A plumber has always been considered a blue-collar worker and a blue-collar worker is typically someone who never completed a college degree. These lines are now being blurred, as there are college graduates who do decide to try their hand at becoming licensed plumbers. It’s not a requirement to become a plumber, but having some college behind a plumbing certification can certainly boost job prospects.

Not only do certain colleges now provide some higher education in the field of plumbing technology, but they also provide the vocational training needed to become a certified plumbing technician and prepare one for the apprenticeship program and a step toward a career in plumbing. There’s a good deal of concepts and techniques to learn about pipefitting and numerous other specializations that plumbers need to know.

Apprentice Training

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is a great example of a higher learning institution that provides courses in plumbing theory. Going through this apprentice program is the most common path your people take in BC to get their tickets. It is vital to becoming a local plumber and we have included a plumbing company to call about getting practical time in the field at the bottom of this article.

This area of study provides invaluable training for students who seek knowledge in standard plumbing concepts as well as installation methodology. This is where an individual can master the proper techniques toward optimal plumbing repairs, cutting edge installation techniques and the latest technologies in the plumbing industry. This program focuses on both theory as well as hard skills at tool identification and usage, safety measures as well as everything an apprentice needs to know and more.

More and more of these institutions provide typical classroom atmosphere tied together with hands-on labs where every level of student can learn pipefitting techniques. The Dallas Community University is another great example of a higher level institution that offers plumbing courses for beginners, intermediates and advanced students, from those who know nothing about pipefitting to those who have been in the industry for years.

Students here learn about how to read blueprint plans, identify piping systems and learn about piping standards and technical specifications. The intermediate courses cover areas around field routing, vessel trim, hangers and supports and spring can supports. Students here learn how to prepare work jobs, how to identify and install various valves and more.

Advanced Knowledge

The advanced pipefitting program focuses on the core knowledge from pipe manufacturing, placement, steam traps, hot taps and routing maintenance around valves. These pipefitting programs typically combine classroom as well as labs. Additional courses are available for learning about vent systems, waste and drain systems and specializations in commercial and residential applications.

Plumbing is among one of the oldest and also one of the best-paying jobs in the construction industry and it’s always in high demand. A better-than-average employment outlook from now through 2023 is the anticipation for plumbers by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are very similar statistics coming out of the Canadian technology schools. Getting training and then moving into an apprenticeship is a great pathway for a potential plumber. Plumbing companies typically retain apprentices who conclude schooling or training at a trade college.

For anyone considering a program like this in Central BC, contact Brent Alward for information on building work hours towards completing your apprenticeship.

Shamrocks Plumbing and Heating 
1325 Elwyn Rd
Kelowna BC, V1X 5M9
Ph: (250) 575-8138

Taking care of a house is much beyond just simply installing a new sink in the kitchen. Great amount of study, dedicated efforts, and careful focusing on the details would be required to ensure the things are installed in a secured manner.

When purchasing a home, financial responsibility is the first thing that most people probably think of. One must never forget the labor and time that goes into owning a home. Similar to how a car needs regular oiling and engine maintenance to keep it happy and running, proper house maintenance tasks are essential to keep money wastage and headaches at bay.

It can certainly be quite intimidating to go through the list of tasks – especially for a new homeowner. Fortunately, most of the things on the list can be done DIY style, without the need for any previous experience. However, if one gets stuck during a task, the local handyman or renovations company for a bigger project, would just be a call away.

In order to be efficient with the tasks, a house maintenance calendar might be necessary. Whether on paper or on a computing device, regular tasks can be jotted down for every weekend. However, most of the aspects of a home would invariably require attention on a monthly, quarterly, and biannually basis. Some seasonal tasks are also in the fray. The following list does not need strict adherence; there could be several variations based on the needs of a home.

