Better Plumbing

What is commercial plumbing?

2011-03-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

Commercial Boiler

Some wonder what the difference is between commercial plumbing systems versus other types of plumbing systems. Well there are several types of plumbing designs to meet the needs of the demands made on the system. Residential, commercial, institutional, light industrial and industrial are some types of plumbing systems to name a few. Within each of these types of plumbing systems there are subtypes. Some of the subtypes within commercial for example are restaurant, office building, business park, strip mall, gas station, shopping center and movie theater to name a few. Each system has differing demands and needs placed on it. Each plumbing system requires special skills to install, service and maintain.

Picking the right person who understands these different types of plumbing systems, subtypes and challenges of each requires a bit of trial and error. Accurate troubleshooting and long term solutions are signs you have the right person for the job. Fixing a problem before you understand why it was a problem in the first place is just delaying the problem from happening again.

Some things to think about when selecting the right plumber for your commercial property might include how many years of actual commercial experience does this firm have, are they in it for the job at hand or will they be there in the long run, can you reach them when you need them, can you reach the plumber or do they call you when they can, does their solution involve sound long term business objectives you have with minimal problems and disruptions?

Commercial plumbing systems have large volume demands placed on them so it is vital that selection of the professional you make meets these goals for you.

With over 30 years of commercial experience in all types of plumbing systems Better Plumbing is ready to meet your demands for residential, commercial and light industrial plumbing system designs. Call us and get a plumber on the phone immediately to address your care or concerns. We are available 24 hours a day year around to meet the demands your plumbing system requires.

Call Better Plumbing to schedule your plumbing evaluation with a no obligation inspection to see if your plumbing system could use a modernization to reduce costs, be greener to the environment, add a new level of safety for the dwelling occupants or just make minor adjustments to improve overall performance.

We can be reached at (408) 263-8433

Look forward to meeting you.

your plumber,

Cameron

Running toilet?

2011-02-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

Ever hear a noise at night coming from your bathroom? Chances are it is the sound of money going down the drain! Toilets are the "silent water vampires" of modern plumbing. A running toilet wastes water, energy and money. A simple leak check yearly is recommended and can be done usually very simply.

Don't let that running toilet get away from you! Put a stop to running toilet by tackling the problem with a leak check you can usually obtain free from the local hardware store or home center.

If you need help or assistance on water conservation feel free to contact me for a free no obligation estimate on fixing those leaks you may have!

Thank you!

If you have any questions or comments feel free to call me and I will be glad to help you if I can. I can be reached at (408) 263-8433.

your plumber,

Cameron

How important is fixing a leak?

2011-01-18T12:24:00.000-08:00

How important is fixing a leak? Thats a good question!

Most people are unaware they have any problems. Most first get wind of issues after they get an outrageous utility bill or some other indication that there is something wrong.

The EPA Watersense program is having a fix a leak week in 2011 to help everyone conserve.

Fix a leak week! is the EPAs' way to help everyone understand what can done to help conserve our life giving water.

Heres what you can do!

If you need help or assistance on water conservation feel free to contact me for a free no obligation estimate on fixing those leaks you may have!

Thank you!

If you have any questions or comments feel free to call me and I will be glad to help you if I can. I can be reached at (408) 263-8433.

your plumber,

Cameron

Water conservation may no longer be an option.

2009-02-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder how some of the most complicated problems in life might be worked out? Water conservation is not new. The perspective this video offers is. It helps us to understand what we can do collectively to address current and future resources as a species.

Water is a resource that all human beings need to survive. Water conservation is the least we can do no matter what the cost.

Let me show you how you can do a small part in conserving this precious resource.

Is cheaper better?

2008-01-24T16:35:00.000-08:00

A lot has been said about price. Is price all there is to consider when selecting a plumber? Well, watch this video and ask yourself that question. If you still think that cheap price is appealing let me know. I hope this has informed you as a consumer. Safety is no accident!

Travel Information Tip for Adventurers

2007-12-26T21:30:00.001-08:00

Do I have a gem for you.

