Ask for references and take the time to email or call the references provided. Next, Google the contractor's business and see if they truly have a presence on the Internet.
After the site walk you should be provided in writing, a "Final Quote" that details the scope of work to be performed, conditions of understanding, a project timeline and an agreed upon price. Managing your contractor and project is a full time job and one that you have to accept responsibility for. If you are already busy with lots of other projects or commitments, you should give serious consideration to finding a turn key solutions provider such as We-Bore-It, a nationwide provider of directional boring and trenching services Tallahassee.
Once you have whittled down your list of contractors, make sure to request what is commonly called a "site walk" - do not accept a quote site unseen. In the end, if the project ends up to be more costly or complicated than the contractor planned, you could find yourself in the driveway having a very uncomfortable conversation or worse, they just disappear, leaving you with a mess. It is imperative that the contracting company that you are working with take the time to physically walk the site, take measurements, and communicate and identify to you any potential areas of concern or risk.
When it comes to dealing with underground construction contractors, many business operators would rather crawl across broken glass on their bellies than obtain multiple quotes from contractors. A good contractor will take the time to gather the initial project details and provide a good faith estimate. If at any time you feel rushed or they seem bothered by your requests, then find a different contractor immediately.
You will be able to get a good feel for how thorough the contractor is by how well the quote is organized, the attention to detail and in particular, if they list any assumptions that may not have even occur to you earlier on in your planning. Look for a contractor who looks for ways to do the job faster, easier and at less cost to you.
A good contractor will take the time to gather the initial project details and provide a good faith estimate. If at any time you feel rushed or they seem bothered by your requests, then find a different contractor immediately.
In the end, if the project ends up to be more costly or complicated than the contractor planned, you could find yourself in the driveway having a very uncomfortable conversation or worse, they just disappear, leaving you with a mess.
Many business operators would rather crawl across broken glass on their bellies than obtain multiple quotes from contractors when it comes to dealing with underground construction contractors. This is an unfortunate fact for both the customer requiring the service and the industries that provide legitimate, value based, and competent services. The simple truth is that there are quite few bad apples out there and you have to be very careful to find the right contracting partner for your project. Check more at lancemaxwellplumbing.com.
Monday, January 1, 2018
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
What You Should Know About Sewer Line Repairs
Problems with drains in the home or sudden stains appearing on and around the foundation can all be signs of potential sewer line repairs in the offing. These can quickly turn into an expensive undertaking and unless something is done as soon as possible, it has the potential for seriously undermining the ability of the home to function. Whether there is an existing septic system or whether the home is hooked up to the municipal sewer system, reporting signs of trouble to professional plumbers can avert a major home repair disaster in the future.
Most sewer line repairs will have their root cause in blockage of the lines themselves. In older homes especially, older pipes made of clay or porous materials can be eaten away by the chemicals within drain cleaners and cause the pipes to break down.
The roots grow into the pipes and ball up, completely blocking the pipe. At other times, the cause of sewer line problems may be that the ground itself has shifted around the pipes and have bent them at an angle that does not promote drainage and the water begins to collect within the pipes and potentially leak out into the foundation.
The first thing that any homeowner should do when problems with drains or seepage occurs is to not run immediately for the drain cleaner but instead call on the professionals to come out and inspect the pipes for cleaning and repair. A plumber can quickly determine where the problem is and take measures to get it repaired, usually within the same day. When they are installed in a home, sewer pipes usually have clean out plugs that can be immediately checked for clogs, without having to dig up the ground around a home.
If it is determined that pipes will have to be replaced due to a faulty septic system, it may entail more digging and reconstruction that could have been prevented if it had been better maintained in the past.
On the brighter side, having it all in one place will make it easier to perform the repairs, in spite of all the mess made by the digging. This may take a few days but it will be worth it in the long run, especially if you arrange to have regular maintenance done on it in the future, on a regular basis to prevent more problems.
In older homes especially, older pipes made of clay or porous materials can be eaten away by the chemicals within drain cleaners and cause the pipes to break down.
It may be a more intensive repair situation than normal when it comes to sewer line repairs involving septic tanks. Most septic tanks are buried in backyards, so the yard may have to be dug up from the point where the pipe enters the home, to where it connects with the septic tank.
