Happy New Year from Boden Plumbing

Boden Plumbing wishes everyone a happy and prosperous new year filled with friendship, good times and minimal drips.

We would also like to thank all of our loyal customers for the confidence you had in us throughout 2010. Thanks to you we're able to continue to do business here in our community, and we really appreciate that.

2011 seems a good year to resolve to focus even more on the essentials: conserving resources, spending wisely, taking care of what we have. We've already promised to help you do all those things in the products we offer and the services we provide. So look forward to all you've come to expect from us - and more - in the new year.

Be safe out there and enjoy! See you in 2011 -- or maybe not (knock on wood).

Cartoon for Friday - and Fun

He's a bit drained. Obviously.

But we're not!

Need help leading up to the Holidays? Give us a call. We're here to help.

Give Us a Shout Out!

Customer feedback is a big deal to us. We thrive on it because it helps us stay up to speed on what people need and how we're doing. We run a service business, so there's nothing more important than providing the best possible service we can.

Each of our invoices includes a tear-off postcard that you can send back to let us know how your service call went. We post customer comments we receive on another page of this blog - you can find them here. If you've never called us for service, we think these comments will give you a good sense of our company and service techs.

But there are lots of ways to get in touch and let us know what you think.

The direct approach is always great! Please call the office (707-996-8683) or stop in when you're driving by - we're on Broadway right across from the high school and there's always a parking spot out front.

You can also send an email (info@nodrips.com) or contact us on twitter (@nodrips).

We would also love to have you give us a shout out on Yelp. That way other people who might not have given us a try yet can benefit from your feedback. Boden Plumbing on Yelp*

5 Tips for Maintaining Clear Drains over Thanksgiving

The day after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year for plumbers. In fact, it might be the busiest - with calls to clear stopped drains by far the most common problem.

Lots of cooking and extra house guests can take a toll on your plumbing system - but they don't have to. Here are just a few tips to help keep your drains running and your system functioning for the holiday:

1. Don't put fats, grease or cooking oils down the kitchen drain. When rinsing anything down the drain, flush with plenty of water.
   
2. Avoid putting stringy or fibrous materials like celery and potato skins through the garbage disposal. (For more tips on using your garbage disposal, see our previous post Friends will be envious...Dogs will be sorry)
3. Never put turkey skins in the disposal
4. Remind your guests not to flush cotton swabs, cotton balls or similar materials down the toilet. The waste basket is the best place for those things.
5. Allow 15 minutes between showers so the drains can empty and the water heater can catch up.

Don't worry - we'll be open on Friday for business as usual, but just a few simple things can help you avoid hassles altogether.

And while we have your attention, all of us here at Boden Plumbing would like to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving. We know we're very thankful to be doing business here in beautiful Sonoma Valley with so many loyal customers. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

How Many Drips Does it Take to Waste a Gallon?

Drops of water are not like snow flakes. They don't come in an infinite variety of shapes and sizes. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, they are somewhat variable, but basically the drops dripping from our kitchen and bathroom sink faucets are betwen 1/5th and 1/3rd of a milliliter (mL).

That doesn't seem like much, but it can sure add up.

Consider the average drop -- about 1/4 mL of water. If your faucet is dripping once every other second, it takes just eight hours to fill a gallon bucket. By the end of the week, over twenty-one gallons have gone down the drain unused.

Maybe that still doesn't seem like much? What if that's not your only dripping faucet? What if your next-door neighbor, and their next-door neighbor on down the street, each have a couple of drippers as well?

Think about it. It's a simple thing to stop a dripping faucet. Gallons and gallons will be saved - gallons of fresh, clean finite water. Drips do add up, one gallon at a time.

Remember:
One gallon = 15,140 drips
One liter: = 4,000 drips

Calculate your drip quotient at ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/sc4.html

Then call us - with questions, advice or to get those drips fixed pronto.

BBB Welcomes Boden Plumbing

Boden Plumbing recently took the step to make our commitment to good customer service official and joined with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in promoting ethical business practices.

Just so you know what being accredited by the BBB really means and what we signed up for, we've laid it all out below. For the record.

If a business has been accredited, it means the BBB has determined that the business meets the its Standards of Trust, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB accredited businesses pay a fee for accreditation review, monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.

BBB accreditation does not mean that the business’ products or services have been evaluated or endorsed by the BBB, or that the BBB has made a determination as to the business’ product quality or competency in performing services.













