Bruiser says Happy Holidays!

Everyone at Boden Plumbing (and especially Bruiser) would like to wish you a completely happy holiday. Really. Bruiser insists. It's been a long year and a good year, and this is the time to celebrate. So enjoy!

Bruiser's wish for himself in the new year is that he gets his own little Boden Plumbing uniform so he can go out on the trucks like the big boys. He thinks he's put in more than enough time at the office - and he insists he's a very good digger. Our wish for you is a safe and prosperous New Year free of plumbing woes and worries. Knock on wood, be happy, but call us if you need us!

--a very Merry Holiday and wonderful New Year, with best wishes from Terry, Mary, Casey, Tom, Shane, Alan, Omar, Jeri AND Bruiser

::

Bruiser's YouTube debut He's thinking if he can't make it as a Boden Plumbing apprentice, he may have a future in show biz! What do you think?

Sonoma County Considers Ammendment to Sewer Lateral Ordinance

In an effort to protect groundwater quality, the Sonoma County Water Agency, along with a group of county sewer districts, have proposed amendments to their respective ordinances. These changes would introduce new requirements for inspection, maintenance, and repairs of sewer laterals.

Similar requirements have been in effect in Marin County for awhile now and have helped to address a number of important issues - including safeguarding groundwater quality. We think it's a good step for Sonoma County to take - and high time.

The sewer lateral is the pipe that conveys wastewater from a home to a main sewer system pipeline. The "main" then transfers the collected wastewater to the local treatment facility. When the lateral line is damaged both precipitation and groundwater can infiltrate the line and add to the load being transported to the sewer plant for treatment, potentially overloading capacity at the plant. Wastewater in the pipe can also leach out into the surrounding ground and mix with groundwater. Breaks also give roots an opportunity to work their way into the line and create more damage to the pipe. A homeowner may not be aware of a problem until the line nearly collapses or the roots block enough of the pipe to cause a backup.

The proposed changes would require, among other things, inspection of lines before a sale or change in ownership of a property and when a building permit is pulled for an additional toilet installation.

If you'd like more information about the likely changes in store for Sonoma County, you can visit the water agency's website or contact Project Manager Kevin Booker by email or phone at 707-521-1865.

Save Water with a Hot Water Recirculation Pump

Are you wasting water waiting for the hot water to arrive?




In a typical 3-bedroom home with four occupants as many as 34 gallons of previously heated water goes down the drain unused every day when people run the tap waiting for the hot water to arrive. Over an average 350 days per year, that's 11,970 gallons of water - and the energy to heat the water - wasted. (source: Laing)

It's not necessary!

A hot water recirculation pump installed on the hot water heater of your home helps to maintain the water temperature in the line. It's not complicated to install, and it's easy to maintain. The pump attaches to the heater and a small return valve is unobtrusively installed on the furthest faucet in the home. Because the existing lines are used, there's no added expense for additional lines. An optional timer keeps that hot water circulating in the pipes just when you need it most - saving energy and water.

If you'd like more information - or to have us take a look at the situation at your house - call us here at the office (707 996 8683) or send an email to Boden Plumbing. We'd be happy to tell you more.

:: www.askthebuilder.com
:: www.hgtvpro.com
:: www.grundfos.com

BYO Big Box Parts - or Not?

So the question is: Are the parts you find at the Big Box stores the same - or at least as good as - the parts available through plumbers' supply houses? Is it OK to "buy your own" - or is it smarter to let your plumber use his parts?

It's a good question.

And it depends.

The first thing to do if you spot a deal you can't pass up - or simply want to do your own shopping - is check model numbers. According to the manufacturers, if the model numbers are the same on the parts you are comparing, the parts are the same.

And that's important. Often, to meet the price point for Big Box retailers, manufacturers will replace an internal metal part or fitting with a plastic part. The fixture may look just like what you hope it is, but it's not comparable in terms of quality. So you end up saving money in the short term on something that doesn't hold up in the long term.

Not a good deal.

So check the model numbers. If the fixtures look the same but their numbers differ, you're comparing a store brand to the real thing.

Also, consider warranties and return policies. Does the store you're buying from warranty the item - or will you be going back to the manufacturer if there are any problems or if you need to return or exchange an item?

Are replacement parts available? If the store has made a one-off special purchase of a discontinued line will the parts still be available when it comes time to make a repair? Or maybe the store just doesn't carry parts. Be forewarned, if what you're looking at is an off-brand model, you may be hunting for replacement parts.

So it does depend. Do your research. Check the details.

Here at Boden Plumbing, because we guarantee the work we do and the parts we use, we prefer to use parts and fixtures that we know through experience our customers can depend on. We want to be confident that problems are rare and that fixtures hold up - and when maintenance and repairs are necessary that parts are readily available.

If you'd like to shop for yourself, give us a call here at the office (707 996 8683), and we can recommend our favorite brands. And rest assured, if you leave if to us, we'll install parts you'll be happy with - we guarantee it.

:: Boden Plumbing website
:: A discussion thread on BYO parts

Dogs Love Clean Water Too

Let's face it. Bottled water tastes better than tap water. Yet it feels silly to spend all that money for water at the store when it's virtually free from the kitchen tap.

Why not treat your own water instead? You can... automatically, efficiently, inexpensively.

Think about it. Public water systems are regularly tested and most tap water is safe. Yet "most" is not "all."

According to the University of Missouri, "55,000 of 61,000 public water facilities in the United States meet the standards mandated by the Safe Drinking Water Act." What about the other 6,000?

Even properly treated water can become contaminated in the journey from the treatment plant to your tap.

And what about the chlorine? Chlorine is a fact of life in municipal water. While it may be an important step in removing dangerous pathogens from the general water supply, it’s not something you want to take in on a regular basis once that water gets to your home. Studies now link increased cancer rates to drinking chlorinated water. Filtering it from your drinking water at the kitchen tap goes part of the way, but did you know that over 60% of the chlorine and other impurities that you take in from your water comes through your skin while bathing or showering? Not to mention the fact that during showering your lungs are rapidly absorbing the chlorine as well.

