Pre-Arrival Guidelines & What to Expect During Your Service Visit

Preparing for Your Appointment

At Mike Bachman Plumbing, we work hard to make every service visit smooth, respectful, and efficient. A little preparation ahead of time can help our plumbers diagnose and solve your plumbing issue as quickly as possible.

Before your plumber arrives, please consider the following:

Clear access to the work area.

If possible, remove items around sinks, water heaters, toilets, or other plumbing fixtures that may need to be inspected. This allows our plumber to begin work immediately without needing to move personal belongings.

Secure pets.

We love animals, but pets can sometimes become anxious when someone unfamiliar enters the home. For everyone’s safety and comfort, please secure pets before the plumber arrives.

Ensure someone 18 or older is present.

An adult should be available to allow access to the home and discuss the plumbing issue with our plumber.

Know where your main water shutoff is located (if possible).

In some situations we may need to temporarily shut off water to diagnose or perform repairs. Knowing the location of the shutoff valve can save valuable time.

Describe the problem as clearly as possible.

If you can, take note of when the issue began, any unusual sounds, smells, leaks, or changes in water pressure. The more information you can provide, the faster we can identify the solution.

What to Expect During Your Service Visit

When you schedule service with Mike Bachman Plumbing, our goal is to provide professional, respectful, and transparent service from the moment we arrive.

Professional Arrival

Your plumber will arrive in a clearly marked company vehicle and will be in uniform. Upon arrival, the plumber will greet you, introduce themselves by name, and confirm the reason for the visit before beginning any diagnostic work. We treat every home with respect and professionalism.

Respect for Your Home

Our plumbers understand the importance of keeping your home clean and protected. Shoe covers and floor protection may be used when entering work areas to help protect flooring and surrounding surfaces while repairs are being performed.

Initial Discussion

Before beginning work, the plumber will speak with you about the issue you are experiencing. This conversation helps us understand the symptoms and identify possible causes.

Inspection & Diagnosis

The plumber will inspect the plumbing system related to the problem. In some cases this may involve testing fixtures, checking connections, or accessing nearby plumbing components.

Explanation of the Problem

Once the issue has been identified, the plumber will explain what is happening in clear, straightforward terms. We believe customers should understand what is going on in their own homes.

Repair Options and Pricing

If repairs are needed, the plumber will discuss the available solutions and clearly explain the pricing before any work begins. We believe in transparency so you can make an informed decision and feel comfortable moving forward.

Additional Inspection

As part of our service, the plumber will also perform an inspection of the area surrounding the repair to determine whether any other conditions may have contributed to the problem. Plumbing issues can sometimes be symptoms of a larger underlying concern, and identifying those conditions early can help prevent future repairs.

If the customer wishes, the plumber can also perform an additional plumbing safety inspection of the home at no additional charge. This inspection may help identify potential issues before they develop into larger problems.

Repair Documentation

During the repair process, the plumber may take photographs of the plumbing issue and the completed repair. These photos help document the work performed and ensure that the repair has been completed properly.

Photos are limited strictly to the area related to the plumbing repair. No photographs will be taken in other areas of the home unrelated to the work being performed. If a customer prefers that no photos be taken inside their home, they may simply inform the plumber and the request will be respected.

Performing the Work

Once approved, the plumber will complete the repair using professional tools and materials. Our goal is to resolve the issue efficiently while maintaining the highest workmanship standards.

Occasionally, during the course of a repair, conditions may be discovered that were not visible during the initial diagnosis. If this occurs, the plumber will temporarily pause the repair and consult with the homeowner before proceeding. Any additional work that may be required, along with any associated costs, will be clearly explained so the homeowner can make an informed decision before work continues.

Clean Work Area
We respect your home. Our plumbers take care to keep work areas clean and will remove any job-related debris before leaving.

Final Check
Before finishing the visit, the plumber will verify that the repair is working properly and answer any questions you may have.

When You Should Call a Plumber Immediately

Some plumbing problems should not wait. If you experience any of the following situations, it is best to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.

Major water leaks

A burst pipe, broken supply line, or leaking water heater can cause significant damage in a short amount of time.

No water in the home

A sudden loss of water pressure or complete loss of water could indicate a serious plumbing or supply issue.

Sewage backing up into drains

Water coming up through floor drains, showers, or toilets may indicate a sewer line blockage that needs immediate attention.

Frozen pipes

During cold weather, frozen pipes can quickly become burst pipes if not addressed properly.

Gas or unusual odors near plumbing appliances

If you smell gas or something unusual around a water heater or gas appliance, leave the area and contact the appropriate utility or emergency service immediately.

When in doubt, it is always safer to call and ask.

Things to Avoid Before the Plumber Arrives

In an effort to fix a plumbing issue quickly, homeowners sometimes attempt solutions that can unintentionally make the situation worse, such as using duct tape or resorting to online ‘quick fixes.’ Until a plumber arrives, it is best to avoid the following:

Do not use chemical drain cleaners.

These products can damage pipes and create hazardous conditions for plumbers working on the system.

Avoid repeatedly flushing a clogged toilet.

This can cause overflow and additional water damage.

Do not attempt major disassembly of plumbing fixtures.

Taking apart plumbing components without the proper tools can sometimes turn a minor repair into a more complicated one.

Avoid running water if there is a suspected leak.

If you believe a pipe is leaking, limiting water usage can help prevent additional damage until the issue is inspected.

If you are unsure what to do, our office staff can often provide simple guidance until a plumber arrives.

Our Commitment to Your Home

At Mike Bachman Plumbing, we understand that inviting someone into your home requires trust. Our plumbers have had strict background checks and are drug tested. We strive to treat every customer and every home with professionalism, courtesy, and care.

If you have any questions before your appointment, feel free to contact us.