all of the pipes you can see. If you see any rust, deposits of minerals, or corrosion, there is a good chance that you have found a leak, even if there does not seem to be any moisture there at that moment. Also be sure to have a plumber come in to do regular leak detection procedures just to make sure that nothing is leaking in an area where you can’t see it, like behind a wall or in the floor. These invisible leaks are the most dangerous because they just get worse and worse until you have thousands of dollars’ worth of damage on your hand.
5. Drain the water heater –
The water heater is a vital appliance in your home and also one of the most expensive, so it stands to reason that you would want to keep it in good operating order for as long as possible. The easiest way to extend the life of your water heater is to open the drain valve located toward the bottom of the unit and let the water drain out until it is clear. This usually is about five gallons, so it will take a bit to drain.

It always pays to have a professional help you with any plumbing maintenance questions you have. Some people learn better by being shown how to do something, so don’t be afraid to ask your plumber to show you how to do some of these things. This will also allow you to get to know him a little bit and learn if this is someone you would want to call when you have a serious problem.

Scott English Plumbing is a trusted plumber in the Irvine, CA area.

Regular Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Every Homeowner

Your plumbing system is one of the most important systems inside your home, and not just because it provides you with hot and cold running water. It’s also important because if something goes wrong with it, the result could be disastrous. Flooding causes widespread damage throughout a home, so you must take steps to keep your plumbing system in good working order. Here are a few maintenance tips to help you out.

Keep an eye out for leaks. It doesn’t take a big leak to cause a serious flooding problem if you don’t take care of it right away. It’s one thing to repair a small leak right away and another thing to have to repair a major leak in addition to all the damage that was caused by flooding from the problem that caused that leak. Of course looking for leaks involves more than just checking the pipes you see on a regular basis. Make sure that you’re also looking at the pipes in the basement and crawl spaces regularly. These pipes are especially vulnerable to damage if they aren’t insulated properly, so make sure there is adequate insulation. If you aren’t sure whether there is enough insulation, contact a plumber to find out.
Check Exposed Pipes. If you do discover that exposed pipes are not properly insulated, it is fairly easy and inexpensive to take care of the issue. Most hardware stores sell foam tubing that can be installed around pipes. You could even wrap towels around them to keep them warm. Consider also wrapping insulation around your water heater to save energy and money. If you have pipes located to electrical sources, also make sure that they have electrical heating tape insulating them. The tape should be wrapped around any pipes that are located near electrical sources.
Make sure that trouble areas are waterproofed. Examples of such areas include windows, doors, and vent fans. All of these areas have seals, and if the seals are not tight enough, the plumbing fixtures located near them could be damaged. All it takes is a few minutes to caulk up these areas if the seal isn’t tight. Also take steps to repair broken windows because they can let cold air in as well.
Have a trusted plumber come check your pipes on a regular basis. It’s not a bad idea to have an inspection done every fall, even if you live in warmer climates where cold weather does not visit very often.

You can’t take too many steps to keep your plumbing system safe. After all, pipes run through all parts of your home, so just a small problem in one area of the system can cause a major problem in the other areas. You can never really expect the unexpected, so it’s always best to plan ahead and protect yourself as much as possible. A quality plumber will be able to help you avert disaster before it strikes, especially if you call at the first sign of a problem.

Call Scott English Plumbing to set up regular maintenance and inspection visits. They’ll make sure that your plumbing system stays in good working order. They also offer 24-hour emergency service and installation and repair for water heaters, toilets and faucets, bathtubs and showers, garbage disposals, and water softeners. They can even do video inspections of your drains and sewers and electronic leak detection. Contact Scott English Plumbing today for great plumbing service at a low, flat rate.

Most Common Plumbing Problems in Anaheim

Regardless whether you have a new home or a relatively old one, you will never be spared from Anaheim plumbing problems. If you live within the Anaheim area, it pays to know what the most common plumbing problems that homeowners experience so that you can call for help immediately. Keep reading to learn more about frequently experienced plumbing problems from our Anaheim plumbers.

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Blocked Sewer

This does not mean that Anaheim has a poor sewer system. The abundance of trees in the area is the main reason why blocked sewer is one of the most common plumbing problem experienced by home and property owners. Have you heard that roots will actively seek the sewer pipes in its attempt to look for moisture? Roots get access to the sewer pipes through the cracks that leak water resulting in creating an environment ideal for root growth.

