Easy Ways to Find the Best Plumber During the Holiday Season

Three Characteristics of Reliable Plumbing Companies 

The holidays tend to get chaotic even when things are running smoothly. With so many activities to cram into a short season it can seem like everyone is running around with their hair on fire. To make matters more stressful, just because everyone is so busy doesn’t mean that problems take the season off. Plumbing problems can crop up and add copious amounts of stress to an already busy season. 

To take some of the trouble out of the season, homeowners should find a reliable plumber that can be on call to help them in their time of need. Whether homeowners have the luxury of finding a plumber before a problem arises or they are looking frantically for immediate help, there are certain hallmarks of reliable plumbers that can ensure homeowners get the best service. Here are some of the characteristics of trustworthy local plumbers. 

Positive Reviews on Internet Platforms 

reviewsThe internet has made shopping around for a plumber so much easier. Within seconds, homeowners can have the contact information of numerous plumbers ready to assist. But how does one go about separating reliable plumbers from unreliable ones? 

Along with contact information, numerous platforms host reviews of local plumbers. Homeowners searching for a plumber should check Google, Facebook, and the company’s website for applicable reviews before they dial the number. 

By reading reviews, potential customers can get an idea of how professional the company will be. Good and bad reviews can provide valuable information in searching for a plumbing. Be sure to look out for keywords in reviews like “prompt” and “fair.”

Proudly Displayed License and Insurance 

Plumbing is an important service that is closely regulated. The plumbing industry is closely regulated because their work has to be done correctly to be safe and effective. Plumbers that are reliable and worth hiring will proudly display their credentials to prove they are licensed and insured for their trade. 

Licensed and insured plumbers are not only the gold standard of the industry, but they are also the only plumbing companies that are legally allowed to do plumbing work. Before a plumber can solicit jobs, they have to prove they have done the necessary training to be competent. This makes them eligible to be licensed. Once a license is obtained, plumbers apply for special insurance covering them and their important work. 

Offers Maintenance maintenance

Plumbing in a home gets used every single day. Whether that means taking a hot shower or doing several loads of laundry, plumbing needs maintenance to ensure that it stays reliable over the years. 

Some of the most common practices offered by reliable plumbing companies are:

  • Water heater maintenance
  • Check water pressure
  • Fix minor leaks
  • Routine drain cleaning
  • Pipe inspection

By partnering with a reliable plumbing company during the winter, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of their relationship year-round with reduced plumbing problems and lower costs. 

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is a local plumber with award-winning service. Their technicians are licensed and insured to protect their workers and their customers. Call today for plumbing service in Apple Valley, MN.

It's Time To Recognize the First Black Woman Master Plumber!

Adrienne Bennett: A Plumbing Pioneer for Women

It is officially black history month, which means it’s officially time for a black master plumber spotlight! Her name was Adrienne Bennett, and her tireless efforts, determination, and resilience earned her a spot in history forever. Not only was she an ethnic minority, but she was also a woman plumber, which was unheard of in her time. She’s a name in history that everyone can look to for inspiration, not just women. Her hard work and accomplishments prove that anything is possible, anything can be changed or revolutionized, and there isn’t anything on this earth that a woman can’t do. 

Please continue reading to learn more about her story. 

The Origin 

Detroit’s Adrienne Bennett has made a name in the plumbing industry, but the plumbing wasn’t her first choice. When she was very young, she realized she loved to put things together. She wanted to know how different things worked. She entered an entry-level training program at a Detroit engineering firm when she was old enough. This led her to Lawrence Technology University, where she hoped to study mechanical engineering. 

This choice ended abruptly after a specific racial encounter with someone threw her for a loop. She quit college and never returned. A few years later, she found herself in a five-year plumber’s apprenticeship program at 22. 

Quickly Graduates From Apprentice To Contractor contractor

Bennett is an honest, hardworking woman that never lets anyone stand in her way. She went her entire plumbing career with an unblemished record, holding multiple different jobs. Every glass ceiling that tried to stop her, she plowed right through. 

Here are some of the jobs she’s had: 

  • Journeyman Plumber
  • Master Plumber
  • Project Manager
  • Plumbing Inspector 
  • Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Detroit  

She completed all of this growth within a decade and then moved on to independent contracting because she saw it as the only thing left for her to do! 

contractorLife As An Independent Contractor 

Now, she is a plumbing contractor for her own business. She’s in plumbing and water conservation for her company known as Benkari. They put their efforts into rebuilding the City of Detroit, which is something she’s extremely passionate about as it is the city she’s grown and worked in her entire life. 

Bakari continues to grow and has contracted work with big names in the industry, including Little Caesars Arena and the Anthony Wayne Housing Development. Regardless of what Adrienne Bennett does in her life, she does it all with the passion for getting the job done right. There is no stopping this woman from continuing to blast through glass ceilings and surprise everyone with her life’s accomplishments. 

Apple Valley Plumbing Company Keeps Plumbing Efficient 

Homeowners in Apple Valley, MN, depend on Apple Valley Plumbing Company professionals with all of their plumbing needs. These professionals work tirelessly to ensure their customers always have efficient plumbing and are happy with a job well done. Call them today for some of the best plumbing work in Apple Valley, MNplumbing work in Apple Valley, MN, call them today!

How Your Local Plumber Can Help You Conserve More Water This Earth Day

Professional Plumbing Services To Help Reduce Water Waste

In honor of Earth Day, many homeowners are looking for new ways to conserve water and do their part for the environment. Most people already know about the everyday good water habits like taking shorter showers, turning off faucets while brushing teeth or washing dishes, and consolidating their laundry into fewer loads. But many homeowners aren’t aware that their plumbing system itself may be costing them hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water every year.

