Honor Thy Plumber

One of my nephews graduates from college this weekend. Bright, wonderful young man (tops in his class) diligently working towards his next step: pursuing a Masters Degree in Economics (Economics: the only field in which two people can share a Nobel Prize for saying opposing things).

Nothing against Danny Boy, I love him dearly and I am confident that he’ll succeed (that is if an economist can ever deem anything a true success). However, the expectations and demands on professionals in the Plumbing and Electrical fields are just a bit more stringent.

If an economist gets it wrong “only” 40% of the time, he’s considered a genius. If your plumber or electrician got it wrong 10% of the time, you’d fire him (if not sue him).

Plumbers and Electricians protect the health and safety of the public. They are the real difference between the comforts of life we enjoy and expect today versus the plagues of the Dark Ages. We live longer, healthier, and happier lives thanks to these professionals. (Sorry Dan, I don’t think Economists can make the same claims.)

So what type of person commits themselves to this honorable and important service to our communities? In our case, it’s some of the most wonderful people I know.

They take their responsibility to protect the community seriously. They are caring, friendly professionals who enjoy consulting and educating you, the homeowner, on your options and helping you to make smart choices that are right for you. They are masters at understanding and solving problems so that the proper and most efficient solutions are identified. They seem tireless as they respond at all hours so that no emergency goes unattended.

On a personal level, they are husbands, fathers, friends, neighbors. They contribute, volunteer, and support our communities, which they love, in countless ways. I am incredibly proud of them and humbled to share with them in the experience of serving you.

Our story is not unlike many great small businesses in these service trades all across the Country. You can find out more about our people on our website. You can find other great family operated service companies at NexStar (we are also proud to have been recognized by this group as one of the best service companies in the Country for 6 years running).

So if your water heater isn’t heating, your drain isn’t draining, or your fan isn’t fanning, you know who to call. However, if you want a very well educated projection (not necessarily correct, but very educated) as to what the demand for soybeans will be in three years, I’ve got a terrific nephew who can help you out.

Quick Tip #0005 – Something Old, Something New - Disposers

“Something Old, Something New” will be a regular visitor in this blog. In these segments, I’ll give you tips regarding the old technology that you likely currently have in your home and then finishing the story by introducing you to the latest improvements available to you now when you look to upgrade or replace what you have.

In this first installment of “Something Old, Something New” we’ll cover In-Sink Waste Disposers (sometimes called: Garbage Disposers).

These units have been around for many years and, until recently, experienced very little in the way of meaningful improvements.

These units sit beneath your kitchen sink and capture whatever flows into the drain (peels, plate scraps, spoons, . . .) with the intent of chopping them up into small enough pieces so that they can flow through your drainage system.

There are a number of events that signal the end of a garbage disposal. Here’s one of the more common: it rusts out on the bottom, and water starts spewing underneath your sink and onto the kitchen floor every time you turn it on.

Can rust be avoided in the first place? Absolutely, and simply: by running the disposal every time you put food in it. Otherwise, the acid and oils from standing food will eventually eat through the seals. Also, when you run the disposal, always use cold water. Hot water dissolves fats and grease, but then it deposits them in your drainpipes where it accumulates before causing a clog.

Here are some additional tips for maintaining your disposal:

• Run cold water for 30 seconds or more after turning the disposal off to thoroughly wash ground-up food down the drain.
• You can grind almost any food waste, but don't try to grind really fibrous foods like onion skins, celery stalks or asparagus. On the other hand, ice and eggshells can actually help clean the disposal.
• If the disposal won’t run, check the circuit breaker or fuse and replace or reset as necessary. Also check to see if the overload switch has tripped. Find the reset button at the bottom of the disposal unit and push it.
• If the motor hums but the disposal doesn't run, you may have a jammed impeller, and that’s a repairable problem.
• If the disposal runs intermittently, the switch or stopper may be defective…if so, you’ll need to replace it.
• A leaky garbage disposal isn’t necessarily a sign of rust. The cause might be as simple as a loose connection, which can readily be tightened.
• How about that all-too-familiar racket a disposal can sometimes make? When you hear it, chances are you’re trying to grind up something your disposal wishes you wouldn’t. The result could be a damaged blade, impeller or motor. But don’t be too quick to repair, since it’s highly likely that it would cost less to replace.

