Easy Resolutions for a Green and Prosperous New Year

We know you're thinking about it -- making a resolution for the New Year -- and we'd like to encourage you. (Because we're thinking about it too, and we'd like to encourage ourselves!) We all know we don't always succeed 100% in keeping the resolutions we make, but as it turns out, people who do make them are way more likely to achieve their goals than the people who don't make the gesture.

So let's do it -- let's make some resolutions for the new year. We've come up with a few suggestions we think are relatively simple and inexpensive but that would make an impact.

They generally fall into two categories: save water and save money. You're already thinking about how you can save money in the new year. All you need to do is add 'saving water' to your list of things to do and you're there.

#1 Repair and Service Existing Fixtures and Appliances,
aka Keep Everything Lasting Longer and Operating Efficiently

Give your water heater a nice drain-and-flush (see Prolong the life of your water heater with simple maintenance)

Stop those annoying and wasteful drips once and for all (see How Many Drips Does it Take to Waste a Gallon? and more Water Saving Tips Galore)

#2 Shut Off the Water

Are you one of those people who turn on the shower to warm up while you continue to do chores around the house? How about running the faucet while you brush your teeth or shave? Well in 2012, no more multi-tasking while bathing, ok? And just shut that faucet off. Turn it on when you need the water.

If you really do have trouble getting hot water to your sink or shower, there's a better solution than running the cold water down the drain. (see Got Hot Water? )

#3 Turn Down the Thermostat on Your Water Heater

For each 10 degrees F reduction in water temperature, you can save about 3-5% in home energy costs. Although water heater thermostats are often set at 140 degrees F, most households have plenty of hot water when theirs is set to 120. Reducing your water temperature can also extend the life of your water heater and pipes by slowing mineral buildup and corrosion.

#4 Use Shorter Cycles


If you have a newer dishwasher and washing machine, check to see if they have quick cycles. A quick cycle can get your dishes and clothes just as clean while using less water.

#5 Invest in One Water Saving Fixture

Do you have any of the older 3 or 5 gallons per flush toilets in your house? If you're able to replace one fixture this year, changing to a new water efficient toilet will make a big impact on your water usage. Switching to a 1.6 or 1.28 gpf toilet can save thousands of gallons in a year. Think about it.

Also, for a really low-cost way to put a big green check next to this resolution, make sure you have a low-flow shower head and aerators on your faucets. You can probably get these free-of-charge from your water department or city hall.

(see Save Energy and Money by Reducing Hot Water Use for some great tips on low-flow fixtures)

#6 Get that Flapper Fixed. Adjust that Chain.

Oh my goodness, the water you can save by simply fixing that leaking toilet. Nuff said. (but if not, see Just the Facts, Ma'am - on Water Leaks)

And most of all, have a very happy 2012...while saving water and saving money at home!!

Happy Holidays from Everyone at Boden Plumbing

To all our customers and neighbors in Sonoma Valley, Napa and Petaluma --



As always, 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, Chris, Randy, (and his other brother) Randy AND Bruiser

Toilet Bling in Tokyo

Would the chance to lay your eyes on a Swarovski-encrusted toilet get you to visit Tokyo? That's what the Japanese are counting on. A building materials company has put the flashy toilet on display in the hope of attracting visitors to Tokyo's ritzy Ginza shopping district. Covered with 72,000 sparkling crystals, the toilet (not actually for sale) is valued at $128,000.

What do you think?



This one's significantly cheaper than the gold beauty we brought to your attention awhile back, (see How Much Does a New Toilet Cost? ), but it still costs way more than a snazzy jazzy new low-flow toilet from Boden Plumbing. Plus, we're not too sure about what it would take to keep it clean.

So maybe you want to shop around a little before deciding? Come down to the shop, we've got a few sensible models on display -- not to mention the famous Fish 'n Flush. Although, if you really do have more than a few nickels burning a hole in your pocket and you feel compelled to spend them on a toilet, consider one of America's Poshest Potties.

What to Expect When You're Expecting the Plumber

Randy is ready to go.

We can't say what you might expect when you call other plumbers out to your house, but there are a few things you can be sure of when you have an appointment with Boden Plumbing.

1. First, our trucks arrive stocked with the parts and tools we expect to need to do a good job for you first time out.

2. If the truck and all it's good-natured graffiti isn't enough to tip you off, you'll recognize our technician by his company uniform -- and his name will be clearly displayed on the front.

3. He also arrives prepared to make good on our guarantee to you: Good Service, Good People - Guaranteed.

Our guarantee to our customers is pretty simple. We want you to feel confident in calling on us to solve your plumbing problems - 100% confident - so we stand by our work with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

5. And then before we set foot in the house? Shoe covers. What more can we say? (If for some reason our tech forgets, go right ahead and remind him. He's got them in that well-stocked truck of his, he just let them slip his mind.)

Casey Boden at work.

6. Once inside your home, we assess the situation, make a diagnosis and give you your options before proceeding. If you're not home at the time, we'll give you a call before starting.

7. We aim to work efficiently and as carefully as possible -- and leave everything tidy when we go. (Well, the area we messed with anyway. We kind of don't do dishes, windows, laundry, put away groceries or toys, recycle the newspapers...those sorts of things. You know.)

Now a word must be said about appointment windows.

Setting appointments can sometimes be the most challenging part of a service call both for us and our customer. When you call for service, we generally give you a 2-hour appointment window. For example, we say we'll be there from 8 to 10 or from 1 to 3.

What we mean by that is that you can expect us to arrive sometime between 8 and 10 (or 1 and 3). If you really do need to get to a meeting downtown by 10:15, let us know when you set your appointment, and we'll know we better not show up at 9:55.

We are almost always very good at reaching your house during your appointment window. Emergencies do happen. Jobs ahead of yours do sometimes bog down. If we're running late, we'll let you know as soon as we know so you can reschedule if necessary.

Tight appointments are tough for us to commit to with great certainty -- but we do when that is what you need. Just let us know. And remember, if you need us to call you when we're on our way so you can buzz home to meet us, we can do that too.

