Plumbing Pro

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. I do a lot of hot water heater and faucet replacements, garbage disposals, refrigerator icemeker line installs, new toilets, replacement of cracked cast iron drain lines, repair and replacement of heating boilers, emergency service work, etc.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. It's a good idea to make sure that the plumber you choose is licensed and insured. It is also recommended that you make sure that ANY service provider that you choose is registered with the State as a Home Improvement Contractor.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. I often get calls from customers who have tried to make a plumbing repair themselves, only to wind up causing property damage. I applaud the All American "can do" attitude that people have, but I suggest that people leave plumbing work for the professional, due to the danger involved.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. I am primarily a Plumbing Service Professional. If you want new plumbing fixtures, a new hot water heater or boiler, or any kind of plumbing or heating work, you should call. Most importantly, if you have a plumbing problem and you need help but don't want to pay too much, you should call me.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I strive for perfection in my work and I pride myself on the cleanliness of my jobs. I want the work to stand out so that people who see it will also realize the pride that I take in it.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I enjoy the challenge involved in developing creative and effective solutions to the problems that my customers call me to address.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. My new customers typically want to know how long I have been doing plumbing and whether I am licensed and insured. The answer I give is that I have been involved in the trade for over 15 years and I have two Master Plumber licenses and I am insured.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. I enjoy talking with my customers during the job, and I have developed some close friendships that way. It's a great added benefit!

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I wish more people knew what a highly talented professional I am and how fair and reasonable my rates are. I would be deluged with new work!

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I love to work with my hands, and I enjoy working hard. Most importantly, I love the sense of satisfaction I get from doing really nice plumbing work!

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I am proud of all of my work. I replaced two toilets this morning, and my customer was really happy with the work. I am always proud that my customers are satisfied!

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I do take advantage of opportunities to enhance my knowledge. For example, today is 03/01/11. On 02/26/11, I took the course necessary to become an EPA Certified Lead Renovator.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. There is a swell of interest developing in the pursuit of "green" products, and I am involved in the installation of these energy efficient and economical alternative resources.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. A customer called to complain of the problem of a leak through into her dining room from the bathroom above. Upon investigation, I found that the lead drain lines in the wetbed tile floor had failed. I opened the floor and replaced all the lead piping with new PVC piping and installed a new, level floor with new tile, new toilet and new vanity. Really nice. The job took 5 days including grouting and cost $5,700.00

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. My standard charge is based on time and material. 1 man (me) @ 1 hour = $65.00 plus material costs. I have flat rates for some items like a 40 gallon gas fired tall hot water heater furnished and installed (including removal and proper disposal of the old unit) $780.00 typical.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. If you don't love this work, you won't succeed.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. How does your pricing compare to that of other similarly qualified plumbers in your area? I am a registered as a Master Plumber in Philadelphia, PA, having passed the test based on Philadelphia Plumbing Code. I have been issued a second Master Plumber license by The Delaware County Municipalities Plumbing Council, having passed a test based on the IPC2006 code, which is recognized throughout the State of Pennsylvania. There are very few plumbers as highly qualified as I am, but my rates are still only about 2/3 as high as most other plumbers who have only one license.