Building Better Together: A Conversation with Seth Locher from Locher Plumbing

At Open Meadow Builders, we pride ourselves in the relationships we build, not only with our clients and our in-house field team but also with our subcontractors. We recently had the chance to interview one of the trade partners that we work closely with and since National Plumber's Day is later this month, we figured now was a great time to introduce you to one of our favorite plumbing companies. We are excited to highlight these dedicated professionals who help make our projects successful. Seth Locher from Locher Plumbing has been an invaluable partner on many of our projects over the past several years. From individual kitchens and baths to whole-house renovations, Locher's expertise has helped us deliver quality results that stand the test of time.

Tell us about your experience as a plumber?

Shortly after high school, 25 years ago, I began working for a friend’s father who owned a plumbing business in NH. After a few years; I applied to and secured a job as an Apprentice with a local plumbing company. I appreciate the owner who believed in me and my abilities to not only be a successful plumber, but also a successful business owner.  I possess a  Master Plumbing License in MA and NH, as well as my gas fitting licenses.  Locher Plumbing & Heating Inc recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary providing residential, commercial, and industrial services.

What types of plumbing projects do you specialize in or enjoy working on the most?

We specialize in plumbing and heating systems. I personally, enjoy heating systems and collaborating with customers to provide the most efficient and pleasing designs.

Do you have ways of staying up to date with plumbing trends and regulations?

Plumbers attend yearly continuing education classes to stay up to date.

What are some common plumbing issues that homeowners should be aware of, and do you have any tips for preventing them?

Don’t overlook regular maintenance or put off preparing for winter. When your plumber tells you that a problem is a matter of time before you have a larger problem, take it seriously.

What regular plumbing maintenance should homeowners be considering?

Don’t miss regular maintenance and preparing for freezing temperatures. Have your heating system serviced annually and while the technician/plumber is there, be sure they go throughout the house so the trained eye can help you keep small problems from becoming big ones. Winterization is a must if you will be away from your home for any period of time to prevent frozen and broken pipes. Draining and removing outside hoses before winter is a must. Also; If you have an inside shut-off valve to your outside water supply, shut it off before winter’s freezing temperatures. If you don’t have an inside shut-off valve, consider installing one.

Do you have any advice for homeowners looking to budget for plumbing repairs or renovations?  

There may be rebates and incentives available. It is always a good idea to check with MassSave and NHSaves. They promote the efficient use of energy and have great resources and ideas to save money. Be sure to check out federal and state rebates and incentives. Locher Plumbing & Heating can also help you design or renovate in a way that makes best use of pipe placement.

Are there any eco-friendly or energy-efficient plumbing solutions that you recommend to reduce water and energy consumption?  

MassSaves and NHSaves have great resources for eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions for existing and new plumbing. The U.S. Department of Energy’s website is a fantastic resource as well.

Can you provide some guidance on selecting the right plumbing fixtures and appliances for a bathroom or kitchen remodel?  What information/selections do you need from a client before you are able to begin their project? 

A remodel can be overwhelming, but appliance and design showrooms will offer you a wide range of design and  brands to help guide you into decisions that best meet your needs and budget. 

Coordination of schedules and communication of expectations is paramount to a successful and less stressful bathroom or kitchen remodel.  We will do whatever is reasonably possible to work with our customers to provide a pleasant remodel experience.

Any upcoming projects or initiatives that you want to share?

We are excited to have received a contract for a new facility that already provides jobs for our community. The global company works in sustainable ways, providing innovative and efficient solutions and products.

We have been blessed to expand recently into the beautiful NH Lakes Region. The commute is beautiful, and the homes are exquisite.

We look forward to a continuing our relationship with Open Meadow, working on new and existing custom builds.  Whether new or reno, we appreciate the opportunity to work with Rob and his team.

You can find out more about Seth and his company at their website and you can contact them for any plumbing needs.

Ready to get started on a project with Open Meadow and Locher Plumbing? Schedule a call with us today!