Boden Plumbing - Your full-service plumber
in Sonoma, Napa and Petaluma

Maintain, Repair and Recycle

Patagonia made quite an impression this past Black Friday by running a full-page ad in the New York Times exhorting readers to think twice before they buy anything. (see Don't Buy This Jacket, Patagonia ad campaign) They are asking people to "buy less and to reflect before you spend a dime on this jacket or anything else" to stave off environmental bankruptcy fed by runaway consumerism.

Here at Boden Plumbing we have been encouraging our customers to do what they can to minimize energy and water use and to maintain their existing plumbing in good working order. We supply well-made parts and fixtures designed to function efficiently and last longer than cheap alternatives, and we recycle everything that's not nailed down. We believe these kinds of choices are what make sense if we are all to enjoy long-term environmental and economic health and happiness -- and we applaud Patagonia's message.

Read more about Patagonia's Common Threads Initiative -- and if you're so inspired, take the pledge to reduce your environmental footprint.

And if you'd like to know more about our environmental commitment -- and how we can help you with yours, see the following posts:

Boden + Green Plumbing
When You Think Sustainability, Do You Think Water?
Prolong the Life of Your Water Heater with Simple Maintenance
Non-toxic Home Cleaning Alternatives
Gray Water Systems for Sonoma
Boden Plumbing Earns Best Practices Award from Business Environmental Alliance

How Not to Call the Plumber on Thanksgiving

The last thing you want to get stuck with next week -- what with company in the house and lots of cooking to do -- is calling us to clear a drain. We get that. We don't even take it personally. Heck, on Thanksgiving Day the last thing we want to do is have to break away from our families and help someone with a clogged drain (and please, don't take that personally).

So, in the interest of everyone's complete Thanksgiving holiday enjoyment, we are reposting last year's missive 5 Tips for Maintaining Clear Drains over Thanksgiving.

If you have any questions, by all means call. Are there any last minute things you need taken care of before guests descend? Now's the time ask us to swing by. We're here to help.

BODEN PLUMBING: 707-996-8683 or toll free 866-663-7477.













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!

Hey, Supwitchugirl? Save Water!

Could You? Would You?

Goodness, that's a rather attractive (and practically invisible) public toilet. It seems people in Houston are really thinking outside the plastic port-a-loo box.

The thing is once you're inside everything seems, well, completely visible!

The toilet's walls are made from one-way glass which means everything outside is visible from the inside and, fortunately, nothing inside is visible from the outside.

But still...could you? Would you?

And then there's this beauty. If this bathroom didn't give you a heart attack just walking through the door...Seriously.

Steampunk-style Lamps from Plumbing Parts

There's gold in them thar recycle bins! And style, it seems.

ZAL Creations of Chicago joined Etsy earlier this year with some pretty terrific -- and creative -- lamps and other fixtures made from assorted plumbing parts and beer bottles. We figure the beer bottles are recycled, although we're not too sure about the other fittings. Still, they've got us thinking about our bin of scrap in the back shop in a whole new way.

This desk lamp is made from 3/4" galvanized plumbing fittings and three 12 oz beer bottles, with 12 feet of grounded power cable. We think the rotary faucet handle for the on-off switch is a particularly cool touch. It did occur to us, however, that some rubber stoppers of some sort on the feet might be a good idea, but that's a minor detail - and easy add.

And check out the wall lamp. Wow, that would look good on the side of our building. Running the wiring through the pipe is a great idea.

There are even more examples of their work at their Etsy site: towel racks made with wine bottles, vanity lights, even chandeliers. Quite inspiring.

And made with actual previously used pipes and fittings, we're imagining a sort of grunge meets steampunk effect - but in a good way. The possibilities seem endless. Could get us all much more excited about changing out all that older dysfunctional plumbing!

Save Energy and Money by Reducing Hot Water Use

The bottom line is that when you reduce hot water use in your home, you save energy and you save money. It's a win-win all the way around. And, it's pretty straightforward: You can lower your water heating costs by simply using and wasting less hot water in your home.

To conserve hot water, fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures and, next time you need to replace your dishwasher or clothes washer, be sure to choose energy-efficient models.

Fix Leaks
You can significantly reduce hot water use by repairing leaks in fixtures—faucets and showerheads—and pipes. According to the U.S. EPA, a leak of one drip per second can cost $1 per month, which might not seem like a lot, but just imagine if there are several leaks in various places around your home. The cost really can add up.

[Now if your water heater's tank leaks, you need a new water heater. Check out this helpful info on the EPA's Energy Savers website when it's time to shop for a new water heater.]

Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Federal regulations now mandate that new showerhead flow rates can't exceed more than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) at a water pressure of 80 pounds per square inch (psi). New faucet flow rates can't exceed 2.5 gpm at 80 psi or 2.2 gpm at 60 psi. Installing aerators on older faucets and replacing showerheads with a newer low-flow model is quite affordable and will achieve water savings of 25%–60%.

Low-flow toilets are also a must - and the new models far out perform the models that first hit the market way back when. So don't hang on to an old-style water hog because you've heard stories about having to double flush, etc. That's definitely not the case any longer.

Showerheads
Before 1992, some showerheads had flow rates of as much as 5.5 gpm. If you're not sure of your fixtures' flow rates, here's a quick test to determine whether you should replace a showerhead:

1. Place a bucket—marked in gallon increments—under your shower head.
2. Turn on the shower at the normal water pressure you use.
3. Time how many seconds it takes to fill the bucket to the 1-gallon (3.8 liter) mark.
If it takes less than 20 seconds to reach the 1-gallon mark, you would definitely save hot water with a new low-flow shower head.

There are two basic types of low-flow showerheads: aerating and laminar-flow. Aerating showerheads mix air with water, forming a misty spray. Laminar-flow showerheads form individual streams of water. If you want to reduce the amount of steam and moisture in the bathroom, choose a laminar-flow showerhead.

Faucets
The screw-on tip of the faucet—the aerator—determines the maximum flow rate of a faucet. New kitchen faucets generally come equipped with aerators that restrict flow rates to 2.2 gpm, while new bathroom faucets have ones that restrict flow rates to 1.5 to 0.5 gpm.

