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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Ever hear a “quick tip” that almost sounds unbelievable? From a helpful tip to an old wives’ tale, it can be difficult to decide which info is fact and which is fiction. More than a few of the best-known “tips” are myths – myths that can cost you money and time. Here are a few of the most common plumbing myths you should avoid:

Putting lemons down the garbage disposal is a good way to freshen it and clean it. Although putting lemons in the disposal might make it smell fresh at the time, the acids in lemon juice will corrode the metal inside the disposal and shorten its lifespan. If your disposal needs cleaned, use ice. The spinning ice will clean any debris from inside the disposal.

Using cleaning tablets or cleaning liquids in your toilet tank will eliminate the need to clean your toilet. The truth is that the use of these products can create build-up that will destroy the toilet. If you need to remove grime from your toilet, simply run white vinegar down the overflow tube. The vinegar will safely remove the grime in a natural, chemical-free manner.

Most plumbing fixtures are low-maintenance.  Neglect of plumbing fixtures can lead to serious issues. Lack of use allows drain traps to dry out and sewer gases to vent into the house – which can lead to deadly explosive gases. To eliminate this risk, make sure you use your various sinks and drains on a regular basis.

Instructions are for “dummies”. By carefully following installation and maintenance instructions, you can insure that your fixtures work correctly and that your warranties will not be voided.

He must know what he is doing – he is a plumber. Not all plumbers are created equal. When choosing a plumber, you should ensure that he is licensed. Do not be afraid to ask for references – a good plumber will gladly provide you with the names of satisfied customers.

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Water heaters are standard in most residential homes, apartment complexes and mobile homes. They are responsible for converting the cold water that pumps into a home into the hot water used for washing clothes, dishes and ourselves. Even though these heat-producing cylinders are fairly commonplace, they are also a bit of a mystery for many homeowners and renters. Tenants tend to call on the help of a professional maintenance operator to handle any issues that may arise with the heater. This does not mean that safety around a water heater should be forgotten.  In order to stay safe around a water heater throughout the year there are certain safety tips to keep in mind.

1.    Keep the area around the water heater clean. Make sure that dust, debris and any flammable objects are cleared away from the area. Be sure to sweep and mop the area regularly to prevent any dust build up that may occur.

2.    Keep a regular eye on the temperature valve of the water heater. This valve opens when too much pressure builds up in the water heater. If this valve is clogged or blocked in any way, an explosion could occur, causing extensive damage to your property or yourself.

3.    During the summer months, many tenants may experience bug problems. This is the time of year when bug bombs are used in the house to stop the bug issues from occurring. Make sure that the pilot light on the water heater is off and that the gas line is closed completely before any foggers or bug bombs are set off in the home. Foggers and bug bombs are highly flammable and when they come in contact with an open valve on a water heater, they can cause a fire or explode.

4.    Regularly check gas valves to make sure that no flammable gas is leaking near the water heater.

5.    Do not store flammable liquid or items near the water heater.

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Water is life. Without water, you cannot physically live. Without water, you cannot cook, bathe, clean your home, or wash the laundry.

Supplying enough water to meet the needs of billions of people is difficult. It is even more difficult when water is wasted. You can help by finding ways to reduce the amount of water in your own home.

The average American household wastes 40,000 gallons of water a year. Much of this waste is created by inefficient appliances and outdated fixtures. By simply replacing these appliances and fixtures with water-saving devices, you can stop half of this waste. By stopping the waste of water, you not only save money, but you also preserve water supplies for the future.

If you run the faucet in your kitchen four minutes a day, you are using an average of 4,000 gallons of water a year. A water-saving faucet can reduce this usage by 1,000 gallons a year.

A traditional washing machine uses approximately 50 gallons of water per load. If you wash two loads of laundry a week, that is about 5,000 gallons a year.  By replacing your washer with a high-efficiency machine, you can save 2,000 gallons of water per year.

One fifteen-minute shower every day for one year uses 19,000 gallons. A water-saving showerhead will reduce this usage by up to 12,000 gallons in a year.

The largest waste of water in your home is the toilet. An older toilet will use 33,000 gallons of water per year if it is flushed 15 times a day. A water-saving toilet can save 24,000 gallons of water every year.

The wasted amounts of water add up to 5.4 billion gallons and $11.3 million a day. By simply replacing your outdated faucets and appliances, you can save 2 trillion gallons of water and $4 billion a year. Now that is a lot of water.