To be an accredited business with BBB, an applicant must, at a minimum -

1. Be in business in the BBB’s service area for not less than six months, unless:

• The principals are well known to BBB because of other businesses in which they have been involved.
• The firm is a branch of an already accepted member company that has met these standards.
• The firm has moved from, or is an expansion of, a firm in another BBB’s service area where it was a member in good standing.

To participate in BBB Seal Programs, a company must be in business for a minimum of 12 months.

2. Supply accurate background information about its principals and employees, as well as other information deemed essential to BBB’s responsibility to provide inquirers with factual reports on its reliability. In addition, companies must promptly comply with requests by BBB for information concerning the location, nature and management of its business.

3. Agree to and sign a Membership Agreement and pay membership dues within the time specified by the By-Laws or by the Board of Directors.

4. Support BBB principles, which include:

• Promote high standards of business integrity
• Support the free enterprise system
• Support the self-regulation of business
• Cooperate with BBB’s activities and efforts to promote voluntary self-regulation within the business industry
• Avoid any activity that reflects unfavorably on the BBB or its members.

5. Give reasonable response to any customer complaint brought to its attention by BBB and promptly inform BBB of such response.

• Make good faith efforts to resolve all such complaints in accordance with generally accepted good business practices
• Cooperate with BBB in efforts to eliminate the underlying causes of patterns of customer complaints that BBB may call to the company’s attention.

So that's our pledge to you - our customer, our potential customers and the people of our community - for the record.

Call Boden Plumbing with confidence. We're here to help.

Happy Halloween from Boden Plumbing

Bruiser is so glad there's a new baby in the Boden family. He's thinking it will take some of the pressure off of him *going forward*, as they say.

In the meantime, have a safe, happy and FUN Halloween, everybody!

from the not-so-scary crew at Boden Plumbing -
Terry, Casey, Gabe, Chris, Alan, Tom
and Bruiser

Some Big Wigs Come Out for Green Building Awards

Granted the buildings that will be feted at the Green Building Super Heroes Award Gala on Friday at the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco are kind of out of scale with the usual residential retrofit, but it goes to show how hot - and how important - green building has become. There are some notable pooh bahs on the guest list at Friday's do.

First and foremost though are the buildings.

On the list to receive special recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council-Northern California Chapter are 405 Howard St. (The Orrick Building), The Energy Foundation Offices (They better 'do it green.'), and the TransAmerica Pyramid Building.

Also being recognized for their work in advancing the cause are GRID Alternatives, MEarth - The Hilton Bialek Habitat and RichmondBUILD Green Careers Academy.

So it just goes to show that there is a lot of good stuff happening in terms of building the wise use of resources into the way we do things.

No wonder so many big wigs are coming out for the gala - people like George P. Shutlz, who will be putting in a plug for a No on 23 vote, and Stephen Leeds, Senior Sustainability Officer for the U.S. General Services Administration. There are also a whole host of politicians who serve on the Honorary Host Committee, so you know many of them will be in attendance as well. It is good to know they're on the bandwagon.

You can find more details on the event and those attending at the Fourth Annual Green Building Super Heroes Award Gala event page. And if you'd like to attend yourself (and rub elbows with some of the politicos), you have through Wednesday, October 27, to reserve a ticket.

Boden Plumbing Now Carries Danze

When we overhauled our shop recently we freed up a lot more space to display fixtures. We think it really helps our customers to be able to compare faucets and whatnot in 3-D, not just on the screen or in a catalog.

One of the additions we made when we freed up that space was a big new display of a new product line for us: Danze.

Bathroom and kitchen faucets, showerheads and related accessories - even low flow toilets, sinks and vanities: Danz offers a range of design collections that we think are pretty nice. Their lines are modern and stylish with nice finishes and lots of choices.

We think these fixtures are also well made, which is important because, as you know, we guarantee the fixtures we sell and install so they've got to be good. Danze faucets boast ceramic disc valves with a 'drip-free' guarantee and solid brass waterways. Needless to say, they comply with the 2010 California lead content law. Their water conserving lavatory faucets and high effeciency toilets are also certified under the EPA WaterSense program.

So there are a lot of reasons to consider Danze. Stop by the shop anytime between 8:30 and 4:30 weekdays and you can see for yourself. We have quite a variety set up and on display. It's pretty cool actually.

Boden Plumbing
20075 Broadway (right across from the high school)
Sonoma, CA 95476

How Much Does a New Toilet Cost?

How much does a new toilet cost, you ask? How much do you have?