Aerators are inexpensive to replace and they can be one of the most cost-effective water conservation measures. For maximum water efficiency, purchase aerators that have flow rates of no more than 1.0 gpm.

Purchase Energy-Efficient Dishwashers and Clothes Washers
The biggest cost of washing dishes and clothes comes from the energy required to heat the water. You'll significantly reduce your energy costs if you purchase and use an energy-efficient dishwasher and clothes washer. End of story.

When shopping for a new appliance, check the EnergyGuide label to compare energy use. It's also worth checking with your local water department for rebates. (See links below.)

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There are other tricks for reducing you hot water use. You can also lower the water temperature on your water heater, and you might want to consider using a hot water recirculation pump.

But these basic steps will get you started.

For more information and help getting started, contact your local water provider.

:: City of Sonoma Residential Water Conservation has rebates, free showerheads and faucet aerators, and information on the Cash for Grass (no not that kind of grass) Program.

:: The Valley of the Moon Water District also has water conservation incentives.

:: City of Napa Water Conservation Resources

:: City of Petaluma Water Resources and Conservation

Flush Your Toilet and Power Up

This could be the ultimate in 'Green Plumbing'.

Researchers at Penn State have found a way to produce a sustainable clean energy solution from one of the dirtiest sources available - untreated waste water. Yes that's right, one day the simple act of flushing your toilet could be powering anything from your dishwasher to your electric toothbrush.

Led by environmental engineer Bruce Logan, the researchers at Penn State have designed special microbial fuel cells that use bacteria that can turn any organic matter directly into electricity.

Pretty amazing, huh?

To read the rest of the story, see "Flushing Your Toilet Will Someday Power Your Home" by Justin Fritz, published in the Sep 23, 2011 edition of the Wall St. Daily.

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Boden Plumbing is certified with GreenPlumbers USA. We'll be keeping an eye on this one.
Do you have questions about how you can reduce your footprint and save money and resources? Give us a call. We're here to help.

photo: Timothy Allen on flickr.com

Lobby for Rainwater Capture in California

AB 275, the Rainwater Capture Act of 2011 makes it legal for all Californian’s to capture rainwater, thus decreasing stormwater runoff, increasing groundwater infiltration, and offsetting unnecessary potable water use for things like landscape watering. Wholly H2O, which helped craft the bill, considers this legislation a no brainer for California, a state whose water sources and their ecosystems are over taxed and under cared for.

Yet, there are bill opponents talking directly to the Governor and asking him to veto the bill. It would be great if as many people as possible contacted the Governor to request a signature. You can support AB 275, Rainwater Capture Act of 2011 by writing Gov Brown before October 8th.

Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 445-2841
Fax: (916) 558-3160

Or you can go to his website – www.gov.ca.gov – where AB 275 is listed as an issue in a drop-down menu.

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"We're probably known around the universe as that really noisy blue planet where everybody pees in their water." -- Will Durst

Green Your Home's Value with Sustainable Upgrades

We recently read a report in Plumbing & Mechanical that we thought was good news for all the people taking the plunge and investing in energy and water saving upgrades to their homes. It seems the investments are well worth it in terms of their impact on the resale price of your home, and the time it takes to recover the cost of your investment could be shorter than you expect.

P&M was reporting on a Washington Post article looks at the findings of two studies regarding the sales prices of sustainable homes in selected markets. The nonprofit Earth Advantage Institute found that newly constructed homes with third-party certifications for sustainability and energy efficiency sold for 8 percent more on average than noncertified homes in the six-county Portland metropolitan area. Existing houses with certifications sold for 30 percent more.

Meanwhile, a recent study of houses in San Diego and Sacramento, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, looked at the resale value of homes with solar PV panels installed. Researchers found that, on average, installing solar panels costs owners $35,967 in a sample of homes in the $500,000 range. But with federal and state subsidies, the net average cost came down to $20,892. This net expenditure, in turn, yielded an increase in appraised value of $20,194, a 97 percent rate of recovery on the investment.

You can read the entire article in the Washington Post Real Estate section.

Sunflowers being used to rid water of radioactivity

Did you know?:

Scientists have discovered that sunflowers can pull radioactive contaminants out of the soil and the water. The technique was used after the Chernobyl disaster in Russia, and researchers working to clean up the Fukushima site in Japan are now putting the flowers to the test there.

Read more at:
Sunflowers used to clean up radiation

Roots in a Sewer Line? There's a Solution for that..

Here at Boden Plumbing, mainline stoppages - or sewer line backups - are one of the most common service calls we get. Oftentimes it is a straightforward stoppage and the location has a sewer clean out, which makes accessing the pipe pretty simple, so we can rooter the drain and have everything running smoothly again in short order. However, sometimes it's not a simple clog: our customer has roots in their sewer line.

Clearing a clog is one thing. Cleaning the sewer line of obstructions that will cause chronic clogging is something else again.

If you have roots in your sewer line, our big heavy duty snaking equipment can get the line open and even pull out a good portion of the roots so your line will function again. But the snake can not clean the line of roots completely and what roots are left behind will regrow and cause another clog. (Just so you know.)

Really cleaning a line takes a different type of equipment. We use what we call our "scorpion cutter", which has a rotating cutting head that spins inside the pipe cutting off the root intrusions essentially flush with the surface of the pipe.

That's the mechanical solution. It's a much better solution when you have roots in the line that repeatedly dealing with clogs. But the integrity of your sewer line is still compromised. The roots will be slower to grow back, but they will grow back.

We recommend following a scorpion cleaning with a treatment of Root-X, a herbicide product that really knocks the roots back. And then every six to nine months treating the line again with Root-X to keep those roots at bay.

If your pipe is really broken badly or very large roots have compromised the line, you might want to to ahead and replace some or all of the line. That's the final or ultimate solution - and the best choice in some instances.

The good thing is that if you do have roots in your sewer line, you also have options. And better still, we can inspect the line using a camera, which makes is super easy to decide on the best option for your particular situation.

Have questions? Just give us a call. We're here to help.

