Does your business have leaky pipes and rusty water? Are you bothered about the awful water pressure and slab leak? Does the tap water taste bitter or turn a strange color?

Modern plumbing is something we can’t live without. And we don’t think much about it until we begin having problems. Yet because our plumbing system is something we use every day, there will come a time when the system itself begins to have problems.

Piping in general lasts around 25 to 50 years. Yet due to the amount of water and waste we send through our pipes and the buildup occurring within the system, some piping begins showing problems as early as 5 to 10 years. It may be as small as a pinhole link. Or you may have complaints about your water tasting funny or changing to a brownish color. When you call in the plumber and they give you the devastating news that you have a serious plumbing issue, that’s when you’ll really start thinking about how much we rely on a quality system.

As time goes by, galvanized piping accumulates rust and decay. It constricts the pipe, causing the flow of water to get smaller and smaller. If the pipe wears out and is filled with rust and holes, fixing it is not an option. The only option is a complete repiping of your building.

Galvanized piping is most commonly replaced with “L” hard copper pipes. It is insulated with closed-cell foam and a felt insulator to avoid pipe sounds.  This is usually referred to as re-pipe, replumb, new piping, replumbing or piping replacement.

Chances are if you’ve discovered you need to think about having your building repiped, you learned it from a plumber. Ask if your plumber is a repiping expert and can help you update your system. If not, ask for references or start your search for a plumbing company with expertise in repiping.

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Tough economic times are upon us. And with high unemployment and under-employment means people are turning to a wide array of ways to bring in a fast buck, including criminal activity.

While you often hear about home burglaries and car thefts, there is one stolen item that you may not hear much about – the backflow device. Thieves are turning to these expensive copper devices for some quick cash.

Understanding what a backflow device is and how to protect it can help you prevent your backflow device from disappearing – costing hundreds of dollars to replace, along with the loss of thousands of gallons of water.

The backflow device is usually somewhere along the street front of a commercial property. It is above the ground and is used to prevent contaminated water from reaching the potable water source of a city. When a backflow device is stolen, it can cost several hundred dollars to replace and allow hundreds of gallons of water to disappear every second. To protect your backflow device from theft, take note of the following tips:

Install a protective cage over the device

Install a secure lock that is difficult to break (make sure your maintenance crew has a copy of the key in case of a water emergency)

Mount the cage securely to the cement pad and use lock guards

Use video surveillance to monitor your backflow device and post warnings about the monitoring system to deter thieves

You can also mask the device by planting shrubbery and other types of landscaping materials about a foot away from the device – this makes it harder for thieves to notice it when they are making a “backflow run”

A small wall will also mask your device from the road – thieves want easy, unprotected access, so make your device as difficult to find and remove as possible

Write down all identifying numbers from your device in case it is stolen

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The need for water heaters does not lie only with individuals. Everyone needs hot water at some point. Commercial water heaters are used by a variety of businesses. For instance, hospitals make good use of commercial water heaters because residential water heaters will not meet their demands. Factories and large corporations need commercial water heaters, too, to withstand their water needs.

When you are in the market for a commercial water heater, chances are you’ve seen the many options available, including:

• Storage
• Indirect (unfired hot water storage tank)
• Instantaneous
• Tankless coil
• Heat pump

The type of water heater you choose depends on your needs. Of course, you want to choose a water heater that is energy efficient. Even if price is a concern, the energy efficiency of your water heater will pay for itself over time in savings. Pay close attention to the energy labels of commercial water heaters and choose one that costs the least to operate In the long run.

You also have to make the choice between an electric water heater and a gas or oil water heater. Again, consider the long-term cost. Is the electricity more expensive in your area than gas or oil? What about winter months when gas and oil costs tend to rise? Weigh the options carefully and choose the water heater that will not cost you an arm and a leg to operate.

One of the latest advances in commercial water heaters is the use of solar power. These water heaters warm the water with the use of solar panels. The water is then stored in a storage tank much like conventional water heaters. These “green” water heaters are a good choice if you are concerned with your carbon footprint. Be prepared to pay more for a solar water heater because proper installation is essential. Otherwise, your water may not heat fast enough. As long as you choose a water heater you can afford and that will cover your water demands, you are sure to be satisfied.

[With all of the options available to you today, why make a choice without taking all the facts into consideration? Quality 1st Plumbing provides expert guidance and expertise to walk you through the entire process, beginning to end.]

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Many people today are trying to go green and save some green all at the same time.  For those considering a commercial plumbing project, there are several ways to cut back and conserve water.

1.    Toilets - Old toilets are a major contributor to water waste in bathrooms.  A toilet made before 1994 typically consumes about 3.5 gallons every time it is flushed.  Newer toilets consume around 1.6 gallons of water per flush while the most water friendly toilet requires only one gallon per flush.  Updating a toilet from before 1994 will cut toilet water consumption by more than half.

2.    Urinals - Urinals installed before 1994 could use up to five gallons of water per flush.  Modern technology has developed a urinal that requires no water at all.  Rather than using water, modern urinals have a filter cartridge at the bottom that catches fluid and traps odor.

