Are you known locally?

Being known locally is important. It helps your customers connect with and relate to you and your business. Why? Understanding the community you live and work in is important for many reasons. Travel time, local sustainability and reputation are important if your service provider is local. There are environmental considerations too but that is not going to be discussed here. How long a business has been in the community is a good indicator of how important it is for them as a business to have and maintain a positive relationship and reputation. The smaller the community the more important it is to stay in touch with your current and potential customers.

With over 50 years in the same location and 25 plus years in business Better Plumbing is a sterling example of community commitment and customer satisfaction. We have served Milpitas residents and the residents of both Santa Clara and Alameda Counties with a commitment to total customer service.

Call us today for all of your plumbing needs and questions so you can experience the level of service so hard to find these days. And thank you for your 34 plus years of business!

Better Plumbing

(408) 263-8433

How can you become more aware of the day to day needs of your existence?

"We live in a world of disease and everyday is a battle of survival"

We take for granted most of the conveniences  of our life thinking the whole world enjoys the benefits of modern plumbing. Watch this video and see how you can tell if your viewpoint is one that is mainstream.

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

Travel Information Tip for Adventurers

Do I have a gem for you.

This particular segment is for travel. Maybe you travel and like to tour. If so this may be for you. Have you ever considered traveling with the locals? Well thanks to several interesting websites there is the opportunity to travel, meet and stay with locals saving money and creating new and exciting frienships that can last a lifetime!

What am I talking about? Well try http://bewelcome.org/ or http://www.couchsurfing.com/ and find out.

If you like to travel or just like to make new and exciting friends BeWelcome or couchsurfing is the place to be. Try them and let me know what you think. My profile is clubcouch.

I have been to gatherings and met many people from all over the world. These people are friendly, intelligent and interesting.

So how do you want to spend your summer? Doing what you always do or maybe trying something different?

Please read the use rules, FAQ's and security information before you sign up, but sign up you'll be glad you did! I am! Tell them clubcouch sent you!

Ciao! Happy adventures!

clubcouch,

your plumber,

Cameron

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Customer Service Surveys, are they too complex?

Ever had a situation go bad and all you wanted to do was get out of it? We have all had bad experiences with one thing or another.

How do we protect ourselves and others from this happening?

Usually when we are being served the only one who should care how they are doing is the person serving us.

So, you, my customer, since you have spent time to read this are going to take a customer service survey and help me serve you better.

First if you would like to email me and let me know what you think about this blog feel free to do so at:
arealplumber@gmail.com

If you would like to post a comment or a suggestion feel free to do that also.

I want to improve this blog so that it contains information you want to have and can use.

The customer satisfaction survey is only one way for me to know how you got here.

Lately I have been getting a large amount of traffic on this page and I need to know how you found me, if you found what you were looking for and what you would like to have seen.

So thank you for your participation. I look forward to your comments.

your plumber,

Cameron

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To Contract or not to Contract?

What are the elements of a good contract?

First when should you get a contract? In California if the amount of the work is $500.00 or more a contract is required. If you need a contract then you need a licensed contractor. If you are contracting in California then you can go to http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ and click on the link "check license status" to insure the contractor your dealing with is properly licensed for the work you need done.

Home Improvement construction contracts require certain elements. Verify your does. Here is a simple list of items that should be in your contract:

1.) Contractors business name, persons name, address, phone number and STATE license number.

2.) Description of the work.

3.) Description of the materials and equipment needed or used.

4.) Material(s) model number(s) and product Specification(s).

5.) The Contract price.

6.) Payment schedule.

7.) Start and completion dates for work done.

8.) Permits and tests.

9.) Permissible delays and time extensions.

10.) Extra work order requirements.

11.) Release of "Mechanics' Liens"

12.) Attorney Fees

13.) Arbitration information.

14.) "Complete Agreement"stipulation.

15.) Owners Right of Cancellation (3 day rule)

16.) Emergency Service Waiver of Right to Cancel (if needed for emergency service or repair)

These simple elements let you know if your dealing with a professional or just someone who looks like one and usually charges like one yet doesn't necessarily produce like one. Beware, there are a lot of "nice people", "professionals" and "specialists" out there who do less than acceptable work for more than acceptable pricing.

A bad contract can be as bad as no contract at all in some circumstances. Request one none the less and read it carefully. If it is not written in plain english and easy to understand then ask questions. If they can't answer the questions then when a problem arises it is too late.
Contracts only ensure that money should change hands for certain work or services being performed, not that the price is fair or the work will be done to your satifaction. Ask about customer service policies, warranty work scheduling and be sure to give your input as to what is acceptable to you in these matters. The best warranty is worthless if it doesn't meet your needs or is never honored.

