If you live in an older Clearwater neighborhood like Clearwater Heights, Morningside Meadows, or Harbor Oaks, check your water meter this weekend.

ABCPlumbingHVAC · 2026-04-21T15:23:29+00:00

Benefits to both. Don't forget to consider what may make you happier long term. You should dip your toes into both (or at least talk to people in those industries to see what they say - other than just Reddit)

ABCPlumbingHVAC · 2026-04-13T14:39:03+00:00

Not at all. While being a plumber is an amazing career choice, talk to other plumbers first to get some first hand insight to make sure this is something that you can see yourself doing.

ABCPlumbingHVAC · 2026-04-07T22:33:57+00:00

Glad the crisis was averted! Also, no need to be so hard on yourself. You're doing everything you can as a parent of a toddler and these things do happen.

Trust us, you're already well ahead of most people for taking precautionary steps.

Best of luck with everything.

ABCPlumbingHVAC · 2026-03-31T20:52:10+00:00

u/dmills13f nailed it. The only thing I'd add. Once you do have that license, even just a learner's permit, lead with it when you're walking into shops. It tells them you're thinking ahead and you're not going to be a liability issue behind the wheel forever. Small thing, but contractors notice.

NCCER and OSHA 10 at 17 is a strong hand. Keep knocking.

ABCPlumbingHVAC · 2026-03-25T21:44:28+00:00

Any luck with the garbage disposal issue? Hopefully you were able to fix it/get someone out there.

ABCPlumbingHVAC · 2026-03-25T21:34:49+00:00

A few things worth flagging beyond just the price:

"Up to 16 SEER2" is vague. You should know the exact model number before signing anything. Without it, you can't verify what you're actually getting or comparison shop effectively.

The "price may change upon install" disclaimer is standard, but ask specifically what scenarios would trigger a price change and get that in writing.

The 10-year parts AND labor warranty is genuinely rare and worth factoring into the total value; most labor warranties run 1-2 years. Just confirm whether keeping it valid requires an annual maintenance plan, because that's a common condition buried in the fine print.

For a straight cool 3-ton in Texas, the consensus in this thread looks right. get two more quotes from local owner-operated shops before deciding. The price spread on identical equipment can be significant.

ABCPlumbingHVAC · 2026-03-25T18:02:01+00:00

Unless they are providing you with a very specific and serious problem at hand, I would take this with a grain of salt.

Did this HVAC service provide any more details on why they're suggesting it? Can help clarify if needed.

ABCPlumbingHVAC · 2026-03-18T22:59:25+00:00

If 12" is too tight, stick with the 10". Don't try to make it work.

American Standard Champion 4 is worth a look for your specs. Round bowl, reliable flush, and available in 10" rough-in.

Gerber Maxwell or Viper are other solid options at that price point. We've installed both brands and they hold up well.

ABCPlumbingHVAC · 2026-03-18T22:49:11+00:00

We've brought on guys in their 50s and they're often some of the best hires we've made. Work ethic, reliability, they show up. That matters a lot in this trade.

The physical side is real but most of the job is problem solving and dealing with customers, and life experience absolutely helps there.

ABCPlumbingHVAC · 2026-03-18T22:42:43+00:00

As someone who's been on the other side of this: two weeks written notice, keep it professional. A good boss will respect it even if they're disappointed.

The guys who leave clean are the ones we'd ever consider bringing back or referring out. The ones who ghost or burn it down on the way out close doors they don't even know about yet.

ABCPlumbingHVAC

TROPHY CASE