This particular segment is for travel. Maybe you travel and like to tour. If so this may be for you. Have you ever considered traveling with the locals? Well thanks to several interesting websites there is the opportunity to travel, meet and stay with locals saving money and creating new and exciting frienships that can last a lifetime!

What am I talking about? Well try http://bewelcome.org/ or http://www.couchsurfing.com/ and find out.

If you like to travel or just like to make new and exciting friends BeWelcome or couchsurfing is the place to be. Try them and let me know what you think. My profile is clubcouch.

I have been to gatherings and met many people from all over the world. These people are friendly, intelligent and interesting.

So how do you want to spend your summer? Doing what you always do or maybe trying something different?

Please read the use rules, FAQ's and security information before you sign up, but sign up you'll be glad you did! I am! Tell them clubcouch sent you!

Ciao! Happy adventures!

clubcouch,

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

Are building codes necessary? Why?

2007-12-26T21:24:00.000-08:00

In this segment we will consider what codes are for and if they are necessary.

Have you ever wondered why plumbing looks the way it does? Did you think it was just the way the plumber installed it was the reason it was so complicated? Actually the plumber is following a preset configuration practice that is known as codes. Codes help the construction industry progress from today's technology to future technology in each respective trade.

Its like this, since you are using a computer to read this you may relate. Do you remember your first computer experience? I am sure it is quite different from today. Computers today are a lot more intuitive and software is beginning to be more universal. Even if you don't know how it works you are sure somewhere there is a lot of engineers working to make it so. The more universal something becomes the more people will have access to it. We call this cross platform. Codes are the cross platform of the construction industry.

Building codes help the plumber, electrician, roofer, stucco, framing, flooring, hvac and other trades coordinate and work together so a structure can be built with integrity. Codes are reevaluated constantly and updated every two years by committee. These committees are made up of dedicated professionals who pour through thousands of documents from people who have questions or issues with respect to the current requirements. Then the most relevant issues are resolved and adopted into the code. It is a process that has helped America have some of the greatest buildings that are not only ornate but safe, energy efficient and valuable.
So, what makes them necessary? The question almost answers itself. First, why is your front door as wide as it is? Why do the steps leading up to the front door look like they do? All of these answers lie within the code. The code is the minimum you can do, you can do more. For instance, there is a minimum width of the steps or door opening. You can have a five foot door opening for your front door, yet not one less that three foot. Why? Well consider all of the furniture and appliances you need to get into your home. A door needs to be at least three foot wide... and so the code is used to require it. Imagine some poor guy who is trying to save as much money as possible puts in a two foot six door and can't get a refrigerator into the home and then sells his home to someone who doesn't realize what they have purchased and can't get one in either.

Codes protect you eventually. Training, understanding and application takes years of work. Make sure the person you hire is qualified before you let them take out your code approved plumbing and replace it with the cheapest job you can find. Most of the problems I see is you can no longer tell who is qualified until the job is done. Ask questions, do some research and be informed. Not everyone who can stop a leak is qualified to do so.

If you have any questions or comments feel free to call me and I will be glad to help you if I can. I can be reached at (408) 263-8433.

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

Should you fix that leak?

2007-12-26T20:46:00.000-08:00

Water water everywhere....

Well not so anymore. Water, as I have said in the past, will be the next oil. Look the writing is on the wall. You now pay more for 12 oz. bottled water per gallon than gas. We can run out of oil and survive but if we run out of water then disease and death are soon to follow.

It always amazes me when I go to a customers home and find plumbing leaks during my free routine inspections I do. I will point out that these other problems should be addressed and corrected yet the customer is reluctant. Dismissing a leak is wasteful and harmful to the environment. Water, like oil, is a resource. Use it wisely and you will not have to adjust your lifestyle when a drought comes.

So how can you conserve water? The number one way is low flow toilets. Low flow toilets help each of us slow the flow and can save tremendous amounts of water each flush. Next is irrigation and landscape selection. You can consult with a landscape architect who can show you what you should plant in your particular area and don't be afraid to ask them how long or what time you should water your existing landscape.