3.    Faucets - Running faucets are another key culprit in water waste.  One highly popular solution for faucet water waste is sensor technology.  Rather than water running for the entire washing process, sensor technology provides water only when an object is placed within a sensor’s field.

4.    Hybrid water heaters – Tankless and hybrid water heaters are growing in popularity over the older fifty gallon water heater for commercial plumbing renovations.  Because you can save approximately 20 percent or more on the amount of water used, it’s a great way to help the entire commercial project save on our most valuable resource.

5.    Low flow fixtures - Low flow showerheads and sinks can help conserve water by limiting the flow rate of these fixtures.  Available in aerating and non-aerating models, low flow fixtures control the gpm (gallon per minute) consumption of your showers and sinks.  Translation, less water used.

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The news is filled with tips to conserve water within our homes. But what about work? On average we spend more of our time at work than any other place. So if conservation begins with one tiny step, maybe that step needs to begin in the workplace.

How do you conserve water in the workplace? How is it different from what we do at home? In many cases its one and the same. As a plumber, I work in many environments, and can just as easily provide tips and strategies for a commercial location as I can for a home.

The best place to start is with conserving tap water. Look around your office, and you’ll likely find many areas where tap water runs freely. You many have a kitchen area, with a sink to share with coworkers. And bathroom areas in commercial buildings don’t have one sink; generally you’ll find a row of sinks. Multiply that by several bathrooms per floor, and multiply several floors per building, and you’ll quickly find the potential for a lot of water waste. Even with a slow drip in one or two areas, its easy to send hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water down the drain.

The most-used water source in a commercial building is the bathroom areas. Especially with older buildings, you may find toilets with high water levels per flush, sometimes as high as 5 gallons of water per flush. Reducing those to low flush toilets, which will save close to 4 gallons per flush, can reduce the amount of water your commercial property uses into the thousands of gallons per day. Add waterless urinals to the men’s restrooms, and you’ll quickly see your water costs fall.

Also consider having a water conservation audit performed at your location periodically by a green plumber, to find out where you’re doing well, and where you aren’t. He can share with you new technology that when installed will quickly make a difference in your overall payments. He can also pinpoint problem areas that may soon cause problems if not fixed quickly.

Involve your staff as you make changes. Because many people are now making conscious choices to help conserve wherever possible, just knowing you are doing your part can put them on your team. They will watch for areas of improvement, and call in a plumber at the first sign of trouble, rather than letting a problem grow.

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Here are 4 ways a commercial plumber can save your business money.

4. Audits and Analysis
Not sure where to begin? Why not hire a commercial plumber for an energy audit and water analysis. As a green plumber, we know where to look to identify leaks and offer assistance in finding ways to prevent water loss and conservation. Find out all of your options upfront, then slowly implement as you have the time, energy and revenue available.

3. Preventative Maintenance
Don’t wait for problems to happen, schedule regular routine checkups to make sure everything is running at its best. From sewer and water line cleaning, to fixing small drips within the bathroom or kitchen area, the easiest way to avoid problems is to prevent them before they happen.

2. Recommendations Before You Invest
Have a new project you are building? Thinking of expanding? Before you start, talk with your commercial plumber. He can offer advice on the best way to install new fixtures in the bathrooms, or create energy efficient water heating for the different needs of your project.

1. An Emergency Connection
While we never plan for an emergency, they happen anyway. You might walk into a burst pipe, a flooded room, or no hot water. In times like this, its nice to know you can pick up the phone and call a friend, instead of taking the time to find someone with the time to come over and help. Plan before the emergency happens, and you’ll be grateful in times like these.

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While plumbing may never be considered sexy or a topic of choice, it is moving up on the list of ways to improve our world. Commercial plumbing, specifically, is rapidly becoming the darling of government projects, business owners, and public facilities such as libraries and airports. Why? The answer lies in its cost savings potential. Savings on energy costs is vital to the future sustainability of business and governmental agencies. Additionally, there are federal government regulations that identify energy saving measures the business community must adhere to.

Commercial plumbers are major players in the green movement and will subsequently save businesses millions of dollars through the installation of energy saving toilets, urinals, and faucets, and other green technology that can help us eliminate waste. Whether you are a large corporation or a small home business, you can make changes today that will help cut costs and save energy. Here are some questions you need to ask a commercial plumber before considering the company for an important project.

1. Do you specialize in commercial projects?
There are big differences between residential and commercial plumbing projects. Make sure the company you are interviewing has the experience.

2. Are you insured and certified?
It’s important to understand what they are capable of and what knowledge base they have coming into your project.

3. Do you have on-going programs or plans?
While most residential plumbing jobs are one time projects, commercial projects require on-going maintenance. Ask about discounts for long term commitments, and work to build a relationship in which you both are concerned with water and energy savings.

4. Ask for references from previous customers.
Nothing speaks louder than a great referral. While you may not be able to get a hold of a large business owner, checking online and through various referral sites can build a pretty good character reference for the company you are considering.