Bottom line, once a disposal stops doing a good job of grinding, or starts to leak, that's usually the ball game. They’re not really designed to last more than 10 years, but a little loving care will get you the most out of it.

The good news, however, is that you may be much happier once you replace what you’ve got. Up until recently, people would often complain about their disposers jamming and causing clogs down the line, but you never heard them because the units were SO DARN LOUD!!

InSinkerator, the number one disposer manufacturer, finally heard these and other complaints over the noise of the disposers and have come out with a very wide range of professional models that really are a wonder.

The new units, when professionally matched to your home and your needs, are really trouble free and so quiet that we’ve had clients call us back because they couldn’t believe they were working (because they couldn’t hear them running!).

You can learn more about the breakthrough technology for these great units here, or ABLE Plumbing & Electrical would be more than happy to introduce you to this new world of quiet performance in your own home.

Until next time, enjoy the gift of this day.

Quick Tip #0004 – They’ll Pay Me?

It’s important to let you know that there is money out there just waiting to help pay for some improvements, upgrades and repairs for your home.

Some of the best funds available to help you are oriented toward upgrading the efficiency of your home. As a result, you get to enjoy lower energy bills and help save the planet while receiving money back in the form of tax credits and rebates.

Solar water heaters and On-Demand/Continuous hot water heaters (also called “Tankless” because of their space saving characteristics) are becoming more popular every day with their fantastic performance improvements and the fact that the IRS will pay for a big chunk of them (as much as 30% or $2,000)!

Our local utility, PG&E also provides some modest rebates for qualified replacement units. The professional that you hire should be able to help you get the most out of all of these opportunities.

ABLE Plumbing & Electrical also has specials available to save you money and help you benefit from the down economy by getting repairs, replacements and improvements completed now, when demand is lower.

ABLE also has a way for you to benefit wonderful non-profit organizations of your choice in our community while you save money through ABLE’s “Team-Up-For-The-Team” promotion.

The important thing to recognize is that the stars are perfectly aligned for you to improve your lifestyle, help save the planet, and take care of maintenance issues (you know that they only get worse if you put them off) all while getting some of the best deals ever. It’s a great time to be alive!!

Quick Tip #0003 – Safety First . . . and second.

Okay, I admit it, I care about you. Since I care about you, I just couldn’t go on to providing nice, but not life-changing, tips before I knew you were safe.

So here we go again focusing on safety. If just one of these safety rules is new information for one of you, it could prevent a disaster or even save a life – I, for one, think that’s worth taking the time to talk about them before moving on.

We’ve created a basic 20-point safety checklist to help you to avoid the most common sources of disasters.

Everyone needs to do this. I went through the process at my home with my family just the other day. Not only did everyone learn important lessons for the future, but we found that one of the kids moved a gas can right near the gas water heater – a definite recipe for disaster.

I was shocked that I could let that happen in my own home, but I’m sure glad we took the time to be like Santa by “keeping a list and checking it twice.”

Invest a few minutes of your time now to learn and check on these safety basics, you’ll be glad you did!

Here’s the big 20:

1. All shut off valves are easily accessible and operate smoothly and effectively? (see Quick Tip #0001) If you don’t know where they are or if they don’t function properly, then even a minor nuisance could turn into a major disaster.

2. When all gas appliances and pilot lights are off, the gas meter stops turning? If the meter keeps turning, then there is a leak somewhere along the line. Gas leaks are never a good thing.

3. When all water fixtures are turned off, the water meter stops turning? Not only does wasted water cost you money and waste a critical resource, the leaking water may be slowly causing extensive damage to your structure or feeding the growth of molds.

