Got Questions about the Sonoma County Direct Install Program?

The Sonoma County Water Agency has recently expanded the Direct Install Program to include single-family homes. Woo hoo!!

That means if you are on municipal sewer and you have a toilet that uses more than 1.6 gallons per flush, you are eligible to have Boden Plumbing (or any other plumber participating in the program) install a new low flow toilet for you - at no charge. The County water agency pays the plumber directly for the toilet, seat, angle stop and the cost of installation. Good deal for you for sure. Plus, there is no limit on the number of toilets we can replace for you - they just all have to be clunkers.

It is important to mention that if there are any associated repairs necessary in changing out your toilet -- say we find a damaged floor, for instance -- you would be responsible for those additional costs. In our experience, these instances have been quite rare.

Also, we offer certain toilets under the Direct Install Program. If you decide you prefer something else, upgrade charges may apply. (We guarantee all the toilets we install, so don't worry that the toilets we're installing under the Direct Install Program are not up to our usual standards. It's just that you might choose something different.)

Our process is to schedule a site visit to determine your eligibility and to evaluate what type of toilet will work for you. Then we can schedule your new toilet install.

And your old toilet will be pushing up daisies - or petunias.

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Got questions? Call us here at the office (707 996 8683) or visit Sonoma County Water Agency Direct Install Program on the web. The answers are out there.


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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com

Water Saving Tips Galore

There are at least 101 ways to conserve water. Really, there are.

Here are 10 for starters:

#1
Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.

#2
When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

#3
Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.

#4
Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.

#5
Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

#6
Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.

#7
Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.

#8
Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.

#9
Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

#10
For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

The 10 tips listed above come courtesy of Water Use it Wisely. There are lots of great resources on their site - check it out.


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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com

Earthquake Awareness for CaliforniaOctober 15, 2009

One week from today, on October 15th at 10:15 a.m., Californians will practice for the next big earthquake.

The Great California Shakeout - as the planned event is being called - is expected to be the biggest earthquake drill ever. Are you ready for the next big earthquake?















(Photo credit: USGS)
Loma Prieta, California, Earthquake October 17, 1989. San Francisco. An automobile lies crushed under the third story of this apartment building in the Marina District. The ground levels are no longer visible because of structural failure and sinking due to liquefaction.

Twenty years ago this month, on October 17th, 1989, the Loma Prieta quake struck Northern California. (See: 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake on wikipedia.) All the attention sure to be paid to that special anniversary will help to underscore the message from the Shakeout: It's important to be prepared for earthquakes.

Check the Shakeout website for activities near you. You will also find resources, like earthquake drill manuals, that will help you plan and prepare for an earthquake emergency.

At Boden Plumbing we think it's a good move to have a gas shut-off valve installed at your home or business. One of the biggest dangers during and immediately after a quake comes from fire as a result of ruptured gas lines. You can read more about gas shut-off valves (sometimes referred to as earthquake valves) in our previous post Shaken But Not Stirred? And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call us here at the office. (707 996 8683 or 866 NO DRIPS) We'd be happy to tell you more.

And remember the Shakeout on October 15, 2009. It is good to be prepared.


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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com