Safety concerns aside, installing a water filtration system in your home makes sense.

Do away with the majority of those plastic bottles and get all of the bottled water you need for pennies. Use it in cooking, water the plants with it, and even give it to your dog. Why not? The price of clean fresh water that you know has been run through a trusted system will no longer be a concern.

At Boden Plumbing we really like the Nature's Miracle™ whole-house system. It uses a three part filtration system. Granular activated carbon acts as a chemical sponge, while a kinetic degradation fluxion component removes chlorine and heavy metals and acts as a certified bacteriastat. Finally, a quartz bed assures a high flow rate through the system. A really nice feature is that maintenance is absolutely minimal - there are no cartridges or membranes to replace. Plus with a whole-house system, the benefits of clear, clean water are delivered to every faucet in the home.

We can help you find a method that best suits your objectives and your budget. If you want to learn more, call us at 707 996 8683. There is also some good info on our main website.

Your dog will thank you for it!

:: This dog's person got him filtered water! YouTube video clip

Plumber vs Handyman...

When it comes to deciding who to hire, it's worth remembering the impact properly functioning, modern plumbing has on our existence. It's not necessary to get fancy, but it is essential to get it right. A licensed plumber doing the job he or she has been trained to do is where you want to go when it comes to your health and safety.

Let's face it, even in the grand scheme of things plumbing is pretty darn important. Just imagine what would life be like without it.

And it's not only our personal well-being that we're safeguarding by getting it right. Improvements to water delivery and sewer systems over the past 100 years have made an incredible impact on the public health in this country. It was not so long ago that cross contamination of sewage and potable water and inadequate access to clean water for washing led to epidemic outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery - even flu.

People have been coming up with ingenious ways to plumb water and sewer since ancient times. The Egyptians and Babylonians got it going thousands of years B.C. The Romans were not far behind and are famous for their baths and sewage disposal systems - some of which are still in use today. They also boast the first flushing "water closet." Given all that, can you believe that when President John Adams and his wife Abigail moved into the White House in 1800 the building was without indoor plumbing and water had to be carried from a spring in a nearby park. It seems the modern conveniences are quite recent indeed.

Don't take them for granted!

Plumbing may not be rocket science, but it is important to get it right. Next time you need a plumber just remember - the health of the nation depends on it!

:: Plumbers: The Health of the Nation
:: Plumbing Through History - and more...
:: Protection Against Contaminated Water
:: Flush TV
:: More on Plumbers and Our Health

Check Those Washer Hoses

It seems like a small thing really - washing machine hoses. Until they go, that is. A burst hose, with household water at an average 70 lbs of pressure, can release up to 650 gallons an hour. Yikes!

So definitely check your hoses for visible wear. You may want to make a habit of changing them periodically as part of regular maintenance - especially the hose on the hot water line. The traditional black rubber hoses may seem strong, but with constant exposure to hot water the rubber can harden and become brittle, making them more susceptible to failure. They can either split along the wall of the hose or separate at the join with the fitting. The normal lifespan of these hoses is 5 to 7 years, with some qualifications. The greater the bend in the hose, the shorter the hose will last. The hose's lifespan may also be affected by your water's chemical composition and by higher water pressure.

(Test the water shut-offs behind the machine, too. If you do need to stop the water flow in an emergency, you definitely do not want frozen bibs.)

At Boden Plumbing we also recommend that you at least consider going one step further than including the washing machine hoses in your regular maintenance scheme - particulary if you are away from home a lot or have a living unit above another unit.

We like Floodchek brand hoses as an alternative to the standard hoses. These heavily constructed hoses start out with the same traditional rubber tube, but add two layers of 23# braided rayon reinforcement, a .012"-gauge rubber jacket and a .063"-gauge rubber cover. And, since most floods start at the coupling, Floodchek couplings are machined from non-corroding solid brass. The patented heart of a Floodchek hose is the brass insert, rounded at the end to prevent cutting the hose's interior. Barbs along the hose's flank supplement the crimp design to provide extra protection against pull-off. These improvements make the hoses so reliable that they come with a limited 20-year manufacturer's guarantee.

Steel braided hoses might seem like another good choice, but there are some concerns with these types of hoses. Manufacturers use a very aggressive crimp when assembling the hoses and a relatively thin rubber tube to secure the rubber tube and steel braid to the swivel. When hoses are bent and flexed, they fail at the crimp point.

So if this is something you'd like to take the next step on in your home, Boden recommends going ahead with the Floodchek hoses. Unless you've already had a hose burst, you'll never know just how glad you'll be to have them.

Questions? Call the office at 707 996 8683 or send an email. We'd be glad to tell you more.

:: www.floodchek.com
:: www.nodrips.com

Got Hot Water?

Are you running the tap waiting for the hot water to arrive? We know. It's inconvenient - and a waste of both water and money. But what are ya' gonna do?

Well, a hot water recirculation system could be just the ticket.

Think about it. You may not run the hot water all day long while the family is away from home at work and school. During that time, heated water lays in the line cooling off. Then when you do get home - or up in the morning - and need the hot water, all that unused and now tepid water needs to be run through the line - and down the drain - before fresh hot water reaches the faucet.

It's goofy.

With a recirculation system, water temperature is maintained in the line when you need it most. At Boden Plumbing, we like the Grundfos Comfort System. It's a straightforward install and easy to maintain. The pump attaches to your hot water heater and a small return valve is unobtrusively installed on the furthest faucet in the home. Since the existing lines are used, there's no added expense for additional lines. Then timers keep that hot water circulating in the pipes just when you need it most - saving time, energy, water. You name it.

If you'd like more information, call the shop. Or log onto the Grundfos site to learn more.

