Repair or Replace: Which Should You Choose?

In our environmentally-conscious world, conserving natural resources has become a number one priority. And when it comes to resources, water definitely holds top position.

How do we conserve this precious liquid on which all life depends? The simplest and most efficient way is to reduce water consumption in the home. Not only will this very sensible step reward you with a money-saving drop in your monthly water bill, it will give you a vital role in preserving the world's supply.

Now don't worry. This doesn't mean showers must be skipped. But it does mean you should give serious consideration to replacing all those old, worn out components that are over-consuming water by the gallon. For instance, if you have an aging toilet, chances are real good this bathroom fixture is a class A water-guzzler. When it needs fixing, you probably will do far better to replace it entirely with a water-saving unit. In all likelihood, repairing the toilet will provide a temporary solution at best. Sooner or later, the old bowl is bound to break again. And there goes more money down the you know what. All the while, this aging water-guzzler has been wasting an important natural resource and boosting your monthly bill.

All of this holds true for any aging water-using component in your home. Expect a continuous string of repairs... and repair bills. When you replace the old with the new, you can count on saving a mountain of cash over the long haul.

Even changing faucets and showerheads can make a difference. When these get creaky, it's a real good idea to replace them with more efficient water-saving versions. You'll be saving more than a drop in the bucket.

Getting a Good Price for a Plumbing Job

True or false... A company with a well-recognized name always has a good reputation. If you answered true, sorry... you lose. In fact, many times a well-promoted company has a customer satisfaction score that could send shivers down your spine. The plumbing profession is an excellent case in point. Some of the most recognized names have horrific track records.

So how do you determine a fair rate if you can't rely on a well-known name? The first thing to be aware of is that when hourly charges are involved, comparisons always are difficult. That's because plumbers calculate hours in different ways. Remember, these professionals count their hours on the road. Which means you can count on those hours being reflected in your estimate/bill.

For this reason, hourly rates don't always correspond to quality or the amount of time a plumber actually is in your home fixing leaky faucets and calming rattling pipes. A good chunk of that sky high rate you've been quoted very likely is a reflection of drive time.

You easily can cut through all the confusion by selecting a local plumber with a good reputation. Seek a reliable pro who consistently scores high on the customer satisfaction meter. Not only will this plumber assure you of quality service, he or she will be spending fewer hours on the road... which means fewer hours that you'll be charged for.

Repair or Replace: Which Should You Choose?

Getting a Good Price for a Plumbing Job

Other General Plumbing Articles