Bathroom And Kitchen Plumbing Leaks Cause Mold

You may have seen white thread-like growths or clusters of small black specks along your damp bathroom or basement walls from plumbing leaks, or smelled a "musty" odor. Seeing and smelling mold is a good indication that you have a mold problem. However, you cannot always rely upon your senses to locate molds. Hidden mold can be growing behind wall coverings or ceiling tiles.

Common places to find mold are in areas where water has damaged building materials and furnishings perhaps from flooding or plumbing leaks. Mold can also be found growing along walls where warm moist air condenses on cooler wall surfaces, such as inside cold exterior walls, bathrooms, kitchens, and in walls were old pipes are leaking. Rooms with both high water usage and humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are often havens for mold. If you notice mold or know of water damaged areas in your home, it is time to take action to control its growth.

How can I control mold growth in my home?

Fix any moisture problems in your home:

Stop all water leaks first. Repair leaking roofs and plumbing fixtures. Move water away from concrete slabs and basement walls.

Broken Pipe at N.E. Portland DMV

N.E. Portland DMV will reopen Monday

The Northeast Portland DMV field office will reopen Monday, April 30, now that repairs to the building are completed. DMV closed the office April 9 through 27 after water was discovered leaking underneath the building, located at 1836 N.E. 82nd Ave. A contractor installing a new card-key system discovered a pool of water underneath the north side of the building on April 4, office manager Dan Dlugonski said. The source of the water was traced to beneath the employee restrooms.
 
“We didn’t know the extent of the problem until Friday, April 6, when the decision was made to close the office,” Dlugonski said. “Northeast Portland staff members started working in other offices beginning Monday, April 9.”
 
The building owner promptly repaired the leak, sealed the building with a moisture barrier, replaced carpeting and sanitized surfaces.
 
“We’re not sure what caused the break,” Dlugonski said. “But there was a chunk of concrete from the old foundation that had fallen near the broken pipe. It’s possible that the concrete broke the pipe, but there’s no way to tell if or when that may have happened.” The previous building was destroyed by fire in 1989 and rebuilt by the owner.
 
The building was approved Friday, April 27, for reopening after the interior passed tests for the presence of mold and spores. The DMV office will resume its regular hours on Monday, April 30.

Caring For Septic Water Systems

Heavy rains and flooding can temporarily limit the effectiveness of septic systems,  and can cause permanent damage. If your home is connected to a septic system and your property floods, here’s what to do:

• Limit water use to the extent possible until the area over the drainfield is no longer flooded.
• Check for slowed flow from sinks or other drains, or unusual drain sounds. These are signs of system flooding. Respond by severely restricting water use. If water backs up into the lowest drain in the house, immediately halt water use to prevent sewage from flooding inside the home.
• Avoid moving vehicles or other heavy items across the drainfield for as long as possible after flood waters recede to prevent creation of ruts that will allow sewage to surface.
• Check the drainfield area for erosion from moving water and replace eroded soil cover. If erosion is deep, exposing trench gravel or piping, call a professional for reconstruction help.

Do not have your tank pumped while your drainfield is flooded or saturated. The tank will shortly refill with stormwater. Worse, pumping may cause the tank to float out of the ground which will damage the inlet and outlet pipes and render the system inoperable.

Once floodwaters have receded, homeowners should also consider having their well water tested before drinking.

Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt that should be removed by pumping.

If you suspect damage to your septic tank or drainfield, have it professionally inspected. Signs of damage include settling or an inability to accept water. Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks because tanks contain gases that may be present in hazardous concentrations, and infectious organisms.

Clear Drain Clog Blockage

Are you sick and tired of unclogging stubborn drain blockage? Unfortunately, commercialized liquids don't always dissolve and break down all the materials causing a clog. When faced with a tough clog, neither liquid nor plunger can clear; it’s time to contact a plumber in your area.  

Do you have drain blockage? A plumber can help you clear drain clog blockage today. Contact a Plumber in your area.

Heavily clogged drains can occur in more then one room of a house and for more then one reason. Some areas of the home that get severely clogged and require a plumber include the following:

• Sinks
• Floor Drains
• Bathtubs
• Dishwashers
• Garbage Disposals
• Washers
• Hot Tubs
• Toilets

Most clogs are easily fixed with the help of a plunger or liquid. Yet, improper use of these items can cause the clog to worsen. When it comes to drain blockage, too much of something is never a good thing. In some cases neither of these treatments are effective, ultimately causing the owner more frustration. This is why the assistance of an experienced plumber is both imperative and helpful to a clear a clog. 
    
