theplumbersbride

Are you using a reputable, licensed and insured plumber?

I know we all go through this. We want to use someone who is the cheapest.  We want more bang for our buck.  We want something done, and we want it done now.  We are in the instant gratification world.  But, don’t we want it done right?  There are several words that come to mind when I think of other service oriented businesses our there.  Integrity, Honesty, Professionalism, Fairness, Trustworthiness, Licensed, Insured.  I am sure everyone would agree on the first 5.  We all strive to have these characteristics in life and in business. 

Over the last 18 years that we have been together, I have proudly watched my husband  grow in this industry.  He learned and worked under one of the best men in the industry, which the majority of plumbers don’t get these days.  Having a true mentor is rare.  I pray that he can be a mentor and train a young man, as he was once trained.  Bear has worked so very hard to build up his reputation in the Klein area and plumbing industry.  Plumbers from all over still call him for advice while out on jobs.  Yes even plumbers who do not work for us.  He is always willing to help and educate others when he has the opportunity.  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

The last two characteristics  listed above are very personal to me.  Licensed and Insured.  If you are using someone for plumbing who is NOT working under a Master Plumbing Licensed company or is not a Master plumber himself, I assure you that person is not insured.   In the state of Texas you cannot legally operate a plumbing business without a Masters Plumbing License (MPL) and a minimum of $300,000.00 in liability insurance.

Did you know that you can easily look at the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners website to see if the plumbing company you are using is licensed with a Masters plumbing license? Here are the steps below to help you out. If you do not see that the company you are using has a valid license then you will know they do not have insurance either. The State of Texas will not issue a license to a company if their insurance is not current.  https://licensing.hpc.state.tx.us/datamart/searchByName.do

There are four professional levels for a plumber in Texas:

1. Master Plumber – This license is required to own & operate a company.
2. Journeyman Plumber – This licenses an individual to work under a Master Plumber but not on their own. Any work performed by a journeymen plumber on his own accord is not insured.
3. Tradesman Plumber – This level has a limited license and is required to work under a Master Plumber.
4. Plumber’s Apprentice – Required to register with the State, this level is not licensed, and is required to work under a Master Plumber.

Just remember when you call your handyman to fix any of your plumbing and your home is damaged, he does not carry the proper insurance to cover damages.  You will be on your own to repair damages in these cases.

So, last week I was sitting around with some friends. While we were visiting : ) (Yes Rox that was for you!)  the topic of plumbing came up.  Go figure.  No, I did not bring it up!  My friend Jessica’s husband, Drew, completed a plumbing repair that evening and sent a picture to her to let her know ….”Leak fixed” .  I immediately said let me send that picture to Bear.  So this led to more questions which of course I could not answer. So here goes.

Ladies if I forget any of the questions, or you have more, please send them my way.

Question from Jessica – I have sand or grit in my water. What would cause that?  My response, I have no idea.  Let me text Bear and ask.

His immediate reply

Ok, Bear, that is three different issues which I am sure everyone is questioning how do we figure out which one it is.

1. Old pipes – this could mean you may need a partial repipe or a full house repipe of your home.  This is by far the most costly ranging anywhere from $8,000.00 – $12,000.00 or more but, Bear said it really depends.  Never go with a quote over the phone make sure you have a reputable licensed plumber come out and give you an estimate.  This is common in the Spring area with homes that were built in the 1970’s.  You can reference my post from 5/5/2012 This could be lurking in your attic….
2. Neighborhood pipes being worked on – this is the one you hope for as the sand and grit will eventually flush out of the system.  However, we do have customers that do not want to deal with this issue at all so it too can be prevented.  You could install a whole house water filter system.  You can give us a call for pricing 281-350-BEAR  (281-350-2327).
3. Water heater could be old or contain sediment that is being passed through to the faucets.  Our prices in November 2015 would range $1,175.00 – $3,600.00 depending on the size and style you have installed.

We would be glad to send Bear or one of our guys over to help you figure out which of these issues you may have.

Please let me know if you find this information helpful.  I would love to answer any questions, so please send them my way!

Remember to move your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 1st.

A little history and humor for this Friday.  I ran across this in my daily plumbing reading from the Houston Chronicle.  Yes I try to stay up on plumbing news.  It helps me come up with something to write about.  I need all the help I can get since I am just the plumbers bride.  I do not claim to know anything about plumbing.  I rely on Bear and what I find in research.

Check it out!

This Year’s ‘Miss Plumbing Contractor’ Was…?

If you appreciate your plumber let us know!

Do you have a plumbing question?  Ask the expert Bear!  We are here to answer not only your pricing questions, but “how to” questions as well?

Did you know that the majority of the pipe coming out of your roof is plumbing related? The pipes are vent pipes connected to the pipes that waste exit your home.  Recently, we had a hailstorm that damaged many roofs and cars in the area. Bear pointed out to me this weekend that most of the roofers are not repairing or replacing the vent flashings on the roof. 

This is what you do not want your pipes to look like on your roof.  The rubber will deteriorate over time.

I said “so, what does that have to do with us?”  We too will be having a new roof installed in the upcoming weeks due to this damage but our vent flashings will be new.  We are using a local roofer from the area, not one of these fly by night roofing companies that travel from out of state to take advantage of unaware clients.

The plumbing piping coming out of the roof provides the atmospheric pressure needed to flush waste from your home to the public sewer system or septic system, and help keep the smell of sewer gases out of your house.   If you are paying thousands of dollars for a new roof, make sure you’re using a credible company who is including the vent flashings along with the new roof.   Request lead flashings for these vent pipes.  The biggest concern you will have with lead pipes would be squirrels eating them. 

Should you have any questions regarding ventilation piping or any other plumbing need please do not hesitate to call us at 281.350.BEAR (2327)!!