Then comes showers and shower heads. If you have teenagers then you know how long a shower can last. It is not uncommon to let the shower run until the water is warm enough to get into but did you ever wonder how much water that wastes? Estimates are near 60,000 gallons per year per household! Wasted! A circulation pump would eliminate most of that and so would catching that with a bucket and using it on your landscaping. Shower heads can use from .5 gpm to 8 gpm (gallons per minute) So in one minute you could have taken a sixteen minute shower! Something to consider. Sewer treatment facilities are running at capacity and the housing keeps going up so conservation to control your personal costs is a prudent investment.

Finally we come to leaks. Waste with no purpose. Fixing those running toilets, dripping faucets or the newly discovered "wet spot" in the yard should be done as quickly as time allows. Bad plumbing probably accounts for most of the loss we face overall since it is a total loss and is not used by anyone. These leaks usually go unnoticed.

Prudent conservation, water saving devices and technology will help you do your part in the great water conservation effort soon to be coming to a city near you! Be ready and reap the benefits of a properly working water saving plumbing system. You will feel good for doing it and the planet will too!

If you need any help or have any questions feel free to call me at (408) 263-8433.

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

Backflow Prevention, what is it?

2007-12-26T20:41:00.000-08:00

Ever see those big valves sticking out of the ground near the sidewalk and wonder what they are for? Have you heard of anti-siphon devices and wondered what they were talking about? Even though you may not know what they are they work relentlessly to protect the public health. These valves are installed on domestic water lines to prevent the back flowing of water into your fresh water supply.

Now, you may ask, when is it possible for water to flow backwards into the fresh waterline? Often, when there is a fire, firetrucks will pump the water from the domestic supply. If, during this time you are say, filling a swimming pool, the negative pressure will siphon the water from the pool and make its way back into the utilities water supply contaminating it. Same goes for when you are gardening and lay the hose on the ground and the water is drawn back into the water supply dirt and bacteria can contaminate the water supply.

Back flow devices and anti-siphoning devices prevent this from happening. With back flow devices if a negative flow occurs the valve "checks" or prevents the flow of water when the pressure coming into your supply is lower than the pressure already past the valve thus preventing an equalizing or back flow situation. This is usually accompanied by what is commonly called dumping. This occurs when the water is released from the relief valve it is a sign that a back flowing has attempted to occur.

Anti-siphon devices are somewhat the same although they usually are installed on landscaping supply lines and hose bibs. These prevent back flow by opening and allowing air to enter the line when a negative pressure situation occurs.

If you have any questions or comments about installing or maintaing your backflow devices feel free to call me at (408) 263-8433.

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

Customer Service Surveys, are they too complex?

2007-12-26T20:18:00.000-08:00

Ever had a situation go bad and all you wanted to do was get out of it? We have all had bad experiences with one thing or another.

How do we protect ourselves and others from this happening?

Usually when we are being served the only one who should care how they are doing is the person serving us.

So, you, my customer, since you have spent time to read this are going to take a customer service survey and help me serve you better.

First if you would like to email me and let me know what you think about this blog feel free to do so at:
arealplumber@gmail.com

If you would like to post a comment or a suggestion feel free to do that also.

I want to improve this blog so that it contains information you want to have and can use.

The customer satisfaction survey is only one way for me to know how you got here.

Lately I have been getting a large amount of traffic on this page and I need to know how you found me, if you found what you were looking for and what you would like to have seen.

So thank you for your participation. I look forward to your comments.

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

The ten reasons I would hire a contractor

2007-12-26T19:59:00.001-08:00

Much information is shared across the internet. Personal privacy is under attack. So would you knowingly allow a criminal into your home? One way to protect yourself is to hire a licensed contractor. If the person who comes to your home is licensed then you are protected. Part of the process for getting that license is that they are required to get a bond and more recently a background check, fingerprinting et.

Isn't who you let in your home a matter for concern? Employers don't always perform background checks on their employees, so ask the contractor you hire if they do.