Contracts protect customers and contractors alike. Make sure any agreement you enter into is one you understand and protects you. Once accepted you are just as responsible for following it as the contractor is. Ultimately, you are the customer and a true professional knows that what is in your best interest is in thiers also.

your plumber,

Cameron

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Advertised price sound too good to be true?

If this were a perfect world all work that is advertised would be done for the exact price quoted. Unfortunately, this is not the case. We, as consumers, have to make ourselves aware of unforeseen problems and be prepared. If we see a great deal, we need to know if there are exceptions and what those exceptions are.

Before we make a decision to buy, we can use today’s technology (i.e. digital cameras, camera phones) to send an email of our situation to the company to make sure there are no surprises on either side. This would eliminate misconceptions and ensure everyone is on the same page.

A “special price” is an already discounted price and therefore specific conditions or terms usually apply. The “special pricing” may not extend to extra work that may need to be done. Make sure you are aware of any conditions or terms and know if they are not met how the actual price will vary before you buy.

“Special prices” are a businesses way of introducing themselves to potential new customers. Allow advertised prices to give you the power to find a bargain and a new company who is suited to your needs. If you truly want a great company, allow them to make a profit so they will be there for you tomorrow.

I have received most of my work from referrals from previous customers. If you would like to experience total customer service call me at (408) 263-8433.

your plumber,

Cameron

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Repair or Replace?

Drip, drip drip.

That old faucet is leaking again or maybe you hear the toilet running. You can remember you fixed it, you just can't remember when; it doesn't seem that long ago. So the real question is should you replace that plumbing fixture or just rebuild it again?

There are several factors that will help guide you through the process of deciding.

First, when was the item made. Old parts are becoming harder and harder to obtain for replacement. If you wait to change the fixture you may have no choice the next time it fails. This may pose a serious problem depending on the time and the nature of the repair. It is better to plan a change out than have to do it right then and there unexpectedly.

Second, if your not in need of a fixture right now you can start browsing the plumbing isle at the local home center and budget for one that stikes your particular taste. When the time comes you can get the fixture you have already decided you want.

Third you can get a fixture from your plumbing professional. They may or may not have the fixture in stock. The advantages of this choice is the plumber will usually guarantee the fixture against defects for at least a year and most new fixtures come with a limited lifetime guarantee.

Whatever you decide, the fact that water is becoming more and more precious should also guide your decision making process. Old fixtures send more water down the drain and that is wasteful and harmful to the environment.

Choose wisely and look for a name brand you recognize and you can get a great fixture that will give you years of problem free service like the one your replacing.

Call me if I can help at (408) 263-8433

your plumber,

Cameron

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Valves are for emergencies, will yours work when you need it?

Valves are used for every sort of plumbing emergency and maintenance. There are several types of valves. I will deal with the types most people use in day to day life. First, do you know where to turn off the water for your building in case of an emergency? The type of valve you have will also determine the success you will achieve when trying to do so. Gate valves the kind of valve you turn the handle repeatedly will seize if they are not properly maintained. Cheap construction grade valves usually never work in a pinch. There is an alternative to these types of valves. A simple ball valve. Yes a ball valve, if it is the right type, can be a life saver in a pinch. Its use is easy, just a lever on or off. Be sure to ask if the valve is a full port which means it does not restrict the flow rather it allows the full opening of the pipe to pass through the valve body. Angle stops, those little valves under your sink you never notice until you have a leak, also come in quarter turn ball valve styles. These valves should be replaced every time the fixture is replaced to ensure they will work in an emergency. The valve on your water heater could also be switched to a ball valve for emergencies. These are the most typical valves you would use in your building. Get familiar of the locations of the various valves on your building and maintain them so they will work when you need them.

your plumber,

Cameron

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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

Finding it hard to replace that older toilet?

Think using that old toilet is wise? Old toilets consume large quantities of water and work no better at removing waste. Since they were first introduced the technology of low flow toilets has improved. Low end construction grade brands continue to give low flow toilets a bad name. Well known brand names are available for a modest price and can be installed quickly. The enviroment and resources are saved. Costs are recovered by the reduced water consumption. Its a win win situation!

Call me today and we can discuss how you can enjoy new low flow toilets in your home or building today.

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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Thank you, my customers

To all of the people who have over the years helped me to succeed and have allowed me to serve you I thank you. Without all of you I could not have come this far. I am truly grateful for all of the referrals from you. As we go into the future I wish all of you the best life has to offer and many good and prosperous years to come. If ever you should need me remember I am there for you and if I can't help you I will find someone who can.

I can be reached at (408) 263-8433, (415) 567-5025, (510) 656-3100. From San Francisco to Morgan Hill serving the entire Bay Area.

Heres to the future we share together, family, friends, love and life!

your plumber,

Cameron Guglielmelli

(ps Remember, quality pays, it doesn't cost!)

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