5. Do you have training in green technology?
While everyone speaks of energy and water saving tactics, only select plumbers have certification in green technology. Extensive training is needed to truly understand what is possible, and what will work in certain situations.

6. What’s your guarantee?
Most reputable commercial plumbers want you to be happy with their services. Find out if the company offers a guarantee and what the policy is in case of problems or questions.

7. Understand timing and scheduling.
If you have a large project, it’s important to stay on track. When will the work be completed? What if it goes over the timeframe scheduled or over budget? What checkpoints exist along the way to keep both sides informed?

The more you ask and understand up front, the easier it will be to keep your commercial plumbing project on track.

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Today’s plumbing companies have evolved into a high tech industry that can help you prevent problems before they happen.  They can make suggestions to help you save money and energy, and go green in the process. Especially in commercial plumbing where time is money, having a high tech friend can be a big plus for any business model.

Whether you are a property manager for a small apartment complex, own multi-story office buildings in the Tech Center, or operate a large health care facility, a commercial plumber can help you stay on top of your plumbing needs. Want an energy audit to determine where you are using the most water? Your plumber can help. Want continual service to make sure your bathrooms are in top shape? Your plumber can help. Want to begin installing green technology throughout your business? Your plumber has the solutions.

As with any project, the best place to start is at the beginning. When was the last time you updated your most common features, such as toilets and faucets? One leaky faucet can waste several gallons of water per day. Multiply that by several faucets per bathroom, and several bathrooms per building, and it can quickly add up to a big problem with large costs.

The same holds true with a leaky toilet. One leaky toilet can lose hundreds of gallons of water per week. Leave it non-repaired for an extended period of time, and your leak can quickly escalate into a bigger problem that affects your flooring, wallboards, and even potentially other rooms surrounding the bathroom.

And if you haven’t replaced faucets or toilets in a few years, even without a leak you could be wasting thousands of gallons of water per week simply with daily use. Green technology means updating and using the latest equipment designed to work more efficiently at less cost and waste.

Commercial plumbing is different than residential – we all choose to maintain our homes at a higher level because we know and see the benefits. But in a commercial venues, its easy to ignore the benefits of upgrading. Yet that’s where “going green” can do the most good.

Stop wondering how you can do your part, and ask about alternatives. A simple energy audit from your commercial plumber can show you ways to quickly save on money and energy, and go green in the process.

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Hiring the right commercial plumbing contractor can be the difference between high-quality work and a disaster waiting to happen. In the struggling economy, people are more cost-conscious than ever, but guaranteeing good work is worth the cost. Before you commit to a commercial plumbing contractor, ask the right questions to guarantee that you are getting your money’s worth.

1. What is your specialty?
Not all plumbers are created equally. Some plumbing contractors specialize in residential or home projects while others are equipped to deal with larger-scale projects like apartment buildings or office spaces. Before you even get into the details, be sure your plumbing contractor is equipped for the work you need.

2. Are you insured?
Accidents happen, but they will be more costly to you and your projects if your commercial plumbing contractor doesn’t have general liability insurance. You have the right to know if a company is insured; if they don’t want to give up the information, assume the worst.

3. Are you licensed?
A commercial plumbing contractor should proudly display its licensing information. States issue licenses based on minimum requirements that are designed to protect consumers and the general public. Ask to see a copy of the license or license number.

4. How long will my project take to complete?
An experienced plumbing contractor will be able to predict the duration of a project. Ask for a specific timeline so that you are able to keep the work on track.

5. Do you offer a written contract?
For a large project, a commercial plumbing contractor should expect to draw up a detailed written contract that outlines the exact work to be done, the timeline for the job and the expected price upon completion. A written contract protects you against shortcuts or delayed progress.

6. Do you offer a guarantee?
All commercial plumbing contractors should provide some degree of guaranteed workmanship. If a mistake or problem arises after the job has been completed, a reputable plumber will return to fix any lingering issues.

7. Do you have any references?
Generally speaking, an experienced commercial plumbing contractor is more reliable than someone new to the field, but either way you should request to see a list of references. Don’t just stop at the list; call them and find out the quality of the work for the cost.

Remember: when you hiring a commercial plumbing contractor, you become the client. A respectable contractor will provide you with clear answers to all of your questions. Don’t commit until you are satisfied or you run the risk of finding yourself in deep water.

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So what types of things should you look at?

Lavatory sink faucets. Instead of style, think functionality. Your sink faucets will be used continuously all day long. Is it better to have a metered faucet that provides automatic on/off features, or allow your clientele to control the water themselves?

Electronic flush valves. An electronic flush valve can provide you with a cleaner bathroom, and better overall service.

Shower and shower/tub combinations. Whether you are running a small hotel, or a crowded gym, it’s important to have quality fixtures that can stand multiple use – sometimes every day.

Commercial kitchen fixtures. From a restaurant kitchen, to a popular bar, your sink may be filled all the time. Make sure you select the right size, shape and material to fit your everyday needs.

Have even more questions? A commercial plumber has the experience to walk you through your needs, and give you the best advice on what commercial plumbing fixtures will work best for you.

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