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Imagine being in the middle of a perfectly warm shower. The temperature is just right and you are in a relaxing environment to end a stressful day. Suddenly your perfect moment is interrupted by a blast of cold water or extremely scalding hot water. This is what is known as hot water shock and it can be prevented. By knowing just a few tips and tricks, you can prevent the hot water shock from happening to you or anyone else in your home.

1. Buy and install a pressure-balancing shower valve. This valve is designed to keep pressure flowing at the same level – regardless of a change in pressure in other areas of the pipes. In other words, if a toilet is flushed during a shower the water pressure will change. This change will normally cause the hot water shock. With a pressure-balancing shower valve, the pressure is regulated and the shower is not interrupted.

2.    Have a plumber perform an evaluation on the pipes in your home. Make sure that there are no areas where water pressure may change dramatically. Have the plumber check for blockages and for possible issues that can be fixed to prevent hot water shock issues later.

3.    Perform preventative maintenance. Check periodically for leaks that may be connected to pipe issues, blockages or washer issues.

4.    Routinely replace washers in pipes and valves to make sure that water pressure continues to flow at an equal level.

5.    Place pressure-balancing shower valves in all of the showers and bathtubs in the home. This will help control ongoing water pressure and to prevent hot water shock from happening to other members of the family.

6.    Check the temperature of the water heater. Make sure the temperature is set to a level that is suitable for your family but also will not cause burn injuries if there is a hot water shock issue. Keep it lower if you have small children or elderly parents or relatives in your home.

7.    Have the valves and connectors to the water heater checked to prevent clogs and to make sure they are operating normally. Pressure build-ups in the water heater can cause pressure issues throughout the pipe system of the house and can cause possible damage to the water heater and home.

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Plumbing repairs can be a difficult, timely and messy process.  No one wants to add to the stress of the situation by choosing the wrong plumber for the job.  Since you don’t have a handy plumber in your speed dial, how do you go about finding the right plumber the first time?

Get organized – Before you call a plumber, have a list of all the repairs you need.  You don’t want to slow the process (and potentially raise the price) by needing the plumber to come out multiple times for estimates.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions – Don’t assume the first plumber you call or that comes to visit your home is the right person for the job.  Take some time to ask a few questions and get to know the plumber you are considering.

Ask about licensing and insurance – One of the most important questions to ask your potential plumber is whether or not they are licensed and have insurance.  You want to make sure you are working with a reputable company that can make reparations if the worst should occur.

Ask for an itemized estimate – Make sure you know from the very beginning how much things will cost.  Be sure to request an itemized estimate so you can know exactly where what funds are going.

Consider getting a second opinion – Don’t assume that just because one plumber says a job should cost a certain amount or be done in a certain way that he is right.  Consider getting a second opinion so you have something a frame of reference.

Ask for references - While not as important as asking about licensing or insurance, you might want to consider asking for references from previous customers (or look online for company ratings).  This can provide yet another idea of how well the plumber might do for you.

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On these cold winter mornings, nothing feels better than standing underneath a stream of hot water before you get ready for the day.

Now imagine coming home in the evenings and finding the perfect way to take away the stresses of the day. Push a button in your shower stall, sit back on the bench, and melt into the soothing cloud of mist. Twenty minutes later your ready for a relaxed evening at home, far away from the stresses of the day.

While it may seem like something you can only find at your local spa or health club, in reality its closer than you think. Many homeowners today are opting to bring the feeling of the spa home to their own showers.

A steam shower is controlled by a digital control box within your shower stall. When you hit the button, it triggers an electric valve to fill a steam generator with around a gallon of cold water. Then just like adding water to a tea kettle, the generator slowly brings the water to a boil. A pipe channels the vapor to a steam head, which fills the shower stall with moisture that never gets above a safe 118 degrees.

One gallon of water equates to around 10 minutes of steam. While a steam shower won’t break the bank in water usage, keep in mind that your electric bill may go up, depending on how much you use it.

To install a steam shower in your existing bathroom, you’ll first need to select the steam generator right for your home. The generator will need to be stored within 25 feet or so of your shower stall – a linen closet or vanity will work nicely. Then you’ll need a steamproof enclosure to replace your existing shower stall. Finally you’ll need an experienced plumber to connect the pipes and an electrician to add the elctrical cables and digital controls.

While a steam shower may not add a lot to your resale value, there is evidence more people prefer steam showers to whirlpool baths. A survey by the National Association of Home Builders found that a separate shower enclosure with temperature controls and multiple showerheads is now more favored than a separate whirlpool. Which means your new addition will be a plus for you now and provide benefits in the future as well.