It’s common for Anaheim home owners to flush products that aren’t supposed to be flushed. This includes paper towels, baby wipes and other thicker materials that should never make their way into a toilet. If you routinely flush these types of things down you should expect your system to become clogged over time.

You may be saying to yourself, but that is beyond and outside my property, so why should I be concerned with it? If you must know, homeowners are held responsible for repairing and maintaining the lateral sewer lines coming from their homes connecting to the main sewer line under the street. When sewer problems arise, call our team for expert Anaheim sewer repair and services.

Blocked Toilets

Not only are blocked toilets one of the most common plumbing problems in Anaheim CA, but it may as well be the most undesirable one! Can you imagine coming into your bathroom and finding the toilet backed up with all sorts of things floating in the bowl? Or perhaps even gushing onto the bathroom floor? Thinking about it can immediately make your hair stand up.

Flushing down things that do not belong in the toilet is the leading cause of blocked toilets. These things include feminine hygienic products, dental floss, pre-moistened diaper wipes, dirty diapers, and cotton-tipped swabs among others. Make sure that you dispose of these things properly to keep yourself from a nasty blocked and overflowing toilet! At Scott English, we can fix blocked toilets in Anaheim!

Clogged Drains

Another reason why you should be concerned about blocked sewer pipes is that it contributes to clogging the drains in your home! If you ask any plumber who knows his business, he will tell you that clogged drains is considered as a chronic plumbing problem. You may be thinking right now that you can easily unclog those drains by buying a plunger from the nearest hardware store.

Well, my dear homeowner that is not always the case. This is especially true if you have neglected to properly maintain your plumbing drains. For example, the most common cause of bathroom drain clogs are skin flakes, dirt, soap scum, and hair. After a while, all these accumulate, reduce water flow, and eventually create unwanted backflow.

In your kitchen, oil, cooking grease, and food particles are the most common culprits. The longer all of these remain in your drain pipes, the more damage they eventually create; something a simple plunger cannot resolve. When needed, call Scott English for professional Anaheim drain cleaning.

Leaking Faucets

Believe it or not, leaking faucets or showers is also considered as one of the most neglected plumbing problem perhaps not only in Anaheim but everywhere. Is this bad? Of course! Neglecting your leaking faucets can cause increased water bill as well as potential damage to your plumbing fixtures.

This problem also includes running toilets not only slow dripping faucets. The cause of the leak can be anywhere from a simply worn out washer to something as complex as a faulty plumbing installation. For this reason, it is important to address this problem immediately to avoid a headache and possibly expensive repairs you may encounter. Having regular Anaheim leak detection services would be extremely beneficial for every type of property.

Burst Pipes

When the weather gets cold up in those northern climates it’s quite common for pipes to burst. Whether a pipe in your home simply isn’t getting the heat that it’s supposed to, or your heating system fails you could be facing burst pipes and a serious onslaught of water that threatens to damage your home.

Pipes burst because water expands when it freezes. The water that once fit into the pipe no longer will as it freezes and expands. If you encounter burst pipes you should shut off the main water supply and leave the repairs up to a certified professional. An Anaheim plumber can help you repair your pipes and figure out how to avoid the issue in the future if possible.

Loss of Hot Water

The most obvious cause of loss of hot water is a failed hot water heater, but that’s not the only reason that you could encounter such a problem. There are a bunch of other possibilities such as a deteriorated cold water supply line or a faulty thermostat among other things. You might be able to avoid calling in a pro if you change out the hot water heater effectively on your own, but there’s a chance that the installation will go poorly, or that the issue was never the hot water heater to begin with. When a professional handles the water heater problem it will be solved properly and you’ll be back to enjoying your hot water in Anaheim before you know it.

Poor Water Pressure

There’s nothing more disappointing than low water pressure, and it’s an issue that’s entirely fixable, but only a skilled plumber will likely be able to locate the cause of the problem or understand how to repair the issue. Calling in a plumber will give you a chance to find out exactly what the problem is and then how it can be best repaired. Whether you need a pressure tank to enhance the pressure, you need a new well pump or you just have clogs that need to be sorted out.

Not only will your water pressure be improved, but a range of potential issues with your home plumbing system will likely be repaired along the way. That means that you’ll put your system into better health, and cut down on potential problems in the future as well.

Addressing this plumbing problem can truly be done fast, easy, and reliably. You simply need to contact a professional plumbing service like Scott English Plumbing to make sure that you get above industry standards of plumbing repairs with guaranteed materials installed in your home.

