The plumbing system in a home often goes years without suffering from problems. Age, however, does eventually catch up with fixtures, seals, pipes, and more. Wear and tears do their parts, as well. Corrosion occurs over time, which leads to leaks. Sometimes, blockages buildup in the system, and you get backups.
You never know for sure what is going on with the plumbing. Things can appear fine, and then a problem arises. Calling a plumber to fix something, such a sink that will not completely shut off or replacing the showerhead that drips or shows extensive rust reflects normal expenses and responsibilities a homeowner deals with.
Can you address these problems and concerns in advance, though? With a plumbing maintenance plan, getting a jump on repairs before things go wrong or getting too bad is possible. A plumbing maintenance plan might not be as typical as an HVAC plan, but it is just as valuable. Homeowners might find such an agreement to be a worthwhile investment.
What Is a Plumbing Maintenance Plan?
A plumbing maintenance plan is a contractual agreement between a customer and a plumber to cover work in advance for a set fee. The cost of the plan and any maintenance provided will vary from company to company, but the agreement usually includes an annual inspection and minor maintenance work. There are likely other perks found in the plan, too.
The term of the contract could also vary, but most people would likely sign a one-year agreement. The benefits could prove valuable to a homeowner hoping to take problems with the plumbing off his or her shoulders.
The Value of an Annual Inspection
An annual inspection alone could make the service plan worth considering. Many homeowners have no idea what is going on in the plumbing system. For all they know, roots are growing out of control and may soon cause damage to septic lines. Yes, maintenance and safety issues could be manifesting under the proverbial radar. Once a plumber arrives and performs an inspection, the mystery about the plumbing system may cease to be mysterious.
Of course, upon discovering a problem, repairs can begin. Even if there is not a problem, indicators may suggest upgrades would be a good idea. If a plumber makes a recommendation for upkeep, the homeowner can choose to follow through. A running theme with maintenance programs involves getting a jump on preventive maintenance and care. And that could save money.
Follow-up maintenance may complement the inspection. While a plumber may deal with many clients over a year, repeat visits to the same home give the professionals an idea of what to expect. The familiarity should prove helpful since the plumber is not walking into a wholly unexpected and mysteriously repair situation. Beyer Plumbing handles residential, commercial, and even construction plumbing. Repair and replacement work remain a specialty, and residents in and around San Antonio, TX, can rely on the team for assistance.
The Plumber Provides an Inspection Record
The inspections should involve paperwork. Someone who comes out to a home or business to review the plumbing system will likely provide you with a report indicating what was uncovered. You will know what is good, what is not up to par, and what needs immediate repair, if necessary. Therefore, you have an idea of what to expect, and this leads to better planning. The written record of the inspection report presents a reference to review, and that is valuable.
Repairs and Maintenance May Prove Less Costly
If a leak causes rusting on the pipes and continues for an extended period, the repairs may become more extensive. Replacing a valve and an elbow would be less costly than replacing a significant amount of pipe. Ultimately, the smaller the job, the smaller the cost. By having a plumber come to the property and routinely take care of things, troubles might be caught at an earlier stage. By preventing troubles from expanding, you may save yourself money.
Remember, the costs could grow far beyond the plumbing bills. A leak in a drain from the second floor could dip into the drywall or the ceiling. Cutting out significant portions of both now opens the door to paying a contractor for replacements. The carpeting might need to be torn up and new material installed if a backup occurred and carpeting was flooded. Plumbing mishaps can lead to ripple effects. As the damage expands, so does the cost involved clean up and repair.
Less of a Chance for an Emergency
No one can say with 100 percent certainty that a plumbing emergency cannot or will not happen. Things can go wrong even under the best preventive care strategies. That said, catching a problem long before it worsens does decrease the chances of an emergency. If there is a gurgling sound in the toilet, that would indicate a backup is ready to happen. The strange noise would mean there is probably a partial clog. If a plumber learned about the situation before the clog fully closed the drain, overflow would probably be less likely. After all, the plumber could clear out the drain upon realizing its clogging up.
Emergencies can happen at any time of the day or evening and throughout the year. A backup and flooded bathroom could conceivably occur at one in the morning as New Year’s Eve turns into New Year’s Day. The date represents a troubling time to try and get a plumber to come out to a residence. Again, it is not possible to 100 percent prevent all emergencies, but the likelihood of one occurring decreases when necessary repairs occur early enough.
A Pre-Existing Association
If you have plumbing troubles, be they routine or emergency, who will you call? With the service agreement in place, you are obviously going to call the plumbing company that you established an affiliation. You know who you are calling, and the plumbing company knows who home they will visit. A pre-existing relationship can make things go much more smoothly. Searching on the internet for the right plumber during an emergency adds stress. You want the right plumber for the job; that person would be someone whose work you are familiar with and find acceptable.
Ask about priority scheduling when discussing maintenance agreements. When you are someone who is an established customer through the agreement, you should receive priority scheduling. If you do, then it becomes another helpful benefit with the maintenance agreement.
Access to Guarantees
Usually, the service agreement comes with a warranty on performed work. Odds are a qualified and licensed plumber that will not make any egregious mistakes, but things can sometimes happen. With a warranty and guarantee in place, follow-up work does not come with any costs. Of course, there will be a time limitation on a warranty, but it should be a reasonable one.
Since 1990, the family-owned Beyer Plumbing worked hard to meet all customer needs. In addition to plumbing system services, the company handles tankless water heaters, water quality, and other service requests. Call the offices today to discuss service plans, repair work, and more.