HVAC Filters

HVAC filters should be inspected every month if that’s the type of system you have in your home. Most experts would recommend changing the filters in an HVAC unit on a monthly basis, which is certainly not necessary. It is, in fact, fine to change the filters once in two or three months for families with fewer members and without any allergies or pets. The heat filter should be changed if it is dirty, or it should be inspected again the next month. Most plumbers would recommend cheaper filters, as regular replacements would not cause too much financial harm.

Faulty Plumbing

Plumbing must be inspected regularly for leaks and faucet-related issues. One should take a brief tour of the toilets and the faucets every six months, to detect any small leaks. If there is poor water pressure out from a faucet, the aerator would most probably be the culprit. Thankfully, the fix is extremely easy! In addition, shower heads must be removed to clean the sediments, especially during winter. This would prolong the life of the bathroom accessory and will also help with water pressure. If the plumbing has become a problem and you are tired of how the place looks, then consider remodeling your home and replace the plumbing at the same time.

Drain Tile

Drain tile is essential to tackle any water in the basement. These drainage systems have been used in both construction and agricultural applications. A clogged drain tiles system will cause problems for the basement foundation and also the crawl space.

Furnace Repair

The heating system should be in proper condition to tackle the wet and cold during winter. To make efficient use of the forced air furnace system, leaks in the doors or the windows should be regularly checked. The heating vents should be open and must not be furniture-blocked, and the furnace repair inspection work should be done at least once every two years. If there is a fireplace in the house, it should not be left out. If it’s hard getting the job done on your own, a furnace local service  can be sought. The use of radiant heat technology may also come in handy.

Boiler Service

Reactive boiler service maintenance is perhaps the worst strategy any homeowner can adopt. It’s always better to plan and anticipate repairs, rather than evaluating and rectifying the error when the equipment fails.

Central Heating

The central heating system is perhaps the most overlooked aspect of any house. To ensure proper shape and condition throughout the year, the boiler must be repaired during summer. And, whenever possible, the heating system should be switched on for some 15 minutes every day even during summer.

Whether a clogged drain is the problem, or a leaking gas line to the furnace is suspected, a plumbing expert with the right credentials is the best person for the job. There is no substitute for a job done correctly, by a licensed technician or contractor.

Hire a Professional

A professional plumber has the expertise to diagnose the problem quickly and provide an accurate estimate for the needed repair. A homeowner can try to save money, by letting a knowledgeable friend or relative do the job. There are plenty of DIY enthusiasts, who will attempt the job themselves. But, when this happens, there is no guarantee on either the parts or labor. Taking on a plumbing project could end up costing more, if a skilled contractor is not used. Most reputable companies will provide some type of guarantee for the work done.

Clogged drains are one of the most common problems around the house. They can sometimes be tackled by the homeowner, but when they become too bad, a licensed plumber with the right tools is the only way to address the issue properly. Many homeowners don’t have the right tools to do the job or are unsure what tools will be needed. Much of the knowledge a skilled professional brings, is the ability to know what supplies and tools are needed o get the job done right the first time.

Check Online for Referrals

When looking for a repair contractor, it helps to keep a few tips in mind. Getting referrals or recommendations from neighbors and friends is a good place to start. People who are satisfied with the work they’ve had done are more than happy to provide the names of the contractors they’ve used.

After narrowing the choices to two or three services, it is time to ask questions about plumbing knowledge, length of time in business, and any guarantees offered. Some companies will offer a free estimate. This can be beneficial for more involved repairs, such as replacing the lines to the furnace or installing a new one.

Another consideration in hiring a contractor, is the type of work performed. Most plumbing contractors will also provide suggestions on home maintenance and how to keep drains or pipes working properly. If the professional also does furnace work, recommendations can be made on when to have the heating system serviced and what may be required. Proper upkeep can often help prevent costly repairs in the future.

Watch Out for “Low-Ball” Quotes

Avoid using companies that claim they can get the job done cheaper and faster than their competitors. They may take short cuts to achieve this and it’s important to get the job done right, with the proper equipment and materials.