This goes back a few years, but we just wanted to help put what we think is the reasonable cost of a new low flow toilet from our shop in perspective. We have a few choices available from different manufacturers, but let's just consider and compare for a moment this snazzy, jazzy, gold-plated wonder that was up for grabs at the Extravaganza luxury exhibition in Moscow for a mere 250,000 euros. (That's $349,075 to you and me.)

The toilets we sell and install are way cheaper than that. Plus, there could be County rebates involved. You should ask about that.

3 Simple Steps to Green Your Plumbing

This short video underscores how easy it can be to introduce 'greener' plumbing to your home. It's not all about redesign, new technologies or renovation. The single most important thing you can do is conserve water, and in this video, you'll learn three simple ways to do just that.

Green Plumbing on Vimeo.

If you have questions about fitting or changing aerators at your house - or what models of low-flow toilets are available, call us here at Boden Plumbing (707-996-8683). We're here to help. And remember to ask about County rebates - you never know how easy being green can be.

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Nixon Was Living With a Drip

To be filed under the Truly Trivial category:

It must be the heat. (It couldn't be the humidity.) What else explains why we became preoccupied with the question: Why White House Plumbers?

It seems obvious once you know the answer (and it's given away in the title for this post), but it turns out the White House Plumbers, sometimes simply called the Plumbers, were a covert Special Investigations Unit established on July 24, 1971 during the presidency of Richard Nixon. Its task was to stop the leaking of classified information to the news media, hence the code name Plumbers. Its members subsequently branched out into various nefarious activities, including the Watergate break-ins, as operatives for the Committee to Re-elect the President.

So there you go. In case you didn't know. Don't know how good those guys were at really stopping leaks, but they caused quite a scandal trying. And we're betting they don't know squat about real plumbing. For that, you better call us - Boden Plumbing. We'll put a stop to your leaks - strictly on the up-and-up.

White House Plumbers on wikipedia

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Reduce the Danger of a Gas Line Fire to Your House

As if the San Bruno fire earlier this month wasn't reminder enough about the danger of natural gas line fires, the anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake is coming up in October: Twenty-one years since the most recent 'Big One' in the Bay Area.

PG&E is working to stay on top of the repairs they need to make to vulnerable gas lines, and hopefully the odds of the kind of disaster that hit San Bruno will be minimized. What can't be avoided are earthquakes, and as long as there are earthquakes, the concern over ruptured gas lines remains.

You can help to protect your home and family from fire in the event of a gas line rupture in two ways:

1. Know where your gas shut-off is and how to turn the gas off.
2. Have an earthquake shut-off valve installed.

Two simple steps improve your safety - and peace of mind - significantly.

Besides structural failures, fire from ruptured gas lines is probably the biggest danger during earthquakes. An earthquake valve - or gas shut-off valve - can greatly reduce that danger. So much, in fact, that many insurance companies now require them 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. Triggered automatically by the shaking during an earthquake, the shut-off valve quickly cuts off the supply of gas to the building. 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 reach us at ( 707) 996-8683 or e-mail us at info@nodrips.com.

Be ready for the next one.

:: www.daretoprepare.org

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When You Think Sustainability, Do You Think Water?

Carbon, dollars, fuel and food are big topics of conversation these days when it comes to sustainability. What seems to get pushed down on the list, however is a resource few in California (or anywhere else for that matter) can really afford to forget - and that is fresh water.

Piping or otherwise transporting it from great distances is expensive or downright cost prohibitive, so we rely on relatively local sources. Sure, LA pipes water all the way from up north and San Francisco gets water from the Sierra, but that's pretty much as far as the tether stretches and those sources are pretty much tapped out. Plus, just try floating the idea in Sacramento of another canal or pipeline or whatever. Ain't gonna fly these days.

So water and sustainability are really an inseparable pair, even if we often forget. Or get distracted.

In the Sonoma and Napa areas there's usually a lot of talk about water conservation at the beginning of summer or during prolonged droughts. We think it's important to make water conservation an everyday consideration. We use it everyday - using it wisely every time we turn on the tap needs to become a habit.

And it can - with just a little added attention and an eye towards sustainability.

• Create a personal water management philosophy
• Identify high consumption activities
(showers, watering lawn, washing clothes and dishes, etc.)
• Identify and practice water conservation actions
• Install water efficient equipment and fixtures

Want to connect with others interested in local sustainability issues and efforts?
:: Green Drinks Sonoma
:: Transition Sonoma Valley

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When does it pay to buy your own parts?

Big Box stores and the internet put a lot of parts and fixtures within easy reach of homeowners. It's convenient to shop and choose for yourself, and so often it seems much cheaper to go ahead and buy your own parts rather than pay what the plumber charges.

