Social Media and the Service Sector... what you want versus what you get

You discover you need a professional to help you with a problem your having. Where do you turn? Consumers have a new avenue of finding professionals today which include the use of the internet and social media. Consumer websites abound with offers to help you find a professional with the expertise you need. There are profiles to read, background checks done and even customers who tell the tale of their experience with the professional you may be considering. Great right? Well let's look a little closer and see what can also be happening to influence your decision. 

When a customer endorses a professional how can you be sure it is not a relative or friend? The truth is you can't. This is why photos of the work are just as important as the testimonials are. What do the former customers say? Great price? Neat work? Quality parts? Are you sure they are saying the things that are important to you? Read carefully what message is really coming across both from the professional and their customers. Usually everything works the minute it is installed so function isn't as important as quality and craftsmanship in my opinion. 

Which sites are reliable for recommendations is up to you. I like the sites which do not charge the professional or consumer to sign up. Why? Because if they do then there seems to me a conflict of interest occurs when a professional pays to be promoted as trustworthy or "Certified" without posting how when and why they are "Certified". 

No complaints or disciplinary action from the licensing Governmental Agency is the best indication of a reliable and trustworthy professional. You can check the status of a licensed professional online. In California, the Department of Consumer Affairs which is the Administrator of the Contractor State License Board electronically gives you insight into the professional you are about to hire.  

And finally, background checks. Sounds great right? Did you know most background checks are done on the owner of the company and not the technician who will come to your home or business. If you want a background check ask the website or company to send you one on the technician coming to your home or business. And again how do you know who the background check is on since you really don't know the person coming to your home or business. Trust your instincts! If you feel uncomfortable, call someone else. The best resource for finding someone still is asking someone you know and already trust. Even then, trust.. but verify!

Finding a professional you can trust is a wonderful thing. Please be sure to tell others so they can experience quality and craftsmanship without headache and stress! Proud professionals everywhere are littered with unscrupulous and fraudulent workers posing as a professionals. Most of the time you only find out at the end of the job. So check references for larger projects to insure you are not regretting taking the "best price" at the highest cost to you, the consumer!  

What is commercial plumbing?

Commercial Boiler 

Some wonder what the difference is between commercial plumbing systems versus other types of plumbing systems. Well there are several types of plumbing designs to meet the needs of the demands made on the system. Residential, commercial, institutional, light industrial and industrial are some types of plumbing systems to name a few. Within each of these types of plumbing systems there are subtypes. Some of the subtypes within commercial for example are restaurant, office building, business park, strip mall, gas station, shopping center and movie theater to name a few. Each system has differing demands and needs placed on it. Each plumbing system requires special skills to install, service and maintain. 

Picking the right person who understands these different types of plumbing systems, subtypes and challenges of each requires a bit of trial and error. Accurate troubleshooting and long term solutions are signs you have the right person for the job. Fixing a problem before you understand why it was a problem in the first place is just delaying the problem from happening again.

Some things to think about when selecting the right plumber for your  commercial property might include how many years of actual commercial experience does this firm have, are they in it for the job at hand or will they be there in the long run, can you reach them when you need them, can you reach the plumber or do they call you when they can, does their solution involve sound long term business objectives you have with minimal problems and disruptions? 

Commercial plumbing systems have large volume demands placed on them so it is vital that selection of the professional you make meets these goals for you.

With over 30 years of commercial experience in all types of plumbing systems Better Plumbing is ready to meet your demands for residential, commercial and light industrial plumbing system designs. Call us and get a plumber on the phone immediately to address your care or concerns. We are available 24 hours a day year around to meet the demands your plumbing system requires. 

Call Better Plumbing to schedule your plumbing evaluation with a no obligation inspection to see if your plumbing system could use a modernization to reduce costs, be greener to the environment, add a new level of safety for the dwelling occupants or just make minor adjustments to improve overall performance.

We can be reached at (408) 263-8433

Look forward to meeting you.

your plumber,

Cameron

Is cheaper better?

A lot has been said about price. Is price all there is to consider when selecting a plumber? Well, watch this video and ask yourself that question. If you still think that cheap price is appealing let me know. I hope this has informed you as a consumer. Safety is no accident!

One way to select a plumber...

You need a plumber, now! Water is coming out everywhere and that smell! Where that’s coming from you're afraid to ask.

So how do you select a plumber? What criteria should a person use? Here is some friendly advice from someone who has over 30 years in the trade. Remember your real estate is usually the largest investment you'll make in life. Do you really want to let just anyone in there? No! If they aren't licensed you could fall victim to criminals who prey on owners who don't check out who they hire. There are those who use someone just because they answer the phone. Really that's all they have to do. Some look for the best "deal" they can find thinking no one is really qualified that does the work. Some go to the good old stand by, the same guy who has been doing the work for them all these years. Sometimes it pays to look around for who is the most qualified for your particular task. Drain clearing is pretty standard stuff if all you want is the water to go down. If you want to know why it stopped up and how to prevent it from happening so soon you may want to consider someone who has a video inspection system. Maybe you would benefit by using enzymes to combat sludge build up. So you see there are as many ways to clear a drain as are those interested. Think about some of the consequences of hiring someone unqualified or just plain too lazy to learn the new technology of plumbing. Plumbers install gas lines, waterlines, drain lines, tankless water heaters, sewer lines and automatic gas shut-off valves et. These are the tools by which modern man combats the spread of disease. Plumbing that does not meet current minimum standards endangers the occupants of the dwelling and the public at large. So mix it up. Ask around before picking up that phone book. Ask yourself if you would let that person you hire touch everything you put in your mouth or on your body. The plumber brings you water you drink and the showers you take. If the answer is no then call someone else.

By the way, how many things are wrong in this photo? Go ahead and post your response.

your plumber,

Cameron

Water free urinals, water wise, envirornmentally friendly!

That's right, water free urinals. Commercial applications such as office buildings to convention centers. Water free urinals are a great product for those people looking to protect the environment while conserving resources. Sleek new designs and modest operating costs are no match for the savings you'll enjoy for installing this product. So if you doing new construction or just remodeling call me and we can discuss if there is a model that's right for you!

I can be reached at (408) 263-8433

your plumber,

Cameron

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Tankless hot water heaters ARE for everyone!

Plumbing rarely has new products that excite and amaze people. One such new and exciting plumbing product is the "tankless" water heater. Several brands and models to choose from insure a competitive maket for the technology. Indoor, outdoor, single or multiple water heating unit configurations means using less energy and space. These units come with special features such as remote thermostats for comfort control. Special pumps can be added to recirculate for immediate hot water. Prices vary and the cost may be expensive but recoverable. With the price of energy going up why heat all that water while your away at work or sleeping?

Call me today and we can discuss if installing one or more of these units is the right choice for you.

I can be reached at (408) 263-8433

your plumber,

Cameron

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Where will you be when "the big one" hits?

Major earthquakes cause great loss of life and property. We can't predict when or where they occur, but we can prepare for the effects. One way to assure you can attend to the more important matters after a major earthquake is by installing a seismic safety shutoff valve on your gas line. These valves work in various ways by automatically shutting off the gas, in case you can't. Fire, explosions and danger from gas leaks are a major reason considering an earthquake shutoff valve may be a prudent investment for you and your building. Costs are modest and valves come in sizes from 3/4" to 6".

If you'd like more information or an estimate feel free to call me and we can make an appointment for this and other safety features for your building or home.

I can be reached at (408) 263-8433

your plumber,

Cameron

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