3.            When do they get serviced? Certification testing is performed annually. The City or your local water purveyor (whichever holds jurisdiction in your area) will send notice. This notice gives the customer ample time to have that service performed by a “Certified Backflow Tester”. M C Plumbing and Backflow is an approved tester, #534.

4.            What is the cost for testing and what is the cost if it doesn’t pass? We charge a flat rate for single unit devices. The cost decreases for multi device testing. Repairs vary; a lot depends on what component within the device has failed. Always, we let our clients know up front that if the unit fails, repair materials most often are more than the labor so there is no “sticker shock” when the final invoice is delivered. When repairs to the device are complete, the device is tested and when passed will be given a certification tag that is affixed to the device. Please remember that testing and repairs are two different services and will be also invoiced separately. There is also a test report that is filled out and a copy of that is given to you as your proof that the device has passed. Also, the water purveyor is given a copy and the tester is to file a copy as well. Not all water purveyors handle paperwork in this manner, so please ask the Certified Tester. 

PLUMBING Q's: 

5.            My toilet is gurgling and my bathtub is filling up, what should I do? The first thing to do is stop running all water in the house or building. On most properties there is a point of access for the sewer system. Normally, there is a “sewer box” where we can clear the blockage and restore drainage back to your home or office. Once that line is back in service, we will test all plumbing affected by the blockage to ensure that a complete and thorough service is being provided. We have experienced service companies that will only test the drain affected. It's possible that due to the pressure the plumbing was due to the blockage. One of the smaller drain lines could have debris lodged in it and be clogged as well. That is why we test all plumbing fixtures to prevent the "call back" and an additional charge to the customer. There is nothing worse than arguing about an incomplete service that the service company explains as a totally different blockage when you call them the very next day.

6.            I put potato peelings in my sink and the water won’t go down when I turn on the disposal. First thing is, don’t use a plunger! This will only compact the stoppage more and make clearing the drain that much tougher. Give us a call and we will remove all the standing water and debris, then cable snake the plumbing clear. This is the best method rather than yourself taking the pipes apart and attempting to clear a solid stoppage that only a versed drain cleaner can perform with little or no mess. We have had customers who chose to attempt to clear blockages on their own. It's our experience that the cost does increase due to the customer to put back together piping, fixtures and such when upon inspection there was visible either an interior or exterior point of access for that particular drain line.        

7.            Do the different types of store bought drain openers really work? We believe that those types of chemicals do more damage to pipes. Most products are formulated with acid. When following the bottles instructions, they normally say to let set for a number of hours. That time lapse has the potential to do more harm than good even though after a number of hours the drain may slowly drain down. We've put our hands into many drains that still had drain opening solutions in them. The common response is that, "I seen it work on TV". If the drain is clogged, it's clogged and there is no getting around it. Just give us a call and we will gladly restore flow to your plumbing.

BONDING & INSURANCE:

8.      Other contractors state that they're insured and bonded. Are you? All CA licensed contractors are required to maintain insurance and to be bonded. M C Plumbing and Backflow carries $2M/$1M GL and $1M Commercial Auto which is above the industry standard.

         The reason we do not advertise that we are "insured and bonded" like other contractors is because it is against the law. Below is an exerpt from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) "Advertising for Contractors Guidelines".

         (http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPamphlets/AdvertisingGuidelines.pdf).

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Don’t Advertise About Bonding

You are forbidden by law (B&P Section 7071.13) from putting in your “advertising, soliciting or other presentments to the public,” the fact that you are bonded. Such a statement could lead the public to believe there is a higher level of protection provided to them by the bonding procedure than might be the case. This provision is designed to prevent such misunderstandings.

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We encourage consumers to educate themselves before choosing on price alone. All too often customers have been burned by unlicensed "contractors" (who lack insurance & don't pay taxes) or unscrupulous contractors who lack integrity and work ethic. The CSLB website provides a "Checklist for Prescreening Contractors" (http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPamphlets/ChecklistForPrescreeningContractors.pdf) to help consumers in their contractor selection process.