:: the Grundfos recirc system
:: PG&E energy calculators

Don't Get Caught without an Earthquake Valve

We don't mean to be alarmist - really we don't. But let's be realistic. Stuff happens. The good thing is some "stuff" we can prepare for and mitigate - even some of the big stuff. Like earthquakes.

Earthquakes are one of those inevitable eventualities that no one who lives in faulty areas can run or hide from. Besides structural failures, perhaps the biggest danger when an earthquake strikes is fire. In particular, fire from ruptured gas lines.

A gas shut-off valve is a smart addition to any building located in earthquake country. Triggered automatically by the shaking of a temblor, they quickly cut off the supply of gas to the building, which greatly reduces the risk of fire – a very good thing! In fact, many insurance companies in California now require installation of a gas shut-off valve before writing new policies.

The valve is installed outside on your gas line, near where the line enters your home, and it's on duty whether you're home or not. The cost of installation varies depending on conditions at your particular property and there are a couple of options to choose from, but it's a pretty straightforward procedure. Call us with any questions - we'd be happy to give you an estimate. You can contact us at 707.996.8683 or e-mail us at info@nodrips.com.

:: www.nodrips.com

Considering Going Tankless?

As energy costs continue to rise, interest in tankless or on-demand water heaters is increasing. These types of heaters are actually nothing new; they've been around for 50 years or more in Europe where energy costs have been traditionally high, and they have also been used in commercial applications. They are definitely something to consider, but whether or not a tankless system will work for you depends on how you and your family use hot water.

Tankless systems heat water directly, on demand, thereby avoiding the standby heat losses associated with heaters with storage tanks. No need to wait for the tank to fill up with hot water. No need to keep a pilot light on to maintain water temp 24/7. According to information at www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com you can increase your energy efficiency anywhere from 8 to 50% by using an on-demand system.

The very important thing to know is that on-demand systems supply hot water at a rate of 2 - 5 gallons per minute, with gas-fired heaters providing higher flow rates than electric heaters. Smaller units may not be able to provide enough hot water for simultaneous use at multiple outlets. It's possible to work around this - with bigger heaters, point of use heaters, or multiple heaters - but it's important to evaluate both your hot water needs and the layout of your home before you decide to go tankless. And keep in mind that a bigger gas heater may require a bigger or dedicated gas supply.

Regular maintenance to keep the heating element clear of mineral buildup can keep your heater working well for years - saving energy in the long run. And that's a good thing. But do your homework, consider your options. The info is out there.

If you have more questions, call or e-mail us here at Boden Plumbing. We have experience with both traditional tank style and tankless models. We can help you decide what's best for you.

:: www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com
:: PG&E energy calculator

Tap Into Filtered Water

There are lots of reasons to rethink our consumption of bottled water. One big one is simply the cost - do we really spend as much as $12.00 on a gallon of water while we're bemoaning $4 for a gallon of gas? There are also the environmental and social costs of privatizing water supplies and then shipping them halfway around the world, not to mention all those plastic bottles! Perhaps the most important reason, though, is that we often don't even know whether or not what we're drinking isn't just somebody else's tap water.

Beginning July 1st, the City of San Francisco began weaning itself off bottled water (SF Says No to Bottled Water). Recognizing that the City's public water supply from Hetch Hetchy is pretty much as good as it gets, the powers that be cut off public funds to all city departments, city concessions, city-funded events and functions in city buildings for bottled water. By the end of the year, the City will stop shelling out for water for the legendary office water cooler. After that, any water dispensers in City buildings will have to be attached to the existing plumbing system and dispense good old fashioned tap water.

Some restaurants have also made the switch to tap - foregoing Santa Lucia, Fiji and San Pellegrino for filtered water. (Restaurants begin the switch to tap.)

Making the switch from bottled water seems like a good idea, doesn't it? But what if you're not as confident in your water supply as are the people of San Francisco? If that's the case, it's definitely worth considering a water filtration system.

At Boden Plumbing we feature an activated carbon whole-house filtering system that improves on reverse osmosis systems, which waste 3 to 4 gallons for each gallon of filtered water provided and increase the acidity of the water.

The great benefit of one of these systems is that they provide clean, fresh-tasting water through every outlet. If you use a public water supply, this can be important because chlorine is a fact of life in municipal water and, while it may be an important step in removing dangerous pathogens from the general water supply, it’s not something you want to take in on a regular basis once that water gets to your home. Studies now link increased cancer rates to drinking chlorinated water. Filtering it from your drinking water at the kitchen tap goes part of the way, but did you know that over 60% of the chlorine and other impurities that you take in from your water comes through your skin and lungs while bathing and showering?

The system we like requires no periodic maintenance—and even does away with the need for a water softener. Combine that with a six to eight year life span and it means you can have a continuous supply of fresh water that’s good for you, good for your plants and the environment—and good for your plumbing system—often for less than a penny per gallon.

Many of us spend a lot of money each year on bottled water and find only partial solutions to hard water and filtration. Why not consider simplifying your water treatment with a whole-system unit—and get one-step peace of mind? If you would like more info, log on to our website at www.nodrips.com or send us an email here at Boden Plumbing. We'd be happy to tell you more!

Do You, uh, Fish 'n Flush?

Frankly, we think it should have a different name. But what do you think? Could this contraption have factored into Andrew Stanton's inspiration for Finding Nemo? Hmmmm... we wonder... Where did he find Nemo?

No word on whether it's low flow.

www.fishnflush.com

Easy Steps to Saving Water

This post first published earlier in the year, but with summer coming on and a possible water shortage looming for Sonoma Valley, we think it wouldn't be a bad idea to review it one more time.

The importance of efficient use of potable water should be a no brainer, but it's sometimes easy to get distracted by other things. Take a little time now to audit your plumbing system and honestly examine your use of water. There's never a better time to save water.

