10 Common Types of Services Offered by Plumbers

Installation

Plumbers are often called to install new plumbing components and products such as dishwashers, toilets, pumps and so on. In some cases, it might be a legal requirement for a plumber to install or sign off on the installation of a component, and this makes it a major component of the plumbing industry.

Drain & Sewer clearing

Drains and sewers endure the brunt of the plumbing demands of a household. This is especially true in large family households, where drains can get blocked by hair and other detritus, or pipes may become blocked by tree roots. This is especially true in older houses with plumbing that has not been renovated since initial installation, as old clay pipes are particularly prone to damage.

Repair and Replace

All components and products do degrade over time, so where a tap, toilet mechanism, hot water unit or other component has failed, a plumber may urgently be called to determine what is at fault, whether it is possible to repair, how best to repair it, and if not, how best to replace it.

Remodelling

Where clients are renovating their home, it is often necessary to remodel kitchens and bathrooms. This requires a plumber to reposition pipework and refit the home as per the client’s requirements.

Gas fitting

Certain plumbers have certification to work on natural gas pipework. This means they are qualified to detect leaks, install new gas pipework and components, as well as repair existing gas pipework.

Water Heater repair

Along with gas fitting, water heaters are a common call-out for plumbers. Very few people are willing to tolerate an ice-cold shower, so when water heaters fail clients require immediate action. Plumbers may be able to detect a fault and repair it, but it may also be necessary to replace the unit, especially if it is more than 10 years old.

Maintenance and checks

Clients may like to get ahead of the curve and invite a plumber to check over the home for any signs of an impending failure or fault. This may involve checking the gas lines, the water heater, drains, toilet flush mechanisms and more. This may also be done prior to the purchase or rental of a property, so clients can know what exactly they are purchasing.

Emergency Plumbing

When plumbing components fail or misbehave, this can often become an emergency. Failure of pipes or drains can cause flooding, failure of toilet flush mechanisms can disable a household, and gas leaks can create serious danger for households. Emergency plumbing is often necessary to prevent permanent damage to a home.

Tap and shower fixture replacement

It’s easy to forget that even taps and showerheads can break and fail. This may manifest as a leak or a complete failure, which will require the mains water to be shut off. Plumbers may be called to replace a seal or replace the entire fixture.

Solar

Solar power can be utilised to power your hot water needs. A qualified plumber can install solar-powered hot water heaters to keep your gas and electrical bills down.

8 REASONS TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PLUMBER

Your plumbing is one of the most important systems in your home.  Whether you need new plumbing installed during a home renovation, help with a plumbing repair or unexpected plumbing emergency, there are many reasons to hire a professional plumber.  Here are the top 8 reasons:

1. Plumbers know what they’re doing. A Master Plumber has extensive training, knowledge and practical experience.  From the installation of pipes to repairing leaks and other issues, a licensed plumber has the experience and skills to ensure the job done right the first time with permanent results.

2. Plumbers have the proper tools and materials. When you hire a professional plumbing companies they will arrive with all of the tools and materials required for the job.  This saves you hours running back and forth from the hardware store picking up parts and buying tools you’ll never use again.

3. Edmonton plumbing companies offer multiple services. Hiring a professional plumber gives you access to a wide variety of services to install, repair or maintain your plumbing system.  Installing new pipes, replacing old pipes, identify blockages, repairing leaks, installing major appliances – they can take care of all those things for you. Learn how to fix a leaky faucet.

4. Plumbers can find hard-to-find problems with your plumbing. Sometimes a seemingly simple problem like a leaky pipe can have a hard-to-find root cause. Plumbers can more easily find those hidden issues, checking your entire plumbing system to identify the root cause and ensure all repairs are completed so the issue does not reoccur. Learn how to troubleshoot plumbing problems.

5. Professional plumbing services help protect your property. You think you have resolved the plumbing issue, but then come home to a basement or bathroom full of water.  Water can do extensive and expensive damage to your home.  Hiring a professional plumber will ensure those things don’t happen, protecting your property, giving you peace of mind and saving you money from costly repairs.

6. Plumbers can help prevent havoc. Having a plumber come in for repairs and regular check-ups of your plumbing system will not only maintain it’s function, it will also detect problems early before they cause a disaster and expensive damage.

7. Plumbing companies offer on-going customer support. If you’ve had a repair done by a reputable plumbing company, you now have access to expert advice and professional services should you come across another issue or plumbing emergency.  They will be there for you, providing exceptional customer service.

8. Plumbers can save you from an unexpected plumbing emergency! Plumbing emergencies can cause extensive water damage or be incredibly gross!  A professional plumber will offer emergency services and will come to your rescue in a very short period of time.  Most plumbers offer immediate response to your plumbing emergency 24/7.

What Percentage Do Home Improvement Contractors Make on a Job?

General Contracting and the Rule of Thirds

When a leaky pipe needs fixing, a porch needs building, or a house needs remodeling, many homeowners hire a contractor to get the job done. Home improvement contractors are those who agree to fulfill the demands of a contract securing a service between two or more people within the context of the interior remodeling and outdoor living space industry. In any standard contract, money is exchanged for these services, but where do contractors get their price quotes from, and how can you tell if their estimate is legitimate?

Contractors come from many fields and specialize in many different areas, such as framing, trimming, and concrete. There are also general contractors, who tackle big picture jobs like building an addition, constructing a porch, or remodeling a bathroom. Many general contractors have their own crew of laborers to complete the job, and may hire sub-contractors to handle certain specialty tasks.

In exchange for building a new screened porch, fixing up a kitchen, or installing new trim, homeowners make payments towards an amount that is estimated and agreed upon before the work begins. Here is a typical breakdown of total project costs for an average home improvement job:

• 33% goes towards materials. One third of the total project cost usually goes towards materials, including building supplies, fixing, and finishing materials, as well as special tools and job equipment. This price may also include costs to protect existing structures and equipment delivery to and from the site. This portion of cost may be affected by the quality of materials you choose, as well as the complexity of your project.
• 33% goes towards labor. You can expect a third of the project cost to go towards labor. This may include the salary that your contractor pays his work crew and other employees, as well the payment he makes to hired contractors. Major factors affecting labor cost include the complexity, size, and location of the project.
• 33% goes towards gross profit. Some homeowners mistakenly believe that gross profit refers to the amount of money a contractor receives. However, the vast majority of gross profit (typically around 23 to 25 percent) is used to pay overhead expenses.

  Overhead expenses usually cover the general costs of running a business, including legal fees, insurance, accounting, employee expenses, construction management, sales commission, and office expenses. If around 25 percent of gross profit goes towards overhead expenses, a contractor will only make an average of about seven percent in profit from a job. In some cases, a contractor who manages a project exceptionally well may be able to bring this up to 10 percent—but this is rare.

Be wary of any contractor who promises more than five percent discount on a project, as this is a substantial markdown. Contracting a project at a deep discount can be very risky, since the contractor may cut corners in labor and materials to try and make due. In worst case scenario, a contractor may run out of money midway through a project and be unable to see it through to completion. If you are a homeowner, your home may be one of your most valuable assets, and it doesn’t make sense to hire the cheapest contractor you can find to manage its well being.

In the end, a contractor needs to make a gross profit in order to grow and maintain their business. By paying a bit more upfront for a quality contractor upfront, you not only ensure quality work, but less repair and maintenance fees in the long run.