For minor repairs to pipes, as is the case for a pipe that has cracked due to shifting or pressure, a plumber can make the repair quickly by simply recoating the interior of the pipe with epoxy, as long as the crack is not beyond repair. Replacement of short lengths of pipes can be done efficiently by expert plumbers and should not take more than a day to complete. For simple clogs and blockage, power rodders could be used to remove the foreign material blocking the pipe.
For minor repairs to pipes, as is the case for a pipe that has cracked due to shifting or pressure, a plumber can make the repair quickly by simply recoating the interior of the pipe with epoxy, as long as the crack is not beyond repair.
The roots grow into the pipes and ball up, completely blocking the pipe. At other times, the cause of sewer line problems may be that the ground itself has shifted around the pipes and have bent them at an angle that does not promote drainage and the water begins to collect within the pipes and potentially leak out into the foundation.
What Causes Sewer Line Damage?
Most sewer line repairs will have their root cause in blockage of the lines themselves. In older homes especially, older pipes made of clay or porous materials can be eaten away by the chemicals within drain cleaners and cause the pipes to break down.
The roots grow into the pipes and ball up, completely blocking the pipe. At other times, the cause of sewer line problems may be that the ground itself has shifted around the pipes and have bent them at an angle that does not promote drainage and the water begins to collect within the pipes and potentially leak out into the foundation.
When You Notice Signs of Problems, what to Do
The first thing that any homeowner should do when problems with drains or seepage occurs is to not run immediately for the drain cleaner but instead call on the professionals to come out and inspect the pipes for cleaning and repair. A plumber can quickly determine where the problem is and take measures to get it repaired, usually within the same day. When they are installed in a home, sewer pipes usually have clean out plugs that can be immediately checked for clogs, without having to dig up the ground around a home.
If it is determined that pipes will have to be replaced due to a faulty septic system, it may entail more digging and reconstruction that could have been prevented if it had been better maintained in the past.
Types of Repairs
On the brighter side, having it all in one place will make it easier to perform the repairs, in spite of all the mess made by the digging. This may take a few days but it will be worth it in the long run, especially if you arrange to have regular maintenance done on it in the future, on a regular basis to prevent more problems.
In older homes especially, older pipes made of clay or porous materials can be eaten away by the chemicals within drain cleaners and cause the pipes to break down.
It may be a more intensive repair situation than normal when it comes to sewer line repairs involving septic tanks. Most septic tanks are buried in backyards, so the yard may have to be dug up from the point where the pipe enters the home, to where it connects with the septic tank.
For minor repairs to pipes, as is the case for a pipe that has cracked due to shifting or pressure, a plumber can make the repair quickly by simply recoating the interior of the pipe with epoxy, as long as the crack is not beyond repair. Replacement of short lengths of pipes can be done efficiently by expert plumbers and should not take more than a day to complete. For simple clogs and blockage, power rodders could be used to remove the foreign material blocking the pipe.
For minor repairs to pipes, as is the case for a pipe that has cracked due to shifting or pressure, a plumber can make the repair quickly by simply recoating the interior of the pipe with epoxy, as long as the crack is not beyond repair.
The roots grow into the pipes and ball up, completely blocking the pipe. At other times, the cause of sewer line problems may be that the ground itself has shifted around the pipes and have bent them at an angle that does not promote drainage and the water begins to collect within the pipes and potentially leak out into the foundation.
Monday, November 20, 2017
What You Can Do If You Have A Plumbing Problem
Plumbing problems? You're not alone. Despite how simple it is to solve most plumbing problems, many people do not know how to fix their own simple plumbing issues. If you're one of these people and would like to avoid paying for the service, read on to find out how to become a plumbing expert! If your pipes are making a racket, there is a simple way to quiet them down. What you will have to do is anchor any pipes that are exposed. For pipes that are situated inside walls, or the floor or ceiling, you should hire a professional.
