Save Money With Annual Drain Cleaning

A plumber wearing a face mask and gloves uses a motorized drain snake to clear a clog under a kitchen sink.

Many homeowners don’t think about deep cleaning their drains until something is clogging them or they start backing up. However, these inconveniences can be avoided with regular drain maintenance and professional drain cleaning. Think of all of the gunk your drains have likely accumulated in the last month. How about in the last year? Everything that has washed down your drains eventually sticks to your pipes and builds up enough to cause a clog. Clogs aren’t just minor annoyances. They can cause real damage to your piping, resulting in even more expensive repairs later on. From corrosion, to leaks, to explosive bursts, a deep clog may be close to causing severe damage in your system. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect your piping and stay ahead of drain maintenance issues. Professional Drain Clearing Services If your drains become clogged after taking these measures, or the above steps don’t clear an already formed clog, then you may need the assistance of a professional pipe cleaning service. They will use specialized equipment for hydro jetting and clear your drains without using toxic chemicals you may find at the store. Commercial solutions can be harsh on pipes, corrode garbage disposals, and expose you to toxic fumes. If you do decide to use a cleaning solution, remember to only use one at a time and never mix cleaning agents as the combination may cause toxic gas to form. During the professional cleaning process, the technician may use a video scope to check out the clog and look for signs of mold, algae, or corrosion in the pipes. This way the issue is resolved at the source for long-term benefits. Hydro jetting ensures that the whole pipe is cleared of debris instead of just poking a hole through the clog for the appearance of a resolution. Prevent clogs from forming in the first place by being mindful of what materials are flushed down your drains. Avoid dumping coffee grounds, fibrous foods, grease, and hair down drains. These should all be disposed of by other means if possible. Signs of a Sewer Line Issue Sometimes a drain issue is more than just a drain issue. Sewer line problems can show up as: Multiple clogged drains at once. Toilets that back up. Toilets that flush slowly or only partially flush. Stinky smells coming from your drains. Water backing up into the bathtub or shower. Gurgling sounds coming from sink drains or toilet. If you notice any of these signs, call a professional plumber right away to inspect your sewer line. A sewer line can become damaged from tree root invasions, collapses from shifting ground, rust formation, and scale buildup. Ignoring a sewer line problem will not make it any better. In fact, the problem will only grow worse and may start flooding your yard with unsightly sewage. Luckily, many repairs and clog removals can be handled internally rather than having to dig up the yard to reach the line. Professional plumbers have equipment to handle cleaning and fixing your sewer line, including root cutting tools and hydro jetting systems. They can patch holes and breaks in even the hardest to reach places. Although sewer line issues can be messy, smelly, and concerning, you can have them resolved quickly with the help of a professional plumber. Benefits of Annual Drain Clearing Services Not only can you help your drains stay as clean as possible by regularly flushing them and cleaning them, but you can also keep them properly maintained by having them professionally serviced once per year. During the inspection your plumber can check for signs of damage and clear buildup before it completely clogs your drains. This way you can take care of potential problems before they wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Staying ahead of repair needs can help save you from emergencies later on. While piping is made to last, corrosion and rust can cause them to wear out over time. Clogs from debris and scum don’t help the situation either. If you live in an older home or you frequently have clogging issues with one or more of your drains, you may consider scheduling regular cleaning to help your pipes stay clear of harmful buildup. Hidden issues deep within your piping may remain hidden without a professional inspection. You can keep your piping working well with annual maintenance services instead of waiting until disaster strikes to finally get that clog checked out. When pipe replacement is necessary, a professional plumber can show you the latest options. Copper and PVC piping are popular choices for today’s homes. Whether you need a section of plumbing replaced or want to totally re-pipe your entire home, your plumbing expert can discuss next steps at your annual piping maintenance visit.

Reasons To Go Tankless For Your Next Water Heater

A technician adjusts the control dial on a modern white boiler or water heater while holding a red folder.