4. No combustible gasses near flame or spark source (water heater, appliances, space heaters, etc.)? Here we go – the gas can is never to be kept near the water heater!! The same applies for all combustible material and all gas appliances.

5. All gas devices have proper air flow to, through and away from unit (especially the water heater & furnace)? To burn safely and properly, gas appliances need a sufficient free flow of fresh air at the base of the unit and a properly vented and free flowing path (with proper heat protection) to draw the dangerous exhaust gases out of the home. Breathing CO2 can be deadly.

6. Hot water tested to be no more than 120 degrees? 150 degree water scalds in just 1/2 second! 140 degree water scalds in just 1 second! But, It takes four minutes for water at 120 degrees to scald. The old and the young are slower to recognize burning and could scald themselves before realizing the risk. Water heater temperature control dials are not reliable guides, you must actually test the temperature of the water by drawing hot water until the heater kicks on, allowing it to reach maximum temperature, then drawing and testing how hot the hottest water coming out of a spout is.

7. Hose bibs and irrigation valves are protected by backflow preventers or air gaps? If a hose is left attached, back pressure in the system can draw whatever is in or by the hose into your drinking water supply system and contaminate it (think of a pesticide sprayer attached to the hose and having that pesticide drawn into your drinking water and all of your piping). Backflow preventers or air gaps are required to prevent this serious problem.

8. No evidence of leaks (no moisture, water staining, or rust on or beneath sinks, water heater, drain pipes, etc.)? Just because it’s dry now doesn’t mean that you don’t have a problem. Look for any evidence that there has been a leak as it may have temporarily sealed itself, which means that you got lucky as long as you get it fixed before more damage occurs. Don’t ignore the signals.

9. Any odors, wet spots, stains or other symptoms of problems not resolved? Is there discoloration under your linoleum around tubs, showers or toilets? Does it always stink near a particular bathroom (and not for the reason you might first think of)?

10. Fuses and Circuit Breakers proper for amperage rating of each circuit? Ratings are there for a reason: to protect you and your home. Mismatching results in overloading and puts everyone at serious risk.

11. No fuses or circuit breakers bypassed in any way? Don’t even think about it!

12. Plugs and outlets all match and are unaltered? They are designed that way for a reason – don’t try to cut corners with your safety.

13. Light bulbs within the wattage recommendations of each lamp or fixture? Do you sense a trend here?

14. Only weatherproof fixtures and GFCI outlets with weatherproof covers in outdoor locations? Water and electricity don’t play nicely together, and you don’t want to get in the middle of one of their fights.

15. Maximum of 1 high-amperage appliance per circuit? This would include irons, space heaters, microwave ovens, toasters and toaster ovens, etc.

16. Extension cords only used for temporary, immediate use? Extension cords are not designed to take the place of having sufficient circuits and outlets to serve your ongoing electrical needs.

17. No electrical cords by heat-producing appliances? A melting electrical cord is a very unpleasant experience.

18. No electrical cords exposed in traffic paths or play areas? Combining a trip hazard with electricity – bad idea.

19. No electrical cords pinched behind or under furniture? I’ve done this. Dumb, real dumb.

20. No electrical cords under carpets or across doorways? Put receptacles where you need them; shortcuts lead to short circuits and other dangers.

An additional safety tidbit: Don't hammer a nail or put a screw through a sheet rock wall unless you know what's behind the sheet rock (you don't want to be rudely introduced to an electrical wire or a plastic water or sewer pipe when you're just trying to hang a picture). The same thing applies to putting a shovel in the ground (utilities will come and mark their underground lines if you call 1-800-227-2600).

If any of your plumbing or electrical systems are not installed in accordance with the applicable Code requirements (see Quick Tip #0002), you will likely have other safety concerns as well and should call a professional (obviously, I recommend Able Plumbing & Electrical) to evaluate and address those.