A drain problem, leaky pipe, or furnace issue requires the expertise of a trained and knowledgeable professional, in most cases. Licensed Vancouver plumbers know what is needed and how to remedy the problem the right way. The home is an investment and its working systems require as much care and attention as its internal structure and exterior.

When your house’s plumbing system is working fine, you don’t have to consider it. Once a problem strikes though, you’re typically in a quandary about who to trust. We spoke with a few licensed local plumbers to compile this list of things you should learn about your plumbing.

Don’t neglect problems

The worst thing you can do is to neglect a problem. Tiny issues such as a sluggish tap or drain, when overlooked, will ultimately cause further damage to your plumbing, requiring more expensive repairs.

Know your limits

Home owners commonly try to take care of plumbing problems themselves. A small plumbing issue can turn into a pricey catastrophe if not handled effectively. Think twice before taking on any plumbing repair on your own.

Oil and Grease

Some of the most common plumbing troubles are caused by residents pouring the wrong things down their kitchen sink. Oil of any kind ought never go down the drain, since they congeal and create blockages as they cool. Put your used cooking oil or grease from fried foods into an empty soup can or milk container and then freeze it before putting it out with the kitchen garbage.

Chemicals are Risky

Lots of house owners mistakenly pour chemicals into drains, thinking it’s a simple fix. However, these chemicals could destroy some kinds of drain lines. The supposed quick solution isn’t necessarily the best choice for the life of your water pipes.

Garburetor Misuse

Believe your garbage disposal can tackle any kind of food scraps you throw in? Think again. Food items such as chicken skins, celery, fruit as well as potato peels, for instance, may not be adequately broken down. Read your garberator’s manual and always make sure it is turned on and being supplied with plenty of cold water prior to putting any waste in it.

Water Heaters

Typically hidden in basements or storage rooms, water heaters are easily neglected. They do need maintenance, however, and should – at a minimum – be flushed annually. Even a cheap water heater can cost a thousand dollars to replace, and taking basic preventive actions can really help lengthen the life of your heating unit.

Know Your Home’s Plumbing

Do you know how to turn off the water? To prevent costly water damage, familiarize yourself with your plumbing system. Ensure that your shutoffs actually function, and determine the best ways to turn off the water during an emergency. This is important because you really never know when an emergency might arise.

Questions?

If you have a plumbing problem that you aren’t absolutely certain how to take care of, the very best thing to do is call a professional. While an expert plumbing professional will certainly be costly, their skill and knowledge will ensure a job done right.

If you have ever encountered unexpected plumbing problems, you will want to know a quality plumber. In case you need repair, replacement, upgrade, or installation you can always find plumbers on the internet. However, you should be very careful when searching an internet plumbing directory. Why? Because you cannot trust everyone. Some people use the internet to deceive others so you must be cautious while using this source. If you do not know a plumber personally and a friend or a family member cannot refer you, here are few things to consider:

• Check if the plumbers you see on the internet are licensed and bonded
• Look for testimonials to see what other people have to say about their work
• Find out how long they have been in business.

What services are offered by dependable plumbers? Of course it depends on what type of plumbing service you need. Either you need a quick fix for your kitchen sink or it’s something more serious like a leaking pipe. Only hire a professional licensed local plumbing company who have been around awhile, and can provide the service to resolve your plumbing issues for a fair price.

Commercial Plumbers

If you run a business and have never needed a plumber before, then you will need to find one who has been working in your area for awhile. You probably know someone who can recommend a good commercial local plumbing company. Most managers will set up a contract with a plumbing company once they feel comfortable with the service. This way you can call them anytime you need something fixed. The thing about a commercial contract is that it’s like plumbing insurance, if you have them visit on a regular basis to inspect and repair things before it becomes a problem or an emergency.

While a recommendation from a friend or a relative is often the best way to get to that plumber you need, looking for good reviews is your next best option. Check out Yelp, N49, or Google local for plumbing service related reviews. Once you find a good number of reviews that look sincere, hire those guys. Once the job is done leave a comment on one of the review sites so others may also get to see which plumber has the best service.