Water heaters are essential for today’s modern homes. Unfortunately, they are appliances that also need frequent replacement. Even with regular maintenance, care, and attention, water heaters only last about 10-12 years on average. In areas with hard water, this lifespan can be further reduced. After a replacement or two, you may start to wonder if there is a better option than the standard tank out there for supplying your home with hot water. Luckily, new water heater improvements have made it easier than ever to install, maintain, and enjoy residential and commercial water heating systems through a tankless design. This alternative may not work for everyone, but there are several advantages that can make it worth it to switch. Here are a few reasons why you should consider a tankless water heater for your next upgrade. 1. Saves Space. One of the biggest concerns with standard water heaters is the space requirements for installation. The larger the tank, the larger space you will need for storing it. Even if you wanted to upgrade your 30-gallon tank to a 50-gallon tank to better accommodate your family’s needs, you may not have the space needed to fit the larger model. Tankless designs are smaller, more compact, and are usually fastened to a wall near your other utilities. This makes them ideal for homes with limited space, apartments, and townhomes. With the extra space, you may now have enough room for a water softener to keep your appliances safer from mineral buildup and preserve the lifespan of your new water heater. 2. Safety. Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters do not have standing water in them,  thus ensuring the water they are producing is free from rusty contamination which can be present in old traditional water heaters.  Not only will the quality be better but you will not have the same hazards associated with traditional waters when they break, such as flooding and the associated risk of electrical shock while servicing a flooded room. 3. Efficient Operation, Cost-Effective. Typical tanks use energy to heat the whole tank of water constantly, so you always have hot water on demand. A tankless model only heats water as it is needed, so it isn’t wasting energy heating water that is just sitting there. This not only helps tankless models achieve energy efficiency ratings but also helps you save money on your monthly energy bills as well. 4. Endless Supply of Hot Water. Because tankless heaters heat water on demand, you don’t have to worry about the hot water running out in the middle of a task. A tank could take hours to reheat enough water for showering after you ran a load of laundry and washed dishes. With tankless, there is no downtime while you wait for the supply of hot water to return. 5. Longer Lifespan. While standard tanks may last up to 12 years or much less depending on the mineral content of your water, a tankless design can last up to 20 with regular maintenance. Mineral buildup is still possible with a tankless heater, but it is much easier to clean and rid the appliance of minerals than a tank. Tankless heaters don’t typically form rust either, so they don’t have as much of a risk for developing leaks and causing extensive flooding in your home when it does reach the end of its life. 6. Easy Maintenance. Like a tank, a tankless will require yearly professional tune-ups to maintain its efficiency and preserve its lifespan.  Regular and yearly maintenance will not only extend the life of your unit, it is also included for Diamond Club members when you have Steve’s Plumbing supply and Install your tankless unit. Yet another benefit of letting Steve’s Plumbing do the work for you! Before you rush out to call a “plumber near me” for a tankless upgrade, understand that installing a tankless model may cost a bit more than replacing your standard tank. There are various capacities of tankless on the market, so be sure to choose one that will meet your specific needs. A properly sized tankless heater can be a great addition to a home in today’s modern age.