Things like slow leaks, faulty valves, outdated fixtures, and excessive water pressure can waste several gallons a day for months on end without being noticed. Fortunately, homeowners are not alone. A trusted local plumber can identify hidden sources of water waste and solve the problem, as well as recommend additional eco-friendly solutions and practices. 

Plumbing System Inspections

A thorough plumbing inspection is generally considered a prerequisite when purchasing a home. But after this initial appraisal, most homeowners tend to think they’re in the clear for years. The truth is, a plumbing inspection should be performed every two years in newer homes and once a year in older homes.

With routine inspections, plumbers can catch minor issues before they escalate into large-scale emergencies. Pipe corrosion, dripping faucets, pinhole leaks, worn couplings, and mineral scale buildup can seem relatively harmless but end up causing massive damage or water waste. A pro can also measure the home’s main water supply pressure, which can cause severe damage or needless water loss if it’s too high.

Leak Detection, Repair & Prevention

leak

Minor plumbing leaks are perhaps the most insidious form of water waste to be found in a home. Even a slowly dripping faucet or a tiny trickle from a loose pipe fitting can send hundreds of gallons down the drain every year. It’s even estimated that 10% of homes have undetected or unresolved leaks that waste 90 gallons per day!

Professional leak detection typically involves:

  • Testing the water meter for phantom usage.
  • Pressure-testing the supply system for irregularities.
  • Using special acoustic listening devices.
  • Feeding fiber-optic cables into the walls to pinpoint elusive leaks.

The technician will then repair the leak, usually with a simple slip coupling or by repiping the entire section if it’s likely to spring another leak in the future. 

toilet

Repairing or Replacing Old Toilets

Another primary source of residential water waste is old or malfunctioning toilets. Any toilet that runs frequently is definitely leaking water. Homeowners can usually solve this by replacing the valve seal or “flapper” inside the tank, as it’s likely become worn. But not all toilet leaks are so simple. Older toilets may begin leaking from the base due when the connection to the floor drain becomes loose, the wax sealant ring has deteriorated, or the porcelain itself has cracked.

With most older toilets, repairs are hardly worth the cost, and homeowners would be better off replacing the toilet altogether. It’s a perfect opportunity to upgrade to a water-saving low-flush toilet. Many new toilet models use as little as 1.1 to 1.28 gallons per flush, much less than the standard 1.6. Some very old toilets use as much as 5 gallons, so an eco-friendly upgrade can’t come too soon!

A water-saving toilet can cut down water waste significantly, but it’s not the only fixture designed to do so. After the plumber replaces that old toilet, they can install eco-friendly faucets and showerheads to make the home even greener!

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

The award-winning Apple Valley Plumbing Company has proudly served the Apple Valley, MN community since 2013. Their professional, courteous technicians are punctual, prepared, and treat every home like their own. They provide free estimates, same-day service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call now for plumbing services!

Do You Know if You Really Are Hiring The Right Plumber?

How to Tell Between a Professional And an Amateur Plumber

Proper plumbing installation is extremely important in any home because improperly installed plumbing can result in safety hazards. The last thing anyone wants is to come home from work to a flooded house. Some of the most common plumbing issues aren’t from floods though, rather they are from slow leaks which can prove to be more dangerous in the long run.

This is because you could have a leak without even being aware of it, thus resulting in a possible mold growth that goes neglected. Finding the right plumber is vital to the safety of you and your family. This article will give you the information you need to have confidence in your selection.

A License Makes All the Difference

licensed plumberBecoming a plumber is no easy task, this is why when you are looking for a possible plumber to inspect, perform simple maintenance or repair your sink or toilet, it is important to make sure this plumber has the proper licensing.

If the plumber isn’t adequately licensed, he could end up doing more harm than good because he won’t know the specifics of the house, especially if you have an older home. Not only this, but he could try to get the job done anyway without letting you know that he isn’t sure how to do the job.

As a result, he may use the wrong tools or not tighten something effectively, which will lead to more of a headache for you later. Not to mention you could end up spending even more money to fix the first plumber’s mistakes.

Punctuality Is a Priority

Being on time is an important part of professionalism in any industry, but a plumber that arrives on time will not only ensure trustworthiness and respect for you and your problems but it also shows dependability, and an effort to get the job done right. When searching for the right plumber, you always want to go through a company that is known for its punctuality.

punctuality

If the company has 24-hour emergency services available, this is also a plus. Plumbing problems like a clogged toilet can arise at all hours of the day and night and when they do, they are usually problems that need to be fixed sooner rather than later. Look for companies with these services, as they will likely be more caring and efficient companies that are willing to do whatever it takes to fix the problem.

The Prepared Plumber is the Ideal Plumber

prepared plumberAlong with punctuality, being organized is another top priority in any profession and plumbing is no different. The plumber that arrives at your house should come with all the tools necessary to complete the job, as well as being prepared for the unforeseen issues that could possibly arise.

Being prepared is important in plumbing because of how timely and urgent most of the issues are. If the plumber isn’t prepared with all he needs and more, then it could lead to a potentially flooded house while he searches for the equipment he needs, it can also mean that he is not a plumber with required permits

A Company You Can Trust

A plumbing company based out of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Apple Valley Plumbing Company hires skilled professionals in the industry. They are a company dedicated to the business and making their customers happy. They know first-hand how urgent a busted pipe can be during the winters in Minnesota, which is why they’re available for 24-hour care.