To avoid clogs, pay attention to what you flush. Sanitary napkins, thick toilet paper and baby wipes should never be flushed. These items can expand and cause a clog, or get caught on a pipe. Instead, dispose of them in a sanitary way that does not involve flushing them down the toilet. Be careful about using liquid clog cleaners. These liquids can contain chemicals that are extremely bad for your pipes. Instead, use a snake or a plunger to dislodge any clogs you might encounter. Be sure to try these things before giving up and calling a plumber, who will probably re-perform those same acts.
Make sure you clean out overflow holes in your kitchen and bathroom sinks on a regular basis. These holes are intended to act as an emergency fail-safe to prevent spillage from a full sink, but if they are clogged they can't do their job. You can clean out an overflow hole using the same techniques you would for a clogged drain. Periodically check your pipes for leaks and cracks. These can be forgotten, since pipes are usually hidden away, but checking for leaks and cracks can help you identify a small problem before a big problem occurs. You may have to enlist the help of a family member to turn on and off the water stream as you are checking.
Make sure everyone in your home knows where the main water shut off valve is and that they know how to work it. That way, if there is a water problem, anyone in your household can turn off the water, thereby reducing the chances that your home will incur major water damage. Sometimes you have to make the choice between replacing or repairing. If you have an old appliance, that uses a lot of water or electricity, it may be best to replace. Sure, it will cost more initially, but it will save you money in the long run. The other thing is, you can't be sure how well a repair will work out, whereas with a new appliance you'll at least get a guarantee.
Many people deal with clogged toilets. However, if your toilet will not flush every time, the water rises to the top, and there is bubbling effect occasionally, this can be due to a much deeper blockage in the main pipe. The main pipe must then be cleaned in order for your toilet to work properly. Do not, under any circumstances, put lemons down your disposal. Although the lemon smell will give your disposal a great smell, its acid can corrode the metal parts in it. Instead, use products that are made specifically for this use. You can purchase these products at most hardware stores or wherever cleaning products are sold.
To avoid freezing pipes in the winter, make sure to insulate any exposed pipes in you basement before winter comes. Pay extra attention to pipes near the outside walls. If you have had a problem with any particular pipe freezing in the past, apply some heat tape to insulate those pipes. Treating your drains every month is a great way to avoid future clogs and other problems, and it's a very simple procedure. Just run one to two gallons of hot tap water down each drain in your house.
When searching for a good plumber you should always check references. It is easy to just go with the lowest price, but you have to do your research and make sure the plumber has a good reputation with the people they have done work for in the past so you do not get a bad plumber. Plumbing problems aren't so tough to deal with when you have knowledge of how to fix basic plumbing problems. Next time you're thinking of calling an expensive plumber, pull up this article instead and see if you can fix the problem yourself with the tips you've read here today.
To avoid clogs, pay attention to what you flush. Sanitary napkins, thick toilet paper and baby wipes should never be flushed. These items can expand and cause a clog, or get caught on a pipe. Instead, dispose of them in a sanitary way that does not involve flushing them down the toilet. Be careful about using liquid clog cleaners. These liquids can contain chemicals that are extremely bad for your pipes. Instead, use a snake or a plunger to dislodge any clogs you might encounter. Be sure to try these things before giving up and calling a plumber, who will probably re-perform those same acts.
Make sure you clean out overflow holes in your kitchen and bathroom sinks on a regular basis. These holes are intended to act as an emergency fail-safe to prevent spillage from a full sink, but if they are clogged they can't do their job. You can clean out an overflow hole using the same techniques you would for a clogged drain. Periodically check your pipes for leaks and cracks. These can be forgotten, since pipes are usually hidden away, but checking for leaks and cracks can help you identify a small problem before a big problem occurs. You may have to enlist the help of a family member to turn on and off the water stream as you are checking.
Make sure everyone in your home knows where the main water shut off valve is and that they know how to work it. That way, if there is a water problem, anyone in your household can turn off the water, thereby reducing the chances that your home will incur major water damage. Sometimes you have to make the choice between replacing or repairing. If you have an old appliance, that uses a lot of water or electricity, it may be best to replace. Sure, it will cost more initially, but it will save you money in the long run. The other thing is, you can't be sure how well a repair will work out, whereas with a new appliance you'll at least get a guarantee.
