Investing in plumbing services is one of the best things you can do for your home, but when should you hire a plumber, and how do you choose one? Dealing with a plumbing issue can be stressful, especially when you do not have the right plumber to help you. However, plumbers can help you save a ton of money by resolving issues before they turn into more serious ones.Here at Atomic Plumbing, we have years of experience in the industry, allowing us to assist customers with all of their plumbing issues. To help you, we made this extensive guide to help get all of the information you need about plumbing in Virginia Beach.
How Do I Find a Plumber in Virginia Beach?
Before hiring a plumber, it is best to know how to identify the best ones in the area to get great results. Virginia Beach is a fairly large city, so you will find a plethora of plumbers within minutes but going through a few steps will help you narrow down your options. Here are the best ways to find a good local plumber:
Look for Companies Online
The quickest method for finding plumbers in Virginia Beach is to search for them online. Doing so will present you with a variety of plumbing sites from companies around the city, and you should visit several. Some of the main things to look for are their services and contact information. If a plumber’s website has a blog, you can also read it to learn more about their expertise. When you find a plumber that interests you, save their website for reference later. Do this until you have a few plumbers to compare.
Ask About Services and Rates
You should never hire a plumber until you ask about their services and rates. While many plumbers offer similar services, their rates tend to vary depending on their experience and demand. After finding a plumber’s contact information, reach out to them with any questions you may have. They may ask you for additional information about your situation, and it’s best to describe it as much as possible. This will make it easier for them to determine whether they can assist you.
Depending on the type of service you need, a plumber may need to visit your property before they can give you a quote. For example, if you have a broken pipe but are unsure of where it is, they will need to locate it and determine how much it will cost to replace or repair it.
Read Online Customer Reviews
After asking a few companies about their services and rates, the next thing to do is read online customer reviews. You can do this by visiting a few review sites that allow users to submit information about any business. Reading reviews is a crucial part of hiring any company because you can learn about the experiences of other customers. These will make it easier to determine whether a company is worth pursuing for a plumbing issue.
Try to find reviews for a company on several websites to view a wide variety. Each review site tends to have a unique user base, so visiting several will ensure you do not receive biased feedback. Keep in mind that you should not base your decision solely on reviews. However, they will give you the insight you need to make the best choice.
Get Referrals
Aside from reading reviews, you can also get referrals from people you know. Referrals are often more reliable than online reviews because you can learn more about plumbing services. For example, when reading an online review, you cannot ask the person questions. Yet, if someone refers you to a top-notch plumber, they can provide you with all of the information you need about their experience. When someone refers you to a plumber, try to get as much information as you can. From there, you can check online reviews to determine whether that was a unique experience or if the company provides great customer service to everyone.
What Are Signs of a Reliable Plumber?
Now that you know how to look for plumbers in Virginia Beach, it is time to learn about the signs of a reliable one. Understanding these signs will help you quickly identify whether a plumber is worth your money, even after reading reviews and getting referrals. These are the main signs to look for in a plumber:
Responsive
When hiring any type of company, it is best to ensure they are as responsive as possible. A responsive plumber will reply quickly and answer all of your questions. They will also be proactive when resolving issues to prevent larger issues from arising later. You can find out whether a plumber is responsive by contacting them. If they do not answer the phone or reply to your email quickly, that can indicate that they are not responsive and may not provide the best services. Responsive plumbers may also provide you with several forms of contact to ensure you can get in touch at any time. However, this is not always guaranteed.
Early Estimates
Another major sign to look for is when a plumber provides early estimates or quotes. This often means that they are serious about working with you, and you will know from the beginning how much they charge. As mentioned, a plumber may sometimes need to visit your property before they can give you an estimate. However, there is a good chance that they are reliable if they give you an amount the moment they determine what your issue is. The amount you will be given will depend on the type of service you want and whether it is an emergency. For example, repairing or replacing a broken pipe may be more expensive than cleaning a drain, especially if it occurs late at night.
Knowledgeable
Figuring out whether a plumber is knowledgeable can be tricky. However, a quick discussion with them about their experience will help you. When they visit your property, they should also know how to diagnose issues and resolve them without taking too long. A plumbing company’s blog can also help you determine whether they are knowledgeable. If they have a plethora of posts about a variety of topics, there is a good chance that they have a lot of experience in the field. Blog posts can also help you diagnose problems yourself, allowing you to determine whether a plumber is necessary. You should also consider asking a plumber about their credentials before hiring them. After reading about the top training and certifications, you can better understand how much experience they have when they present their information to you.
