There are other skills plumbers need aside from being able to work with water. One of the most common things that a reliable on is fixing water lines.
It water line repair is advisable to speak to neighbors and friends regarding the same. If any of your neighbors or friends has had a plumbing emergency and has been happy with the plumber they engaged then it is best to contact the same plumber. Family may also be of some help as far as recommendation is concerned but neighbors are a better option because they will give you details of an agency in the same area as you.
After you have the stems out you should be able to find the washer on the "inside" end. If it is nicked, torn or brittle it is likely the cause of your drip. Even if it looks brand new, go ahead and replace it. You've already come this far. You can get replacement washers at almost any hardware store. Sometimes you may want to replace the whole stem, especially if the handle end is stripped out. It's best to just take the stem with you to the store and see if you can match it up. Most Do It Yourself stores have replacement stems for many popular brands. If your valve has a center diverter valve to switch the waterfrom the tub spout to the shower head the same process applies. Many times it is easier to replace the diverter stem than to repair it. This really depends on the design of the stem.
3) Call the first one you see and give them the job. It is okay to ask plumbers for an initial estimate. If you live in a large, urban area chances are you will have many choices. Don't feel as though you need to hire the first person you contact. Get the information you need, then comparison shop. Check websites and social media accounts to get a feel for how everybody stacks up. Then make the final call.
These are people who would naturally refer to each other because they typically refer to each other. What about a "Home" referral team? people that support the "home" industry. More people are electing to keep their home and are willing to do the maintaining or fixing up. Electrician, plumber, window, roofer, siding, flooring, and so on. Think about these people getting together once a week to talk about projects that they are working on and creating a water line repair core of competent reliable partners that refer to each other. Inevitably, a person needs carpentry work after the electrician leaves.
The work area should always be clean and free of trash and clutter. The cleaner and less clutter there is in a Plumbers' work area, the better able a plumber will be to make sure that his job goes as smoothly as possible.
Once you've located the water shut off, turn it off. Now, you can turn your attention to trying to contain the water damage caused by any leaking. Get towels, fans, blankets, or anything else to try and sop up water that is sitting on carpet or wood floors. Linoleum floors usually don't undergo much damage from having water sitting on them, unless there are cracks in the linoleum (often invisible) where the water can seep in. When your Queens plumber arrives, you will be one step ahead by following these instructions.