Do low flow toilets really work well?

Low flow toilets have gotten a bad rap over the years...Casey tells you why and gives you and update on high efficiency toilets or HETs...watch this short video to get the scoop on what's going on now...

Reminder: The Sonoma County Direct Install Program is Back

The Direct Install Program is back. Sonoma County is once again paying customers of select sewer districts to have their old-style non low-flow toilets changed out for the latest water efficient models.

This is not a rebate program. You are not required to pay any money up front for the toilet, seat, new angle stop or the standard installation. It is important to note, however, if there are any associated repairs or upgrades necessary when changing out your toilet, there could be charges not covered by the County.

But don't let that discourage you from getting your name on the list. Our experience during the first incarnation of the program (and we installed several hundred toilets as part of the County program) was that extra repairs were rarely needed.

So bottom line -- if you qualify -- you will be able to change out your non low-flow toilet fixtures at no charge, or certainly for significantly less money than you would normally have to spend. Trust us - this is an excellent opportunity.

The County is handling things a little differently this time. Instead of just making an appointment with us (or any of the other participating plumbers), you need to go ahead and sign up with the County. Once they get you signed up and queued up (they plan to fund a limited number per month), you can give us a call and we'll change out whatever antique thing you've got for a brand spanking new state-of-the-art water-saving wonder.

Visit the Sonoma County Water Agency Direct Install web page for more information and to get your name on the list.

Save Water, Save Money: Sonoma County Still Offering Rebates

A few years back there was a big push in Sonoma County to get as many of the older non low-flow toilets changed out for bona fide low-flow models. The effort was called the Direct Install Program, and it was a great success. Thousands of water-hungry toilets went bye-bye and mucho water is being saved as we speak.

Maybe you were able to take advantage of the program - or maybe you missed the opportunity. The Direct Install Program is over -- but Sonoma County is still offering some water efficiency rebates.

You can find complete details -- and even download the necessary forms -- on the Sonoma County Water Agency's website. Visit www.scwa.ca.gov/sanitation-rebates/. There are rebates available for high-efficiency clothes washers and toilets if you're a customer of one of the sanitation districts listed.

If you're a resident of the City of Sonoma, go to the City's Water Conservation web page where you'll find info on the rebates available for high-efficiency clothes washers and toilets, as well as the Cash-for-Grass program. (No, not THAT kind of grass! geeze ;-)

The summer season is here, and this is when your water bill will start to climb if you're watering lawns and veggies. Let that be a reminder that there's water and money to be saved!

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.

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

Got Questions about the Sonoma County Direct Install Program?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Free Toilets Available for Businesses in Sonoma

If you own a commercial property in Sonoma Valley and are on either public water or sewer, you are eligible to participate in the County's new Direct Install Program for low flow toilet fixtures.

Good deal all around. The County saves money in the long run by reducing water use and load on the sewer system, and you finally get those old water hungry fixtures out of your place.

This is not a rebate program. You are not required to pay any money up front for the toilet, seat, new angle stop or the standard installation. It is important to note that if there are any associated repairs or upgrades necessary when changing out your toilet, there could be charges not covered by the County, but so far we have found those cases to be rare. So in general, you will be able to change out your non low flow toilet fixtures - at no charge. That is a good deal.

If we haven't already visited your shop or office to ask if you would like to participate, contact us today and find out if you qualify for a new low flow toilet. (707 996 8683 or info@nodrips.com)

Sometimes good things do come to those who wait!

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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

Direct Install Program Coming Soon to Sonoma County

If you own a commercial property in Sonoma County and are on either public water or sewer, you will soon be eligible to participate in the County's new Direct Install Program for low flow toilet fixtures.

Final details are still being worked out, but when everything is in place, you will be able to change out your non low flow toilet fixtures - at no charge.

Good deal all around. The County saves money in the long run by reducing water use and load on the sewer system, and you finally get those old water hungry fixtures out of your place.

Apparently even apartment units and mobile home parks will qualify as commercial as long as there are three or more units on a single meter.

And remember, this is not a rebate program. You are not required to pay any money up front. Instead the County deals directly with the plumbers that have agreed to participate - and Boden Plumbing is one of those plumbing shops participating.

So watch for more announcements or a notice in the mail from your utility company. Sometimes good things do come to those who wait!

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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