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When to Use 24-hour Service?

At Scott English Plumbing, we provide a 24-hour emergency plumbing service. We know that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time and that it is best not to wait too long to have them repaired. Many emergencies can damage your home and some can create horrible smells. Unfortunately, people do not always call professional plumbers because they are unsure about what constitutes a plumbing emergency.

Our professional staff is ready to help with any plumbing emergency at any time of the day. Our staff will diagnose and repair the problem as quickly as possible to protect your home and family from the inconveniences that come with plumbing problems. While we do our best to fix every problem as quickly as possible, there are occasions when the problems require us to come back for more attention. We try to minimize your wait time so you can get back to your normal lifestyle.

When it comes to your plumbing, it is important to make that call when you have an emergency situation. These are a few of the more common emergency phone calls we receive at Scott English Plumbing. If you need us to help with these or other situations, please call us at: 714-987-9801 or (714) 987-9801 for immediate assistance.

Leaky Pipes

Since leaky pipes can cause major damage from flooding, it is vital that you call us as soon as you recognize the leak. You might hear the sound or see the leak, or the water pressure in your shower might suddenly drop; whatever you notice can be a sign of big trouble. You might not be able to see the pipe, but you might be able to see water damage inside of a wall. This is a true emergency and worth the time to call us for assistance. If you can get control of the leak, call us while you are making the temporary repair.

Severely Clogged Toilet

You do not have to be embarrassed to call us about a clogged toilet. When the plunger will not work, someone has to help and we are experts in getting the clogs out of the way. This can be a true crisis, especially in homes with one bathroom. We can determine rather quickly if the clog is severe or not, so call us when you are in doubt, but before you have to go…

Basement Flooding

Basement floods can come from many different problems. Your sump pump might not be working or you might have a clogged drain in the basement. You might even have a leak somewhere upstairs. Any water in the basement is cause for concern, especially if it builds up quickly. Give us a call as soon as you notice the water and we will get there as fast as possible to help figure out and solve the problem.

Sump Pump Issues

Doesn’t it always seem like the sump pump gives out during the worst storm of the year? In a home that requires assistance from a sump pump, when the pump gives out, flooding will come quickly. If your sump pump quits at any time of the day or night, we are available to help. We understand the severity of this problem and respect the emergency calls.

Water Heater Issues

Just like the sump pump breaking down during storms, water heaters tend to break down in the middle of a laundry load or when the hot shower is most needed. When you are out of hot water because of a water heater issue, do not wait until regular business hours. We can help get your hot water back at any time of the day or night.

The Process of Becoming a Licensed Plumber in California

The image of the professional plumber might occasionally create a few chuckles; but in reality, it is a rewarding career with plenty of variety. While television might portray plumbers as men who have difficulty keeping their pants up, the typical plumber is a professional who takes pride in his or her job. The highly technical job involves plenty of problem solving, so it takes several years to become a fully licensed plumber.

There are a couple of different ways to earn your license. The first involves getting your high school diploma so you can enter into an apprenticeship. The second involves simply applying for the license.

Apprenticeship Programs

If you decide to go into plumbing right after high school, it is best to find a top notch apprenticeship program where you can learn the skills of the trade. In California (and in many other states), the official state government website will list organizations that offer plumbing apprenticeships and training programs. You can usually find them by county to make the decision making process easier. The same state government websites show technical schools that offer plumbing programs and in some cases, the enrollment fees can be covered through apprenticeships.

When you begin work on your apprentice program, it is important that you gain as much work experience and coursework as possible. You will have exams during your training and it is vital that you prepare for them and pass them all. By showing that you care about your training, you will have more success and job offers when you become fully licensed.

After you have completed your apprenticeship, you can work as a journeyman plumber. For four years you can complete jobs that pay under $500 and you do not need a license to be a contractor. If you work for a plumbing company during this time, you can be an owner, supervisor, or foreman. While you work on the most expensive jobs, you can get practice on the smaller ones.

This is a traditional way to earn a plumber’s license, especially if you are a recent high school graduate and preparing to begin your first career.

Applying for the License

The alternative way to earn the license involves applying directly for the license. In order to earn that license, you have to apply for it. This is done on the state’s government website and you will need to apply for a license. All contractor licenses are located in the same place, whether you are applying for a license in California or another state.