Contact a plumber if attempts to clear your pipes and fixtures have proven unsuccessful. If an extensive amount of force is used, permanent damage can occur to these fixtures as well as those surrounding them. Unfortunately, if this is the case, a simple repair can be turned into the need for new pipe and fixture installations. These consequences can be costly and can easily be avoided with the help of an experienced plumber. Contact a plumber today if the attempts to unclog your fixtures have proven unsuccessful and fruitless.

Do you have a Clogged Drain? A plumber can help you clear drain clog blockage today. Contact a Plumber 
in your area.

Commercial Plumbing

Plumbing is not just for home. Commercial buildings need plumbing as well. Without plumbing in a commercial building, businesses would be without properly functioning toilets and sinks, which are basic essentials - as well as other things. Whether you need plumbing for a business or commercial building that has just been built, or the plumbing in your business is not working properly, it is time to contact a plumber.

Do you need a Commercial Plumber? Contact one in your area today.

Since there are so many pipes involved in the plumbing of a commercial building, especially a large building, general maintenance performed by a plumber is recommended. This can help to catch problems before they progress to something large, as well as prevent many problems from even forming at all. Some common plumbing problems that occur in commercial buildings which require a plumber include the following:

• Downpipes
• Burst Geysers
• Burst Pipes
• Gutters
• Other problems that require Re-piping

Commercial plumbers can also help to install or fix water purifiers, as well as electronic leak detection. They can also upgrade equipment if necessary. They are also commonly called out for the more simpler tasks, such as unclogging drains. If you are having any plumbing issues in your building, contact a plumber today.

Do you need a Commercial Plumber? Contact one in your area today.

Common Plumbing Problems

There are a variety of plumbing problems that arise in millions of homes every day. Sometimes there are quick fixes, but for the more demanding projects, a plumber should be contacted.

To contact one of our plumbing professionals, click here!

Dripping faucets are usually caused by a component that is worn and is in need of replacement. You should first stop the flow of water by shutting off the main water valve. Remove the stem of the faucet and then replace the o-ring or washer that is the problem.

The three most occurring plumbing problems are:

• Drippy Faucets
• Leaky Pipes, and
• Clogged Drains

Leaky pipes require shutting off the main water valve just as you would with dripping faucets. You have two choices when it comes to pipes leaking. You can either patch the pipe, or you can completely replace it. For a temporary fix, you can utilize an adjustable hose clamp to secure a piece of rubber over the leak. Replacing the actual pipe should be left to a professional. Potential clogging can be caught in the early stages by keeping an eye out for slow-moving clogs.For toilets, the first line of offense is the plunger. Drains are usually clogged by a build-up of hair. Remove the hair with a coat hanger by bending the hanger at the tip to catch the build-up. Try to stay away from chemical remedies, as their abrasiveness can damage some piping and potential burn you.

Sometimes there are no quick fixes.Contact one of our plumbing professionals to help solve your plumbing problems.

Plumbing Tools

There's more to plumbing tools than just plungers and snakes!  Some basic plumbing tools to keep in you possession could be anything pliers to pipecutters.  You may even have some of these tools already! 

Are you in need of a plumbing professional?  Contact us now for the assistance you need!

An adjustable open-end wrench has an adjustable head to fit various sizes of nuts and bolts.  A basin wrench has a long handle that reaches up under a sink to turn the nuts on fittings and then repositions itself after each turn.  The pipe wrench is an adjustable wrench used for turning pipes or other items with rounded surfaces. Channel-lock pliers are simply pliers that can be locked into place.

The following is a list of common plumbing tools:

• Adjustable Open-End Wrench
• Basin Wrench
• Pipe Wrench
• Channel-Lock Pliers
• Emory Cloth
• Flux Compound
• Joint Compound
• Teflon Tape
• Pipe-Cleaning Tool
• Pipe-Cutter
• Reamer

further help or instruction, for contact one of our plumbing experts!

Contractors State License Board Offers Advice and Warnings in Malibu Zone

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is entering the Malibu Fire Disaster area with warnings about illegal operators and scammers. Unlicensed operators who enter a declared disaster area and try to contract without a license could face felony charges and prison time. CSLB investigators are already in the Malibu area, passing out information to residents on how to hire legitimate contractors. Investigative teams are also be on the look-out for illegal activity.

