Ask The Pipe Doctor
Q. How can I save money by avoiding a plumbing emergency?
Most emergencies happen as a result of neglected maintenance. You can save money and aggravation by each week, taking a look around your plumbing and heating systems. Check for any obvious dripping or corrosion. When these things appear, have them taken care of without delay. This can prevent further damage to your lines and prevent water damage to your home or business.
Q. Are there special things I should do to keep my heating system safe?
Your heating system should have an annual cleaning and check up. This is a service that we provide. Your annual check should include checking the safety valves and controls for proper operation. Keeping things clean and maintained is the first step to longevity and trouble free/emergency free service from your heating system.
The Pipe Doctor also offers a Free 18 Point Safety Check of your heating and plumbing systems with every paid service.
Q. How do I get the most life out of my water heater?
I have found that on Cape Cod, hot water heaters usually last between seven and ten years. I have had some last over twenty years, but that is not the norm. Seven to ten is normal. You can increase the life by having the sediment flushed out on an annual basis. If you like, I can do this for you.
Q. What should I do if I have a flood?
It is very important to know where your main shut-off valve is before you have an emergency. Make sure you also have a clear path and access to it, and that you know how to shut it off. Make sure it works properly. If you have an old knob-type valve, it would be a really good idea to have it replaced with a new lever-type ball valve. I can install a new valve for you that closes with just one quarter turn so it can be turned off very quickly.
Q. What should I do if I smell gas?
If you smell gas, do not touch the switches or do anything that would cause a spark. If the smell is only mild, open the doors and windows. Otherwise, simply get everyone out of the house as fast as possible. For any gas leak, always call the gas company from outside the home.
Q. Is your work really guaranteed?
Yes we guarantee our parts and labor 100% for one full year. If you have a problem with something we replaced, call us and we will correct it for free.
Q. How can I save money on plumbing bills?
You can save money in the long run by getting your plumbing problems fixed right the first time. If a plumber gives you a makeshift fix and doesn't guarantee his work, you may need him to keep coming out and he will keep billing you. You may have already had a sad experience like this.
At The Pipe Doctor, we send out only Master Plumbers who fix it right the first time. This saves us and you return visits. We can also save you money by fixing your small problems quickly before they become big problems that do water damage to your home or business. We guarantee all our work for a full year, so if something does go wrong, you pay only once and any return visits are free.
You can also take a look at our Tips section for ideas on small jobs or maintenance that you can do that will create savings for you. If you're a Senior, ask us about our special discount.
The Pipe Doctor
P.O. Box 2227
Hyannis, MA 02601
Tel: (508) 775-6670
info@pipe-doctor.com