Ever wonder where the stuff you flush down the toilet goes? No? Well, fair enough... flush it and say goodbye! Unfortunately, many of us do have to think about it. Nearly half of all Americans live in a house with a septic tank. We won't go into details, but this is the place where all your "wastewater" (okay, it's sewage) goes. We all flush and forget, but your septic tank needs ordinary maintenance.

Do you know of any buyers or sellers who have employed the agent? Client referrals are a valid measure of the Realtor's ability and performance. Testimonials provided by the agent are not as reliable as the proverbial "word of mouth" referral. This is as true in real estate as in any other business or profession.

Some drain repipe 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.

A good company offers guarantees on their labor and the parts they use. Reliable plumbing companies guarantee their work Trustworthy plumber with written warranties and contractual agreements. If you pay for service and it fails, you will not have to pay for the same service again if the work is guaranteed.

The number one thing to look for is emergency services. You never know when a pipe will burst or a toilet will overflow. It is not always during business hours, and you certainly cannot wait hours until a Local plumber is ready to come to your home in the morning. You need someone who will be responsive when you need fast help, which is why you should look for a company that provides emergency hours. You may have to pay an extra fee, but it is usually cheaper than having to pay for mold elimination down the road after letting standing water stay in your house for days.

Whether you choose a freelance plumber or a plumbing company, verify if these individuals have plumbing licenses. Licenses guarantee that you and your neighbor's properties are insured in case something goes wrong.

Once the work has been completed, ask for a breakdown of the bill before it's paid. That way, you know what you're paying for and it stops the plumbers asking for more money down the line.