Reducing unnecessary water use doesn’t just make for good karma, it saves you money on your water bill! But why wait for the summer months – when water usage reaches its peak - to think about saving water? Act now to reduce use. When summertime comes you'll have a better idea of how much water you really use inside - before you turn on the irrigation outside.

First and foremost - stop the leaks
You’d be surprised how much water goes down the drain as a result of leaking faucets and connections or running toilets. If you need the cold hard facts, visit this USGS website to find out just how much one leaky faucet can set back your water budget. Check it out.

Also, it’s a good idea to have a separate shut-off for your irrigation system so that if leaks develop outside – and they often do – you can shut your system down until repairs can be made without affecting the house supply.

Replace your old water-hungry toilet
The toilet is certainly the largest water user inside your house, so take advantage of the Sonoma County Water Agency’s rebate program and replace any old non low flow toilets. The water agency will reimburse Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District customers (sewer customers, not septic users) $150 for each high-efficiency toilet installed in a residence and $260 for each low flow toilet installed in a business – when you are replacing an old non low flow model. Not bad!

...and water-hungry clothes washer
Rebates are also available for installing water efficient clothes washers; check with Valley of the Moon Water District (996-1037) or City of Sonoma (938-3681) for more info on what appliances qualify for rebate. On septic? You may still qualify for the same rebates if you are a Valley of the Moon Water District customer or get your water from the City of Sonoma. Check with your water supplier for details.

Choose appropriate plants
Customers in our service area enjoy a Mediterranean climate, which means hot dry summers. With so many wonderful choices available, there's really no excuse for watering plants adapted to a different climate. Reducing turf area to a sensible minimum and growing plants best suited for your area automatically reduces your irrigation use.

...as long as you follow through and water less, that is
Duh! But you'd be surprised - you might even surprise yourself. Seriously, remember to adjust your watering schedule to match your new heat- and sun-loving landscape. Also, include plenty of hose bibs in your outside set-up for easy hand watering and spot watering.

Would you like more information? Visit www.h2ouse.org for more details on wise water use. Or e-mail us here at Boden Plumbing.

When Gray is Green

(from Using Graywater in Your Home Landscape Graywater Guide, California Department of Water Resources, January 1995)

Tired of watching your bath and laundry water go down the drain when it could be put to good use on your landscape? Did you know that it's safe - and legal - to reuse that "graywater"?

In addition to conserving water and probably reducing your water and sewer bills, you will also be drought-proofing your landscape by using graywater. Since more than half of your indoor water can be reused as graywater, during shortages, when outdoor watering may be restricted, you will have a constant source of water. With landscapes valued at between 5 percent and 10 percent of the value of a home, this back-up supply of water may be an important economic insurance policy for you.

Graywater is distributed subsurface and can be used to efficiently maintain lawns, fruit trees, flowers, shrubs and groundcovers. The type of plants it can not be used to irrigate is vegetables (i.e. your edible plants).

Find out more about graywater at the links below. Or contact us here at Boden Plumbing to find out about the options for your home. info@nodrips.com or 996-8683

:: Info on graywater
:: California Graywater Guide
:: more info on graywater and ecological design
:: NRDC Onearth article

Green Plumbing

No, by "green plumbing" we don't mean pretty flowers in toilet bowls. (But it's not a bad idea, huh?) Green plumbing really is part of the whole green building thing, which is finally all the rage now. It's about getting our built environments more in sync with The Environment by building with sustainability in mind and reducing our collective footprint.

But it can start one toilet at a time.

Low-flow toilets –
We supply and install the water-saving low-flow toilets and waterless urinals that qualify business customers of the Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District for rebates of up to $260 per fixture. Businesses on septic may qualify for the same rebates if they are a water customer of the City of Sonoma or Valley of the Moon Water District. Residential customers can also qualify for a $150 rebate when an old non low-flow toilet is replaced with one of the new ultra low-flow models.

Water leak detection and repair services –
Leaking toilets and dripping faucets waste a surprising amount of water, and leaks on outside lines can be just as costly. We can diagnose and repair all types. Check your leak factor before summertime usage really hits home.

Trenchless sewer repair –
Minimize site disturbance and erosion with our patented no dig method of pipe relining, a cost effective alternative that offers the structural strength of new pipe.

BioSmart –
Rather than caustic and toxic drain cleaners, Boden Plumbing recommends maintaining the health of drain systems with the application of naturally occurring bacteria. The product we use and recommend to our customers is BioSmart. We find it works well to keep kitchen lines clear and is particularly helpful to our winery, restaurant, and other food service customers.

Nature’s Miracle™ whole-house water systems –
At Boden Plumbing we feature an activated carbon whole-house filtering system that improves on both water softening and reverse osmosis systems. RO wastes 3 to 4 gallons for each gallon of filtered water provided – and increases the acidity of the water. Water softeners add salts, which make the water unusable for drinking and gray water. Nature’s Miracle™ maintains the water’s mineral content while reducing scale buildup and delivers clean water through every fixture.

Find out more about the possibilities of green building at these websites:

:: New Homes Green Build Check List
:: Green Build Initiatives in Northern Calif.
:: Build It Green (dot) org

Or e-mail us here at Boden Plumbing. We'd be happy to tell you more.

Happy Spring in the Bathroom

Now that's a urinal!

These out of the ordinary fixtures are made by San Francisco-based artist Clark Sorensen. You can see more of his work at www.clarkmade.com




Happy Spring everybody.

What's that Funky Sewer Smell?

It's not unusual to get a call from a customer complaining about a sewer smell coming from one or more toilets in the house. From our experience, there are a few potential causes and solutions.

Sewer smell can be caused by the water level in the toilet bowl dropping too low and allowing sewer gas from the system to enter through the toilet. Water can also evaporate from the bowl of an unused toilet, such as in a basement or guest room. The solution is to regularly flush a toilet that is not used often.