Reasons Not To Diy Toilet Repair

Repairing or replacing a toilet can be a complicated project to tackle, even for the most skilled of DIY-ers. While most homeowners attempt home repairs and renovations in order to save money, many of these projects end up costing them more in the end anyway. Whether from the purchase of tools needed to complete the job or remedying a mistake that further spread the disaster, oftentimes doing it yourself just isn’t worth it. Plumbing repairs are one of those projects that are best left to the professionals. At best a homeowner may save a few dollars by handling a repair, but at worst they could end up ruining piping and flooding parts of their home. One of the biggest DIY don’ts is to spend more money doing something yourself and risk improper completion rather than calling a professional in the first place. Depending on the issue at hand and the risk of the potential damage it can cause if performed by a non-professional, most plumbing projects shouldn’t be attempted by another other than a skilled technician. Here are five reasons why you should call us the next time you are facing toilet repair: 1. To Avoid Injuring Yourself. Plumbing work can involve a wide range of tools and skills to complete the job. Some parts have sharp edges that can cause lacerations to the skin. Heavy objects, such as toilets, can cause injury, whether a broken toe from an accidentally dropped toilet lid or a back injury from carrying the toilet up a flight of stairs or two.  Sometimes simply not having enough practice with a certain tool can lead to improper handling, which can lead to accidental strains, whacks, or bruises. Instead of risking injury and spending even more money on healthcare costs on top of your project, you can easily search for a plumber near me to complete the work. 2. To Avoid Further Damage to the Toilet. Toilets must be balanced correctly and properly hooked up to water lines for it to function. Loose fittings could cause leaks inside your walls and flooring, causing extensive damage to the drywall, subflooring, and more. Over tightening bolts on the other hand can cause the porcelain to crack and split, wasting all that money you spent on a new toilet. 3. To Save Time. This may be your first time ever repairing or replacing a toilet, but a professional performs these kinds of things every day. They will often get it done faster and safer than an inexperienced homeowner attempting it on their own. We all have had that one DIY project that took way longer than expected and required multiple trips to the store for different parts or extra pieces because the other ones broke. When it comes to something as complicated as toilet repair, a professional will be able to complete the job quickly and efficiently every time. 4. To Save Money. If you want to save money, a simple chain or flap replacement you may be able to get away with doing on your own. However, deep clogs, backup issues, ghost flushes, running water, and basic malfunctions can be more complicated issues that require professional toilet repair skills. Your plumbing technician will also lend their expertise if they think a replacement will be cheaper than performing an expensive repair. 5. For Peace of Mind. You never know if something you repaired will last or even work until you test it out. If this is the first time attempting a toilet repair, chances are it will take a few tries to get it right. We have heard of homeowners who struggled with a toilet repair only to have the problem return weeks or even days later. Having a professional address the issue can lead to better peace of mind and knowledge that the problem was fixed right. When it comes to household repairs, many projects are best learned through experience. Some are worth taking the time to learn, but others are better left in the hands of a professional. The next time you are facing a plumbing predicament, call Steve’s Plumbing for prompt and professional service in your area.

Your Gardening Winter Guide

A woman in gardening gloves plants greenery into a woven basket outdoors, with the Steve's Plumbing logo featured at the bottom.

You worked on your garden all year, and now you’re worried the cold weather will ruin it. But don’t! We here at Steve’s Plumbing, LLC have some winter gardening tips that will keep your crop around for another season. Follow these tips, and your garden will survive the wintertime! Unplug All Of Your Outdoor Water Sources To prevent frozen pipes and iced through water supplies, make sure you disconnect your hose from your hose bib and drain all of the water out of your hose. Store your hose indoors, until the temperature rises again. Additionally, shut off all exterior water supplies! This will prevent a frozen pipe epidemic from breaking out at your home. Drain Your Water Features That trickling fountain you have, and that beautiful little man-made pond you installed this past summer, all need to be drained as the weather continues to shift towards a true winter climate. Your water supply can freeze over, causing pressure to build within your fixture as ice forms. This can crack your design features. Preserve your backyard oasis—drain all decorative water structures. Add Mulch Sprinkling mulch over your soil will protect your plants. Mulch provides insulation; hence, it will inhibit your soil from freezing. Place mulch over all your outdoor plantings to keep root temperatures stable. Water During Dry Periods The temperature fluctuates day-to-day here in Lynwood, Washington, and this is the key to keeping your plants thriving through winter. During dry periods, you will need to give your plants a deep watering. When your plants are covered by a layer of frost, they do not need to be watered, as moisture will naturally leak down into the earth. Cover Your Plants With a frost cloth, or any heat retentive blanket or towel, cover planting containers and move them close to the foundation of your home. This will allow the heat generated in your home to seep into your bed of flowers or vegetables, keeping them warm throughout the harsh temperatures. Don’t Fertilize Forcing your plants to grow during a time they biologically want to remain dormant, will only result in a wilted, dead plant. New growths cannot withstand the cold conditions and other plants need this time to rejuvenate. Fertilizing will not help your garden flourish during wintertime; rather, it will do just the opposite. Follow these tips and your garden will last through the winter! If you do notice any plumbing irregularities this season, and you have not shut off your exterior water supply, you may need to contact a professional plumber as your pipe is likely cracked. For all of your winter plumbing needs, contact Steve’s Plumbing, LLC at (425) 979-7376.