Walk through your home with this check list now - see if you can score 100%. Or feel free to give us a call to perform a convenient inspection for you. We care about your safety.

Quick Tip #0002 - STOP!

Before filling you up with tips and tasks that will help you to enjoy the benefits of your plumbing and electrical systems more than ever, we gotta set some parameters. We love the functionality, beauty, simplicity and responsiveness that these systems can provide, but the number one job of your systems is Safety.

Electricity, water, gas, or sewage in the wrong place at the wrong time is disastrous. Contaminated drinking water can also be deadly. We luckily live in an era in which we’ve learned how to design systems to control these risks.

How do we keep these systems safe? It’s all written down for us (albeit it in a form that might challenge Albert Einstein) in the Plumbing and Electrical codes that, by law, you must follow. As it says in the Code itself: “The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare . . . to preserve life and property . . . and to provide safety . . .” (CPC 101.2).

Sooooo, if you don’t know the code, don’t try to do it yourself. It’s simply not worth the risk.

Basic maintenance and simple repairs are one thing. For these, as long as you buy quality materials that are marked with UPC or other code-compliance marking for the task at hand, you have the right tools and ability, and you follow the provided instructions completely, you should be okay.

But if you need to add to, eliminate from, or significantly change any part of these systems (water, drainage, sewer, gas, or electric), STOP! Know the code, or hire a professional who does. It is simply not worth the risk.

If you are in our service area from Yuba City to Red Bluff, Magalia to Willows, Chico or parts in between, give us a call with any questions you may have. We are ready, willing and ABLE to help.

Quick Tip #0001 - Emergency Shut-Offs

Most plumbing and electrical emergencies can be quickly tamed into manageable events by safely stopping the flow of water, electricity or gas. All properly installed systems have one or more means that allow you, the homeowner, to quickly stop that flow (and the damage that it creates).
The valve at the left is an example of a typical older-style water shut off valve. Remember: "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey", or in other words: turn it right to shut it and left to open it.

You should make sure you know where all of your shut-offs are located, how to operate them, and that they are functioning properly. Waiting until you have an emergency to check them out will cause delays and potentially huge losses and risks that you should be able to avoid. If you need help, just let us know.

You may have more than one water shut-off valve on your system between the water source and the point at which the water enters the water distribution piping of your home. In addition, each faucet and toilet should have shut-off valves that control the water flow to that fixture alone.

The valve to the right is an example of a typical gas system shut off valve. This is typically located right by your gas meter or gas supply source. Again, each gas appliance should have it's own local shut-off valve - just follow gas tubing that enters the appliance backwards until you find the valve. Always avoid producing sparks or placing other combustion sources near gas appliances (No Smoking!!).

Every electrical panel should have a main panel fuse or breaker that can be manipulated to stop the flow of electricity through the panel. Each circuit also is required to have similar control and safety features.

We are always ready and ABLE to help, but a little preparation and knowledge on your part will help you to calm an emergency situation into a minor inconvenience - take a few moments today to get to know your shut-off controls for your water, sewer, and gas. You'll be glad you did!

What's in it for you?

As a first entry in this blog, I want to simply set the stage for what is to follow. My goal is to give you the help you need to avoid unnecessary costs, problems and risks from your plumbing and electrical systems.

Our business is to service these systems for you; however, our vision is long term, not hit-and-run. We enjoy clients as friends for life and we know that the most important basis for that is your trust. So if we can save you headaches, hassles and money today, we're more than happy to do so . . . and we rest happily each night knowing that our labors are meaningful, helpful and important.

In that spirit, I hope you'll find this blog provides just the tip or help that helps just when you need it. I hope that your life is better for it and that you simply keep Able Plumbing & Electrical kindly in your thoughts should you face a situation where you might benefit from our service in any way.

Please feel free to email or call us if you don't find the answers that your looking for here or if you need more help than this format can provide. We truly do want to be your plumber and electrician today, tomorrow, and for life.