Most good slow drain will recommend replacing a gate valve regardless of its condition. The time to discover if it will work is not during a flood in your bathroom. If you have it replaced with a ball valve then check your water heater and laundry valves, too. Have them replaced at the same time with premium ball valves. Ball valve laundry bibbs make it easy to shut off the water to the washer after each use which may help to prevent floods in the future.
It water line repair is advisable to speak to neighbors and friends regarding the same. If any of your neighbors or friends has had a plumbing emergency and has been happy with the plumber they engaged then it is best to contact the same plumber. Family may also be of some help as far as recommendation is concerned but neighbors are a better option because they will give you details of an agency in the same area as you.
When trying to locate a plumber, be sure they have had proper training. There are three types of plumbers and they are classified by the amount of training they have. An apprentice plumber receives training through a local union. They follow an apprenticeship program for about three or four years. They learn through on-the-job training and some classroom structure. An apprentice plumber does get paid for on-the-job training.
Working on the gas lines is also a complex job that only a licensed plumber can handle because it is very dangerous. Small leaks can't always be detected by odor alone, but a licensed professional has the proper equipment that's needed to ensure that you don't have any leaks in the line.
Ventilation and insulation are important throughout your house, and especially in crawl spaces and attics. If you have a crawl space in your home, it's best to water line repair the floor with a good quality, heavy-duty plastic. Inside your home, make sure to use the exhaust fans found in most kitchens, bathroom and laundry rooms.
For a newly installed icemaker, you will need up to 24 hours to let the machine function and cool down. A newly installed icemaker may not work until the ice mold temperature has dropped to about 15F - 16F degrees. If you have just added a water line to the refrigerator, it may take up to about an hour and a half for the machine to start working. Also, a newly installed water line may have air in the line. It can sometimes take a few ice making cycles to clear the line of air.
Find out if the plumber works on a 24 hour basis and, if so, what are the extra charges involved. More important than the costs however are the person's trustworthiness and reputation. After all, he or she will be in your home and around your possessions. You should feel comfortable with their presence and confident that they are honest.