Much of the plumbing work in populated areas is regulated by government or quasi-government agencies due to the direct impact on the public's health, safety, and welfare. Plumbing installation and repair work on residences and other buildings generally must be done according to plumbing and building codes to protect the inhabitants of the buildings and to ensure safe, quality construction to future buyers. If permits are required for work, plumbing contractors typically secure them from the authorities on behalf of home or building owners.

Why not ask the electrician who has worked in your home, to refer some reliable plumbing contractors operating in the area? These professionals often work together in newly built homes, and it is quite likely that he would have some references handy. Alternatively, you can also ask masons or roofers, who often have to work in conjunction with plumbers. It's a bit of a lucky shot, but the real estate agent in your neighborhood may have some contacts available as well. It can't hurt to ask.

However, searching for a reliable plumbing contractor will not be easy. In this post-recession period, many contractors have lowered their rates in order to stay in the business, consequently lowering the standards of their services as well. Plus, there are lots of inexperienced contractors setting up entrepreneurships. True, they may try to do real good work in order to get some loyal clients, but their lack of experience will surely create a problem. What you need is a plumbing contractor who has been operating for several years, provides excellent service and has consistently maintained good reputation among clients. Here are some pointers to do that:

Once you have compiled a list of reputable plumbing contractors operating in your neighborhood, call them up right away! Make sure to inquire about the service rates first. If this is sky-high, then it is quite likely that you will be looking elsewhere. Next, ask how much they charge for any parts that might require replacement. Some plumbing contractors will charge you at slightly above wholesale rates, while others will charge you the retail prices, and the difference between the two can be surprising at times!

Muriatic acid is a very strong,corrosive, inorganic acid that is manufactured by absorbing hydrogen chloride in water.It is the same chemical as Hydrochloric acid. Muriatic acid is often used for cleaning brick,concrete, metal,or swimming pools. Plumbing contractors also point to Muriatic Acid as an effective tool in cleaning toilets with high levels of mineral deposit build-up.

Before using Muriatic Acid, make sure your toilet has plastic piping. Muriatic Acid can destroy metal pipes,so unless you have experience using it,try something safer to clean your toilet to avoid creating more serious plumbing problems. Muriatic Acid is also not an option for those with septic systems as it will kill the bacteria which make your system work.

Because Muriatic Acid isn't your typical household plumbing supply item, it's extremely important to adhere to the proper safety procedures before using this dangerous chemical.

As always,when working with chemicals, wear a ventilation mask, protective goggles, long-sleeved clothing, and rubber gloves. Also, make sure your bathroom is as well ventilated as possible by placing a fan in the room and opening all the windows in the house. If the bathroom is equipped with an exhaust fan, make sure to turn it on. There are a couple of options to go about applying the muriatic acid. One way is by adding it directly to the toilet bowl. The method that will be described in detail here is by applying the acid down the overflow of the flush valve assembly.

First,turn off water and proceed to flush it out of the system. Use a plunger or sponge to remove any excessive water left in the bowl and jet hole. Next, take off the tank cover and place a PLASTIC funnel into the overflow tube. Wearing the proper protection, pour no more than a gallon of Muriatic Acid into the funnel at a steady but careful pace.

After finishing the pour, securely place a sandwich bag over the overflow tube and exit the bathroom,closing the door behind you. Once an hour has passed, it should be safe to return and remove the bag. If your toilet has a fill tube connected to the overflow tube, it will be necessary to replace it.

Proceed to turn on the water and flush the toilet a few times until you are confident that all of the Muriatic Acid has been removed from the bowl. If you decide to use a brush during the cleaning process, make sure to choose one that will be not be destroyed by the acid.

It has been rumored that muriatic acid is strong enough to clear up a clog in a pipe or toilet. This is a myth. The problem isn't the toilet or the pipes, it's what is clogged in the pipe to begin with. If a homeowner's water supply has high levels of lime build-up in the drain lines, any contact with muriatic acid could cause an explosive reaction and result in expensive plumbing repairs.

So,Muriatic Acid can be used to effectively clean toilets riddled with excess dirt and grime. However, safety and caution are key in applying this method. If you have any reservations in using it, don't hesitate to explore other options.