It is convenient but whether or not it's actually less expensive is something to consider.

First, not all brands are the same. Here at Boden Plumbing we've got a lot of collective experience. We know what works and what holds up over time. Even if you want to shop for yourself, it pays to give us a call and ask us what to look for.

Secondly, you've got to watch serial numbers. Many of the fixtures you find in the Big Box stores might have the brand name you're looking for on the box and might look just like what you found on the internet but are in fact special versions manufactured specifically for the discount retailer. Check the serial numbers: compare the one given on the manufacturer's website to the one on the box in the store. It's not uncommon for metal parts and fittings to be replaced by plastic to meet the less expensive price point required by the retailer.

At Boden Plumbing we use top quality fixtures and parts ordered either direct from the manufacturer or from our plumbing supply houses. They might not be the cheapest stuff around but we have confidence is what we use. We have to - because we guarantee them, which is also why you might pay a little more for parts supplied by your plumber. Supply your own parts and you're on your own in that department.

So consider your options. There are the time and experience factors, but if you have the time and know what you're looking for, it is possible to save some money by buying your own parts. And everyone agrees it's good to save money when you can these days.

Call us for advice - call us for the repair. We're here to help. 996-8683


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Just the Facts, Ma'am - on Water Leaks

The single most important fact on water leaks may simply be that a significant amount valuable water is wasted every year without ever being used - often for reasons that are easily remedied. It's a crime. Or, as Jon Miller would say, "Call the cops. We've been robbed!"


According to the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency:

• Leaks can account for, on average, 10,000 gallons of water wasted in the home every year, which is enough to fill a backyard swimming pool.
• The amount of water leaked from U.S. homes could exceed more than 1 trillion gallons per year. That's equivalent to the annual water use of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami combined.
• Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.
• Common types of leaks found in the home include leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. All are easily correctable.
• Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners more than 10 percent on their water bills.
• Keep your home leak-free by repairing dripping faucets, toilet valves, and showerheads. In most cases, fixture replacement parts don't require a major investment and can be installed by do-it-yourselfers.
• The vast majority of leaks can be eliminated after retrofitting a household with new WaterSense labeled fixtures and other high-efficiency appliances.

Perhaps the simplest fix - and one that will make a big impact - is replacing a leaking toilet flapper.

• If your toilet is running constantly, you could be wasting 200 gallons of water or more every day.
• If your toilet is leaking, the cause is most often an old, faulty toilet flapper. Over time, this inexpensive rubber part decays, or minerals build up on it. It's usually best to replace the whole rubber flapper—a relatively easy, inexpensive do-it-yourself project that pays for itself in no time.
• If you do need to replace the entire toilet, look for a WaterSense labeled model. If a family of four replaces its older, inefficient toilets with new WaterSense labeled ones, it could save more than 16,000 gallons per year. Retrofitting the house could save the family approximately $2,000 in water and wastewater bills over the lifetime of the toilets.

Find more tips - and facts - on the U.S. EPA WaterSense web site.

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Cameras help to pinpoint sewer line problems - big time

Yes we can peer into out-of-the-way places deep in the recesses of your sewer pipes!

At Boden Plumbing we use cameras to inspect and even videotape sewer lines. They're a real lifesaver - or at least a time and money saver, not to mention a true headache preventer, when it comes to pinpointing problems and coming up with the most effective repair strategies.

It used to be that if your plumbing was clogged, you would call your plumber and he (or she!) would come and snake the line. If all was right with the World, it would be a simple clog and rootering the line would clear it. If, however, the cable came back with pieces of root on it, things were not so hunky-dory.

If there are roots in sewer pipes, it means the pipe is cracked or broken somewhere along the line. A plumber can use the snake or other tools to clear away as many of the roots as possible, but once a pipe is compromised roots will continue to find their way in. Forever. Snaking out the line will be a periodic requirement.

And decisions about how best to repair or manage the damage are difficult - BECAUSE YOU CAN'T SEE WHAT THE HECK THE PROBLEM IS.

But that was then, this is now.

Our cameras function very similar to a snake. On the tip there is a small infrared camera that transmits a video feed of the interior of the pipe. We can save the feed to a video cassette or simply use the camera to inspect on the day. The camera equipment also indicates distances which means if we do see a break we'll know where along the line it occurs. No digging up the whole darned yard to repair one short length of pipe. So, yeah, these cameras are a life saver.