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More info from Boden Plumbing on 'Roots in Your Sewer?':
Cameras help pinpoint sewer line problems - big time
Roots in the sewer line
5 tips for maintaining clear drains
Got clogs? Clear drain lines naturally

Safe Medicine Drop Off Day Scheduled for Sonoma area

You knew you're not supposed to flush old, out-dated or unwanted medicine down the toilet right? It's important to get un-needed meds out of the house, but depositing them into the communal water supply is definitely not the way to go about it. (See Drugs in Your Drinking Water? on this blog.)

By properly disposing of medication, we keep our environment and waterways clean, and reduce safety and health risks associated with children or adults taking non-prescribed medications. Fortunately, the Safe Medicine Disposal Program offers a way to properly and safely dispose of unwanted medication.

Beginning on September 19 through September 23, the public can drop off unwanted medicine at six locations throughout Sonoma County. The free “Safe Medicine Round Up Week” is part of the Safe Medicine Disposal Program’s ongoing public outreach efforts to raise awareness on how to properly dispose of unwanted medicine.

As part of the "Round Up", two locations in Sonoma Valley will be accepting drop offs between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., on Friday, September 23, 2011.

Date: Friday, September 23
Location: Vintage House
264 1st Street East, Sonoma

Date: Friday, September 23
Location: Oakmont Village, Berger Center (Parking Lot)
6633 Oakmont Drive, Santa Rosa

Note: Used sharps in secure FDA-approved sharps containers will be accepted ONLY
at the Oakmont site on Friday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

How to participate:

1. Arrive at drop off location and remove unwanted medication from containers


2. Put all pills together in a zip lock bag (available at the drop off site), liquids and creams must remain in sealed containers.


3. Remove labels or mark out personal information.


4. Deposit the empty containers in the provided disposal bin or recycle empty medication containers in your home curbside blue recycling cart.

Items accepted at the drop off locations include:

• Prescription and over-the-counter -pills and capsules


• Liquid medications, including ointments, lotions and creams (in sealed containers please!)


• Veterinary medications


• Vitamins, supplements, homeopathic remedies


• Medical patches


• Inhalers (empty)


• Medical samples


• Used sharps in secure FDA-approved sharps containers will be accepted ONLY at the Oakmont site on Friday, September 23.

Items not accepted:

• Controlled substances


• IV bags


• Bloody or infectious waste


• Personal care products (body lotion, shampoo etc.)


• Aerosol cans


• Thermometers


• Illegal drugs


• Medical marijuana


• Any other waste or medication not listed under “items accepted”

The “Safe Medicine Round Up Week” is sponsored by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, the Sonoma County Water Agency, the Russian River Watershed Association, the City of Santa Rosa Environmental Services, the City of Petaluma Environmental Services, the Cotati Police Department; the Oakmont Village Association, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa, and Sonoma Senior Center Vintage House.

More than 600 pounds of unwanted medicine and approximately 212 pounds of sharps were collected throughout Sonoma County as a part of the Safe Medicine Disposal Program’s “Safe Medicine Round Up Day” held on April 29, 2011.

Residents can also visit a participating year round drop-off location. A list of participating locations may be viewed online at www.safemedicinedisposal.org. There is no charge to participants returning medicine. Funding for this year round program has been provided by the City of Santa Rosa, Sonoma County Water Agency and Russian River Watershed Association.

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Drugs in Your Drinking Water?
Clean Drinking Water a Major Concern
What You Can Do to Protect Drinking Water

September is National Preparedness Month: Are You Ready for an Emergency?

The recent earthquake on the East Coast, followed by the first couple of big storms of the season, hopefully has reminded everyone that it's important to be prepared for emergencies. And it's not only the natural disasters that can disrupt services and catch us off guard, this week also marks the anniversaries of the San Bruno pipeline explosion here in the Bay Area and the 9/11 attacks ten years ago.

With the memories of these events fresh in our minds, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared September National Preparedness Month (NPM) and the perfect opportunity for everyone to take stock of their ability to respond if the unexpected happens.

Here in California, the most common risks are from earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flooding. It's perhaps not so easy to anticipate havoc from human-caused disasters, but being prepared for the likely disruption of basic services and possible injury and isolation is basically the same, and simple steps can be taken now to mitigate dangers later.

1. Get a kit together: Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care - water, non-perishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlight, battery-powered radio. For a complete checklist, visit ready.gov.


2. Make a plan: Discuss, agree on, and document an emergency plan with those in your care. Work together with neighbors, colleagues and others to help build community resilience.


3. Be informed: Free information is available to assist you from government resources.

One thing we recommend to our customers is an automatic gas shut-off valve. (see: Reduce the Danger of a Gas-Line Fire to Your House on this blog) It is important to know where all of your shut-offs are anyway (see In Case of a Plumbing Emergency...), but gas line leaks in particular pose a serious threat after an earthquake when you might not be home - or able - to get the gas supply shut off. It is also very important that your water heater is secured to the wall and floor.

If you have any questions about how Boden Plumbing can help you get ready for an emergency, just give us a call. We're here to help.

Napa: 707-255-8155 / Sonoma: 707-996-8683

Boden Does Napa

Our longtime Napa customers know that Boden Plumbing is not all about Sonoma. They know that while our office might be situated in the town of Sonoma, we have never been shy about heading over to the "other valley" to help people out with their plumbing.

But we wanted to tell everyone else - who might have forgotten or never knew - that Boden Plumbing does provide complete plumbing services to homes and businesses from Browns Valley, throughout the Napa area, and on up into St. Helena and Yountville.

And just to make the point, we added a page to our website dedicated to Napa. Check it out: nodrips.com/Napa_plumber - and if you think you might someday need to give us a call (knock on wood), go ahead and bookmark it so the local phone numbers are handy.

NAPA
(707) 255-8155

ST. HELENA
(707) 963-2963

Pick Up a FREE Plunger from Boden Plumbing

We've had a special going for a couple of weeks now that you might not have had a chance to take advantage of - yet.

Stop by the shop here on Broadway in Sonoma and pick up a free plunger. Yes, that's right. Free. It's a seriously sturdy one, too. And it even has a sticker on it that's good for $23 off installation of a new toilet (in case you ever get tired of plunging your old one).

So don't delay! While supplies last!