When you fill out the licensing application, do not leave anything blank. You might not be able to make later corrections and your application will be seriously delayed. State agencies are busy and most are understaffed, so keep this in mind when you are completing the form. Always use your legal name, no nicknames; and be sure to include your legal address, too. You will probably need to include your social security number and information about your criminal history, if you have one. If you make mistakes on your form, it is best to begin a new one rather than cross out the mistakes. You will most also need to include your training history as well as tax information.

Nearly all licensing applications require a fee that needs to be paid before the license is issued. You will need to take a business and law exam, but only after you submit the license application. You will also need to pass a plumbing trade exam, then pay more towards your license. The state will need to see that you have enough money to begin working as a plumber; the state likes to see at least $2500. Since you will be working with the general public, you will need to get a registered bond to protect consumers from poor quality work. You will then need to go through this process every two years.

How to Choose a Plumbing Company in Orange County

When it comes to choosing a plumbing company in Orange County, most of us do exactly the wrong thing – we wait until we have a major plumbing problem, and then we frantically try to locate a plumber who can get to us right away. That’s never the way you want to find a plumbing company. If you wait until you’re in a pinch, you will be desperate and won’t make a good, informed decision about who to hire. That’s why you should choose a plumber before you need one. It may seem strange, but it’s better to find a reliable and reputable plumber at a time when you can select the best company carefully. So do a bit of investigation, get to know the options, and select the best plumbing company in Orange County now. Then you can safely tuck that information away until you need it. Use these tips to help you choose a plumbing company in Orange County.

1. The plumber that you choose should be able to communicate with you clearly and effectively. As a customer, you have the right to fully understand the problem with your plumbing, the options for repairing it, and what it will cost. Don’t let anyone intimidate you with technical jargon. If you feel confused about what is going on with your plumbing, you have the wrong plumber. Your plumber should communicate clearly and leave you feeling comfortable in your knowledge of the situation.
2. The plumber that you choose should take good care of all surrounding areas of your home. He should wear covers on his shoes to protect your floor, keep his workspace clean, and generally be respectful of your space. You should never have to clean up after the plumber.
3. The plumber that you choose should be dressed professionally and provide identification. You should be able to identify the plumber at a glance as soon as you open your door. This provides you, the customer, with a sense of security and comfort.
4. The plumber that you choose should arrive on time. No one wants to sit around all day waiting for the plumber to arrive. Your plumber should give you an accurate appointment time and arrive on schedule. In the event of a delay, you should be notified by phone as soon as possible.
5. The plumber that you choose should provide you with a free estimate before beginning work. Repairs should never begin until you have given your approval.
6. The plumber that you choose should be licensed and insured. Licensure ensures that the plumber is educated, trained, and experienced. Plumbers are legally required to maintain liability insurance, which protects the customer and the plumber if an injury or other accident were to occur on the job.
7. The plumber that you choose should be able to provide you with references from past customers. Past customers are a great resource for you. You can find reviews online, and the plumber who you are considering should be willing to provide you with client testimonials. If you can get a referral to a good plumber from a trusted friend or family member, that’s even better.

Don’t wait until you have an emergency on your hands to hire a plumbing company in Orange County. Find a good plumber now. Get in touch with Scott English Plumbing. We have been providing high-quality plumbing services to residents of Orange County for more than 15 years. We are available 24/7, so we’re here whenever you need us. Contact Scott English Plumbing to learn more about our services today.

Why You Should Beware of Some Plumbing Companies

choose the best plumber in orange county

The time to choose a plumber is not when your basement is flooded or your bathtub is backing up with sewage. During times like those, you are desperate and in a panic. You are likely to call out the first plumber you can find, which can end up costing you big time.

It is a much better plan to choose a plumber now when things are going fine. Get to know the company and their hours and procedures, so that if a crisis occurs, you know how to get a hold of them for quick service. So, how do you know which plumber is a good choice, anyway? Use these tips to help you choose the right plumber.