A damaged wax sealing ring under the toilet can allow sewer gas to seep out into the bathroom. If your toilet rocks or moves, this may be the cause. Unless you're comfortable replacing the sealing ring, you may want to call us.

Another common source of smells is organisms that normally reside in the sewer and move to the house side of the toilet trap. The problem most often occurs during hot and humid weather. Try pouring several cups of household bleach into the overlfow pipe of the flush valve inside the tank.

Smells in a bathroom can also be caused by drains in a bathroom that are not properly vented, or the vent is clogged. A vent can become clogged with a bird's nest, body of a bird, etc. A vent can also become clogged at the fixture connections with grease, soap scum, etc. A clogged vent requires running a snake down through the vent pipe from the roof. Climbing around on a roof is tricky and best left to professionals who have the proper equipment and experience.

Check back for more plumbing tips. You can also e-mail us here at Boden Plumbing - or call us at 707 996 8683, with your questions.

Can We All Agree?

Customers routinely ask about the benefits of a service agreement and whether they should bother purchasing one, especially after we just installed a new system or performed a major repair in their home. The answer, of course, is a resounding "yes."

We are all busier than ever these days. Procrastination is human nature. We all know we should get the car in for a tune-up or visit the doctor for an annual check-up. But how many of us wait until the last minute to make the call, or worse yet, until something goes wrong?

Most plumbing systems are not as complex as an automobile or the human body - though to some, they may seem that way - but the benefits of preventive maintenance are just as valuable. Just like auto tune-ups and medical check-ups, our service agreements were created with prevention in mind. Most plumbing problems don't develop overnight. They can almost always be detected months or years in advance. A service agreement gives our plumbers the opportunity to inspect your system, detect problems and provide solutions long before disaster strikes. We'll even contact you when it's time for your check-up.

A service agreement is a small investment that can yield tremendous savings. As a preferred customer, you're entitled to discounted rates on all our services with priority scheduling, a yearly water heater flush, a 323-point inspection, and a video of the sewer line - not to mention the peace of mind knowing the plumbing in your home has been frequently and properly maintained.

Rest assured, plan ahead, save money every time - ask about our Customer Assurance Plan today. email us

Plan to Conserve Water

Reducing unnecessary water use doesn’t just make for good karma, it saves you money on your water bill! But why wait for the summer months – when water usage reaches its peak - to think about saving water? Act now to reduce use. When summertime comes you'll have a better idea of how much water you really use inside - before you turn on the irrigation outside.

First and foremost - stop the leaks
You’d be surprised how much water goes down the drain as a result of leaking faucets and connections or running toilets. If you need the cold hard facts, visit this USGS website to find out just how much one leaky faucet can set back your water budget. Check it out.

Also, it’s a good idea to have a separate shut-off for your irrigation system so that if leaks develop outside – and they often do – you can shut your system down until repairs can be made without affecting the house supply.

Replace your old water-hungry toilet
The toilet is certainly the largest water user inside your house, so take advantage of the Sonoma County Water Agency’s rebate program and replace any old non low flow toilets. The water agency will reimburse Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District customers (sewer customers, not septic users) $150 for each high-efficiency toilet installed in a residence and $260 for each low flow toilet installed in a business – when you are replacing an old non low flow model. Not bad!

...and water-hungry clothes washer
Rebates are also available for installing water efficient clothes washers; check with Valley of the Moon Water District (996-1037) or City of Sonoma (938-3681) for more info on what appliances qualify for rebate. On septic? You may still qualify for the same rebates if you are a Valley of the Moon Water District customer or get your water from the City of Sonoma. Check with your water supplier for details.

Choose appropriate plants
Customers in our service area enjoy a Mediterranean climate, which means hot dry summers. With so many wonderful choices available, there's really no excuse for watering plants adapted to a different climate. Reducing turf area to a sensible minimum and growing plants best suited for your area automatically reduces your irrigation use.

...as long as you follow thru and water less, that is
Duh! But you'd be surprised - you might even surprise yourself. Seriously, remember to adjust your watering schedule to match your new heat- and sun-loving landscape. Also, include plenty of hose bibs in your outside set-up for easy hand watering and spot watering.

Would you like more information? Visit www.h2ouse.org for more details on wise water use.

Got Frozen Pipes?

It's been COLD in Sonoma Valley for a few too many days now, and the weather services are predicting another sub-freezing night tonight. Given the prolonged cold snap, it's even more important that you guard your exposed pipes from these ice-inducing temperatures.

Here are a few steps to take to keep your pipes from freezing:

• Keep a trickle of water running from the faucets.
• Beam a heat lamp or small heater at exposed pipes.
• Wrap uninsulated pipes with newspapers, heating wires, foam, or self-adhesive insulating tape.
• Keep doors ajar between heated and unheated rooms.

What If Your Pipes Do Freeze?

A faucet that won't yield water is the first sign of frozen pipes. But even if pipes do freeze, you can thaw them before they burst if you act quickly.

If a pipe does freeze, shut off the water at the main shut-off valve and open the faucet nearest to the frozen pipe so it can drain as it thaws. Be sure to waterproof the area with containers and plastic drop clothes in case leaks occur. Then, use one of the following methods to gradually warm the frozen pipe. (Be sure to work from the faucet toward the iced-up area.)

• Propane Torch with a flame-spreading-nozzle: The torch will quickly thaw a frozen pipe. Safety Tip - Shield flammable areas with a fireproof sheet, don't let the pipe get too hot to touch.
• Hair Dryer: Used like the torch, a dryer will gently defrost the pipe.
• Heating Pad: Wrap a length of pipe with a heating pad.
• Heat Lamp: For pipes behind walls, floors, or ceilings, beam a heat lamp 8 or more inches from the surface.
• Hot Water: If no other method is available, wrap the pipe (except plastic) in rags and pour boiling water on it.