Many people deal with clogged toilets. However, if your toilet will not flush every time, the water rises to the top, and there is bubbling effect occasionally, this can be due to a much deeper blockage in the main pipe. The main pipe must then be cleaned in order for your toilet to work properly. Do not, under any circumstances, put lemons down your disposal. Although the lemon smell will give your disposal a great smell, its acid can corrode the metal parts in it. Instead, use products that are made specifically for this use. You can purchase these products at most hardware stores or wherever cleaning products are sold.
To avoid freezing pipes in the winter, make sure to insulate any exposed pipes in you basement before winter comes. Pay extra attention to pipes near the outside walls. If you have had a problem with any particular pipe freezing in the past, apply some heat tape to insulate those pipes. Treating your drains every month is a great way to avoid future clogs and other problems, and it's a very simple procedure. Just run one to two gallons of hot tap water down each drain in your house.
When searching for a good plumber you should always check references. It is easy to just go with the lowest price, but you have to do your research and make sure the plumber has a good reputation with the people they have done work for in the past so you do not get a bad plumber. Plumbing problems aren't so tough to deal with when you have knowledge of how to fix basic plumbing problems. Next time you're thinking of calling an expensive plumber, pull up this article instead and see if you can fix the problem yourself with the tips you've read here today.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Highly Effective Plumbing Tips
Plumbing issues are never that easy to deal with, but you will find it is easier to navigate the problem when you have solid advice. Whether you need help diagnosing or putting the project together yourself, these steps will guide you through each process that you will encounter as you take on your home's plumbing. Use the sounds you hear from your pipes to help you to determine what they problem is. Certain sounds mean the water pressure is too high. Other sounds can signify loose pipes or slight clogs from calcium or iron build up. Listening to your pipes can save you a lot of money hunting down the problem.
Make sure you know where your home's water shutoff is located. You never know when there might be an emergency involving a broken pipe or damaged connection that requires you to turn off the water right away. In addition, knowing where the shutoff is located is vital before you start any plumbing project, in case anything goes wrong. It is important to know how to properly anchor your pipes when it comes to plumbing. This is extremely important to know because not having your pipes well anchored could result in loud noises, leaks, or pressure problems. Call a professional if you are unsure how to take care of it yourself.
If you have bad water pressure in the shower, the showerhead might be clogged. Take a plastic baggie, fill it with regular vinegar, and tie it to the showerhead so that the showerhead is covered. Leave it overnight. In the morning, take the baggie off and use a small toothbrush to scrub away any mineral deposits. Water from wells can cause orange or rust colored stains in places like bathtubs and sinks. This comes from large amounts of iron present in the water. You can combat this by using a water softener. You can either purchase it at a store, or hire a company to come to your house to set it up for you.
Got a leaky pipe? In many cases you can repair this yourself without the expense of a plumber. If a joint is leaking, tighten it with a pipe wrench. If the leak is coming from a damaged section of pipe, you can try repairing with a store-bought patching kit. One method involves applying waterproof tape to the section of pipe where there is leakage. Before applying the tape, make sure the pipe is thoroughly dry. Make sure that the tape covers two to three inches on either side of the breakage in the pipe. Schedule all your plumbing work at the same time. You might want to call every time you need a tiny issue fixed with your plumbing, but if you know the system is bad, if you just call once, you can start saving for the major repair before you call. This will cut down on your plumbing bill because they can not charge you for extra trips.
Watch how your toilets are flushing. If you have to jiggle the handle or if it takes too long, you might have to repair some toilet parts. Replacing these parts early may help you to save on your water bills and will save you from more expensive repairs at a later date. Many people deal with clogged toilets. However, if your toilet will not flush every time, the water rises to the top, and there is bubbling effect occasionally, this can be due to a much deeper blockage in the main pipe. The main pipe must then be cleaned in order for your toilet to work properly.
Believe it or not, it is not a very good idea to use a plunger if your toilet is clogged. Plungers just push whatever is stuck deeper into the drain. Instead, it is a better idea to use a closet auger. It will do a better job and is affordable. A lot of people don't have a clue about plumbing, and will pay a plumber whatever he charges. If you own your own home, it's important that you take the time to learn the basics of plumbing, enough to ensure that you know what a plumber will be doing. By learning a little bit about the topic, you can rest assured that you won't be robbed blind by a plumber.
