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Murphy’s law tends to tell us that if something can break, it will, and it will do it at the worst possible moment.  Plumbing issues tend to follow this law.  No matter when your plumbing decides to malfunction, here are a few things you should do before you call the plumber.

1. Locate the problem – Do you hear the sound of running water?  If no one in your home is using any water that could be a problem.  Follow the sound and do your best to locate the source of the issue.  If the toilet is overflowing, turn off the water lead to that toilet.  If the problem is restricted to one place, the simplest first step is to turn off the water to that item or area.  If you can’t pinpoint the source of the problem, another alternative is to turn off the water to the house.

2. Determine the extent of the problem - Is the problem one leaky faucet or has the issue spread to several rooms?  Also, how far has the damage gone?  Answering these questions will help you determine what needs to be done next.  If it’s the middle of the night, answering these questions will also help you determine if the problem can wait until morning. Read more

When it comes to plumbing, the best choice is usually the professional choice.

Plumbing is not as easy as it looks, especially when the project is complicated. Depending on your skill level, you may attempt easy repairs, like a leaky faucet or a running toilet. However, for those difficult projects, hiring a pro is the best idea.

When contracting with a professional plumber, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The following list of do’s and don’ts will help you make the most out of your next plumbing experience.

Do’s –

Communication is the key – be clear when you express your needs Read more

The Colorado Carbon Fund, or Project C, is a project that was begun by Colorado’s Governor’s Energy Office in an attempt to make Colorado a greener state.  The founders of the project were concerned with the global warming trends and what that could mean for the future of our planet.  So, they decided to begin a statewide cleanup effort to help reduce carbon emissions.

This fund supports large scale projects to reduce carbon emissions in Colorado.  These projects include efforts to increase energy efficiency in buildings, factories, and transportation; reduce pollution in the air; improve watersheds and water quality; generate renewable energy; and so much more.  However, it is only through the generosity and eco-conscientiousness of Coloradans that this project will succeed.  This is where you and I can pitch in to save our planet.
Read more

Here in Colorado, most homes have a basement. Whether you use it for storage, or have extra living space you depend on, it’s important to keep your belongings safe from potential damage. Basements that allow water to seep in through the walls smell terrible and often result in costly repairs. The following seven tips will help you keep your basement dry :

1. Check your gutters – If your home is equipped with gutters and downspouts, clean them on a regular basis and check for damage. If your home does not have them, install them to ensure that water is always directed away from the foundation of your home.

2. Do some landscaping – Grass, shrubs and the general state of the land around your home can cause water to gather around the foundation. Change your landscaping, and use plants that are more drought resistant, and don’t require an abundance of water. Bring in dirt to cause water to slope away from the house.

3. Install a sump pump – If you have noticed that your basement tends to have water accumulate after heavy rainstorms, installing a sump pump will make removing the water much easier.
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The plumbing inside your home is something you depend on every day. You expect your toilet to flush and your sinks to drain. You expect the water in your bathtub to quickly disappear after every bath and shower. You expect your hot water to be hot and your gas-operated appliances to work properly. All of these things depend on efficient and effective plumbing. Without proper plumbing, you run the risk of costly repairs in the future.

No matter what sort of plumbing work you need completed, it is important to hire a master plumber. Master plumbers are licensed in their field of work. The license means they have passed the rigorous exams, adhered to all guidelines and regulations, and have plenty of experience under their belt.

Master plumbers have proven themselves to be worthy plumbers. While you can take the risk and cut corners by hiring a non-licensed plumber, the result could be shoddy work that costs you later in repairs. Hiring a master plumber will provide you with the guarantee that the work will be completed in a satisfactory manner.
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As loved ones age, one room they may find more difficult to navigate is the bathroom.  This room poses a definite risk for slips, falls and similar difficulties.  So, if you are considering a bathroom remodeling for a senior you know, here are a few ideas to keep in mind for a more senior friendly bathroom.

1. Install a walk in tub - A traditional tub, with its high broad ledge can be very difficult for a senior to maneuver.  One of the most important steps in remodeling a bathroom for a senior is to replace their current tub or shower.  You’ll want to get a walk in tub or shower with a built in seat and non-slip flooring.

2. Get a taller toilet - Seniors can sometimes have difficulty getting up from a sitting position.  To help counter this difficulty, install a new toilet with an elevated seat for easier access.

3. Install handrails - Sometimes seniors need a little help getting up.  Install handrails near the toilet and shower areas for that bit of leverage to help them stand up.

Read more

Is one of your new year’s resolutions replacing old fixtures, and becoming more water efficient? If you live in Denver, you may want to do it sooner rather than later.