Here we go, the ten reasons I would hire a contractor:

1.) You know who your dealing with. When you hire a contractor and they come to your home you have recourse.

2.) They can get a permit for the work done if you request it. This protects you and them. Say the job they do in your eyes is of poor quality, you can get it inspected and if it doesn't meet the minimum code they will have to bring it up to code. This doesn't cover preexisting conditions or other work that may need to be done, only the work they did.

3.) They have met some sort of State mandated testing in both the trade they work in and in legal matters concerning their conduct and have proved competent in those areas. If they had a qualifying partner then that person was responsible for the company actions for several years.

4.) They understand the why of how their trade is performed. A competent professional should be able to answer questions related to their trade. If they can't answer in plain verifiable english maybe you should consider looking elsewhere.

5.) Liability Insurance. Now this doesn't mean they have to have it, it means that they can get it. Remember, its your investment, protect it. Make sure the licensed contractor you hire has CURRENT and VALID liability insurance. For certain jobs you may even ask about an additionally insured certificate. You may have to pay a fee but, if the job is big enough, its well worth it.

6.) Their name is on the line if you are not satisfied. The world is a smaller place. With the internet we will soon see community ratings that are quickly and easily accessible on companies. Bad contractors fear this, quality contractors have been waiting for it for a long time. Some already use this. Many of the "rating" companies charge a fee to be listed so don't believe everything you read. Do your homework, ask for referrals from friends and for references from the contractor.

7.) Some things you just don't want to do yourself. This shouldn't mean that you should hire someone who needs to pay rent and is clueless about the trade you need them to perform. Most of what contractors charge is for your protection. There is a lot more to contracting than talking the talk.

8.) Warranty work. Ever try to find that person from the home center when something goes wrong? Contractors who use quality products and install them to manufacturers recommendations will be there for you should anything happen. Ask what hours your contractor will come to perform warranty work should anything go wrong.

9.) Product knowledge. A person worth their salt knows how to guide you comfortably to what you need and protect you, if necessary, from what you think you want. Rarely has what someone wanted been exactly what they needed. It does happen, but those people are the exception and have done their homework thoroughly. Informing a client is a tricky business. If you tell them what they need they head down to the home center and pick up the unlicensed person and buy your recommended product have them install it and ask you to come back and "fix" it.

10.) Contractors are people who care. We get a contracting license, business license, conform to trade standards, government standards, have to follow codes, plans, blueprints, train, retrain, read, train again, teach, educate, multitask, overcome obstacles, overcome objections, meet deadlines, find parts and more while still trying to maintain a great relationship with you, our greatest asset, our customer.

Now these may not be the reasons you would hire a contractor. They sure are the reasons I do.

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

To Contract or not to Contract?

2007-12-26T19:53:00.000-08:00

What are the elements of a good contract?

First when should you get a contract? In California if the amount of the work is $500.00 or more a contract is required. If you need a contract then you need a licensed contractor. If you are contracting in California then you can go to http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ and click on the link "check license status" to insure the contractor your dealing with is properly licensed for the work you need done.

Home Improvement construction contracts require certain elements. Verify your does. Here is a simple list of items that should be in your contract:

1.) Contractors business name, persons name, address, phone number and STATE license number.

2.) Description of the work.

3.) Description of the materials and equipment needed or used.

4.) Material(s) model number(s) and product Specification(s).

5.) The Contract price.

6.) Payment schedule.

7.) Start and completion dates for work done.

8.) Permits and tests.

9.) Permissible delays and time extensions.

10.) Extra work order requirements.

11.) Release of "Mechanics' Liens"

12.) Attorney Fees

13.) Arbitration information.

14.) "Complete Agreement"stipulation.

15.) Owners Right of Cancellation (3 day rule)

16.) Emergency Service Waiver of Right to Cancel (if needed for emergency service or repair)

These simple elements let you know if your dealing with a professional or just someone who looks like one and usually charges like one yet doesn't necessarily produce like one. Beware, there are a lot of "nice people", "professionals" and "specialists" out there who do less than acceptable work for more than acceptable pricing.