When loosening frozen connections, instead of using a wrench to force nuts and couplings frozen in place, douse the connection with penetrating oil. Wait half an hour; then loosen with a wrench.

This information comes by way of the All About Home website. Check it out.

Thank You!

We appreciate all of our customers, and it really matters to us when they appreciate us back. We recognize that our success in business is all about being responsive - and responsible - to the people who put their trust and confidence in us.

Each of our invoices has a postcard attached asking for feedback on the service call. We think it's a big deal when someone goes to the trouble of filling it out and sending it in to us. Below are written comments we have received beginning in December 2006. (We add to this post periodically as more comments come in. Last updated - 12/31/12.)

Response time was awesome - your repairman showed up within 30 minutes of our call. New toilet looks/works great - very clean work. Never had a better plumbing experience.G.L.

Chris is very nice and efficient.C.D., Sonoma

Guys were great. Didn't say I need to do extra. Just came in and did what was needed. No pressure. Asked questions, very helpful.C.C., Sonoma

Service was prompt and done fast.D.W., Sonoma

If we weren't moving to Oregon we would definitely continue to use Boden Plumbing. we have been extremely satisfied every time we have had to call. We will be recommending your company to the new homeowners. Thanks very much!J&H.A., Petaluma

Thrilled to receive such prompt service! PG&E was thrilled also. I will be a repeat customer.E.D., Sonoma

Well done. Thank you.B.J., Sonoma

A satisfied customer!E.G., Sonoma

He tied my shoelace!! (Casey)E.D., Sonoma

I can't comment on the employee's appearance or attitude on the day because I was not there, but the tech was very nice on the phone. I called because I was a former Gene's Plumbing customer and I had the number. Thanks for the prompt service.C.K., Sonoma

Always extremely pleased both with the employee and the job done - will always call Boden for all plumbing needs.A.C.

The work was done fast., Everything was clean and spotless when he left. Thank you.G.R., Sonoma

Return for repair was very prompt. Thank you.E.K., Sonoma

Chris came to the house and was nice and patient with answering my questions. He did a great job. Thanks.J.A.

Chris was terrific! Extremely personable and efficient. He checked a faucet for me as well. I'll always call Boden.S.G., Sonoma

I met and talked to Casey after I saw his truck. Chris did an excellent job under difficult conditions. I appreciate it.B.B., Sonoma

Thank you for your patience!E.M.

Casey was very friendly and helpful.J.H., Sonoma

This was a difficult time for me and your company made it all OK. Thank you so much for your promptness to fix my problem.N.R., Sonoma

Always really pleased with your representative and work always well done and quick. Thanks!A.C., Sonoma

Appreciated the quick repair.G.H., Sonoma

I found you through a newspaper ad and saw you at the Watersense workshop. I have recommended your services to two others already!J.C., Sonoma

Tom installed our two new toilets and was very nice and did a good job for us.A.B., Sonoma

Thanks again, Terry! I really appreciate your quick response.M.R., Sonoma

Chris was just wonderful, going above and beyond the call of duty by advising me (successfully) regarding other appliances. His co-worker Alan was very sweet. both were timely, professional, and diligent - a joy to have in my home. Thank you!L.B., Sonoma

Great service. Thank you!P.W., Sonoma

I only use your company - good reputation and work response!K.H., Sonoma

I call you with confidence because I know the job will be well done!J.L., Sonoma

Residents in LaMancha Complex are satisfied with your work. Casey has been so kind and helpful and also your office staff.L.D., Sonoma

Knew about Boden and was anxious for service, which I got. Thanks.R.D., Sonoma

Repair job performed very quickly, as usual. Additional small repairs very appreciated. Thanks.C.M., Sonoma

Thanks for covering your shoes - very thoughtful and much appreciated. Great idea.M.S., Sonoma

I have had you folks for nine years and am very pleased with you.M.R., Sonoma

We are land owners of two dupexes and two houses in Sonoma and Santa Rosa and we always phone Boden. Thank you!C.B., Sonoma

When I called this time for service, the phone representative was pleasant and courteous - and the work performed was excellent. The plumber who came was neat, clean, pleasant and courteous. I thought the service charge was about right. I would use Boden Plumbing again. I've been satisfied on previous occasion also.
M.J.

Good job! Helpful employee (Alan).J.K., Sonoma

Gabriel and Alan were super nice and explained all the options available to address the issue. Thanks!K.D., Sonoma

I love all of you!J.L., Sonoma

Casey did a good to excellent job, especially considering the age and condition of the plumbing.B.B., Sonoma

Thank you for getting to my job.S.B., Sonoma

Just excellent as always - this is why we use you.A.G., Sonoma

Good job, Chris. Thank you!A.U., Napa

I thought Chris did a very good job on my toilet and found the cause of my bathroom leak. He exceeded my expectations! I would highly recommend your company to others.A.B., Sonoma

Staff seemed to have long term solution to main line problems.J.K., Sonoma

Thank you for your prompt service.Anon., Sonoma

Thank you for prompt response, so appreciated. And what a pleasant and courteous young man Chris is. Go Giants!M.J., Petaluma

I could not have been more satisfied with Gabe's workmanship. He was thorough and exacting. He is an excellent representative of your organization.J.P., Sonoma

My dog goes to the Dog camp so I see your sign. When I called, the phone representative was pleasant and courteous - and the work performed was excellent. The plumber who came was neat, clean pleasant and courteous. The service charge was actually less than expected. I would use Boden Plumbing again.S.D., Sonoma

Nice young man!M.B., Sonoma

Thanks for taking care of the problem on my premises in my absence. My good neighbor made the call for me.E.G., Sonoma

I appreciate doing business with Boden, especially your honesty and fair price. I thank you.D.F., Sonoma

Employees came in full force to take care of a difficult sewer problem. Good job! Thanks for the quick response.T.G., Sonoma

