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May 17, 2008
Diverting a Sale
Q: Hi Ed, we could use you right now! My husband and I are in the process of closing on a condo this week and we hit a roadblock. The inspector found a broken diverter valve in the tub/shower so water only comes out of the tub spout. Per our appraiser we cannot close on the house until this is fixed by a licensed plumber. But, the present homeowner does not have the money to call in a plumber. We have tried calling some local plumbers ourselves but it seems they cannot come out in the needed time frame. What can we do? Linda (Delaware)
A: Sorry Linda, but there is a delay from when I receive questions till when I can write the column, so I hope things worked out for you. I'm writing this for anyone else in a position where you need to get a plumber pronto.
Remember, money motivates people, and many plumbing companies have set themselves up as emergency response plumbers. You will pay a premium for this service but when you need a plumber fast, you can get one. So, look for emergency plumbers in your area or tell the standard smaller plumbing companies you call, that this is an emergency and you are willing to pay an emergency rate.
This may sound somewhat unfair to the consumer, but because of liability insurance, truck expenses and material stock that small plumbing companies have to maintain, there is usually no other choice than to raise rates for emergency work.
Ed Del Grande, the author of Ed Del Grande's House Call, was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.Posted by at May 17, 2008 11:35 AM
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