Our new motto: A DECENT PLUNGER IN EVERY HOME. And a new toilet in every bathroom that needs one!

Say Your Prayers and Flush Away

"Tired of an unsatisfying relationship, the sluggish economy or just your own bad habits? Now you really can flush it all down the toilet." (Reuters: Bad luck goes down the toilet at Japan temple rite)

Yes that's right. At the Mantokuji temple northwest of Tokyo in central Japan, prayers and petitions are written on slips of paper and then flushed down the drain. A white toilet is used for "enkiri", or cutting ties, and a black toilet is available for the "enmusubi", or tightening of ties.

Interesting. Although when you stop to think about it, the practice makes total sense.

The temple was originally a haven for women who wanted to cut marital ties with their husbands, something that was once difficult for women in Japan and only legally available to husbands. Now that early role of the temple has been replaced by modern divorce laws.

But there is still plenty of bad stuff that many would like to be rid of by flushing it down the drain. If you decide to try this yourself at home, don't worry. No matter how heavy your burden, the new low flow toilets are up to the task.

"Dumber and Plumber" prank phone call

We thought you'd get a kick out of this. We did. But we don't want you to get any clever ideas for calling our office with your old 'Prince Albert in a can' jokes. Okay? (please :)

Leaking Water Heater?

INFO FLASH:

A leaking water heater is not a good sign, but there are a few things to check before assuming your heater needs replaced.

• Small pools of water near your water heater could be something as simple as condensation if the heater is in a cold area or the weather where you live has marked temperature differentials.


• Check the water heater's thermostat. If you have the temperature on your heater set too high, this could cause the TPR valve to open to relieve pressure in the tank leaving a puddle on the floor.


• Or your TPR valve could be faulty. If so, it's a good thing you discovered it - and a plumber can repair it without having to replace the heater. Also a good thing.


• Check the other connections as well. A supply or drain line could be loose, or have failed, resulting in a leak.


• Last worst case scenario? Tank failure. Tanks on tank-style water heaters are sealed units. They're designed and manufactured to last awhile but not forever, and eventually they will corrode and fail. When this happens, the whole unit does need to be replaced.

If your heater is older, say 12 or more years old, it's a good idea to inspect it periodically for signs that the tank is wearing out. And if you're concerned about a tank failure causing damage, next time you replace your water heater, have it installed in a safety pan. The added piece of mind is usually worth it.

Questions? Need us to swing by and check your water heater for you? Just give us a call - we're here to help.

Dishwasher Not Draining?

INFO FLASH:

If your dishwasher is not draining properly, there's a pretty simple assessment to make that will tell you whether you need a plumber (that's us) or an appliance person (we recommend Cochran's in Sonoma).

So here's the drill:

If water is coming onto the counter, say from the airgap for the dishwasher, the drain line is clogged and you need a plumber.

If water is sitting in the bottom of the dishwasher but you're not getting any overflow, the pump for the dishwasher has most likely failed and you need an appliance repair person.

Was that helpful? We hate for you to lose time and a service call getting the wrong person out to address the problem. If you're still not sure, just give us a call. We're here to help.

Boden Plumbing : Sonoma 707-996-8683,
Napa 707-255-8155 or Petaluma 707-762-2769.
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photo credit: David Locke on flickr.com (Creative Commons)

Keep Up With Water Heater Upkeep

Let's face it. Tank-style water heaters require very little maintenance. Technically, you can just put 'em in and forget about 'em for twelve or fifteen years. But if you want them to really last as long as they're designed to last - and work most efficiently while they're at it, it really does pay to do a bit of simple upkeep.

And when it comes to water heater maintenance, sediment is the thing. 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. If left too long, it decrease the life span of the tank.

But you can periodically get rid of accumulated sediment by draining your water heater and flushing the sediment out of the tank - and the good news is this maintenance job is something you can do yourself.

A once-a-year 'drain & flush' 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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This is information we've posted here before, but it bears repeating. Simple home maintenance saves money, appliances and fixtures over time.

What's That Rotten Egg Smell in My Water?

INFO FLASH:

It's not common, but it's not exactly unusual either - a stinky rotten smell in your house's tap water, usually on the hot side but sometimes on both the hot and cold water sides. We have it happen most often for our Napa customers who are on well water, but folks in Sonoma Valley experience it on occasion as well.

What's that all about?

Well, there are a couple of possible reasons for a rotten egg smell emanating from your water supply: a reaction between sulfates in the water and bacteria and/or a problem with the anode rod in your water heater. Fortunately, there are realtively simple things you can do to address the problem.

Would you like to know more? Read this helpful article at The Clean Water Store: How to Eliminate Water Heater Odors, and then just give us a call if you have any questions. We're here to help.

Boden Plumbing - Napa 707-255-8155 or Sonoma 707-996-8683.

Periodic plumbing inspection and maintenance pays dividends

No one really wants to call the plumber. (We know, we know. It's understandable so we try not to take it too personally.) Just like no one likes to go to the dentist for a periodic check-up and cleaning - or make that appointment for a yearly physical. And we're all too busy to remember the regular oil change and tune-up for our vehicles.

But if we're honest with ourselves we know that regular inspection and maintenance can pay off big time over time.

The plumbing system is a major component of your home. The disruption to daily activity when a major failure or mishap occurs is always significant, but most plumbing problems don't develop overnight. They can almost always be detected months or years in advance.

Regular inspection can detect leaks from the various fittings and connections - both in the water supply and waste disposal systems - before a major failure or water damage occurs. And you might be surprised the problems inadequate or excessive water pressure can cause. When was the last time you checked the water pressure at your home?

Besides periodic inspection, regular cleaning and maintenance is also key. Fixtures kept clear of mineral and soap build-up operate properly - more smoothly with fewer obstructions. Taps and shower heads hampered by too much build-up can be more difficult to shut-off completely, which can lead to you applying too much pressure to get those annoying drips to stop. Threads are stripped, more drips ensue. It's not a good scenario.

So simple steps when repairs and maintenance are still simple in scope - put it on your calendar. Do your own walk around - or call us to schedule a home inspection. Go ahead and replace leaking toilet parts and faucet washers and cartridges when you first notice an issue. As we're always reminding people, those drips really do add up!

