Ask around. Ask your friends, ask your neighbors and get referrals. Nothing is more powerful than the testament of someone who has had a local plumber in their home and can speak to his/her capabilities.
As a Plumber you have done your time and got your trade certificate. It wasn't given to you because you had to earn it. You now have the right to make a fair and honest living from it despite the down turn in the economic climate.
Some garbage disposal valves do not take washers and therefore you cannot repair them. If you have a washerless shut-off valve that leaks it will need to be replaced. You will need: a propane torch, solder, flux, sandcloth, a wire fitting brush, a small section of copper pipe (most likely 3/4" I.D.), a slip coupling (again probably 3/4") and a shut-off valve. I would highly recommend installing a ball valve with a drain on it as opposed to a washer style valve. If you purchase a decent quality ball valve it will last a very long time.
If you still are not lucky in finding a good local plumber, contact your local plumbing store, they can help you in recommending a reliable and Trustworthy plumber in your area as they deal with them every day.
This seems like a lot to work out in the few minutes that you spend searching for a Local plumber to fix your issue, but taking that few extra minutes can really save you a lot of grief and further problems in the future. Always take the time to do some research and make sure that you are getting your money's worth before you call in a plumber. There is a lot that can go wrong when it comes to working with things such as plumbing and you have to be sure that your home's plumbing is kept safe and correct. Failing to do so could result in endangering the lives and health of your family.
Before you hire a plumber, ask questions. Find out what kind of experience they have and if they offer service 24 hours a day. You can prevent many problems by fixing a plumbing issue before it gets worse. You should also find out if the contractor is reputable and check their references. Compare plumbers until you find one you can trust.
5- Gas leaks: When smelling gas simply evacuate the building. Gas leaks do not lend themselves to D.I.Y repair due to their deadly nature in the wrong hands. Once outside the home call in your emergency plumber or Gas Company. You can and under professional guidance attempt to turn off the gas meter at the control valve.