What You Need to Know About Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

A technician wearing a blue face mask inspects the open control panel of a wall-mounted water heater.

Coronavirus or COVID-19 is a new disease and doctors across the globe are still learning how it spreads, the severity of the symptoms tied with it, and how contagious it may be. In Seattle, schools are closing and many employers are letting people work from home for the remainder of the month. This is a huge step to prevent the spread of disease and thankfully, the CDC has shared information to keep your home and family safe from illness. How is the Coronavirus spread? Person-to-person contact While details are still being established, at this time the disease is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person contact. As a respiratory disease, COVID-19 can be spread through an infected person coughing or sneezing within 6 feet of an uninfected individual. Contact with infected surfaces The main way COVID-19 is thought to be spread is through contact with an infected individual, but health officials are also cautioning the public about coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. The CDC, in particular, warns about contact with a contaminated surface and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. Prevention The best way to prevent a disease with no vaccine is to avoid catching it. Many of the everyday actions you do to prevent catching a regular cold apply to COVID-19. These include: Avoiding contact with those who are sick Staying home when you’re sick Cleaning and properly disinfecting heavily used surfaces and frequently touched objects Washing your hands with soap regularly and for at least 20 seconds Proper sanitization techniques Clean first, disinfect later. Cleaning refers to the removal of germs from whatever surface you’re using. Disinfecting is the process of killing germs left on said surface. It goes without saying that it’s better to fully remove germs and then worry about killing those that remain. Use household cleaners on frequently touched objects. Doorknobs, tables, keyboards, toilets, remote controls, and light switches are all heavily used objects around your home that come into contact with many germs. When cleaning these, use soap and water to remove germs, then disinfect with an alcohol solution that is at least 70% alcohol. You can also use any common household disinfectant that is registered with the EPA, such as Lysol or Clorox. As a family-owned and operated company, we understand firsthand how important it is to protect your loved ones from COVID-19. Steve’s Plumbing is taking every precaution possible when it comes to keeping our people healthy. Our technicians wear gloves, wash their hands, and have hand sanitizer easily accessible in their trucks. We guarantee that we won’t send a sick employee to anyone’s home. We keep our team healthy so you can rest easy knowing your home and family will stay healthy. For more information about COVID-19 please visit the CDC’s website.

Don’t Let Toilet Troubles Ruin Your Valentine’s Day

A black plunger being used to clear a clog in a white toilet bowl, framed by a copper pipe border with a plumbing logo in the corner.

We here at Steve’s Plumbing, LLC want you to have an ideal Valentine’s day. That means, no flooding toilets, no clogs, and definitely no backflow. But, sometimes the unexpected and unimaginable happens. So, how can you ensure that your night doesn’t end tragically, and in one of the least romantic scenarios known to man? By following these tips on how to get out of toilet trouble! How To Stop Rising Water If the water in your toilet bowl begins to rise, you have an obstructed drain line. From flushing incompatible items to simply using too much toilet paper, this can happen out of nowhere. One day, the build-up of undeteriorated waste and other items can simply revolt—blocking your waste pipe. How do you stop the water from filling the entire bowl, and flooding onto your bathroom floor? Stop trying to flush! Continuously flushing the toilet will only fill the bowl with more water. What you’ll need to do is locate your water valve, which is typically installed behind your toilet. Turn the valve to the right to shut off the water supply to the affected toilet. This will prevent flooding. Then, you’ll have to grab your plunger. Once you establish a strong connection between your plunger and the toilet, begin repetitive motions, moving forward and backward. This will generate the suction needed to evacuate the water in your bowl. After the water is drained, turn your water valve to the left to resupply water to your toilet. If the above does not provide resolution, contact a professional plumber to assess the damage. How To Restore Proper Water Levels If you notice low water levels in your toilet—you have entered the drain danger zone. Insufficient water in your bowl means that your flapper is likely malfunctioning. What is a flapper? The round, rubber stopper within your toilets’ tank. A working flapper will open when a toilet is flushed, signaling for waste to be sucked down your drain. If this piece is defective, your toilet will have a weak flush and become exceedingly susceptible to clogs. How do you rise up to this predicament? By repairing the flapper. You’ll need to lift the lid off of your tank to locate the rubber stopper attached to a chain. This chain is actually your target. When this chain is too long, your toilet won’t flush. You’ll need to shorten the chain to regain proper flapper function. Keep shortening the chain until normal water levels are restored when you flush! How To Prevent Backflow First off, what even is backflow? When the pressure within your pipes becomes unbalanced, and shifts, pushing water in the opposite direction than intended—that’s backflow. As you can imagine, this poses potential problems with respect to sanitation and the state of your plumbing systems. This can result from old plumbing and will manifest as discolored water, foul odors, or uneven water levels in multiple drains. If you notice any of the above backflow symptoms—contact a professional plumber ASAP. This is not a calamity you can tackle solo. For all of your emergency plumbing needs this Valentine’s Day, contact Steve’s Plumbing, LLC at (425) 979-7376. We will take care of your plumbing, so you can focus on what really matters—your special day.

