Frequently Asked Questions

What if I find a water leak in my home – Discovering a water leak in your home can be concerning, but it’s important to act quickly to minimize damage and prevent further issues. Here’s what you should do if you discover a water leak:

Turn off the water supply:

• If the leak is at an individual fixture, look for an emergency water shut-off valve under or near the fixture. Hopefully, it is a quarter turn and can be turned off easily.
• If the leak is behind the individual shut-off valve or in piping, you will need to know how to turn off your whole home emergency water shut-off valve.

Have you had your shut-off valves inspected within the last year to be sure they actually shut the water off, and you are physically able to turn them?

• It is a good idea to check these valves once a year to be sure they are operationally sound. Check out our Diamond Club – https://www.atyourserviceplumbing.com/diamond-club-page/ as it includes an annual plumbing system inspection
• Do you know the location of your whole home water shut-off? Is it a quarter-turn ball valve to make it easy to turn off? Is it accessible to you?

Call 253.565.0090 to get your Personal Plumbing Professional from At Your Service Plumbing to come and help you as soon as possible. We will always attempt same-day service for an emergency. Club members receive service within 2 hours!

If your shut-off valves are not working, you don’t know where they are, or you cannot access them, and water is gushing, you can call your local fire department as a last resort.

Some other things to consider when water has been leaking, and you shut it off:

• You may need to shut off the power to your electric water heater or other electricity if the water is near.
• You may need to use a water mitigation company professional who is used to working with insurance companies to help with cleanup.
• Take lots of pictures for your insurance company.
• Most insurance will cover the damage caused but not the repair of the plumbing system leak that caused the damage.
• Cleaning up and drying the water within 24 to 48 hours is crucial so mold does not form.

While your AYSP plumbing professional is in your home making the repair, they can review and advise you on making sure you have access to emergency water shut-off valves that work.

Remember, water damage can lead to structural issues and mold growth if not addressed promptly. Acting swiftly to shut off the water, clean up, and make necessary repairs is crucial to minimizing the damage caused by a water leak in your home.

Feel free to call / text At Your Service Plumbing at (253) 448-8178 or Request Plumbing Service here.

Maintaining the drains in your home is important for several reasons:

• Preventing Clogs: Regular maintenance helps prevent the buildup of debris, hair, soap scum, and other materials that can clog your drains. Clogs can lead to slow drainage or complete blockages, causing inconvenience and potentially costly repairs.
• Avoiding Odors: Drains that are not properly maintained can emit unpleasant odors due to the accumulation of organic matter and bacteria. This can make your home uncomfortable and unhygienic.
• Extending Drain Lifespan: regular maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your drains and plumbing system. Clogs and corrosion caused by neglect can lead to the need for expensive repairs or replacements.
• Preventing Water Damage: Clogged or poorly maintained drains can cause water to back up and overflow, potentially damaging your home’s interior walls and floors. This can result in costly repairs and mold growth.
• Health and Hygiene: Blocked drains can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria that pose health risks to you and your family. Proper drain maintenance helps maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
• Cost Savings: Preventive maintenance is typically less expensive than emergency repairs. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your drains can help you avoid the high costs of fixing severe blockages or damage.
• Environmental Impact: Clogs and blockages in drains can lead to overflows of wastewater, harming the environment by contaminating water sources and ecosystems. Proper drain maintenance can help reduce this impact.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your drains are well-maintained can provide peace of mind, knowing that you are less likely to experience unexpected plumbing issues and the associated stress.

To maintain your drains effectively, consider using BioOne, a monthly safe approved by the Environmental Protection Agency to keep your pipes clean and free from build-up. This product can be purchased from an At Your Service Plumbing team member either by stopping by our office or while your Personal Plumbing Professional is in your home. Avoid disposing grease and large food particles down the kitchen sink and using drain strainers to catch debris. Joining our club will also ensure you have an annual plumbing system inspection with an included camera scope of your main drain line with an accessible clean-out.

For more information on BioOne or our club membership, please call At Your Service Plumbing at (253) 565-0090.