A bad contract can be as bad as no contract at all in some circumstances. Request one none the less and read it carefully. If it is not written in plain english and easy to understand then ask questions. If they can't answer the questions then when a problem arises it is too late.
Contracts only ensure that money should change hands for certain work or services being performed, not that the price is fair or the work will be done to your satifaction. Ask about customer service policies, warranty work scheduling and be sure to give your input as to what is acceptable to you in these matters. The best warranty is worthless if it doesn't meet your needs or is never honored.

Contracts protect customers and contractors alike. Make sure any agreement you enter into is one you understand and protects you. Once accepted you are just as responsible for following it as the contractor is. Ultimately, you are the customer and a true professional knows that what is in your best interest is in thiers also.

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

Pex pipe as an option

2007-12-26T19:45:00.000-08:00

Recently I went to a customers house who had a water piping leak. This was not the first leak I repaired for this customer, it was the second. I fixed the leak and the customer started to inquire about re-piping their entire water system inside their home. They asked about options. I informed the customer that because of their locale they were limited to either copper or steel pipes in the home. Cpvc or pex had, by the locale, been rejected by way of an addendum to the Uniform Plumbing Code. When the customer asked why, I suggested they call the locale and ask. Now please don't get me wrong this is not knocking either steel or copper both of which I have installed, at the customers request, for years. Both are good, quality materials in their respective environments and for differing reasons. With this in mind the water in this area is particularly aggressive for both copper and steel. This is the focus of this particular segment.

Why pex?

I don't think one material is better than the other until water conditions are considered. With the addition of chloramines in public and private water supplies combined with already aggressive water I am noticing a new phenomenon of piping failures in the metals. I can't say I'd recommend replacing failed materials with more of the same failed material. Pex is not new it has been used extensively in Europe for years and is taking the plumbing market by storm. But buyer beware it is not the save all solution for every application. The key to pex, in my opinion, is how it is joined and how it is installed. There are quick connections that incorporate "O" rings that may react with the water, there are plastic inserts that may be subject to failure (see quest piping) there are installation standards that can and will cause problems if they are not followed. My idea of a quality install would incorporate the following practices. Pex pipe with brass inserts, pex bend supports, a home run from a strategically placed manifold system and copper stub outs. One hot or cold pipe from manifold to one fixture. A manifold can be installed in a wall with a manifold box and gives the consumer access to conveniently turning off the water in one central location within the home or garage. If you would like to talk to a live person about pex, have questions or just are curious visit http://www.pexsupply.com/ they have a live chat feature and will answer questions about pex you may have for your particular application. Pex should be installed by a professional plumbing contractor.

Consult with your local building department before considering pex to insure it has been adopted, if it hasn't ask why not and inquire about the steps you would need to take to get a variance. If you have a failed water system you may get one depending on the locale you live.

Call me if your interested in knowing more or would like an estimate for installing PEX or Pex related products for you at (408) 263-8433

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

Advertised price sound too good to be true?

2007-12-26T19:34:00.000-08:00

If this were a perfect world all work that is advertised would be done for the exact price quoted. Unfortunately, this is not the case. We, as consumers, have to make ourselves aware of unforeseen problems and be prepared. If we see a great deal, we need to know if there are exceptions and what those exceptions are.

Before we make a decision to buy, we can use today’s technology (i.e. digital cameras, camera phones) to send an email of our situation to the company to make sure there are no surprises on either side. This would eliminate misconceptions and ensure everyone is on the same page.

A “special price” is an already discounted price and therefore specific conditions or terms usually apply. The “special pricing” may not extend to extra work that may need to be done. Make sure you are aware of any conditions or terms and know if they are not met how the actual price will vary before you buy.

“Special prices” are a businesses way of introducing themselves to potential new customers. Allow advertised prices to give you the power to find a bargain and a new company who is suited to your needs. If you truly want a great company, allow them to make a profit so they will be there for you tomorrow.

