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!