Plumbing should be taken seriously and when something such as problem occurs, it must be handled right away. If you are armed with these suggestions, you can do the plumbing yourself or hire a professional. Visit http://lancemaxwellplumbing.com for more info.
Make sure you know where your home's water shutoff is located. You never know when there might be an emergency involving a broken pipe or damaged connection that requires you to turn off the water right away. In addition, knowing where the shutoff is located is vital before you start any plumbing project, in case anything goes wrong. It is important to know how to properly anchor your pipes when it comes to plumbing. This is extremely important to know because not having your pipes well anchored could result in loud noises, leaks, or pressure problems. Call a professional if you are unsure how to take care of it yourself.
If you have bad water pressure in the shower, the showerhead might be clogged. Take a plastic baggie, fill it with regular vinegar, and tie it to the showerhead so that the showerhead is covered. Leave it overnight. In the morning, take the baggie off and use a small toothbrush to scrub away any mineral deposits. Water from wells can cause orange or rust colored stains in places like bathtubs and sinks. This comes from large amounts of iron present in the water. You can combat this by using a water softener. You can either purchase it at a store, or hire a company to come to your house to set it up for you.
Got a leaky pipe? In many cases you can repair this yourself without the expense of a plumber. If a joint is leaking, tighten it with a pipe wrench. If the leak is coming from a damaged section of pipe, you can try repairing with a store-bought patching kit. One method involves applying waterproof tape to the section of pipe where there is leakage. Before applying the tape, make sure the pipe is thoroughly dry. Make sure that the tape covers two to three inches on either side of the breakage in the pipe. Schedule all your plumbing work at the same time. You might want to call every time you need a tiny issue fixed with your plumbing, but if you know the system is bad, if you just call once, you can start saving for the major repair before you call. This will cut down on your plumbing bill because they can not charge you for extra trips.
Watch how your toilets are flushing. If you have to jiggle the handle or if it takes too long, you might have to repair some toilet parts. Replacing these parts early may help you to save on your water bills and will save you from more expensive repairs at a later date. Many people deal with clogged toilets. However, if your toilet will not flush every time, the water rises to the top, and there is bubbling effect occasionally, this can be due to a much deeper blockage in the main pipe. The main pipe must then be cleaned in order for your toilet to work properly.
Believe it or not, it is not a very good idea to use a plunger if your toilet is clogged. Plungers just push whatever is stuck deeper into the drain. Instead, it is a better idea to use a closet auger. It will do a better job and is affordable. A lot of people don't have a clue about plumbing, and will pay a plumber whatever he charges. If you own your own home, it's important that you take the time to learn the basics of plumbing, enough to ensure that you know what a plumber will be doing. By learning a little bit about the topic, you can rest assured that you won't be robbed blind by a plumber.
Plumbing should be taken seriously and when something such as problem occurs, it must be handled right away. If you are armed with these suggestions, you can do the plumbing yourself or hire a professional. Visit http://lancemaxwellplumbing.com for more info.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
PLUMBING REPAIR AND INSTALLATION
YOUR TRUSTED TALLAHASSEE PLUMBER
If you are building a new home or expanding your current one, you need a reliable plumber that can get the job done quickly and efficiently with minimal disruption to your daily routine. Lance Maxwell Plumbing has been serving the Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Florida Panhandle, and entire north Florida region with professional plumbing installation for over 20 years, building a base of loyal and repeat customers.
Any plumbing job needs ongoing maintenance for optimum service, as well as occasional repairs. As our “A” rating and glowing reviews on Angie’s List attest, we are professional and dependable in working on plumbing repairs. Whether you’re dealing with minor leaks or clogs or serious damage due to burst or broken pipes, we can be on-the-job quickly to protect you from further damage.
Excellent Customer Service Is Our Goal
Our plumbers are all experienced, highly trained and dedicated to providing excellent customer service and results. Call us anytime to see how we can help you with your next plumbing challenge.
Lance Maxwell Plumbing
5310 Tower Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Telephone: (850) 562-6227
SL #CFC057415
lancemaxwellplumbing.com
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