For our customers who like to formalize maintenance and save some money with us on repairs, we do have a customer assurance plan. We call it the 'No Drips Club'. You can read more about it here: Why Not Join the 'No Drips' Club?

So just a piece of advice: check your plumbing system every once in awhile - but regularly - and avoid unnecessary damage and mishaps with proper maintenance. It's always best to be able to plan for major repairs or replacements ahead of time. Sudden failures and disruptions to service never happen at the most convenient time. (It's Murphy's Law.)

Have questions or need advice? Call us! We're here to help. (707) 996-8683. Or stop by the office to chat. We're right on Broadway across from the high school.

Baby, Call the Plumber!

Bah bah bah bah BABY.
Don't forget to call Boden Plumbing!

Plumb Like an Egyptian

Did you know that rich and distinguished ancient Egyptians were honored with plumbed-in lavatories in their tombs? We suspect these might actually have been a temporary convenience afforded the builders left behind to seal the tomb from the inside, however.

And here's another one: Copper - the principal material used in modern plumbing work - is the same thing Egyptians used 3000 years ago to lay their own pipe. It only took us a few millennia to come up with PEX - a flexible, and less expensive, alternative.

Ok, now dance.

Steve Martin, King Tut



And The Bangles, Walk Like an Egyptian

Application deadline for new CTE Scholarship is May 10, 2011

Boden Plumbing is pleased to sponsor the new CTE scholarship for shop students graduating from Sonoma Valley High School -- and we wanted to remind everyone that TOMORROW IS DEADLINE DAY!

Yes, Sonoma Valley High School graduating seniors wishing to continue their education in a technical field have a new opportunity to secure funds to help pay for school thanks to a new scholarship fund being offered through the school.

The new Career Technical Education (CTE) Shop Scholarship, sponsored by us, Boden Plumbing, will be awarded to a Sonoma Valley High School senior graduating in June 2011. Applicants must have taken at least one shop class and have plans to enroll in further studies at a technical school, a 2-year college or a 4-year college in a related area of study.

While the CTE program at Sonoma Valley High School has seven areas of study, the new CTE Shop Scholarship is specifically for students of the shop classes – metal, wood, or agriculture mechanics.

Terry suggested offering a scholarship to this group of students and is pleased to encourage young people to develop their technical skills and expertise and consider a career in a technical field.

Students are encouraged to contact their shop teacher for more information or check the Sonoma Valley High website for more information. Follow the links to the correct page and you should find a copy of the application materials to download.

And remember, the deadline for applications is May 10!

What You Can Do to Protect Your Drinking Water

It's National Drinking Water Week, and it's worth pausing for just a moment to show a little appreciation for the clean water you do have and to consider what more you can do to keep it that way.

The vast majority of water on earth is sloshing around in the salty seas. A very small portion is available for human purposes. In fact, just 2-3% of the earth's water is fresh water and about two thirds of that is tied up in glaciers and the polar ice caps.

The small proportion that's left is found in ground water (0.68%), surface water (0.011%) or in the atmosphere (0.04%). And that surface water? Think freshwater lakes - like Lake Baikal in Russia and the Great Lakes in the U.S. They account for a lot of it. So frankly, when we talk about available fresh water, it's important to realize there is a limit. And fresh clean drinking water? That's even more of a rare commodity that you might imagine.

So do be grateful for what you have.



Because it is an essential yet finite resource, maintaining an adequate supply of clean drinking water is certainly something to consider on this the occasion of National Water Week. Not wasting what we do have is part of what we need to do. Protecting the quality of that finite supply is perhaps even more important.

Just check out the amount of small print in the above image from a U.S. EPA poster on safe drinking water. (You can find the full readable version - and even order a copy of your own - here.) That's a lot of small print, a lot of things to consider, but here are just a few ideas to get you started:

Avoid the use of chemicals in the garden and in the home whenever possible. Whether they find their way into the groundwater, a nearby stream or river or are flushed into the public sewer system, chemicals are not what you want to have finding their way into the water supply. And it's all connected. See: Non-toxic Home Cleaning Alternatives

Consider the food you eat and the impact your choices have on water quality. Not only is agriculture by far the largest user of freshwater, agricultural waste and runoff is a major source of water contamination. Can you switch to more organic produce? Eat grass fed, or at least pasture raised, beef? Lobby for sustainable agriculture in your watershed?

Dispose of old, expire or unneeded medicines properly. Prescription drugs in the water supply is another weird and wonderful thing to be aware of. Bottom line: never, ever, ever dispose of medicine down the toilet. Period. The Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) has a safe medicine disposal program - find out what you can do with medicines at www.safemedicinedisposal.org. See also: Drugs in Your Drinking Water?

These are just a few ways you can help to keep our limited supply of drinking water clean and safe. Want to know more about protecting the drinking water supply? Visit the EPA website for more information - and figure out one thing you can take action on this week.

Plumbing - The Three Stooges Version

Gray Water Systems for Sonoma

Gray water systems can be as simple as a rain barrel collecting and saving roof runoff or as complex as a system plumbed to code that separates out bath, sink and shower water for outdoor landscaping. As varied as they are, all gray water systems have one thing in common: they are designed for more efficient use of potable water.

California's Health and Safety Code, Section 17922.12, defines graywater as “untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet discharge, has not been affected by infectious contaminated or unhealthy bodily wastes, and does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing, manufacturing, or operation wastes. 'Graywater' includes but is not limited to wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tub". It does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.

The average family of four produces more than 38,000 gallons of gray water per year, according to John Russell, a landscape contractor and owner of WaterSprout, an Oakland design-build company focusing on gray water and rainwater catchment systems. (See gray water article in San Jose Mercury News.)

That's a significant amount of water, and considering how much summer water use goes to outdoor irrigation, the potential for reducing overall water consumption by reusing gray water to water lawns and other landscaping is equally significant.

