When a pipe bursts or some other piece of plumbing malfunctions, our first instinct is to get the problem under control as soon as possible. The longer such an issue goes on, the harder it will be to repair. Not only will the issue be harder to fix, if left unaddressed, the problem could result in hundreds to thousands of dollars in property damage and water usage fees. Because time is of the essence during a plumbing emergency, we feel pressured to make a repair decision as soon as possible, without giving ourselves time to weigh our options completely.
An unqualified plumber will charge usually high service fees and provide substandard service and poor quality parts. After the plumber has completed the job, check the work. You can check to see if everything is put back together and there is no mess on the floor. As well, you should turn on the taps and flush the toilet to see if everything is running properly.
Some toilet valves do not take washers and therefore you cannot repair them. If you have a washerless shut-off valve that leaks it will need to be replaced. You will need: a propane torch, solder, flux, sandcloth, a wire fitting brush, a small section of copper pipe (most likely 3/4" I.D.), a slip coupling (again probably 3/4") and a shut-off valve. I would highly recommend installing a ball valve with a drain on it as opposed to a washer style valve. If you purchase a decent quality ball valve it will last a very long time.
Leaks can come from so many sources, so you know that this is going to take time to locate and rectify. At least in this case there Trustworthy plumber is actual evidence that can be tracked. A hidden leak can drip on and on for a long time, silently adding money to your water bill.
This seems like a lot to work out in the few minutes that you spend searching for a Local plumber to fix your issue, but taking that few extra minutes can really save you a lot of grief and further problems in the future. Always take the time to do some research and make sure that you are getting your money's worth before you call in a plumber. There is a lot that can go wrong when it comes to working with things such as plumbing and you have to be sure that your home's plumbing is kept safe and correct. Failing to do so could result in endangering the lives and health of your family.
It is fine to ask the qualifications of a plumber. Check out if their paperwork is authentic. If you find anything fishy, call the MPA. Various plumbers are registered with Master Plumbers Association.
Water can do more that just get everything wet. It can destroy walls, foundations, structure, flooring, and many other aspects of your home. Minimizing the damage by knowing where the water valves are located, keeping more water from harming more of your home, and having a plumber you can trust to fix your plumbing problem right and for a reasonable is key. We all have to deal with plumbing problems. Be prepared.