I have received most of my work from referrals from previous customers. If you would like to experience total customer service call me at (408) 263-8433.

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

Repair or Replace?

2007-12-26T19:10:00.000-08:00

Drip, drip drip.

That old faucet is leaking again or maybe you hear the toilet running. You can remember you fixed it, you just can't remember when; it doesn't seem that long ago. So the real question is should you replace that plumbing fixture or just rebuild it again?

There are several factors that will help guide you through the process of deciding.

First, when was the item made. Old parts are becoming harder and harder to obtain for replacement. If you wait to change the fixture you may have no choice the next time it fails. This may pose a serious problem depending on the time and the nature of the repair. It is better to plan a change out than have to do it right then and there unexpectedly.

Second, if your not in need of a fixture right now you can start browsing the plumbing isle at the local home center and budget for one that stikes your particular taste. When the time comes you can get the fixture you have already decided you want.

Third you can get a fixture from your plumbing professional. They may or may not have the fixture in stock. The advantages of this choice is the plumber will usually guarantee the fixture against defects for at least a year and most new fixtures come with a limited lifetime guarantee.

Whatever you decide, the fact that water is becoming more and more precious should also guide your decision making process. Old fixtures send more water down the drain and that is wasteful and harmful to the environment.

Choose wisely and look for a name brand you recognize and you can get a great fixture that will give you years of problem free service like the one your replacing.

Call me if I can help at (408) 263-8433

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

Valves are for emergencies, will yours work when you need it?

2007-12-26T17:45:00.001-08:00

Valves are used for every sort of plumbing emergency and maintenance. There are several types of valves. I will deal with the types most people use in day to day life. First, do you know where to turn off the water for your building in case of an emergency? The type of valve you have will also determine the success you will achieve when trying to do so. Gate valves the kind of valve you turn the handle repeatedly will seize if they are not properly maintained. Cheap construction grade valves usually never work in a pinch. There is an alternative to these types of valves. A simple ball valve. Yes a ball valve, if it is the right type, can be a life saver in a pinch. Its use is easy, just a lever on or off. Be sure to ask if the valve is a full port which means it does not restrict the flow rather it allows the full opening of the pipe to pass through the valve body. Angle stops, those little valves under your sink you never notice until you have a leak, also come in quarter turn ball valve styles. These valves should be replaced every time the fixture is replaced to ensure they will work in an emergency. The valve on your water heater could also be switched to a ball valve for emergencies. These are the most typical valves you would use in your building. Get familiar of the locations of the various valves on your building and maintain them so they will work when you need them.

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

One way to select a plumber...

2007-12-26T17:24:00.000-08:00

You need a plumber, now! Water is coming out everywhere and that smell! Where that’s coming from you're afraid to ask.

So how do you select a plumber? What criteria should a person use? Here is some friendly advice from someone who has over 30 years in the trade. Remember your real estate is usually the largest investment you'll make in life. Do you really want to let just anyone in there? No! If they aren't licensed you could fall victim to criminals who prey on owners who don't check out who they hire. There are those who use someone just because they answer the phone. Really that's all they have to do. Some look for the best "deal" they can find thinking no one is really qualified that does the work. Some go to the good old stand by, the same guy who has been doing the work for them all these years. Sometimes it pays to look around for who is the most qualified for your particular task. Drain clearing is pretty standard stuff if all you want is the water to go down. If you want to know why it stopped up and how to prevent it from happening so soon you may want to consider someone who has a video inspection system. Maybe you would benefit by using enzymes to combat sludge build up. So you see there are as many ways to clear a drain as are those interested. Think about some of the consequences of hiring someone unqualified or just plain too lazy to learn the new technology of plumbing. Plumbers install gas lines, waterlines, drain lines, tankless water heaters, sewer lines and automatic gas shut-off valves et. These are the tools by which modern man combats the spread of disease. Plumbing that does not meet current minimum standards endangers the occupants of the dwelling and the public at large. So mix it up. Ask around before picking up that phone book. Ask yourself if you would let that person you hire touch everything you put in your mouth or on your body. The plumber brings you water you drink and the showers you take. If the answer is no then call someone else.