Fortunately, Sonoma County recently implemented changes making it easier to legally install gray water systems in the County. The three types of graywater systems currently allowed in Sonoma County are:
1) Clothes washer system (single connection only)
2) Simple system (less than 250 gallons per day)
3) Complex system (more than 250 gallons per day)

BENEFITS of HOME GRAY WATER SYSTEMS

:: Reduces your potable water use up to 40%
:: Reduces your water bill
:: Reduces the County’s energy consumption when less water needs to be processes and transported
:: Reduces demand on Russian River and groundwater sources
:: Helps protect water resources for future generations

THINGS TO CONSIDER

:: Graywater may contain pathogens
although researchers have found no documented cases
:: Systems that pond may provide breeding grounds for mosquitos
ponding is avoided with proper mulch basins
:: Salt accumulation may inhibit plant growth
use biodegradable soaps exclusively
:: Unfiltered systems accumulate solids and may clog system
be careful what you send down the drain or include a filter in your system
:: Minimal contact with graywater is recommended
water is diverted outside and underground
gray water is not permitted for use on above ground veggies or root crops
:: When ground is saturated, graywater must be diverted to site’s sewer disposal
simply switch your system off during the winter rainy season

INTERESTED IN HAVING A GRAY WATER SYSTEM AT YOUR HOUSE? FOLLOW THESE BASIC STEPS*:

1) Educate yourself on the design, installation, and maintenance requirements for a graywater system
2) Design your system or hire a licensed designer/contractor to design your system
3) If required, submit appropriate permit(s) and plan(s) to the local enforcement agency (see contact details listed below)
4) Install your system, obtain required inspection(s), and final permit
5) Maintain your system

*excerpted from Sonoma County's gray water systems brochure



For more information about gray water and Sonoma County, visit the Sonoma County Water Agency's web site at www.scwa.ca.gov/graywater

For more information about installing a gray water system at your home or business:
Unincorporated areas of Sonoma County: Visit PRMD on the web
City of Sonoma: Call 707-938-3681
City of Petaluma: Call 707-778-4301

Interested in reading more about gray water systems in the Bay Area?
See: Gray water systems growing in popularity, ingenuity and ease of installation, in the San Jose Mercury News

photos: Vianney Soto on flickr.com

Toilet Paper Goes Tubeless

Would you believe that 17 billion toilet paper tubes are produced annually in the United States? Apparently most people toss those tubes rather than recylce them, and those cast off paper tubes account for 160 million pounds of trash. Stretched end-to-end they would reach a length of more than a million miles - as far as from earth to the moon and back twice.

That's a lot of toilet paper tubes

And that's also why Kimberly-Clark, one of the biggest makers of household paper products decided to develop a tubeless toilet paper roll. They introduced at the end of last year in select outlets in the Northeast, Scotts Naturals Tube-Free toilet paper. It doesn't have that perfectly round hole through the middle, so handy for stashing bathroom miscellany (?!), but they do fit over the roller spindle and are good to the last square.

If the new tubeless rolls prove popular, K-C will distribute them more widely and perhaps adapt the same rolling technique to paper towels.

In the meantime? Recycle those tubes, people!

photo credit: grewlike

Cleaning Porcelain Enamel Fixtures

Smooth, clean porcelain enamel surfaces in a bathroom or kitchen can really make the room. Keeping those surfaces sparkling is key.

Porcelain is made by fusing powdered glass onto some sort of base (metal, glass, or tile) at a very high temperature. As the glass powder melts, it flows evenly across the surface, eventually cooling to form a very hard, smooth, durable finish. When cleaning this lovely smooth surface, it's important to keep in mind that while the material is extremely hard, it can still be chipped by hard blows and bumps or damaged by harsh abrasives and long-term use of acids.

Cleaning Porcelain Enamel

To start, simply wash porcelain with a dilute mixture of warm water and soap. Need a little extra? A paste made from warm water and baking soda will help to remove dirt and soap scum.

If a more ambitious cleaning is called for, there are some other options. In general, we caution against using strong commercial bathroom or surface cleaners (see our blog post Non Toxic Home Cleaning Alternatives), but many of these can be used on porcelain.

Chlorine or hydrogen peroxide bleach works well at removing tough stains. (Try the more eco-friendly hydrogen peroxide first.) Remember to wear gloves, always dilute them before using, and rinse them off after a few seconds of use. And, in case you were wondering, bleaches won't work on removing rust.

You can remove heavy deposits of dirt, grease, or soap scum with a solution of 1 tablespoon of a TSP (trisodium phosphate) substitute mixed with 1 gallon of hot water - just don't combine this with other cleaners. If you've tried something else first be sure to flush the area well with water first before switching to TSP.

And what if you do have rust stains? Well, there are a few options. Two fall squarely in the 'Not Good for Septic Systems OR the Environment' category.

ZUD Cleanser packs a little something extra to regular household cleansers and will remove rust and mineral deposits. The caution is that the oxalic acid in ZUD will wreak havoc with the biology in your septic system. So a big caution there.

The second un-friendly option is a proprietary chemical cleanser called The Works. It's been around a long time. The catch with it is that it contains hydrochloric acid - so you've definitely got to be careful using it, and it's not going to be good for septic systems.

For stubborn rust stains - particularly if you have a septic system - start with the more eco-friendly option of simple manual removal with a pumice stick, open weave sand cloth or similar gentle cleaning material. (See also: Shaw's Pads) Rust staining can come from hard water deposits or from rusting pipes and fixtures. Addressing either of those sources, if you can, will also help to minimize stains.

Cautions:
Most scouring powders have gritty particles that make tiny scratches in the surface of porcelain. They clean the surface but the tiny imperfections left in the porcelain's surface then catch more dirt, hard water deposits, and soap residue. Avoid using scouring powders, but if you must to remove a particularly stubborn stain, use the finest scouring powder you can find.

Acetic and muriatic acids can be used to remove some stains, but they can slowly disintegrate the surface coating of porcelain enamel, eventually attacking its metallic base. So a big caution on prolonged use of acids. If you do use an acid, apply briefly, rinse thoroughly, and be sure to wear rubber gloves.