Thanks for the quick turn-around and great service!M.R., Sonoma

Tom is the best in town. I have been a customer since Gene's Plumbing retired.K.H., Sonoma

Thank you for the fast response.R.C., Sonoma

Absolutely fantastic service. Prompt, efficient, on time, wonderful professionalism, great product, great follow through. You guys are awesome. Yeah, Alan!C.B., Sonoma

Chris is professional, hard working and a nice person. He is very loyal to Boden Plumbing and also respectful of the needs of the customer.L.H., Sonoma

Appreciated the same day service.M.F., Sonoma

Chris was great! Polite, thorough, fixed the problem, provided options. Good!!S.J., Napa

Alan is very nice and efficient, and he responded promptly to my call. Boden is fortunate to have him!C.D., Sonoma

A big thanks for quick and efficient service!J.F., Napa

We called because Tom works for you - the reason we called in the first place! He's great, as are all your employees.P.M., Sonoma

A satisfied customer!E.G., Sonoma

Tom was a courteous expert. I would ask for him (if available) again.A.M., Sonoma

Always extremely pleased both with the employee and the job done - will always call Boden for all plumbing needs.A.C., Sonoma

Chris came to the house and was nice and patient with answering my questions. He did a great job. Thanks.J.A., Sonoma

Thank you!another local business, Sonoma

The work was done fast. Everything was clean and spotless when he left. Thank you.G.R., Sonoma

Work performed was excellent and the tech was neat and pleasant. I did not consider price & installation fee. I assume they were proper and am happy with the job. You were recommended to me.G.S., Sonoma

Happy to call you again for further service.P. O'C., Sonoma

Chris was very good. Service call timely and he explained the situation well. Good job, as usual!B.L., Sonoma

Explained clearly about his repairs and the condition of the plumbing.B.L., Petaluma

Tom was so good. He came in and got his work done and explained everything to me.E.K., Sonoma

He tied my shoelace!!E.D., Sonoma

If we weren't moving to Oregon, we would definitely continue to use Boden Plumbing. We have been extremely satisfied everytime we have had to call. We will be recommending your company to the new homeowners. Thanks very much.J&H A., Petaluma

Guys were great. Didn't say I need to do extra. Just came in and did what was needed. No pressure. Asked questions, very helpful. I will be getting a new water heater soon.C.C., Sonoma

Well done. Thank you.B.J., Sonoma

Thrilled to receive such prompt service! PG&E was thrilled also. I will be a repeat customer.E.D., Sonoma

I wasn't there, but tech was very nice on the phone. Thanks for the prompt service.C.K., Sonoma

Response time was awesome - your repairman showed up within 30 minutes of our call. New toilet looks/works great - very clean work. Never had a better plumbing experience. Thanks.G.L., Sonoma

Chris is very nice and efficient.C.D, Sonoma

A job well done. (responsive, courteous, professional, neat and clean, value for the money)C.F., Sonoma

The neatness and cleanliness is a plus and appreciated.A.K., Sonoma

I love your work, people and fast turnaround! You are the only plumber for me (since 2001).M.R., Sonoma

We had a broken water pipe (toilet). water gushed but Boden came within 12 minutes to stop the water explosion and also installed a new toilet.R.C., Sonoma

Very helpful. Thanks for the speedy service.J.P., Sonoma

Casey was thorough and fast and very nice. Thanks again! (I like your trucks.)S.W., Sonoma

You guys are great. Thank you so much.
D.K., Sonoma

Good job -- well done.J.McN., Sonoma

We used to go to Gene's Plumbing, but as you know Gene passed away and you bought his business. Tom, our plumber today, is tops. I would use Boden again.R.C., Sonoma

Employees very helpful -- answered questions and were careful.C.K., Napa

Casey is not only a very fine technician but also a gentleman.R.W., Sonoma

The guys were great. Pleasant and cleaned up the job great!M.W., Napa

Shane was very nice. Knowledgeable and able to fix the problem.M.W., Napa

My sincere thanks.S.T., Sonoma

Casey was great. Job well done. Thank you!P.McT., Sonoma

We recommend you to all our friends. Thank you for such wonderful service.V.B., Glen Ellen

Shane was very helpful to us. We liked the fact that he took time to explain what he was doing.K&M. B, Kenwood

Plumber was very courteous. Answered some questions I had. Service was very prompt.E.M., Sonoma

Thanks again!M.R., Sonoma

Shane was very helpful. Thank you very much.D.M., Sonoma

Thanks for getting the job done quickly.B.A., Sonoma

Good work.N.W., Sonoma

The phone representative was pleasant, and the person who came was neat and pleasant. The work performed was excellent. I have no idea what the charge should have been. I was happy to pay just so it could be taken care of fast. I am a repeat customer - and I would use Boden again.P.W., Sonoma

Very nice work in every respect.E.N., Sonoma

We called because our usual plumber couldn't get here that day. We would use your company again.M.D., St. Helena

Tom was very helpful and pleasant and knowledgeable. He didn't make a mess. Everything was neat and tidy when he was done.M.E. M., Napa

Both service men worked carefully and neatly. Alan answered our questions very thoroughly and demonstrated how to do certain safety procedures. We hope to be very happy with our new water heater! (P.S. We would recommend Boden Plumbing to others)E.&L. H., Petaluma

Chris is professional and very efficient. A nice thoughtful person. I vote him "employee of the year."L.H., Sonoma

Shane and Chris were all you could want employees to be. They introduced themselves and were friendly and knowledgeable. They were neat and kept me informed all along the way. They checked everything I asked them to check.N.F., Santa Rosa

I would call again!E.D., Napa

Appreciated prompt service and new & improved kitchen faucet.M.L., Sonoma

Shane did a great job. Kept working on a tough faucet job until he solved & fixed the problem. He is a credit for your company.H.S., St. Helena