We like them because they take the educated guess work out of our equation. We've repaired and replaced a lot of sewer pipes and we're good at deciding how best to proceed, but we like to know we're taking the most efficient and cost-effective route to a solution. Plus, you can watch the video with us live. You see what we see. It makes our job of explaining options that much easier.

So good stuff. Keep in mind that because we can save the inspection to a tape, the camera is also a great tool for documenting the condition of sewer pipes when you're buying or selling a house.

If you have any questions, just give us a call. We're here to help.

Prolong the life of your water heater with simple maintenance

Sediment builds up over time in water heater tanks. It just does. If it builds up too much it can make your water heater less efficient and, if left too long, it does decrease its life span. So it's wise to get rid of the sediment by periodically draining your water heater and flushing the sediment out of the tank.

The good news is this maintenance job is something you can do yourself. Once a year will maximize a water heater's lifespan and keep it operating at its best. All you need is a garden hose to attach to the tank to drain the water away. Then just follow these simple steps:

1. Shut off the heating element for the tank. If you have an electric water heater, turn off the breaker at the main panel. If it's a gas heater, turn the thermostat to the "pilot" setting.
2. Turn off the water supply to your tank. Most likely there is a shut-off right at the tank (on a copper pipe running into the top of the tank), but you may need to turn off the main water supply to your house.
3. Attach a garden hose to the bottom drain valve on your water tank and run the hose to a drain or out a door.
4. Turn on a hot water faucet in your home to ensure a vacuum doesn't form in the lines.
5. Return to the tank and open the drain valve near the bottom of the tank. (**The valve on the side of the tank, near the top, is a pressure relief valve. Leave it alone.)
6. Check the color of the water coming out of the tank. At first it will likely be rusty or dark - that's the sediment you want flushed from the tank. After a few gallons have drained, the water should begin to run clear.
7. Once the water runs clear, close the drain valve on the tank then turn off the hot water tap in your home. (Really, remember to shut that hot water tap off or you'll be refilling the water heater for a long long time.)
   
8. Turn the cold water supply back on to the tank and allow it to fill.
9. Turn the power or the gas supply back on to the water heater once the tank has filled with water.

If you do decide to drain your own water heater, remember the water is definitely hot enough to scald you. Be careful, watch your eyes, and wear gloves for protection.

Also, it's a good idea to read the manufacturer's instructions and warnings on your tank before you begin. Water tanks vary, and on some it's possible for the heating element to burn out if there is no water in the tank.

So pretty simple. Of course if it does seem a bit intimidating - or you just don't have the time - it is something Boden Plumbing can take care of for you. Just give us a call.

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Eat Your Spinach and Call the Plumber

Just so you know: Boden Plumbing's truck arrives stocked with parts (and gloves) and our plumbers are not Wimpy!

Popeye the Sailor - Plumbing is a 'Pipe'

Sonoma County Continues PACE Program Despite the Fed's Objections

In March of last year we posted some information about a new program in Sonoma County that allows homeowners to borrow money for certain home improvements and pay the money back on their property tax bills. (see: Loans for Energy Efficiency Upgrades Available in Sonoma County)

The loans are available for energy-saving improvements such as solar and voltaic units, solar thermal devices, tankless water heaters, energy-efficient windows, and attic and wall insulation. Certain water-conserving upgrades - such as low-flow toilets - also qualify. The minimum loan amount is $2,500.

The program has been well-received and more than 1,000 households in the County have taken advantage of the program. These types of publicly financed loans have proved popular elsewhere as well. Other cities in California - as well as 21 other states - have similar programs.

The catch is federal regulators have taken issue with the loan programs, dubbed Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), saying the special financing could interfere with mortgage payment and have advised banks not to issue loans on properties with public financing. You can read more about the controversy in yesterday's SF Chronicle article, Sonoma County resists feds on home energy loans.

The good news (for now) is that Sonoma County has decided to continue with the program despite the regulators' pronouncement. To find out more, call 521-6200 or visit www.sonomacountyenergy.org

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What to Ask When You Need a New Water Heater

Is your water heater getting up in years? Are you starting to wonder if it makes sense to replace it sooner rather than later - when it starts leaking? If you like to do your research ahead of time, you can start by asking a few basic questions about new water heaters.

How many years of use can I expect from a water heater?
It all depends on the type of water heater you have. Different water heaters have different life expectancies. Where you live, how often its used, water quality, and many other factors also play a role in the life of a water heater. Typically a tank water heater will last 10 to 15 years. Once your water heater gets towards the end of its expected life span, proactively replacing it can give you a lot of piece of mind - especially if your heater is located somewhere where a leak could really cause a problem in the house. Making the decision to go ahead and replace it also gives you time to consider options.