Handling a plumbing emergency requires quick thinking, decisive actions, and sometimes the help of professionals. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle a plumbing emergency:

1. Stay Calm: Panicking can lead to poor decision-making and worsen the situation.
2. Turn Off the Water: If the emergency is a leak somewhere, it is best to shut your water down as soon as possible to avoid any more damage. Hopefully you have a whole home shut off valve which is easily accessible. If not, as a last resort you can call the fire department to shut it off at the meter. If you have an electric water heater turn the breaker off to it while the water is off.
3. Assess the Situation: Identify the source of the problem. Is it a burst pipe, a leaking faucet, a clogged toilet, or something else? Understanding the issue will help you decide on the appropriate course of action.
4. Contain the Water: Use buckets, towels, or any available materials to contain and absorb water. Place buckets under leaks and use towels to mop up standing water to prevent it from spreading.
5. Fix Minor Leaks: If the issue is a minor leak or only happening with one fixture, such as a dripping faucet, you can turn the water off just to that fixture and wait for a professional plumber to make a repair.
6. Unclog Drains: If a clogged drain is causing an issue, try using a plunger or a drain snake to clear the blockage. Avoid using chemical drain openers, as they are very harmful and might not be effective.
7. Call a Professional Plumber: For serious plumbing emergencies like burst pipes, major leaks, sewer backups, or gas leaks, it is best to call a licensed professional plumber. They have the expertise and the equipment to handle these situations safely and effectively.
8. Turn off Gas Supply: If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas supply to your home and leave the premises immediately. Contact your gas provider or emergency services.
9. Notify Relevant Parties: If the plumbing emergency is causing damage to adjoining properties or if you’re renting, notify your neighbors, landlord, or property management company about the situation.
10. Document the Damage: Take photos or videos of the plumbing emergency and any resulting damage. This documentation can be useful for insurance claims.
11. Be Prepared: Know where and how to shut your water off. Have you sewer line scoped periodically. Don’t flush anything down the toilet beside human waste and toilet paper.
12. Prevent Future Emergencies: Once the immediate crisis is under control, consider preventive measures which could include an At Your Service Plumbing club membership to be sure your plumbing system is inspected once a year!

Remember your safety is paramount. If the situation is dangerous or you’re unsure how to handle it, don’t hesitate to call for professional help. At Your Service Plumbing is just a phone call away!

Have you ever come home to water all over the floor, woke up to no hot water, or flushed a toilet and watched the contents show up in your shower? Add to this it happens at 10 PM or 5 AM!!

These scenarios can be frustrating, and you may not know who to call or what to do. At Your Service Plumbing (AYSP) offers a club membership called Diamond Club, which can remove some of the frustration and stress. We consider these clients as family members and will always go the extra mile whenever possible.

Here are 5 reasons becoming a club member makes sense:

Timely Response: We promise to provide you with a prompt response by showing up for an emergency, as noted above, within two hours, so you won’t be left waiting for extended periods.
Priority Treatment: Because you are a valued member of the AYSP family, you will go to the front of the line for all emergencies, and we will do our best for any other service request.
Preventative Measures: An AYSP plumber will perform a plumbing system inspection once a year to attempt to avoid emergencies by putting eyes on all plumbing outside the wall, including your crawl space.
Familiarity with Your Plumbing System: Due to these annual inspections and the recordkeeping involved, when you call in with a question, concern, or need more information, we can help as we maintain everything in your file.
Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a reliable plumber to turn to in emergencies brings peace of mind. You won’t have to scramble to find a reputable plumber during a high-stress situation.

While At Your Service Plumbing does not control the partners we may refer you to, we do have a working relationship with them. We have spoken with most about the importance we put on customer service and taking great care of our clients. We will let you know if we refer you to someone we are not as familiar with.

As far as payment plans being offered – some may and others may not; however, we could discuss hiring the partner through At Your Service Plumbing and using our program if payment plans are important.

In the state of Washington, the plumbing trade is regulated, which is important to the health and safety of all consumers. There are a handful of certifications within the plumbing trade which have different requirements and allow a person to perform work at different levels. The law representing these certifications can be found at RCW 18.106.

At Your Service Plumbing has chosen to serve homeowners; therefore, we only have employed plumbers who have obtained or will obtain a residential certification. We do not employ certified plumbers on our team to work on commercial buildings. However, we have a couple of great referral partners we can recommend. 

As plumbers, we recommend tankless water heaters for their energy efficiency and endless hot water supply. Unlike traditional tanks that constantly heat stored water, tankless units heat water on demand, which can save you on energy costs. Additionally, you won’t run out of hot water during peak use times, which can be a major convenience for large families or households. Lastly, their compact size frees up space in your home, providing a cleaner, uncluttered look.