Repair done in one hour! Great!V.N., Sonoma

Quick phone answer and service to home.R.F., Petaluma

I was satisfied with the prompt, efficient way my problem was solved. Also, people were nice.S.S., Sonoma

Shane was very helpful. Thank you very much.D. M, Petaluma

You're the best!K.H., Sonoma

These two young men were a credit to their families! As nice and helpful as possible - and handsome besides! Made me wish I were 70 years younger! They did their work efficiently and quickly.B.N., Sonoma

Shane was a wonderful person. So polite and nice. I was happy to meet him - besides doing a great job.J&C W., Sonoma

You were recommended by our neighbor. We would use Boden again. Very good.M.S., Sonoma

Thank you for your prompt response.K.H., Sonoma
Alan is an outstanding young man - a real asset to your company.W&I T., Sonoma
Alan did a great job! Also, having an answering service that gets you to a live technician (or business owner) is what got you this job (3 other places asked to be paged).D.B., Petaluma

Wonderful service. Prices seem right, I just wasn't expecting to replace copper. But it all turned out.M.M., Sonoma

Casey and his partner were pleasant, informative & explained everything.D.G., Sonoma

Excellent, as always. Thanks.S.M., Petaluma

Shane is very nice and did the job capably and efficiently!J.F., Sonoma

It was very nice to meet and talk with Mr. Boden about what my problem was all about. Thank you.A.C., Sonoma
Your phone representative was pleasant and the work performed was excellent. And I thought the tech was neat and pleasant. The charge for service was actually less than I expected, too. I would use Boden Plumbing again.C.R., Sonoma

I needed a really good plumber as quickly as possible. I couldn't be happier.B.R., Sonoma

Thanks - Shane is an asset to your company.H.P., Sonoma

It's nice to work with all of you - Terry, Jeri, Tom and Shane. Thanks!J. @ Sebastiani, Sonoma

Your prompt response, your concern to re-connect the water, and your respect to a senior were most appreciated. You listened, were on site and acted. Mahalo!
L.T., Sonoma

We would definitely have Boden Plumbing do any work needed ever and highly recommend you to anyone. The experience with Shane let us know we chose the very best company.F.H. and D.W., Petaluma

Shane did a beautiful job - keep up the good work.A.P., Sonoma

What can I say? The job was done right the first time.R.S., Petaluma
I so appreciated the prompt response when I called re: leaking water pipe in laundry room. Both employees were most helpful in doing the repair.M.L., Sonoma

Very fast service and fast response.C.B., Sonoma

Chris was great. He came out to us at 4 p.m. on a Friday. That is the best kind of service. He helped us when we couldn't find any other help.L., Napa

The men did a beautiful job of installing the water heater. I will definitely call Boden when I have other plumbing problems.D. D.L., Sonoma

Very satisfied. Thanks so much for great service.H.A., Petaluma

I really appreciate that Chris took the time to explain what he was doing and to answer all of my questions. He is very personable. Years ago Terry was the same when he did the work. I am impressed.L.B., Sonoma

Employee was great - very helpful!D.H., Napa

Thank you so much for your prompt services this week. The leaky shower valve was causing distress to our tenants and you saved the day.
P.N., Glen Ellen
Wow! Thanks for such incredibly prompt & efficient service! We are particulary pleased with your prompt attention to our difficulty. Can't comment on Casey's appearance and attitude, but I'd guess it was absolutely perfect - we just weren't here! Thanks.
S.C., Glen Ellen

Thank you once again.
A., Petaluma

Very good job. We like Casey and Alan, too! Thank you.S.M., Sonoma

Shane was respectful, friendly, and informative. He offered choices/options which made me feel I could trust his advice and expertise. He fixed the bathroom leaking promptly and cleaned up.
J.S., Sonoma

You were a blessing today!
H.N., Napa

Shane installed a new faucet for us. It's a beautiful faucet and works great! The technician was very courteous and efficient. We're very pleased!
N.T., Sonoma

I was very impressed with Casey's consistent use of paper booties any time he entered the house! Thanks!
D.F. and A.H., Sonoma

Thank you all for your fast and excellent service. My family has used a different plumbing service in Sonoma for many years but had become dissatisfied with them. My mother used your company a short time ago and we were all impressed with her feedback. We will recommend your company.
C.S., Sonoma

It is rare these days that I get a “Thanks” for my business note. We love our new hot water heater. The two gentlemen that installed the water heater were prompt, efficient, nice, courteous, clean, and informative. (What a rare combination of great qualities!) Please send and give them a pat on the back for a job well done! You will have my future business based on my experience with Boden Plumbing. Thanks again for supplying a quality product with quality people!
H.K, Sonoma

Outstandingly prompt attention to our needs.
L. & R.F., Sonoma

Keep up the good work!
J.J., Sonoma

Both (technicians) were polite and efficient. Very helpful and tactful. They pointed out helpful solutions to our problem.
S.M., Napa

Thank you for your quick response for our urgent plumbing need. Chris kept us informed of his work and what further was needed.
T.G., Sonoma

Your technicians showed up on time as promised. This was really a help in this busy time.
M.S., Sonoma

Thanks for waiting for me – I was late!
G.N., Sonoma

A very nice experience. Your employee was neat and pleasant, and the work performed was excellent. I will use Boden Plumbing again.
E.F., Sonoma

Thank you!

We also try to follow up all of our service visits with a telephone call - just to make sure everything was taken care of and there aren't any unaswered questions. We think this extra step is important in allowing us to catch those customers who might be too busy to send in the card - or reluctant to voice concerns we need to hear.

When we can, we also like to contact customers through the web. We send an occasional newsletter when there's something to report or a special offer we think our customers would like to know about. Add your e-mail address to our list (see sign-up in the righthand column) and you'll be included!

If you're looking for a way to make - and maintain - contact with your customers, clients or network, we can recommend Vertical Response, a web-based marketing/communication tool. Check it out!