What are my water heater options?
Do any type of search for a new water heater and you’ll find you have two options: conventional storage tanks and tankless water heaters. The tank type of water heater is still an ideal choice for residential use in some circumstances, and can offer many benefits over tankless water heater options. You could also look at a third option – hybrid water heaters. We can explain the differences and help you decide which best matches your requirements and budget.

What is the best capacity to choose for a new water heater?
A typical tank-style water heater holds 40 to 80 gallons of hot water, ready for you when you need it. The size tank you choose depends on the amount of hot water your household requires - how many people live in the house and the number of appliances and fixtures you typically use on the day. Tankless water heaters promise to deliver hot water on demand, but how much hot water is available to you still depends on the size of the water heater and how much the heater is powered to deliver. Sometimes the capacity of the gas line needs to be increased to supply the amount of hot water desired - so make sure you check these things.

How much will it cost?
The answer to this question often helps you decide other things. While on-demand heaters promise energy savings over time, the cost of retrofitting an existing home to accommodate a different style heater could prove cost prohibitive. Tank-style heaters require little maintenance and most existing houses are set up for this type of heater, and there are more energy efficient models available now. So there are a few things to consider when determining cost. If it's been awhile sine you've had to replace a heater, it might help to simply ask for an estimate so you know what to plan for - and budget for those "greener" options if that's important to you.

We hope this information helps. Hot water is one of those really nice amenities of modern life that few people want to be without for too long. So check your water heater, consider your options, and give us a call if you have any questions.

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Getting the Lead Out of California's Plumbing

These days you might be noticing delays in sourcing and shipment of plumbing parts. And you might discover that some of those jazzy fixtures you find online are not available to customers in California.

There's a particular reason for all that. In January 2009, California enacted laws to increase protection of the public from exposure to lead in drinking water by reducing the amount of lead allowed in plumbing components. As you can imagine, that has had an impact on products available for the California market.

The bills were signed into law in 2009 and went into effect this past January. The concern was that lead from plumbing products can leach into drinking water - and that lead is harmful to humans. The amount of lead coming out of fixtures, pipes and solder depends on a number of factors, such as how much lead is in the materials, how large an area of a lead-containing part comes into contact with the water, how long the water is in contact with the lead-containing surface, and how corrosive the water is. As you can see, it's a little complicated. But while it may not be possible to specifically quantify the amount of lead coming from plumbing, the risk from lead poisoning is serious enough that California chose to take the extra step to protect drinking water.

Which is a good thing. But it's kind of a big deal when it comes to plumbing parts - and finding parts that satisfy the new California laws.

So be patient and flexible if you can when looking for new fixtures. The industry will adjust, and more and more choices will become available in time. It's also good to keep in mind that while supply is still limited, prices could be affected. But you know how that goes.

If you have any questions, call the office. The changes have been in effect for several months now, and we can let you know what to expect. Just ask.

For more information:

Visit the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) website for complete information on the new laws.

DTSC’s February 2009 fact sheet provides detailed information on this issue. The test protocols provided in DTSC's August 2009 fact sheet are designed for DTSC to test and evaluate lead content of individual product samples acquired from locations that are readily accessible to the public at either retail or wholesale sources.

Exposure to lead can cause serious adverse health effects, including delays in physical and mental development. See Lead poisoning on en.wikipedia.org for more information.

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Mysterious Water Leak Problem Pinned on Unlikely Source

When is a plumbing problem not a plumbing problem? Well, you can't always be sure!

This is too funny not to share.

Before you watch the video, here's the background:

Jennifer and Jim kept getting huge water bills. They knew beyond a doubt that the bills weren't representative of their actual usage. But no matter how they tried to conserve, the high bills continued. Although they could see nothing wrong, they had everything checked for leaks or problems: first the water meter, then outdoor pipes, indoor pipes, underground pipes, faucets, toilets, washer, ice maker, etc. -- all to no avail!

One day Jim was sick and stayed home in bed, but kept hearing water running downstairs. He finally tore himself from his bed to investigate, and stumbled onto the cause of their high water bills. Apparently this was happening everyday and all day long when they were not at home. Knowing that few would believe him, he taped a segment of the 'problem' as evidence.

Positively Innovative Sink Reduces Water Use, Simplifies Greywater

Just when you thought people may have thought of everything, Environmental Designworks has come out with something that's pretty ingenious. They call it SinkPositive, and it's a retrofit to your existing toilet. It replaces the tank lid and uses the water coming in to fill the bowl after flushing for handwashing.