1. Don’t be fooled by a name. Have you ever noticed how many contractors use business names that begin with the letter A? In many cases, they even combine the A with the number 1. There’s a good reason for that. By choosing a name that is at the beginning of the alphabet, they are assured the first listing in the phone book or in a list of search results. They are counting on people calling the first company on the list. Well, that’s one way to choose a plumber, but it’s certainly not the best. In fact, a recent study revealed that plumbers whose business name begins with the letter A or a number actually receive five times as many complaints with the Better Business Bureau than their competitors, and three times as many complaints per employee. Researchers believe that these businesses are preying on clueless consumers and providing low-quality service after using their strategically chosen business name to hook us.
2. Ask for proof of credentials. Don’t just assume that a plumber is licensed. Ask to see their state license, which is a legal requirement. Every plumber, including journeymen and subcontractors, must have a license. Ask for proof of insurance, too. The plumber should maintain general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance, for your protection and theirs.
3. Check into their history and reputation. How long has the plumber been in business? Do they have a history of providing good service in your area? How much experience do they have? These are all questions that you should feel comfortable asking when you hire a plumber. Often, you can get much of this information from the plumber’s website.
4. Find out whether their services are warrantied. The plumber should provide a warranty for their services for a fixed period of time after the repair. Ask now so that you don’t get surprised later.
5. Ask your friends and family for references. You may not have needed to call a plumber before, but the odds are good that a few of your friends and family members have. Ask them who they used, and ask for an honest assessment of their experience. You may find that there is a local plumber who has been hired by many of your neighbors and provides great service.
6. Call your realtor. If you purchased your home recently, call your realtor for a recommendation on a contractor. Realtors are great resources, and may be able to recommend someone to you who has a great reputation.

If you are in need of a plumber, call Scott English Plumbing. We have 19 years of experience in providing excellent service to Orange County residents. We are your local plumbing experts, and we are proud to provide quality service to you. We offer a large range of services, including 24/7 emergency service. Call Scott English Plumbing anytime you need plumbing help.

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Orange County Plumbing – Tips on How to Choose a Plumber

How To Choose a Plumber in Orange County

Orange County residents will likely find, at some point, that they need the services of a plumber. However, when you find yourself in the midst of a plumbing emergency, that isn’t the best time to make an informed choice about hiring a plumber. You are more likely in that situation to call anyone you can find out of desperation.

So the first step in hiring a quality, reliable plumber is to do the research and make a decision now – before you encounter an emergency. It can be tough to determine whether a contractor is someone you can trust who will provide quality work. Use these tips for consumers on how to choose a plumber to help you get started.

1. You should always ask to see the plumber’s license. All plumbers and other contractors are required to be licensed by the state. Don’t be afraid to ask for their license number or ask to see their license. This gives you some security in knowing that you are dealing with a legitimate contractor.
2. You should also ask the plumber for proof of insurance. Any contractor that you hire should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects both you and the contractor. If the plumber or one of his employees is injured while working at your home, you need to be confident that person is protected by workers’ compensation insurance. Also, if you or a family member is injured as a result by faulty work on the part of the plumber, you want to be covered by general liability insurance.
3. Get some information on the stability of the business. How long has the plumber been in business? How long has he been operating out of his present location? If you find that the plumber you are considering hiring has been operating out of his parents’ basement for six months, you may want to keep looking. However, a company that has been working in Orange County for 15 years will give you more faith in their stability.
4. Ask about their rates. Different plumbers charge customers in different ways. For example, you might be charged an hourly rate, a flat rate, or a time and material fee. It is important to know how you are being charged in order to fairly compare services from one contractor to another. Consider what you are getting for that price. How many fixtures are you getting? What is the quality of those fixtures? Make sure that a lower price doesn’t mean lower quality.
5. Check with the Better Business Bureau. You can find out whether complaints have been filed against the plumber by checking with the Better Business Bureau.
6. Does the plumber guarantee his work? A reputable plumber will guarantee his services for a period of time after the work is completed. That lets you know that the plumber is honest and stands by his work.
7. Use online reviews and testimonials to help you choose. You really can’t know what kind of service a plumber provides until you have completed a repair with him. Use this to your advantage by reading reviews and testimonials from past customers. This will give you some insight on the day to day services provided by the plumber you are considering.

If you are looking for an Orange County plumbing contractor, call Scott English Plumbing. We have been working for residents in Orange County for over 15 years, and we have a solid reputation of quality service as a result.

How to Find the Best Orange County Plumber

A plumber is a service professional that we hope not to have to use very often. But if you need an Orange County plumber, how do you go about choosing one? These tips will get you on track to find the best Orange County plumber.

