Here's a trustworthy drain leak repair point for you to follow up on the plumbing heating and air-conditioning guys all drive service trucks. Be on the lookout for those trucks if they are your neighbors; go say "Hello" and introduce yourself.
For maintenance, look at your owner manuals. Almost everything in your home has a manual and if you do not have the manual, it usually can be found on the manufacturer web site.
It is always a good idea to do some online research. For example, if you have a clogged drain and you live in the Atlanta area you should search for "Atlanta plumbers" or "Atlanta drain local water heater repair service". This will bring up a list of Atlanta plumbers rather than plumbers from across the country.
If you are ever faced with a situation where faulty plumbing is causing water leaks, there is only one sensible course of action. That is obviously to turn off the water supply altogether, and wait for a qualified operative to come and assess the situation. This is why it is important to always know where the stop cock is located on your property. Don't leave it until it is too late to find out. Make sure that you know how to turn off the electricity supply as well, as flooding can make electricity extremely dangerous. If you think there is risk, leave the situation to a trained professional.
Service - Plumbing problems are not the only services that a local plumber company should offer. The good companies offer many plumbing services, including installation of new faucets and other things on homes.
Glycol (Ethylene glycol) is the most common automotive anti-freeze but it requires safe handling. Ethylene glycol is a toxic substance that can cause death if ingested. It also pollutes the environment and should never be dumped in sewers or storm drains. Propylene glycol is a relatively recent alternative to ethylene glycol. It's less toxic but it's still a hazard and should be handled with care. In particular, keep both chemicals away from pets and children. Always dispose according to your local hazardous waste regulations. Don't pollute!
By now, you should be more than aware of what to look for when hiring a plumber. Keep in mind that all of the other things we have discussed are just as important as price is. Also keep in mind how easy it is to hit the web and see a variety of reviews for most local companies you could ever wish to hire. Do not forget to hire only certified companies as well.