Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for plumbing companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Pacific Plumbing Systems, achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is dependent upon the performances of its highly trained and experienced technicians, all of whom have been with the company for more than 10 years. “Our team members have seen every aspect of residential and commercial plumbing,” says owner and 30-year industry veteran Ron Beesley. “They understand the importance treating every customer with respect, honesty, fairness and professionalism.”

Pacific Plumbing Systems has been providing a wide range of plumbing services for residential and commercial clients throughout Alameda County and parts of Contra Costa County since 1996, handling everything from general repairs and replacements to tankless water heaters installations and kitchen and bathroom repiping. “We can repair or replace any plumbing problem, from simple to complex,” confirms Mr. Beesley.

Unlike less experienced plumbing contactors that don’t consider worksite cleanliness to be a top priority, Pacific Plumbing Systems focuses on treating every customer’s home with respect by adhering to a strict cleanliness policy. “When we enter a house, we wear booties, lay down mats and keep our tools off the countertops,” says Mr. Beesley. “We work hard to get the job done right the first time. If there’s ever a problem, we’ll come back and take care of it as soon as possible.”

To further differentiate itself from its competition, Pacific Plumbing Systems provides expert onsite supervision by Mr. Beesley for all but the smallest jobs–an inclusive approach that allows clients to communicate directly with the company’s owner and ensure everything is being completed to their satisfaction. “I’m accessible 24 hours a day,” says Mr. Beesley. “Our clients know that if they ever have any problems, they can quickly get in touch with me and I’ll find a solution.”

Take simple steps to extend the life of your tankless water heater. As homeowner interest in cost-efficient, environmentally-friendly appliances continues to grow, so too does the appeal of tankless water heaters. Since they only heat water when it’s being used, tankless water heaters are able to provide an endless supply of hot water without being limited by the size of a storage tank, which makes them more cost-effective and lessens their impact on the environment. However, even though they have numerous positive attributes, it’s still important to carefully consider your specific living situation before committing to an installation.

“Tankless water heaters are very popular right now because they save space and money, but they’re definitely more initially expensive than conventional water heaters,” says Ron Beesley, owner of Pacific Plumbing Systems in San Leandro. “The equipment costs about 70 percent more, which is a bit of an investment, but the system will last five to 10 years longer and save you significant amounts of money on your water bill.”

Most tankless water heaters are relatively maintenance-free, but there are still numerous steps you can take to ensure your system operates as efficiently as possible. Consider the following preventive maintenance tips:

Improve the quality of tap water in your home. This can be accomplished by using a water softener, which ensures your tubes and pipes won’t get clogged as frequently by mineral deposits and other build-ups.

Schedule weekly or monthly inspections. By pinpointing parts that need to be replaced before they malfunction, you can further optimize the benefits of your tankless water heater. A professional can also fix discrepancies regarding the temperature and frequency of the heated water that comes from your tap.

Get the right replacement parts. Having the exact type and model of a part will make installation much easier and help your tankless water heater function as efficiently as possible.

Insulate your pipes. In addition to reducing heat loss as hot water flows to your faucet, this will reduce standby heat loss when the tap is turned off and back on later. The water in the pipes will eventually cool either way, but if the pipes are insulated, the water will stay warmer for much longer.

Make sure your system is the right size. “Your tankless water heater has to be sized specifically for your house, and that’s because of the gas system,” explains Mr. Beesley. “Typically, a conventional water heater requires 30,000 BTUs of gas demand. A tankless water heater requires up to 260,000 BTUs when it’s on and working, so the gas system has to be able to accommodate that.”

Q: Do you charge by the hour or by the job?

A: We charge by the hour for smaller jobs like replacing faucets or toilets, but for larger jobs we provide a written estimate with a firm price.

Q: How soon can you get here?

A: For most repairs, we can usually be there the same day or the next day, and we’ll provide a two-hour window for our arrival. Larger jobs usually require ordering materials and blocking out more of our plumbers’ time, which can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Q: Do you require payment or deposits upfront?

A: No. You don’t pay until the job is complete and you’re satisfied with the end result. When the job is finished, we’ll do a walkthrough and make sure you understand how all the fixtures work.

Q: What’s your quality control process?

A: The first step is the experience and knowledge of our plumbers—they each have more than 10 years on the job. Also, all but the smallest jobs are inspected by our owner, Ron Beesley, and our clients are free to contact him any time. Finally, we’ll check in several days after the job has been completed to make sure everything is working correctly and you’re satisfied with our work.

Q: Do you specialize in any particular brands?

A: No. We have access to a wide variety of products through our suppliers, so we can help you pick out the best products for your home and budget.

Q: How do I know if I need a repiping job?

A: If you have an older house, check your piping and determine if it’s copper or galvanized iron. If it’s galvanized, you need to check the water pressure throughout the house—low pressure or rust in the water indicates a problem. If it’s localized to one fixture or area, that’s a good sign, but if you have low pressure throughout your home, you may need to repipe.