Good Reviews
In Virginia Beach, VA, you can find many plumbing companies in various neighborhoods. However, you cannot know whether you will get good results if you work with a company that does not have overwhelmingly positive reviews. Finding reviews for a plumber takes only a few minutes, and you should always read through them before hiring anyone. If a company has poor reviews, avoid them and continue your search. You can see all our Google reviews here.
Well-Equipped
Like finding out whether a plumber is knowledgeable, finding out whether they are well-equipped will require meeting them. You can also ask them about their equipment when contacting them. Whenever a reliable plumber arrives at your property to fix or replace something, they will have all the tools they will need to resolve your issues. There should be no need for them to leave and return unless they are only giving you a quote. If a plumber does not have the tools necessary to resolve your issues, this may mean they do not have the right equipment or do not have enough experience.
When Should I Look for a Plumber in Virginia Beach?
Not only should you know about the signs of a reliable plumber, but you should also know when to hire one. Unfortunately, a variety of things can occur that indicate hiring a plumber is necessary. Most homeowners in Virginia Beach have complex plumbing systems with various parts. Because of this, identifying a problem yourself can be difficult unless you have plumbing experience. Watch for these common plumbing problems to help you determine when to hire a plumber:
You Have No Water
Having no water is a clear sign that you need to hire a plumber because it may be due to a closed valve, broken pipe, water supply issue, or something else. If only one part of your home is not getting water, you can try to check for a broken pipe in that region. However, if the entire home does not have water, a plumber can figure out what is causing the problem.
Water Is Not Heating
If your home is getting water without any issues but it is not heating, it is most likely due to a water heater malfunction, a faulty thermostat, or a water tank leak. This is another problem that may be hard to resolve on your own. Your home may also be dealing with electrical problems. If you notice a variety of other issues along with a lack of heated water, you may need to contact both a plumber and an electrician. Some plumbers do offer electrical services, but they are harder to find.
Poor Drainage
The most common cause of poor drainage is the buildup of foreign objects in a pipe. This often happens in the shower because both hair and soap build up, and in kitchen drains, food can quickly clog the drain. To avoid this problem, you can equip all of your drains with drain screens. However, if you notice a shower or faucet is taking far too long to drain, you may need to call a plumber to clean the pipes. They can then recommend the best type of drain screen to install.
Leaking Faucets
Unlike other common plumbing problems, leaking faucets often occur due to poor installation or corrosion. A faucet’s piping system has a variety of small parts that regularly contact water, such as washers and valve seats, so they are susceptible to corrosion over time. If they are loose, water may also leak as it passes through them. A plumber can help you determine whether parts are loose or need to be replaced. If you need to replace them, they may offer you a discount if you buy the parts directly from them.
Sewage Smell
Another problem that many homeowners occasionally deal with is a sewage smell that can occur when a sewer line breaks. Clogged drains can also cause the smell because they can prevent pipes from ventilating. If you notice a sewage smell coming from a certain area, such as the restroom, try deep cleaning it. If the smell continues, you should call a plumber to figure out what the cause is.
What Plumbing Services Are Offered in Virginia Beach?
In Virginia Beach, you will find all sorts of plumbing services to help you maintain your property. However, certain companies offer more services than others, making them more favorable if you want to take care of everything at once. For example, our plumbing services cover all of your needs, preventing you from having to search for another company.
These are the services Atomic Plumbing offers:
Water Heater and Appliance Installation
Water heaters are some of the most important things to have in a home because they are necessary for providing warm water through pipes. Yet, installing them can be a hassle unless you hire a professional plumber who knows how to connect them.
After a plumber has installed a new water heater for you, they can give you a few tips for maintaining it. Aside from installing water heaters, plumbers can also install other appliances, such as a new dishwasher, faucets, garbage disposals, and washing machines. They will ensure that all fixtures are installed correctly, regardless of the appliance you want.
Drain Cleaning and Maintenance
Drain cleaning is a simple service that can protect your entire plumbing system. Atomic Plumbing uses a variety of tools and cleaning products to ensure your pipes are as clean as possible, allowing for efficient drainage.
