Monday, October 21, 2013

Sink Stoppage in Sedro Woolley, WA

We got a call about a stopped up bathroom sink (aka basin) in a small rental house off Hwy 9. I tried to clear the stoppage through the trap for about 15 minutes, but it wouldn't clear. Mind ya, this bathroom is about 6 feet wide, so it should have cleared quick enough.

I crawled under the house and found this and yea, I did replace the pipe and a few other leaks:

Broken drain pipe

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Blaine Toto toilet

Once in a while, we get plumbing jobs that amaze us. This was a stoppage in the branch sewer caused by inadequate pipe wash down caused by a water saving Japanese toilet called Toto.

The toilet is gorgeous with a hidden tank in the wall that has no access to it. The Chicago tank has a 10 year warranty on parts, but I didn't see anything about labor coverage.

The toilet bowl hanger is rated for 350 pounds.

The water spot--the amount of water in the bowl--is about 2" in diameter and located in an odd spot. I didn't take a photo of it, but  in my world, it ain't enough.

Blaine, Wa Toto toilet

Toto toilet set up

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Ball Plumbing Prices and Services

We are 100% transparent in our prices and post them on the internet: http://www.ballplumbing.net/services.html

Here's the short version:

Ball Plumbing offer two ways to purchase our services: Fixed (Contract) or Time and Material (Hourly plus parts). It's your choice.

1. Fixed Price (Contract): Our plumber will give a written quote before work commences. The contract price includes parts, labor, service and estimate charge, everything except tax.

All quotes have to be on-site; no phone quotes. A $88.00 estimate fee applies.

2. *Time and Material (Hourly plus parts):
  • Monday-Friday, 8-5: $88.00/hour
  • Trip Charge: $45.00 (Charged daily)
  • After Hours/Weekend: $132.00/hour
  • Parts, equipment, and tax are extra.
  • Minimum Charge: $88.00 (1 hr) plus $45.00 (trip charge)= $133.00
There's a minimum charge of one hour plus trip charge on all jobs, thereafter work is charged in 15 minute increments.
All rates exclude the cost of materials and are subject to tax.
Charged to the closest 15 minutes.
Additional workers extra (also charged to the closest 15 minutes).
Trip Charge: Charged daily.
Hourly Rates: There's a minimum charge of one hour plus trip charge on all jobs, thereafter work is charged in 15 minute increments. All rates exclude the cost of materials and are subject to tax.
Extreme/Hazardous Conditions: $99.00/hour

Materials: Materials supplied by Ball Plumbing will be charged at our cost plus mark up.

Material Collection: Material collection labor cost for non-stock items will be kept to a minimum - any charge will be agreed with the customer in advance and not exceed $100.00 + tax.

Invoice: An invoice will always be produced clearly showing a full description of work carried out - time started/time finished, a full breakdown of the cost of labor and materials used.

Payment: Payment must be made in full by check, cash or credit card to the plumber upon receipt of invoice.

*Prices are subject to change without notice.

Other Charges


Hazard Pay: Before the job is started, the plumber may quote a higher rate due to extreme conditions. Company policy is to charge the overtime rate.

Estimate Charge: $55.00 (For standard estimates only. If the plumber has to crawl, dig, etc. hourly rates apply.)
Estimates are available from our plumbers on site. We are happy to make an appointment for a plumber to visit you. Estimates will incur a charge depending on the nature of the work, the area and the time of the appointment. If the plumber has to crawl, dig, etc. hourly rates apply.