SinkPositive saves beaucoup gallons of water and ensures potable water isn't wasted on flushing. Yeah, pretty ingenious.

The faucet is motion activated and runs until the bowl has refilled. The small amount of soap used for hand washing doesn't interfere with toilet function - and may actually serve to freshen the bowl a bit. Check out the video below for more about how the new gizmo installs and operates.


YouTube video: SinkPostive and Maximized Water Use

We haven't seen a SinkPositive in action ourselves yet, but it is good to know people keep thinking outside the box when it comes to efficient use of water. That we know we can get behind.

A Few Green Plumbing Tips

As a plumbing service company committed to making sustainability integral to how we do business, we like to periodically share a few tips for making sustainable choices a habit in your life. There are lots of things we all can do every day to make small differences that add up big. The key is doing something and making it a part of your daily routine.

Bottled Water

Obviously it's convenient, but what price convenience? C'mon people. There are the plastic bottles that end up in landfills (or the ocean) for starters. Then there's all the energy involved in shipping water hither and yon. It's crazy. And don't even mention the privitization of water supplies by corporations that turn around and charge more for a liter of water than they'd get for a liter of gas. Plus, you know you can't be sure the water in that plastic bottle is any cleaner than the water available to you from your tap right?

Anyway, we're ranting. But this is important.

Get to know your own tap water and buy a reusable water bottle.

Have your water tested if you're just not sure. (For a list of laboratories certified for both chemical and biological testing of water, see the bottom of our post Clean Drinking Water a Major Concern). And then, if need be, install a point-of-use filter or whole-house system. Filtering your own water is so much less expensive in the long run than using bottled water.

And when shopping for that reusable water bottle, look for a good stainless steel bottle or a plastic bottle that is BPA and phthalate-free.

Want to read more about bottled water? See Bottlemania: How Water Went on Sale and Why We Bought It, by Elizabeth Royte (It's on our Bathroom Reading List.)

Toilet Cleaners

All kinds of cleaners are used in the name of keeping toilets and other bathroom fixtures clean and germ-free. Seems like a good idea - on the surface. The problem is most cleaners have chlorine, ammonia and hydrochloric acid as the main ingredients. While these may kill the bad bacteria, they kill beneficial bacteria that exist throughout the drain system. The chemicals can also shorten the lifespan of your pipes and fixtures and react with other substances in the system to form...well, we're really not sure what. (see Creature from the Black Lagoon)

We hear baking soda is a good alternative to the harsh chemical cleaners. It's a natural chemical compound that wipes out the breeding grounds for bad bacteria. Just sprinkle in the bowl and scrub. For stains, spray a little vinegar onto the baking soda and allow to sit for awhile before scrubbing.

Drain Cleaners

And while we're on the subject... We recommend BioOne for maintaining your drains. You can really damage the health of your septic system by using caustic drain cleaners and other disinfectants and antibacterials. Not a good thing. The 'good bacteria' help to keep your drains clear by digesting scum, goo and other gunk from the pipes. You want to keep them happy and healthy. BioOne helps to do that.

Ok, that's our green 2-cents for the day. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call. We're here to help.

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Reminder About Free Toilets in Sonoma County

Sonoma County Sanitation District's Direct Install Program has been going on for quite some time now. It's been a great opportunity for public sewer customers with non low flow toilets to get those older-style fixtures exchanged for new high-efficiency toilets. What a good deal all around. Demand is reduced on the sewer system, customers save hundreds of dollars on fixtures, and everyone saves water.

We do want to remind everyone that all this good stuff won't continue indefinitely. When the funds have been depleted the program ends, and we suspect the money will run out sooner rather than later.

So if you haven't taken advantage of the Direct Install Program yet, give us a call. We have primarily been installing Vortens Tornado pressure assist toilets. (The County pays for the toilet and installation.) There's one installed here at the shop if you'd like to find out what they're like. And then the County also provides new low flow shower heads and faucet aerators.

Call with questions or to make an appointment. We're here to help.

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More Water-Saving Tips for 'Fix a Leak Week'

This week - March 15-21, 2010 - is "Fix a Leak Week", something the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency organized to raise awareness and to encourage people to cut back on water usage.

Did you know that "between 1950 and 2000, the U.S. population increased nearly 90% -- and the nation's water use increased 209%, and the average American uses 100 gallons of water a day"? (U.S. EPA, cited in WaterSense Label Identifies Green Fixtures)

With a few days left officially to make the most of the week (and the whole weekend ahead) we thought we'd pass on a few more simple tips for saving water around the house. Many of the best steps you can take to save water are simple fixes.

• Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if replacement is needed, hire a professional to install a WaterSense-labeled model.


• Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Getting the rubber flapper replaced is a quick fix that could save a home with a constantly running toilet up to 200 gallons of water per day.


• For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.


• Landscape irrigation systems should be checked each spring before use to make sure they are not damaged by frost or freezing.

These tips courtesy of CAL-STEAM, one of Boden Plumbing's wholesale suppliers.

For more information on "Fix a Leak Week," visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.

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FYI on the Rheem Heat Pump Water Heater

A few weeks ago we posted something about a new high-efficiency water heater out from Rheem (Rheem Heat Pump Water Heaters Promise Super Efficiency). Someone did point out that this heat pump style machine is not exactly new - although it is new for Rheem, but the real news is that the machine has now been pulled from the market. That's what we hear from our supplier. No word on what led to the recall.

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'Fix a Leak Week' Coming in March

It's startling how much water is lost to leaks that are pretty simple to fix. Replacement parts for dripping faucets, running toilets, leaky showerheads and such are relatively inexpensive and pay for themselves in water savings.

So prepare to get ready for summer by checking for leaks now - or at least between now and March 21st. March 15-21, 2010 has been declared `Fix a Leak Week', so it's the thing to do.

Here are a few tips to get you going:

• Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners more than 10 percent on their water bills.


• A good method to check for leaks is to examine your winter water usage. It’s likely that a family of four has a serious leak problem if its winter water use exceeds 12,000 gallons per month.


• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak.


• One way to find out if you have a toilet leak is to place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color shows up in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, you have a leak. Make sure to flush immediately after this experiment to avoid staining the tank.


• If your toilet is leaking, the cause is most often an old, faulty toilet flapper. Over time, this inexpensive rubber part decays, or minerals build up on it. It's usually best to replace the whole rubber flapper—a relatively easy, inexpensive do-it-yourself project that pays for itself in no time.


• An irrigation system should be checked each spring before use to make sure it was not damaged by frost or freezing.

For more information, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak on the web - or call Boden Plumbing here at the office (707 996 8683). The answers are out there.

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Half-baked Half-pipe Sidelines Tech

Aw maaaaan!

Our schedule is kind of in disarray this week all because Casey and Chris decided to go off and enjoy the snow last weekend. Well, that in and of itself isn't the issue. We grudgingly worked around their absence Friday and Monday (a four-day weekend!). Tom and Alan hustled, and we managed.

The catch came Tuesday when Chris showed up walking a little like Frankenstein. Something about one last jump and a crunched shoulder.

Off to the doctor he went. All day calls to his cell phone went unanswered. It seems his phone stayed behind in Tahoe. Lodged in a snow bank. Somewhere. We hope the vibrations from all our calls didn't cause any avalanches.

The good news is nothing's broken. The hopeful news is that he could be back in a week. The bad news? Chris is 'the skinny one' who does all the crawls, so it's starvation diets for the other guys.

He surfs with sharks, rides dirt bikes and mountain bikes, now this. Couldn't he just stick to plumbing?

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Rheem Heat Pump Water Heaters Promise Super Efficiency

Want to cut your electric water heating costs by up to 50%?

A new-style energy efficient electric water heater from Rheem saves energy and money.

Plus, it qualifies for a federal tax credit - 30% of cost of the heater, up to $1500.

Call and ask us about it today.
BODEN PLUMBING
996-8683

We haven't tried this machine yet ourselves but think it looks promising. If you have any experience or knowledge of it, we'd be interested in hearing your comments.

Boden Plumbing is certified by GreenPlumbersUSA for a more sustainable Sonoma Valley, and we are always on the look out for new options for our customers that save energy and resources and reduce waste and toxics.

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Free toilets for Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District customers

The Sonoma County Water Agency's direct install program is in full swing. Low-flow toilets have been flying out the door here at Boden Plumbing. If you have not yet replaced your old-style, water-wasting toilet, now is a real good time to do so.

To qualify for the program, you must be a Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District customer (on public sewer, not private septic) and have a toilet that uses more than 1.6 gallons of water to flush.

The 1.6gpf toilets became standard beginning in the early 1990s. Many older toilets use 3.5 gallons per flush, and some use as many as five gallons each flush. So lots of water can be saved when you change over to a newer toilet.

For more information, or to schedule an on-site evaluation, call us here at the office: 707 996 8683.

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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