Residential

Residents of Denver can qualify for rebates by replacing inefficient fixtures and appliances, and replacing them with more efficient qualifying models. Residential rebates include:

• Clothes washers
• High efficiency toilets
• Wireless rain sensors
• Rotary nozzles
• Weather based smart controllers

However Denver Water will change its residential rebates for high efficiency toilets and clothes washers beginning March 16, 2011. The rebate amount offered will be reduced by $50 each, and will be $75 for qualifying toilets and $100 for qualifying clothes washers.

Indoor Commercial

If you own and operate a commercial location within the Denver Water area, you can qualify for a variety of rebates. They include:

• High efficiency toilets
• Flushometer bowls and valve combinations
• High efficiency urinals
• Commercial meters and meter reading system
• Coin or card operated laundry equipment

Like the residential program, high efficiency toilet rebates will be reduced by $50 on March 16th, 2011.

Outdoor Commercial

For your commercial outdoor needs, Denver Water is offering rebates to help you control your outside water usage. Rebates include:

• Weather based smart controllers
• Irrigation rotary nozzles
• Wireless rainfall sensors

For more information, check the Denver Water rebate section.

As a Denver Plumber, I’m in the community every day, and hear similar questions all the time. So I thought I would answer some of my most popular questions, and give you tips to help keep your home in top shape.

What shouldn’t I put down the garbage disposal?
Some people think anything that exists in the kitchen can be force-fed down the drain. While you can do that, your chances of clogs and backups will increase, and you’ll be calling your local plumber on a regular basis. I touched on the 10 Worst Things To Put In Garbage Disposals here as a reference for you.

I really want to stay away from harmful chemicals in my home. What green products can I use to clean my drain?
As a certified green plumber, I’m asked this question a lot. If you are trying to reduce the chemicals in your life, try simple solutions like having a plunger near by. It’s simple, and in many cases is all you’ll need to unclog a drain. Or check my green approaches to drain cleaning for even more options.

Read more

Shorter days and lower temperatures are sure signs that another winter is just around the corner. With the weather changing, many people are concerned about getting their homes ready for the unique challenges of the season. So, here are a few tips to help you winterize your home.

1. Check your seals- Inadequate seals around doors and windows can lead to drafting and a significant loss of heat during the winter. So, before the snow comes, be sure to check each window and door. A little caulk goes a long way to keeping the heat in.

2. Check your foundation- Clear away any debris and plants that are encroaching upon the outer walls of your home. As you do, check the foundation for any cracks or crevices. These imperfections are potential access points for small creatures seeking to share in the warmth of your home. Repairing these will mean the difference between “being snug as a bug” and being snug with a bug.

3. Clean your gutters- It is important for your roof that drain-off from melting ice and snow has somewhere to go. Debris in your gutters will act as a dam, blocking drainage and causing increased strain on your home.

Read more

Trying to get your house ready for sale? Sometimes it takes more than a few cosmetic changes.  While making the property look good is important, it is even more important that the house functions properly. The last thing a new homeowner wants to do is replace a faucet, or put in a new water heater shortly after the move.

As you are repairing, updating or replacing, start up a notebook filled with notes for the new homeowner, letting them know about new fixtures. In some cases it may help to provide knowledge about warranties and service contracts, especially if they carry forward. Instead of trial and error, a new homeowner will appreciate a little good advice from the party who had the fixture replaced.

Install a new toilet, rain sensors and water efficient nozzles to the sprinkler system, or solar panels for energy efficiency. Right now there are rebates in place through a variety of sources that can help you save money on installation, and improve the efficiency of your home in the process. Installing a low flow toilet can save approximately 25 percent of water consumption on a daily basis.  And because flushing the toilet accounts for roughly 38 percent of water used in the average home, replacing older models can mean significant savings. And can give you a boost in the selling process.

There are other practical steps to take regarding the plumbing before selling your home.  First check for and replace all leaky faucets in the bathrooms, kitchen, and bathtubs.  Leaks can be expensive to the homeowner and potential buyers readily observe dripping faucets and think worst-case scenario.  Moreover, leaks send a subtle message that the home was not well cared for, and might possibly be a poor investment.

It is also prudent to check around the base of toilets for leaks and unpleasant odors.  These are indicative of a broken or worn out seal that sits directly beneath the toilet.  Broken seals should be replaced immediately as they can escalate into more serious problems if ignored.

Look for signs of discoloration in grout around tubs and showers. Slow leaks may start to fade the color, and eventually start to form mold. Any soft spots in the shower walls can also indicate a potential water pipe leak. A plumber can easily spot a potential problem, and repair it quickly.

Finally, if your home has mature trees and landscaping, consider a water main and sewer line inspection.  Tree roots are attracted to water sources, especially in times of drought. The first place they will head is to a water source, which could be your water or sewer main.  A final inspection report included in the potential buyers notebook could be the turning point for an offer. Knowing a house has a clean bill of health, and is ready to move into can mean all the difference.

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