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Thinking of restoring an old enamel tub or searching out vintage fixtures? You might be interested in the following online articles:

Restoring old tub often worthwhile, SF Chronicle
Restoring an Aging Bathtub, NY Times

photo credit: romana klee

3 Things to ConsiderBefore Your Next DIY Job

It's great to be able to take care of simple repairs and maintenance yourself. Doing it yourself can save you money if you've got the time to spend.

However, not every project is worth taking on yourself - some are better suited to a professional. Before tackling a project yourself, we think there are a few things to consider: money, time and workmanship.

Money

By doing a project yourself, you will be paying only for materials, which could potentially save a significant amount of money. However, before you assume that you can cut the cost of your project in half, there are a couple of things to take into account.

1. Cost of tools: Certain projects require specialty tools. You will either have to buy or rent these tools if you don't already have them. Of course, the more projects you take on, the more tools you will have on hand and the cost of future projects will then be reduces. While it's always good to have a good collection of basic tools, the cost of more single-purpose or specialty tools may not make financial sense for you.

2. Logistics: Unless you're taking on a job you've done before or you're confident that you're familiar with the materials needed and the steps to take, count on taking longer to do the job than an experienced professional would who arrives equipped to do the job.

If you've got the time, this may not be a big deal. Just keep in mind that each time you head out to buy tools or materials, it will cost you time and money for gas. Factor in rental fees and delivery charges, too. And remember, these would all be included in the cost quoted to you by the person you're trying not to call.

3. Waste and mistakes: No matter how many projects you take on at home yourself, your experience can never be equivalent to someone's who does the same thing everyday, all week, as their job. It's just a natural fact. You have to accept that you will be learning on the job and making mistakes and wasting material in the process. Again, no biggee if the relative costs still make sense for you, you have the time, and you want to learn some of these skills for yourself. But if it really is about money, remember that when you hire the professional, you are paying not just for his labor, but also for his experience and expertise.

4. Warranty: Installing a fixture or major appliance? Before you start, find out if the manufacturer will only honor their warranty if an authorized contractor installs it. Even if this isn't an issue, keep in mind you will also be passing on any warranty offered by the contractor (that you would rather not call). Here at Boden Plumbing we certainly guarantee our work. If you do the work yourself, you will be giving up that assurance.

Time

It's a simple question: How much is your time worth - and how do you want to spend it? DIY can definitely be a satisfying, and even enjoyable, way to occupy your time - and why hire someone else to do something you enjoy doing yourself?

Just so you know:

1. First: It's not like they show on TV. Things take time. Those so-called reality shows? They do a lot of editing.

2. Second: With experience comes speed. If you don't have the experience, know your house could be disrupted for the duration of the project.

3. And bottom line: Remember you do have a real job and home repairs isn't it. Any job you take on will come second to your other responsibilities. Be realistic. How much time do you have?

Workmanship

This also comes with time and experience - yours or the professional you've hired to do the job for you. But there's also attention to detail and a certain pride in work well done that factors in. You can buy the best materials, but if they are not installed properly and the job is not done cleanly and neatly, well you might as well have saved your money.

1. Beware the do-it-yourselfer do-over. It happens, but choose which jobs to tackle wisely and you will save yourself the frustration and extra time and money. Bad DIY will cost you.

2. At Boden Plumbing we take pride in doing the job well. We don't rush through jobs. We know that can lead to mistakes and call backs. Instead we aim to work efficiently and avoid costly mistakes. Find contractors and service providers that you trust to do a good job, and you might feel more inclined to call them in the first place.

So just a few things to consider. Call us here at the office if you want any advice before starting - or if you get stuck half way through. DIY can be a real money saver and give you a sense of accomplishment - but it can also be frustrating, time consuming, and more costly than expected. Remember, we're here to help.

Oh, and one last thing.

There's an important rule of thumb to keep in mind when you do go for the DIY option. Never start taking anything (important) apart on a Friday afternoon. If you get stuck (and usually it's the jobs that are started on a Friday afternoon that run into trouble), the plumber will have gone home and you might be without some important fixture for the weekend.

If you run into trouble, however, we do schedule appointments on Saturdays, although there is just one plumber available, so it's still best not to tempt fate.

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photo credit: jonlarge's photo stream

Simple Tips for Clearing a Clogged Kitchen Sink

A clogged kitchen sink can be one of the most frustrating plumbing problems. Inevitably they occur in the middle of preparations for a big holiday get-together or when you are otherwise under some kind of time crunch to get a meal on the table.

And, of course, they never seem to happen during normal working hours for the plumber!

Fortunately there are some simple things you can try to clear the clog yourself before putting in a call to the plumber. (There are also things you can do to keep clogs from happening in the first place. See: 5 Tips for Maintaining Clear Drains Over Thanksgiving)

If you have a garbage disposal, the first thing to do is to check and see if you have a clogged disposal.

If the disposal is clogged, begin by turning off the power to the disposal at the circuit breaker before you attempt to clear the clog. Next, find a pair of long tongs or similar device that will allow you to reach down into the disposal and remove any obstacles from the disposal. (Never, ever, EVER - did we emphasize that enough? - place your fingers inside the garbage disposal. Even if the power is turned off. Just don't do it.) Remove any debris you can and run hot water down the disposal. Switch power back on to the unit and, with the cold water running, try turning on the disposal to see if the clog is removed.

If the sink is still clogged, the stoppage would seem to be further down the line past the disposal. If you're not up for disassembling the pipe work under the sink, it's probably time to call the plumber.

If you don't have a garbage disposal and your kitchen sink is not draining, you can try a plunger.

If you have a double sink, stopper the other side of the sink in order to create a vacuum. Place the plunger over the drain opening being careful to get as good a seal as possible and work the plunger up and down vigorously.

You can use this method whether there is standing water in the sink or not, and it usually clears most clogs pretty quickly - if they're in the sink line or close to it. If the clog doesn't clear, well you'll probably have to call the plumber after all, but at least you can say you tried.

P.S. We usually recommend against using liquid drain cleaners to try and clear a clog. You have to be very careful of splash back when plunging water mixed with drain cleaner, these cleaners can be hard on your pipes, and if the plumber does end up having to come, having caustic liquids in the pipes just makes his job more difficult. So avoid them if at all possible.