Plumbing Pricing Models
There are two different types of price models contractors often use. The first is an hourly pricing model and the second is a service-based pricing model. It’s important that you know how much you’ll be paying for your residential plumbing. Understanding the two price models can help with your decision when choosing a plumber.
Hourly Pricing Model
When your plumber operates on an hourly pricing model this means that they have an hourly rate and will charge you for how many hours it takes to complete the service. Plumbers shouldn’t rush their services. They should take the time to ensure that the job is done well. However, the time can cost you when it comes to an hourly pricing model.
Service-Based Pricing Model
A service-based pricing model is one where you receive a cost at your consultation depending on the required services, and your plumber stands behind it. We use this pricing model because we don’t think that a job should be rushed. We want to take the time to fix your plumbing issues right, but we don’t want it to cost you. If your plumber uses a service-based pricing model, they likely value quality over quantity. You can trust that a service-based plumber is doing the best job they can, without worrying about the amount of hours they work.
Full Home Inspections
When there’s a plumbing issue in your home, commonly, there are other related issues. Recognizing the importance of a full home inspection can save you a good deal of costs in the future. Unnoticed issues can get worse and be expensive over time. For example, if you don’t catch a leaky pipe in time it may ruin your flooring and furniture. A licensed plumber likely understands how a plumbing problem is affecting your entire home, even when you may not realize it. When we provide our plumbing services, we do a full home inspection every time. This is because we understand the importance of your home and we want it in the best condition possible.
Feeling Confident with Your Plumber
Regardless if it’s a contractor or a friend, inviting someone into your home yields a level of trust. Making sure that they’re licensed and insured is important, but plumbers should go beyond that to make you comfortable with having them in your home. Being professional means wearing a uniform, being polite, answering questions and completing the agreed-upon service. Any plumber that you invite into your home should understand that your home is not only likely your biggest investment, but also a place where you store your most cherished belongings and memories. They should treat their visit with care, not look at it as just a job.
Our plumbers are required to be professional in all aspects at all times. It’s important to us that we’re trusted, so we ensure that our plumbers meet high standards when it comes to professionalism.
Residential Installation Services
When you require plumbing installation services, there are a set of standards that must be followed. A licensed plumber knows and is able to follow, these standards when installing. These standards are extensive and include guidelines regarding what kind of materials must be used and safety codes, among other details. It’s important that a licensed plumber installs any plumbing-related material you’re adding to your home. This will likely lead to less expenses in the future since a licensed plumber will ensure that the job is done right the first time.
It’s smart to hire a licensed plumber when installing any of the following:
Boilers, Faucets, Toilets, Water heaters, Water Softeners, Sinks, Dishwashers, Showers, Bathtubs, Filtration Systems, Refrigerators, Laundry Machines.
Your plumber should provide you with an in-home consultation before the installation to give you a quote. They should stand behind that quote and complete the installation with a high standard of professionalism.
Residential Renovation Services
Renovations can be exciting for homeowners. However, it can be a long, costly process. Some homeowners like to take on a lot of the project themselves, while others rely heavily on outside contractors. Both of these approaches are great, but when it comes to plumbing, it’s imperative that you get help from a licensed plumber. In order for your renovation project to yield the best results you shouldn’t cut corners. Your plumbing contributes to the overall health of your home. If you’re using the wrong pipes or not following safety guidelines, you may be putting yourself and your home in danger. A plumbing issue can lead to further problems and more damage moving forward. You probably want to do what’s best for your budget when it comes to renovating. It may be tempting to take on plumbing yourself, however, a licensed plumber will save you time and money in the long run.
The plumber you hire for a renovation project should have your best interest at heart. They should help you streamline your project by providing you sound advice and quality service. A plumber will learn as much as they can about the project and follow proper protocol to ensure everybody working on the renovation project is safe. Reaching out to a licensed plumber is good step when doing renovations to your bathroom, kitchen or laundry room.
Clogs & Repairs
Slow draining, odd smells or weird noises can be indicators of a clog. When you notice this, it’s time to call a licensed plumber. When locating where the clog is, a plumber should check all other drains in the house to ensure they are working properly. Sometimes a clog can be beyond a joint branch line, causing the it to affect multiple drains. In some cases, the clog can be even beyond that and in the main stack or sewer line. If no other drains are affected, the clog is likely in the bottom of the fixture’s trap.
It’s important to fix a clog right away. Otherwise, it can lead to further issues and more expensive plumbing services. Clogs that go unresolved can cause a major backup, affecting your whole home. A plumber will fix the clog and repair any damages in the most efficient way. They can effectively take apart your drainage system, if necessary, to eradicate the clog.
