Protect your Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) From Freezing

A PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKER (PVB) is a type of backflow prevention device which is installed on potable (drinking) water lines to protect against non-potable (or contaminated) water entering the potable water supply due to back siphonage and/or back-pressure.

PVBs usually have test cocks, to which specially-calibrated gauges are attached, in order to ensure that they are functioning properly.

PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKERS must be PROTECTED FROM FREEZING when installed outdoors.

Your PVB has plastic parts that will split/crack in freezing temperatures. Be sure to cover your PVB when temperatures are predicted to drop below freezing.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES such as PVBs are regulated by the Uniform Plumbing Code, but may also be required by government regulations.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLUMBER

• CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLUMBER can be difficult when you’re confronted with so many choices. The internet is almost exploding with Plumbers and Plumbing contractors. So how do you know which Plumbing company you can count on to fix that plumbing problem correctly, efficiently and affordably?
• YOU MIGHT GET A REFERRAL from a friend, family member or neighbor. Referrals are always a great place to start. But, when getting a referral, be sure to ask about their experience with that Plumbing Contractor from start to finish.
• WAS IT EASY TO CONTACT THE COMPANY? Was the phone call answered promptly, preferably by a live person rather than an answering machine? Not only is scheduling your Plumbing job easier if you can get through to a live person, but it will make your life much easier if for any reason you need to call the company back for follow up questions or problems.

Good customer service is critically important for any business, and good customer service starts with being able to reach a live company representative when you need to. Ask about your friend’s experience with job scheduling.

Did the Plumber arrive as scheduled? Punctuality is important. Everyone is busy, and no one needs the frustration of waiting for hours for a Plumber to finally show up. Some delays are unavoidable, of course, but in this day of cell phones and radio dispatched fleets there is never an excuse for not staying in touch with the customer to let them know if a delay occurs.

PRICE, WHILE PERHAPS NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR, is certainly a consideration. Did your friend feel the job was fairly priced? A good value for the quality of the work that was done?

HOW ABOUT THE ACCURACY OF THE DIAGNOSIS? An inaccurate “guestimate” of the problem can result in further problems in your home, as well as extra cost.

WERE YOU GIVEN DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR REPAIR? And, were the pros and cons of each explained to you?

WAS YOUR FRIEND HAPPY WITH THE OVERALL JOB? Was the work completed professionally and as quickly as possible? Was the tech neat and courteous? All of these considerations will add to your satisfaction with the Company you ultimately choose.

OF COURSE, ASK IF THIS COMPANY IS LICENSED. Always use a Licensed Plumber! While a handyman may be less expensive, he (or she!) is also probably not as experienced or skilled. In fact, for a job such as Leak Detection, Slab Leak repair or any major Pipe Repair job, as well as many other home repairs, licensing is a requirement. Also, if you do run into any problems, you have very little recourse if you’re using an unlicensed handyman.

Finally, you can check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). While the BBB does not have any governing authority over Contractors, they do have a wealth of information about the company that can help you make an informed decision, from the length of time the company has been in business to the number and type of complaints filed, if any, and how the company responded to those complaints. Just as some delays are unavoidable, so are some problems. But reputable Contractors will do whatever it takes to solve any problem that arises, and the BBB record should reflect that.

You can also just call Mr. Mike’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning! We’re licensed, as well as bonded and insured, we’re members of the Better Business Bureau (with an A+ rating!), and we have thousands of satisfied customers!

If you have Plumbing or Furnace problems that needs to be addressed in the Calgary Area, then give us a call by dialing 403-520-2040