What is commercial plumbing?

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

Backflow Prevention, what is it?

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

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

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

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One way to select a plumber...

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

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

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

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