This can be quite the dilemma, for some. I’d imagine that a bit of people will just hire a guy because he’s available to do some emergency plumbing work. While this may work out for that job, you may want some security knowing that you will always have the same plumber to call for help. It’s kind of like – a security blanket. Human beings, such as ourselves, l-o-v-e security blankets.

So let’s choose someone to be your go-to plumber. There are actually other things to think about and to ask each individual plumber candidate. So get ready to interview your plumbers! Here are a few questions worth asking your candidates:

1. What are their specializations?
2. What can they do if they do not specialize in it?
3. Are they always booked up? (this could effect your decision drastically, think about it – do you want a plumber that is always busy and not able to come to your rescue?)
4. Do they provide emergency services? (who knows, your pipes might bust in the middle of the night – flooding your home, you want someone to call that you can trust!)

These are only just a few questions for you to get the idea of what you should be asking. Pick the right plumber for you, and stick with him like you do your hair dresser or your weight training coach. You get the idea, right?

There are many benefits to having plumber that you go to. Benefits like – you can trust your plumber, you may gain more respect from you plumber (thus he will most likely do a great job for you), perhaps a friendly little discount for being such a loyal client, etc. Let your imagination go to town on the possibilities of having a go-to plumber – but do not be disappointed if you don’t get every one of the benefits. It’s a business relationship.

Although, nothing beats having go-to plumber guy for everyone of your plumbing needs. Good Luck!

The world is in a shamble, and it will only get worse. Is it because of Global Warming? Maybe it is. Scientists are still in a debate about that. Is it because of the fact that humans have an impact on the world with everything they do? I believe that it is safe to say, YES! Indeed it is.  Everything we do, impacts the world in a negative or positive way. Everything we do, impacts the people we are around. It’s time to take responsibility for everything we do. The time has never been better than now to begin. Is taking responsibility for our actions painful? Not so much, in fact, not taking responsibility and continuing our behaviors as such will result in more pain.

So let us not talk so much about what you probably already know. Instead, we’ll talk about how you can go “Green” and actually improve your life drastically, while also benefiting your family, your community, and the rest of the world.

When you upgrade your home to be more “Green”, not only do you receive economical and environmental benefits – but you also improve health conditions in your home. “Green” products use non-toxic and non-volatile organic materials, this helps increase the quality of air inside your home. With this, you significantly reduce the risk of respiratory disorders. You will also reduce the amount of mold and mildew growth. It is plainly obvious that this “Green” trend is not so bad after all.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, you will realize that going “Green” will actually save yourself some money that you worked so hard to earn. Although the upfront costs may seem like a slap in the face, down the road you will begin to feel the savings and the savings will pay for the units themselves! “Green” units last longer, require fewer repairs and you save a significant amount of energy usage. Not only that, but with a “Green” home you will become healthier, reducing doctor expenses and sick days off from work. There is an increasing amount of local and state governments that are making tax breaks available to owners of “Green” homes, saving you more money. Insurance companies are also considering reduced rates for “Green” home owners, as well.

“Green” homes help reduce CO₂ emissions and other greenhouse gases that do help contribute to climate changing. Also these homes help reduce pollution and waste accumulation. Our environment is ever changing for better or for worse, and as much as we like it or not – we effect how it changes by every decision we make. If it is by driving our car or riding our bike to work – we effect how our environment responds. Common mistakes people tend to make usually are the lines of, “Well one more person doesn’t make a difference.” On the contrary, one more person DOES make a difference. An average American carbon footprint is of 9.44 tons of CO₂, 4.4 pounds of waste a day, and about an average 80-100 gallons of water a day used per person. This is an insane amount, and our environment is feeling the punch.  One person does make a difference, just by upgrading to living a “Green” life, you help decrease these numbers.

Going “Green” isn’t just about reducing how much CO₂ we produce, how much waste we make, or how much water/energy we use – it’s about being environmentally smart. One of the biggest problems we face is overpopulation; the U.S. grows about 2.5 million people a year! Add each of those individual’s carbon footprint and you get 23.6 billon tons of CO₂. Now just imagine how much waste these 2.5 million people will make and how much water/energy these people will use. It adds up! Each and every decision you make affects your family & friends, your community, and your entire environment… your world.

It is time for everyone to do their part, and take responsibility. We encourage going “Green”. Finding tips and advice on how to achieve this is very easy to do with the help of Google. Have fun! Be smart! Be responsible.

Used References:

Waste Production, Water Usage, CO₂ Usage, Population Stats

So perhaps you started using energy efficient light bulbs, and you make sure you turn your lights off when you aren’t using them. That can save a little bit, but the biggest chunk of your energy bill goes to your HVAC system (Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning) and your water heater. According to the U.S. Department of Energy the current average residential energy usage is as follows:

We suggest that you call your electrician to help you with your HVAC system. Or maybe you’ve already made that step and are more concerned about how you can cut your energy costs with the water heater. It is very much possible to save quite a bit with replacing your water heater. Getting a bigger or smaller water heater tank will not help you if you are also concerned about energy efficiency. So what can you do? Buy and install a tankless water heater! Buying a tankless water heater may be the best decision you’ll make when it comes to making your home efficient. You ask why? Well, just think about this.

You will no longer need to have a bulky tank – meaning you have more storage room. You have a few options when it comes to having it installed. Water will always, always be hot and fresh when you need it. You no longer have to worry about running out of hot water. Your whole family can take their showers, you can do laundry, and use your dishwasher – all of this, at the same time. Best of all, it saves you up to %40 on your energy bill.

Now, isn’t that a nice thought? It’s true! It’s not just a dream, it can be reality. Hold it right there, don’t get too excited – there’s something else. You can also have controllers in different areas, controlling the temperature of the water so there is no scalding. No need to worry about freezing or boiling. Since there is no tank, no need to worry so much about leaking tanks. Tankless water heaters also have a low NOx emission rating.

Wait a minute! We aren’t done. There is more! Tankless water heaters use less material and last 2-3 times longer than any other water heater tank.  The tankless water heater will last you 20 or more years! Meaning, you are helping to reduce landfill contribution. Most of the parts on these units are recyclable.

Interested in getting a tankless water heater installed? Well you just happened to be at a plumber’s blog. We do installations for one of the BEST tankless water heaters in the nation – Rinnai. So give us a call, we would love to answer any of the questions you may have.