Your Home Plumbing New Years Resolution

A single blue puzzle piece labeled "STRATEGY" stands out among white puzzle pieces, with the Steve's Plumbing logo positioned above it.

With the new decade, came even bigger and better New Year’s resolutions. From new work-out plans to reading more, from spending more time for yourself to getting involved in a hobby—we all made our lists. Now, it’s time to add one final resolution. Here at Steve’s Plumbing, LLC, we are adding “plumbing maintenance” to your tasks for the new year. In 2020, you are going to keep your plumbing in tip-top shape so you have fewer breakdowns, better preserve your systems, and save money on utility costs. Preventative Plumbing Maintenance Checklist Check for leaks. Active leaks will manifest as wet spots on your walls, ceilings, and floors. When moisture builds-up in such a manner, you are in danger of mold growth. Make sure you don’t have leaks by ensuring your plumbing is up to date, your pipes are not frozen, and by keeping all foreign objects out of your plumbing. Look for corrosion. Periodically inspect all visible plumbing fixtures and systems for corrosion. Limescale around faucets, showerheads, and plumbing fixtures, can indicate your pipes have reached the end of their lifespan. Pay attention to your water pressure. If you notice a shift in your water pressure, you may have a leak in your plumbing system or a clogged pipe. The build-up of soap scum and other debris can cause your water supply pipes to become restricted, inhibiting the flow of water. Contact Steve’s Plumbing for drain cleaning. Test your valves. You want to ensure all of your water shut-off valves are operational. This is extremely important in the case of an emergency. A malfunctioning valve can make the difference between a small puddle of water and a whole-home flood. Inspect your drains. Slow drainage is a sign you have a clogged pipe. Schedule hydro jetting to release your blockage and restore proper water flow through your drains. Schedule regular water heater check-ups. Your water heater needs annual cleaning and repairs. Hiring professionals to clean and maintain your system will prove beneficial—it will last longer and it will be increasingly reliable. The Benefits of Regular Plumbing Maintenance Healthier living environment. Ongoing plumbing problems typically lead to leaks. Mold will grow as a result, jeopardizing your indoor air quality. Additionally, when one of your plumbing pipes is blocked, the uneven pressure in your system can cause backflow. This compromises the integrity of your potable, drinking water. Old pipes can also affect your water supply. If your pipes have aged out, rust can make its way through your fixtures and into your water glass. Habitual maintenance will keep your home healthy, and your mind at peace. Increase your system’s lifespans. A well-looked after plumbing system is a healthy one. When regular maintenance is practiced, small malfunctions will be caught early, and your system won’t be able to breakdown early! Save money! When your system is running efficiently, it will cost you less to supply water to your home. You will also save money on a replacement, as addressing small repairs costs significantly less than a brand new plumbing system.

Benefits Of Clean Water

A mother and her two young children do laundry together in a modern, white kitchen featuring a front-loading washer and dryer.