Another place you can look is on YouTube. Some of the best plumbing companies will record helpful tips. This usually means they are in it for the long haul and care about their reputation.

Social proof (a.k.a. online customer reviews) can make or break a business these days and it is something plumbers – especially those in larger centers – need to be aware of. Why plumbers? Because when people need a plumber they go to the Internet and they seek social proof.

How It Works

Plumbers and plumbing companies routinely receive ratings and reviews from homeowners – whether they know it or not. Most customers now post latest online reviews on plumbing repair services and plumbers’ expertise on such things as drain inspections, finding and repairing hidden leaks, installations and, well…pretty much everything a plumber does.

When people need the services of a plumber – particularly for the first time – they almost always search online for local plumber reviews in their area. Most people increasingly look for customer reviews in an effort to choose the best company for their needs.

The Numbers

Many investigations into social proof come to the same conclusions:

* 2/3 of customers read online reviews before making a purchase decision, making authentic reviews essential for e-commerce sites
* 88% of consumers trust online customer reviews
* Two-thirds of customers are more likely to make a purchase from a site that has user reviews
* More than half of North American consumers now leave online reviews
* Site visitors who interact with both reviews and customer questions and answers are twice as likely to purchase while visiting the site and typically spend 11% more
* Consumer reviews are significantly more trusted (nearly 12 times more so!) than descriptions that come from the service provider’s website
* Online reviews produce an average 18% increase in sales
* 50 or more reviews per product/service can mean a 4.6% increase in conversion rates

Here’s the point: user reviews are proven sales drivers and something most customers now look for before choosing which plumber to call. Online user reviews increase conversions by helping to eliminate any doubts potential customers may have about a service or product.

Bad Reviews Are Helpful

As strange as that may sound, it’s true! All reviews are valuable, but a mix of positive and negative reviews helps to improve consumer trust in the opinions they read. In fact, recent stats suggest that the presence of bad reviews actually improves conversions by 67%.

Why do people who seek out and read bad reviews convert better? Research show that the fact that they are paying such close attention means they are more likely to be in purchase mode.

More than two-thirds of consumers trust reviews more when they see both good and bad scores, while one-third suspect censorship or faked reviews when they don’t see negative opinions on the page.

Where Do Customers Look For Reviews?

Certainly, having reviews on your website is a good thing. However, as previously mentioned, if all the reviews are good some potential customers will think the reviews aren’t genuine. When it comes to seeking social proof regarding plumbers in the Vancouver area, the most common places customers look are:

1. Yelp
2. N49
3. Home Stars
4. BestPlumbers.ca
5. Angie’s List

Some of these sites exercise considerable scrutiny in order to ensure that all reviews posted on them are genuine, so it’s against the rules for a business to post a bunch of reviews for themselves. Research shows that consumers can be pretty good at sorting out the real reviews from the fake ones.

Getting a Feel For a Good Company

One More Thing

Search engine spiders like unique content that is regularly updated, and user reviews are a great way to attract those spiders and move your name further up in the search rankings. Also, more consumers now search for a plumber by adding the word ‘review’ or ‘ratings’.

If you’re looking for a good plumbing company in the Vancouver area we suggest theses guys.

Pioneer Plumbing & Heating Inc
626 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5T 3K4
(604) 872-4946

Up and down the North West coast, homeowners are once again embracing springtime as the rainy season comes to an end and more sunshine prevails. From British Columbia’s Lower Mainland down to Los Angeles they have seen torrential downpours over the winter months, but that is not uncommon during the cold season. Unfortunately those downpours have led to more than one flooded basement, and that undoubtedly causes undue stress and grief.

