"We live in a world of disease and everyday is a battle of survival"We take for granted most of the conveniences of our life thinking the whole world enjoys the benefits of modern plumbing. Watch this video and see how you can tell if your viewpoint is one that is mainstream.
Showing posts with label plumbing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plumbing. Show all posts
Thursday, May 23, 2013
How can you become more aware of the day to day needs of your existence?
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Running toilet?
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.
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
your plumber,
Cameron
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Water conservation may no longer be an option.
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Are building codes necessary? Why?
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
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
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Customer Service Surveys, are they too complex?
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
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
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To Contract or not to Contract?
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
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
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Pex pipe as an option
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
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Advertised price sound too good to be true?
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
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
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Repair or Replace?
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
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