There are many ways to get cleaner water for your home this year. But why does clean, filtered water matter so much? Our team takes a look at the top 5 benefits of clean water for your home and family: Clean Fixtures There’s nothing more frustrating than starting your spring cleaning and spending 20 minutes trying to scrub the same faucet clean of water spots. Water softeners reduce minerals in your water supply, eliminating visible signs of hard water on your fixtures. That means less time scrubbing and more free time! Clear Skin Hard water has negative effects on your fixtures, but it can also negatively impact your skin and hair. Hard water has more minerals than normal and can make your skin and hair dry out more easily. Dry hair breaks more easily and more often and dry skin is more easily irritated and can leave you prone to conditions such as eczema. Filtered or softened water reduces the number of minerals in your water supply which leaves your hair and skin feeling softer and healthier. Fresh Laundry Like your skin and hair, your laundry is also affected by the mineral deposits of hard water. When you wash your laundry with soft water (AKA water treated with a water softener or filtration) colors stay bolder and whites stay brighter, longer! Tastier Drinks Cleaner water has fewer minerals and other additives that can affect both the quality and taste of your water. Fruit-infused waters will taste fresher and more natural. Making a cup of coffee with clean, filtered water compared to your natural water supply will make your coffee stronger and more flavorful. Even if you aren’t a morning coffee-drinker, clean, filtered water will enhance any beverage you make. Safer Summers Spring is rapidly approaching, which means summer isn’t too far behind. According to the Children’s Environmental Health Network (CEHN), the US has seen “a worrisome increase” in childhood diseases that may be linked to chemicals in the environment. With a lack of clean water taking center stage in areas across the United States (such as Flint, Michigan) keeping your water supply as clean as possible can’t be understated.   The skin is the largest organ in the body and our bodies can absorb toxins through dermal exposure. Having cleaner water means you have less to worry about when it comes to outdoor recreation. With clean water, playing in the sprinkler will be a fun and worry-free summer activity. It goes without saying that installing a water purifier is good for the environment, your health, your wallet. If you’re ready to switch over to filtered water, Steve’s Plumbing, LLC has the experience and knowledge to install your filtration system with ease and efficiency. Contact our team online or by phone at (425) 979-7376 to schedule an appointment today!

How We Are Handling The Coronavirus Threat

A close-up shot of soapy hands being washed under running water in a sink, with the Steve's Plumbing logo in the upper right corner.

Our Safety Protocols and Actions During the Coronavirus Pandemic The Coronavirus pandemic is something that needs to be taken seriously, particularly here in Washington. To this point, our state leads the nation in the number of confirmed cases, and people everywhere are worried about passing this infection on to someone else. This has prompted widespread “social distancing,” or voluntary isolation with minimal face-to-face interaction, including staying home, working from home, and doing everything to avoid face to face meetings with anyone other than family members. However, that doesn’t mean life goes on hold. In fact, all of this extra time at home could lead to extra strain and wear and tear on your plumbing lines and fixtures. When that happens, waiting around for conditions to improve may only lead to your problem getting worse—you will need to get a solution right away. The team at Steve’s Plumbing understands the strain you’re under, and we want to make sure you not only get the solution you need, but you get it with the peace of mind of knowing that your home and your family are protected. Preventative Measures Against COVID-19 During this time of uncertainty and increased risk, Steve’s Plumbing is doubling-down on our commitment to being clean, sanitary, prepared, and respectful of your home. Our technicians are under strict instructions to report any illness whatsoever, regardless of what type, and are forbidden from working in the field while they’re ill. We’re also taking a number of additional precautions in order to ensure we show up to your home clean, safe, and risk-free to your home. Our technicians are instructed to thoroughly wash their hands both before and after every single job for your safety. Where appropriate, our staff members are also prioritizing wearing rubber gloves to minimize contact with surfaces of your home, and wearing shoe covers to keep your floors clean and sanitary. We have also always promoted keeping a clean work area throughout our work. This means a number of additional protections, including: Placing protective coverings over floors, cabinetry, and furniture that could be affected by a plumbing service. Keeping our work area free of obstructions by only keeping the tools we need on-site at any given time. Avoiding taking up more space than we absolutely need to Completely cleaning up our work area when the job is done and leaving the space cleaner than it was when we found it. We’re also taking the extra step of sanitizing the work surfaces we’re dealing with when we complete a job as well. This helps ensure that everything that is installed in your home is clean, sanitary, and risk-free for your loved ones. Our technicians are also taking the additional step of cleaning and sanitizing their tools each day to protect themselves, their co-workers, and their own families as well as you as our customers. With this extra effort, we’re hoping to keep our employees safe as well as those who trust their home to us during this difficult time. If you’re one of the millions of people who will be working from home or spending a large amount of time indoors over the next several weeks, you know how important it will be to get a fast and high-quality response when you need a plumbing service. We hope you’ll trust Steve’s Plumbing, where you’ll be in safe and clean hands. Schedule your appointment with the experts at Steve’s Plumbing by dialing (425) 979-7376 today.