Expert Flooded Basement Repair

In Vancouver BC, there are a lot of a top-notch professionals who are experts in dealing with a flooded basement. Working on their own or together with customers insurance and restoration companies, they regularly resolve home flooding problems both effectively and efficiently. These teams are trained and certified technicians and an experienced group who are fully equipped with the latest tools and hardware. For both residential and commercial buildings in Vancouver BC, Pioneer Plumbing is the company to call for fast expert building flood remediation services.

24 Hour Emergency Plumbers

Vancouver area residents who are so unfortunate as to have their home flooded can count on Pioneer Plumbing to provide the best in water damage remedial services. Plumbing technicians are on standby for 24 hour emergency plumbing service at a moment’s notice. Pioneer Plumbing always has a high-capacity pump truck available to pump out any quantity of water from your home’s basement. Additionally, their technicians have the skills and experience necessary to identify and repair the source of the problem. Underground pipes damaged by tree roots can be quickly replaced using trench-less, no-dig technology.

Plumbing and Heating Repair

The basement is the most common place for a home’s furnace to be located, and that usually means that a basement flood also causes serious damage to the furnace. Pioneer Plumbing is a full service plumbing and heating company and can therefore look after your home’s furnace too, should it be damaged by a flooded basement. Trained to service all brands of furnaces, including Trane, Lennox, Rheem and others, The Pioneer Plumbing technicians arrive at your home or place of business with a service vehicle stocked with almost any part that might be required.

No Overtime Fees

Whether you require 24 hrs emergency plumbing service due to a flood or any other reason, you can count on these guys to get there quickly, any time of day or night and to resolve your problem without charging for overtime. Hopefully you will never experience a flooded basement, but just in case, write down their contact information and add it to your list of emergency phone numbers so you have it handy if needed.

Pioneer Plumbing & Heating Inc
Phone: 604-872-4946
626 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5T 3K4

It is a great advantage for you to have the basic plumbing tools when you choose to stay put for awhile. It will keep you from having to call a plumbing company or registered contractors for those simple problems relating to leaky pipes, plugged-up toilets, dripping faucets, and clogged sinks. This is great because having these tools will keep you from having to spend a lot to deal with these relatively simple problems and concerns.

The Top Five Basic Tools Needed for a Plumber:

1. Sink Auger – For breaking up and clearing clogs in tubs and sinks, this serves as the most valuable and basic tool needed by a plumber. The sink auger, which features a steel auger bit at the end of a flexible cable, will drain any materials that are contributing to sink clog, as you turn the cable while extending it through the sink. You do not however, want to put it to use to unclog your toilet. For that job you will require a different tool known as the toilet auger.

2. Flange plunger – Sometimes also identified as ball plunger, toilet clogs are cleared by this tool through vacuum application. What you need to do is to push the flange plunger, until the clog clears out, through the toilet. To fit your sinks and toilet bowls, the flange plunger comes in different sizes and shapes.

3. Teflon Tape – To seal or prevent a leak on water pipes, teflon tape is the most common material used. To avoid water from dripping, plumbers will usually wrap the connecting pipes or the pipe joints, during water system installations. As time goes on and there is any breakage of the threaded connections, you can use the same material to reseal it.

4. Plumbing Wrenching Tools – The basic iconic symbols of plumbing repair, the faucet valve seat wrench and the adjustable pipe wrench are included. Basically used to grip pipes is the adjustable pipe wrench. You use it, and not just your bare hands, to tighten or loosen your pipes. For faucet repairs, the faucet valve seat wrench is the essential tool. Particularly, if your faucet needs to be replaced, through the faucet valve seat wrench all you have to do is remove the faucet body valve seat. To loosen or tighten threaded nuts, fittings, and pipes, the pipe wrench and the basin wrench are other sorts of plumbing wrenches that are used.

5. Tubing Cutter – If you have to cut a copper pipe, this tool is very important. You will be able to cut the pipe smoothly so that when threading pipes, you will be able to fit it well with other joints. There are two types the tubing cutter comes in. They are the close-quarter mini cutter and the standard-size tubing cutter.

Here is another plumbing resource for tips on how to use some of these tools.