4) You will need to have on hand new toilet tape, small gas torch, solder, flux, plumbing sandpaper, pipe cutter, gas tape (to seal gas line) and maybe some pipe glue. Ask the sales person at the hardware store for a more defined list.
Examine the washer and replace it with a new one. Also replace screws in water line repair case they are old and damaged too. The new ones you buy should be durable and of good quality.
Another obvious indicator is if the water you get is close to cold as ice, then your water heating device has already reached its maximum level of service. If it can talk, it might have been shouting at the top of its voice telling you it needs replacement.
OR, you can think about developing a group, where relationships prevail, your time and efforts come with great rewards, and you can multiply your efforts through helping others succeed, as they help you with introductions and referrals. So with much less time and effort, you can benefit from creating your own referral group.
Plumbers, like all other companies, are required to be on time and act professional. If they have called before hand to notify you then, this can be overlooked. However, if they turn up without apologising for being late, then they may not be the right plumber for you. Remember first water line repair impressions are everything. If they lack a good first impression then this may indicate that it is going to have an impression on their work. In most cases, you would have taken the time off work for the plumber, and what can be worse than waiting all day waiting for them to arrive?
And the way to know what's sufficient? Well, until the work is done an the bill paid you won't know for certain, but this is the best that can be suggested and normally works very well.
Over the counter drain cleaning products offer convenience and effective results. However, they are best left to those who need to simply improve the flow of water, not those who need to repair it.