We can also provide regular drain maintenance to prevent your drains from clogging to begin with. With the installation of grates, you will not have to worry about foreign objects getting stuck in your pipes. Should your drains get clogged, try flushing them with hot water, baking soda, and vinegar. If that does not work, it is best to call Atomic Plumbing for a thorough cleaning.
Like drain cleaning, pipe cleaning involves using a variety of tools. However, pipe cleaning can be a lengthy process because foreign objects can build up throughout various parts of your plumbing system. Pipe cleaning is not only important for consistent water pressure, but it also allows plumbers to identify corrosion. If corroded pipes are not removed, they can cause a variety of health issues for those who drink water from them. Although pipes tend to last a long time, it is best to have a plumber inspect them every couple of years to ensure everything is okay. This will save you both time and money.
While many homeowners do not think about them, tree roots can drastically affect your plumbing system. You do not need to remove trees from your property, but you should remove roots surrounding your plumbing system every few years. This will prevent them from damaging your pipes while ensuring the trees remain healthy.
Depending on the pipes you have, your plumbing system may be more susceptible to damage in a shorter time frame. Clay and concrete pipes are some of the weakest, despite being common in older systems. However, plastic and metal pipes can last upward of 50 years if maintained properly. To properly remove roots, the process can take several days because excavation is necessary. However, Atomic Plumbing can remove them quickly to ensure you can continue using your appliances.
Sewer lines are some of the most important things to maintain because they are responsible for getting rid of wastewater. However, many things can indicate that a sewer line has a problem. Some of the most common signs are gurgling sounds when flushing, slow drainage, and bad odors. Both foreign objects and corrosion can negatively affect a sewer line, but you can avoid issues by using your appliances correctly and performing regular maintenance.
If your entire plumbing system is old, there is a good chance that your sewer lines will need to be replaced soon. However, if they have been maintained well over the years, you may only need to repair or replace a few parts. Keep in mind that maintaining them is crucial if you want to save some money because you can face additional costs when repairing them. For example, your driveway may need to be cut into to access the lines, which would increase the cost of the process.
Small jewelry, like earrings and rings, can easily fall into a drain if you are not careful or do not have a grate. However, a plumber can retrieve them for you in no time without having to pull apart your appliance. If your jewelry falls into a sink’s drain, it will get stuck in the p-trap, which is a U-shaped pipe below the sink. Bathtubs and showers also have p-traps, though they can be harder to access because they are not visible. While you can attempt to use a plumbing snake to get your jewelry, you should avoid doing so to prevent lodging a piece of jewelry further into the pipe. Instead, have a plumber take care of it for you.
A gas leak can not only affect your plumbing system, but it can also put your family in danger if you do not resolve it immediately. They often occur when a gas pipe breaks, and they can cause one to feel headaches and nausea, among other symptoms. As your home fills with gas, it can also increase the risk of an explosion when something ignites. Fortunately, Atomic Plumbing uses a variety of methods to determine whether a home has a gas leak. When one is detected, you can expect a qualified plumber to repair or replace a line to stop the leak. They may instruct you to stay out of your property for some time, depending on how severe the leak was.
The last service Atomic Plumbing provides is backflow preventer maintenance and installation. Backflow preventers are responsible for stopping dirty water from flowing into the clean water supply as your appliances run. Several things can cause backflow, including inconsistent water pressure, power outages, and broken pipes. Because of this, a plumber may need to inspect various parts of your plumbing system to determine the exact cause. Various types of backflow preventers exist, but you can find ones for as little as $50. Should yours break, Atomic Plumbing will help you install a new one.
Use Our Plumbing Services Today
Now that you have read this complete guide to plumbing services, it is time to start working with Atomic Plumbing today. No matter what kind of service you need in Virginia Beach, VA, our top-notch professionals can help you maintain your property’s plumbing system. Remember, a variety of things can cause problems in your plumbing system. If you ever notice something wrong, contact a plumber as soon as possible to avoid long-term issues. Although you may want to handle a problem yourself, Atomic Plumbing will ensure things are done correctly at an affordable rate.
Are you ready to improve your home’s plumbing system? Contact us now to learn all about how we can assist you with our plumbing services!