We’re Taking Extra Safety Measures Against COVID-19

A plumber wearing a face mask and gloves uses a motorized drain snake to clear a clog under a kitchen sink.

How We’re Protecting Our Customers and Technicians During COVID‑19 The Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has us all nervous; there’s no doubt about it. With the sickness being particularly dangerous for those in questionable health or of elevated age, people everywhere want to slow the spread as much as possible, flattening the curve until it fizzles out for good. That means taking a number of additional precautionary measures to ensure safety, sanitation, and limiting the spread to the best of our ability. However, when we visit so many different homes each and every day, that becomes a challenge that we need to take additional precautionary measures to overcome. Here at Steve’s Plumbing, these precautionary measures are great not only for us, as they keep our team of skilled and knowledgeable technicians protected and healthy so they can continue to serve you, but they also help protect you and your family as well. This means you can enjoy total and complete peace of mind, knowing that your home will both get the service it needs in a prompt and high-quality fashion, and that you’ll remain safe, secure, and healthy throughout this quarantine period. Here are just a few of the additional steps we’re taking in order to keep you and your loved ones protected during this time: All employees are required to monitor their health and stay home if they are not feeling well. Any employees who exhibit signs of potential COVID-19 symptoms are being asked to self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days before returning to work. We have stocked all of our service trucks with latex gloves and hand sanitizer. Employees are required to use both at every job site to ensure their hands and equipment remain clean and virus free. They are also required to sanitize their work area before they begin and after the work is completed. Technicians who visit your home are required to wear respirator masks in order to protect your home and prevent the potential airborne spread of the disease. Should it make you more comfortable, you may also request that they wear a Tyvek Coverall suit that covers their entire head for greater peace of mind. Field technicians are required to clean and sanitize their tablets and other electronic devices that receive a lot of hand traffic after each job and before bringing them into your home. Employees are also being asked to thoroughly clean their tools and equipment each day in order to ensure they remain safe to use in any home. We are also regularly cleaning our larger tools and machines for maximum sanitation Of course, we will also continue to wear shoe covers and keep our work area clean when servicing your home. Our goal is to leave your home in better condition than it was when we arrived. We are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and our protocols we have put in place remain flexible and subject to change based on information available and guidelines provided by the CDC and governmental authorities. Our mission is to do everything in our power to not only continue to serve our community with the same great plumbing services you’ve come to know and trust, but also to help our community remain healthy by stopping the spread of the Novel Coronavirus as much as possible. While we are doing everything in our power to continue to protect our community, we ask that our community do us a few small favors in return. When you call to schedule an appointment, we ask that you please notify our staff in advance if anyone in your home is feeling ill or has traveled outside of the country within the last 30 days. This will allow us to coordinate with you while continuing to keep our team protected. If anyone in your home does fall ill, our team would be happy to work with you to reschedule for when it is safe for us to complete our visit. We thank you for your continued trust during this difficult and uncertain period. If you need your plumbing serviced, our team at Steve’s Plumbing, LLC is here to help. Dial (425) 979-7376 now to schedule an appointment.