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Everyone is looking for ways to reduce their home energy budget in today’s economy. While small things, like replacing old lightbulbs, can amount to a huge savings over the course of a year; finding large, one time changes may make more sense. So many people naturally turn to the one thing they use every day: water. And when it comes to your home’s water, heating it impacts about thirty percent of an average home’s energy use.

However, one of the top options being brought to the table for a “quick fix” may not be as efficient as many believe. Tankless water heaters are an option that should be explored with care.

Most tankless heaters are a bit more costly up front than their holding tank counterparts. Add in that most models will need an electrical outlet, upgraded gas pipes and also special ventilation systems. This can often make installation costs a bit more prohibitive than people think.

Tankless heaters may not provide the endless hot water many manufacturers claim. One of the more common complaints about these models is the fact that hot water consistency just isn’t there. Most tankless models will first feed cold water to determine the temperature level needed. So the heater may not ignite if you’re just using a small amount of hot water – such as if you are shaving or washing your hands.

They also require more care than the traditional tanked hot water heaters. Tankless models tend to have a scale build up issue and they need to be serviced about once every year. Calcium build up can have a tremendous impact on a tankless heater’s efficiency and a water softener may also need to be installed. If you plan on getting a tankless heater, check your warranty. It may be shortened if you don’t obtain a water softener along with the water heater.

A tankless water heater can be a great solution under the right circumstances. Like any home improvement investment, it does require a bit of homework to understand if this option is right for you. Before jumping in with both feet and contacting a tankless water heater dealer, who will always praise the product, talk with an experienced plumber first. Your plumber can give you the pros and cons of each choice and provide you with the best options to meet your needs.

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No one wants to face expensive but avoidable plumbing repairs.  For those of us who aren’t plumbers, here are a few things to watch out for.

Putting grease down the sink -Please don’t put grease down the drain.  Even with hot water and soap, grease can build up over time causing problems with your pipes.

Using your sink as a trash can – Even if you have a garbage disposal, that does not give you a free pass to dump everything and anything down the drain.  Food chunks in the kitchen or hair and fingernails in the bathroom serve as the start of a terrible clog.

Using the toilet as a trash can – The toilet has its given role, the trash can has another.  Do not confuse the two.

Using too much Drain-O – Using drain cleaner too often or on the wrong type of clog could lead to erosion of your pipes or just a really nasty clog for the plumber to clean out.

Mixing metals – If you decide to replace the pipes yourself for a portion of your home’s plumbing system, please do not mix piping metals.  This can lead to corrosion, leaks, and a number of other headaches.

Lack of insulation – If you live in a cold climate, your pipes can freeze in the winter unless they are properly insulated.

Leaving hoses attached – Leaving the hose attached to your outdoor faucet through the winter can lead to frozen pipes or a damaged faucet.

Pouring chemicals in a septic system – If you have a septic system, please research what is safe and what is not for septic systems.  Certain chemicals can kill the good bacteria there leading to a smelly, expensive mess.

Messing with plumbing vents – Your plumbing vents are there for the plumbing, not for a quick and easy way to rewire anything in your house.  Don’t mess with the vents.

Accidentally cutting hidden plumbing - Use caution as you remodel or cut into the walls in your home.  Cutting into a hidden pipe can cause extensive leaking and time consuming damage.

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In most instances, the answer to our last question is no.  If your water heater is constantly running, there is probably a problem.  Here are a few potential problems you could be having and a few steps you could take before calling the plumber.

You might have a leak – A leak would be a constant drain on the hot water supply within the tank.  To make up for the loss of hot water, your tank would need to run more frequently to keep the same level of hot water as before.  If your water heater is constantly running the first thing you should do is check the unit and the pipes immediately around it for leaks.

You might have insufficient insulation – If the water heater is not properly insulated, it will be unable to maintain the water temperature.  If this is the issue you can purchase an insulating wrap at any local hardware store.

You might have sediment build-up – Over time sediment builds up in the bottom of your water heater.  If you haven’t drained your tank in a while, sediment may be causing your tank to function inefficiently.  Draining the tank will clean it out and fix the efficiency problem. We provide advice on how to do it yourself, or if you want to avoid the time and mess of doing it yourself, give us a call.

Your tank might be old – Of course, your water heater issues might simply be from a tank that needs replacing.  Older tanks will have to run more frequently to maintain a good water temperature.  Solution: buy a new tank.

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