Questions
Questions second-home owners ask
How do I know you're licensed?
Our license class, the board that issued it and a link to the state's lookup are in the footer of every page. Check it there before anyone comes to your house, ours or anyone else's.
My place runs off a lake pump. Can you open it?
Yes. Lake intake lines, well pumps and pressure tanks are most of what we open. Tell us what you have and where the intake is, and we'll bring the fittings.
Do I need to be there?
No. Leave a key with us or a lockbox code, and we'll text you photos when we're done. We only hold a key with your written OK.
What does a visit cost?
The price depends on how many fixtures you have, where the water comes from, and whether there's a dock line, irrigation or a second building. We send a written price before the first visit. The yearly plans and what each includes are on the Plans page.
Will I get a price before you repair anything?
Yes. If we find a split fitting or a failed part, we shut it off, photograph it and text you a written price. Nothing gets fixed until you say yes.
How do you decide when to close?
We watch the forecast, not the calendar. When a hard freeze is coming for your shore, we close the houses on the list for that shore first.
Do you blow the lines out or use antifreeze?
Both. Compressed air gets most of the water out of the lines. Plumbing antifreeze made for drinking-water systems goes in the traps and toilets, where air can't reach.
What if I find a split pipe when I arrive?
Shut off the main (the tag on it says where), open a low tap to drain the lines, photograph the damage and text us. Don't turn the water back on. The Services page has the full list.
Do you pull permits?
When the work needs a permit, such as a new water heater or a rerouted line, we pull it. Openings and closings usually don't need one.
What's the difference between a caretaker plan and insurance?
A plan sends us to your house on a schedule and gets you photos. It doesn't pay for damage and it isn't insurance. Keep your homeowner's policy.
Could my cabin have lead or old galvanized pipe?
Homes built before 1986 can have lead solder or older galvanized pipe. At an opening we can tell you what's in your lines. The EPA's page on lead in drinking water has the basics.
Can you do the dock and the outdoor shower?
Yes. Dock hydrants, outdoor showers and hose bibs are part of every opening and closing, and irrigation can be added.
Where do you work, and when are you open?
We work in five counties around Traverse City; the list is on the Where we go page. The shop is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday mornings. Text a photo any time and we'll answer in office hours.
Still wondering?
Call the shop, or text a photo of what you're looking at.