Preventing Clogs
To prevent clogs from occurring, you can take proactive measures to ensure nothing builds up. You can use a strainer to catch anything that may fall down the drain. This may include hair or small objects. You should also never put grease down the drain. It easily builds up and is a common cause of blockages. Chemical drain cleaners are available, however, some include ingredients that can be harmful to your pipes. You can consult a licensed plumber on advice to avoid clogged drains.
Water Heaters
There are multiple types of water heaters you can use for your home. It’s important to know the different types before making your purchase. The following are a list of the different types of water heaters:
- Conventional Storage Water Heaters
- Tankless or Electric Demand Water Heaters
- Solar Water Heaters
- Heat Pump Water Heaters
- Tankless Coil and Indirect Water Heaters
Storage Water Heaters
The conventional storage water heater heats cold water and stores it in a tank. Typically, these water heaters hold between 113 and 347 litres. It works off of a gas burner at the bottom of the tank. Cold water is drawn to the bottom and heated by the gas burner. The power source behind this type of water heater can include gas, propane, fuel oil or electricity. Since it stores hot water, it works even when you aren’t using hot water. It can also take up a lot of space.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters don’t store water, therefore only work when needed. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water runs through and is heated either by gas or electricity. A tankless water heater has the ability to save electricity, however, a gas-powered tankless water heater can waste energy even when they’re not in use if they have a standing pilot light. A tankless water heater will also save you a lot of space when compared to a storage water heater.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters use a free energy source, the sunshine. There are typically two types of solar water heaters. These are active and passive. Active solar water heaters use a pump to circulate water through collectors and into the house, while passive solar water heaters do not use a pump. Passive solar water heaters are commonly less expensive but also can be less efficient.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pumps are typically used to heat your home. However, you can use them to heat water. They work to move heat instead of directly generate heat. It pulls heat from the air and uses that to heat water. This means they can be more efficient than other types of water heaters. You can also use a heat pump to work with a storage water heater in an attempt to conserve energy.
Tankless Coil or Indirect Water Heaters
These water heaters use your home’s heating system to heat your water. When using a tankless coil water heater, water flows through a heat exchanger in the main furnace or boiler when a faucet is turned on. An indirect water heater uses a storage tank and uses the heat exchanger to heat the water in the storage tank.
Any type of water heater requires professional installation and maintenance. Proper installation can extend the life of a water heater, as well as, make it more energy efficient. Indicators that it may be time to change your water heater are rust, loud noises, water in the collection pan or age. A licensed plumber can ensure that installation and maintenance are done properly.
Filtration & Water Softeners
Filtration systems work together with water softeners. Water softeners get rid of the minerals in your water. This is the process of turning hard water into soft water. Some of the downfalls of hard water is that it can react with soap and cause soap scum to build up on the sides of your tub or shower. It can also lead to the build-up of limescale, which can cause corrosion in your plumbing.
If your filtration system is in need of repair, failing to repair it can lead to lasting damages. Not only can your drains continuously get clogged, but your pipes can get significantly damaged. Make sure that you get ahold of a licensed plumber at the first sign of a problem.
If there are odd smells or noises coming from your pipes, or if your water is leaving a lot of residue, this may be because of a damaged filtration system. In order to ensure that the job is done right and won’t cause further problems, call a licensed plumber.
Sewer Snake
A sewer snake is a tool that goes into your sewer and clears any blockages. It has the ability to clear build-up and combat blockages effectively. Your sewer can be home to many plumbing problems. It can also be home to many harmful pathogens. You should hire a licensed professional instead of using a sewer snake yourself. A licensed plumber knows how to use the sewer snake safely. Not only can the pathogens be harmful, but the tool itself is powerful. They will make sure that the job is done safely and well. A licensed plumber has experience using a sewer snake, therefore will provide you with the best results.
Sump Pump
A sump pump is a pump in your basement that works to prevent rain or groundwater from entering your home. When looking to install or repair a sump pump, a licensed plumber should be the one to execute the job. They should be serviced to prevent the build-up of debris. If too much debris builds up it can cause damage to the pump. It’s important that a sump pump is installed correctly in order for it to work properly. Incorrect installation or maintenance can result in your sump pump not working, or serious damage.
Finding A Licensed Plumber For Your Home
Your home is likely your biggest investment. Your plumbing is important. The work done on your plumbing should be done by a licensed and insured professional. Not relying on professionals can lead to more expenses in the future. At Wellbrook Plumbing, we take pride in the fact that we’re trusted in Niagara. We know how important your home is, we will treat it with as much care as you would.