1. Timing is key. It is always best to choose a plumber to have on standby before you have a problem. If you wait until a problem comes up, you will be scrambling at the last minute to get any available plumber out to your home quickly. So do your homework, and select a plumber before you encounter a problem.
2. Ask a trusted friend or family member for a recommendation. Word of mouth is a valuable tool. A friend who has used a plumber recently will be able to share that experience with you, including the good parts and the bad. So ask your friends if they have a used a plumber that they would recommend. If they have had a good experience with a plumber, you will probably have a good experience, too.
3. Ask a contractor or builder for advice. Contractors and builders are the people who work with plumbers all the time. They will know who they have personally had a good experience with, and they will know who has a good reputation in your area. Asking your local contractor for advice on choosing a plumber is a great tool for getting the best work in the area.
4. Ask your realtor. Realtors often advise their clients on choosing subcontractors when they purchase a home, so your realtor may be quite knowledgeable about the best plumbers in your area. Realtors always aim to build relationships with their customers to invite repeat business, so they will be happy to help you.
5. Verify that your plumber is licensed. You can often get the plumber’s licensure information from their business website. If not, call and ask for the license number.
6. Make sure that the plumber you choose is bonded and insured. This gives you the reassurance that the plumber will both start and finish properly the work that you pay him to do. The last thing you want is for a plumber to tear apart your bathroom and never return to complete the work. The plumber’s insurance will cover him in the event that he is injured while working on your home. This removes the concern of your being responsible for his injuries or medical care.
7. Get an estimate before the plumber starts work. Nobody likes to see surprise charges on their bill. While the plumber can’t always predict exactly what the costs will be since they don’t know what they’ll find, they can usually give a reasonable estimate. If there is some question of what problems might be found behind walls or ceilings, ask for an estimate based on the worst case scenario. That way, you are at least prepared for what might happen.
8. Consider whether the plumber guarantees his work. Most plumbers will guarantee their service for a certain period of time. If not, you should move on and choose someone who is more confident in their repairs.

If you need an Orange County plumber, call Scott English Plumbing. They have been in business for more than 15 years, and they have a great reputation in the community. Scott English Plumbing is licensed and insured, and they abide by a strict Code of Ethics. They are also familiar with Orange County building codes, and are careful to adhere to all local regulations. Their estimates are always clear and fair, so that you get excellent quality service at a reasonable price. Contact Scott English Plumbing for your home plumbing care.

Knowing when it’s Time to Call a Plumber

It can be very tempting to try to take care of what you think is just a small plumbing problem, but one of the most valuable lessons you can learn is knowing when it’s time to call in a plumber. There is nothing worse than realizing too late that you should have called in a professional. You certainly wouldn’t put your home in the hands of an inexperienced plumber, so why would you even think about handling serious problems yourself? Here are six types of jobs that you should just skip the individual attempts on and call a professional right away:

1. Replacing or moving major fixtures like bathtubs or sinks. Moving major fixtures is a big job that requires a licensed plumber to sign off on, so that is definitely not something you should ever try to do on your own. Replacing large fixtures like a bathtub is another major project that should be done only by professionals because of the intricacies of the task.
2. Valve replacement. It may seem like replacing a malfunctioning valve is a small and thus, simple, task, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Don’t let the size of the task fool you. Just determining the right time of valve takes a certain level of expertise. If you do any part of this small job wrong, you could end up with a much larger job that will require patching a damaged wall or shower stall.
3. Gas line problems. In most areas, you are required to hire a licensed plumber to do all work that requires gas lines in any way. This is certainly one area you do not want to mess with the law on. There is a good reason that they require someone to be licensed to do this kind of work. Not knowing what you are doing could result in serious property damage and / or danger to health or even life.
4. Sump pumps or water heaters. Probably the two most complicated appliances in your entire plumbing system are the sump pump and water heater. These appliances do much more than process water. There are intricate parts that require special knowledge to handle.
5. Serious clogs. The big problem with this one is that many homeowners do not know how to recognize a serious clog when they see one. They think that they can take care of these problems with the use of a plumber and / or a jug of chemicals that they will pour down the drain. But if you know what to look for, it isn’t too hard to recognize a serious clog because some pretty strange things will be going on. For example, if the toilets are backing up into the bathtub or shower, then you know there is something really bad going on that you can’t see. Even if you have used conventional means on what appears to be a regular clog that won’t budge, you should still call in a professional because you can’t afford to risk messing up the pipes. Just one mistake could affect the plumbing throughout your home.
6. Building permits required. One of the greatest joys of owning a home is renovating, but if a building permit is needed to complete the job, you should always have a professional handle the plumbing.

Of course if you are ever in doubt about what the problem is or whether you should try to tackle it yourself, just skip the drama and call in a professional who will take care of it the first time. If you are looking for a plumber in the Laguna Beach area, give Scott English Plumbing a call.

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Month: October 2017