They leak, sweat, make loud noises and freeze; no, not your kids- your pipes. When you think about your plumbing if you think about it at all, it is probably only when something goes wrong. That is usually when most of us realize that the part we cant see- the pipes can do a massive amount of damage to our homes when something goes wrong.
Do independent research using the Yellow pages, search engines and local business listings. Beforehand, make a list of what you are seeking in a plumber on Long Island. For example, years of experience, what services they provide, whether or not they have emergency service, areas of expertise, types of jobs they perform (residential, commercial, industrial) etc. Look for local plumbing service companies that are a match.
Some water softener valves do not take washers and therefore you cannot repair them. If you have a washerless shut-off valve that leaks it will need to be replaced. You will need: a propane torch, solder, flux, sandcloth, a wire fitting brush, a small section of copper pipe (most likely 3/4" I.D.), a slip coupling (again probably 3/4") and a shut-off valve. I would highly recommend installing a ball valve with a drain on it as opposed to a washer style valve. If you purchase a decent quality ball valve it will last a very long time.
For this reason it is highly important to make sure you are prepared in a plumbing emergency. The first thing to do then is to make sure that you already have the number of a plumber in your phone book that you can find immediately. The sooner the emergency Trustworthy plumber gets there, the less damage you'll do and the less water you'll waste. Meanwhile you will be more likely to be successful in having your plumbing repaired. Don't make yourself rummage around to try and find the number of a plumber at the last minute - keep it somewhere where you can retrieve it easily when necessary.
The number one thing to look for is emergency services. You never know when a pipe will burst or a toilet will overflow. It is not always during business hours, and you certainly cannot wait hours until a Local plumber is ready to come to your home in the morning. You need someone who will be responsive when you need fast help, which is why you should look for a company that provides emergency hours. You may have to pay an extra fee, but it is usually cheaper than having to pay for mold elimination down the road after letting standing water stay in your house for days.
Whether you choose a freelance plumber or a plumbing company, verify if these individuals have plumbing licenses. Licenses guarantee that you and your neighbor's properties are insured in case something goes wrong.
Water can do more that just get everything wet. It can destroy walls, foundations, structure, flooring, and many other aspects of your home. Minimizing the damage by knowing where the water valves are located, keeping more water from harming more of your home, and having a plumber you can trust to fix your plumbing problem right and for a reasonable is key. We all have to deal with plumbing problems. Be prepared.