By the way, how many things are wrong in this photo? Go ahead and post your response.

your plumber,

Cameron

Finding it hard to replace that older toilet?

2007-12-26T17:16:00.000-08:00

Think using that old toilet is wise? Old toilets consume large quantities of water and work no better at removing waste. Since they were first introduced the technology of low flow toilets has improved. Low end construction grade brands continue to give low flow toilets a bad name. Well known brand names are available for a modest price and can be installed quickly. The enviroment and resources are saved. Costs are recovered by the reduced water consumption. Its a win win situation!

Call me today and we can discuss how you can enjoy new low flow toilets in your home or building today.

I can be reached at (408) 263-8433

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

Water free urinals, water wise, envirornmentally friendly!

2007-12-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

That's right, water free urinals. Commercial applications such as office buildings to convention centers. Water free urinals are a great product for those people looking to protect the environment while conserving resources. Sleek new designs and modest operating costs are no match for the savings you'll enjoy for installing this product. So if you doing new construction or just remodeling call me and we can discuss if there is a model that's right for you!

I can be reached at (408) 263-8433

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

Tankless hot water heaters ARE for everyone!

2007-12-26T17:04:00.000-08:00

Plumbing rarely has new products that excite and amaze people. One such new and exciting plumbing product is the "tankless" water heater. Several brands and models to choose from insure a competitive maket for the technology. Indoor, outdoor, single or multiple water heating unit configurations means using less energy and space. These units come with special features such as remote thermostats for comfort control. Special pumps can be added to recirculate for immediate hot water. Prices vary and the cost may be expensive but recoverable. With the price of energy going up why heat all that water while your away at work or sleeping?

Call me today and we can discuss if installing one or more of these units is the right choice for you.

I can be reached at (408) 263-8433

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

Where will you be when "the big one" hits?

2007-12-26T16:54:00.000-08:00

Major earthquakes cause great loss of life and property. We can't predict when or where they occur, but we can prepare for the effects. One way to assure you can attend to the more important matters after a major earthquake is by installing a seismic safety shutoff valve on your gas line. These valves work in various ways by automatically shutting off the gas, in case you can't. Fire, explosions and danger from gas leaks are a major reason considering an earthquake shutoff valve may be a prudent investment for you and your building. Costs are modest and valves come in sizes from 3/4" to 6".

If you'd like more information or an estimate feel free to call me and we can make an appointment for this and other safety features for your building or home.

I can be reached at (408) 263-8433

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

Waiting for hot water?

2007-12-26T12:08:00.000-08:00

Can you save money and the environment?

Today we look at the real cost savings of recirculated hot water for retrofit homes. The system does not require a new circulation system to be installed since it utilizes existing plumbing and a special valve that comes with the pump to circulate the water. The comfort pump saves an average home between 16,000 to 38,000 gallons of wasted fresh water a year. Water that is quickly becoming the new "crisis" commodity. Using less water means less sewer treatment work for the City utilities, less fresh water wasted, less work on the environment of treated water and savings for you! This particular model uses less energy that a 25 watt light bulb and has a timer so you can set it to run at the hours you need it most. Considering the condition of your water heater the cost to install is modest and return on investment is assured.

So call today and we can set up an appointment to see if we can save you money as you help save the environment in which you live! (408) 263-8433.

your plumber,

Cameron

path="" title="" permalink="">

Thank you, my customers

2007-12-26T10:20:00.000-08:00

To all of the people who have over the years helped me to succeed and have allowed me to serve you I thank you. Without all of you I could not have come this far. I am truly grateful for all of the referrals from you. As we go into the future I wish all of you the best life has to offer and many good and prosperous years to come. If ever you should need me remember I am there for you and if I can't help you I will find someone who can.

I can be reached at (408) 263-8433, (415) 567-5025, (510) 656-3100. From San Francisco to Morgan Hill serving the entire Bay Area.