CSLB staff are also working at a Local Assistance Center set up at Malibu Bluffs Park on Pacific Coast Highway and in the burned neighborhoods, offering help and advice to fire victims, and coordinating enforcement efforts with other local, state and federal agencies. “People who have had their homes damaged or destroyed are looking for ways to clean-up as quickly as possible.” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “We are urging them to use caution when deciding who to hire for the work.”

Homeowners can receive information on how to protect themselves by using CSLB’s resources to check a contractor’s license status and history, and by following a series of important tips. “Avoid the urge to rush into repairs with the first contractor you meet, especially if they just show up without an invitation,” said Sands. “Spend just a few minutes checking out the contractor with CSLB to make sure they’re licensed.”

The CSLB is also reminding contractors who want to get work in any of the disaster areas, that they must hold a valid California contractors license, in the appropriate classification, in order to perform most work on homes and other structures damaged or destroyed by the wildfires. They also must have the proper business license to work in the fire zone. Some out-of-state contractors and unlicensed operators may want to help with rebuilding efforts. However, it is illegal and punishable as a felony to perform contracting work in a state or federally declared disaster area without a valid California contractor’s license. Punishment may include a fine of up to $10,000 or up to 16 months in state prison. CSLB is partnering with local, state and other government agencies to conduct enforcement stings and sweeps in and around all of the Southern California disaster areas.

Council Approves Basis for Fairer Drainage Rates

The City's Goal is More Natural Landscapes and Less Concrete

The Seattle City Council, unanimously passed a resolution that will ensure fairer drainage rates. The new rate design will result in customers being charged based on their impact on the City's drainage system. Councilmember Richard Conlin, Chair of the Environment, Emergency Management, and Utilities Committee, led the Council's work on the new drainage rate design. "This new approach to drainage is fairer because it rewards property owners who replace concrete with pervious surfaces like native plant species," said Councilmember Conlin. "It's better for the environment because it helps to protect against flooding, while providing more natural landscapes."

The new rate also offers customers the opportunity to reduce their drainage bills, or receive other incentives, for investing in technologies that reduce Seattle Public Utilities' costs by reducing rainwater run-off from their properties.

The new rate design principles are based on recommendations of a stakeholder advisory group that was convened by Seattle Public Utilities to examine how to redesign drainage rates to be fairer and to promote environmental stewardship.

For general purpose or commercial customers, the new rate maintains the existing tiered rate structure but creates low-impact sub-tiers and establishes incentives to motivate commercial property owners to install more absorptive land cover.

Under the existing system of drainage rate billing, all residential customers are charged $136.42 per year-this charge appears on homeowners' annual property tax bill. The new rate design creates a four-tiered residential rate structure based on lot size. Homes on smaller lots will likely see rate reductions while homes on larger lots with non natural surfaces will face significantly larger bills. On the Council's initiative, however, these larger lot owners will have access to the same kinds of credits and incentives as commercial property owners.

Councilmember Conlin said, "The more vegetation, and the less concrete, that covers Seattle the better."

New DEP Billing Notice Lets Water Customers Know of Potential Leaks

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection will now distribute special notices in its quarterly statements to water customers with unusually high bills. Many such bills are the result of leaks that start small and the new alert system draws customer attention to these issues in order to remedy them quickly and effectively. The new program is part of DEP’s ongoing efforts to improve customer service and billing for New York City’s 825,000 water account holders.

In announcing this service, Commissioner Emily Lloyd stated that “DEP’s new billing notices will greatly improve customer service and help ensure that wasteful leaks and other service issues are identified before they become significant, costly problems.”

The notices list frequent causes of high water bills and offer clear easy ways for customers to check for and address each issue. DEP estimates that nearly 400 notices will be sent to water customers each day.

The most likely reasons for high bills are simple toilet leaks. High water bills can also occur when previous bills have been estimates while the new high bill reflects actual meter readings. Inaccurate meter reading is also a potential reason for a bill that seems too high.

For more information please visit www.nyc.gov.

Dishwashers

If you are washing your dishes by hand, stop! There is a much easier way to clean those messy dishes after each meal. No, the answer is not paper plates, either. Once you try a dishwasher, you will never look back. Dish washing is a tedious, messy, and sometimes downright disgusting task. If you had a dishwater, you could just put all of your dirty dishes in it after each meal, load it up with dishwasher soap and let the dishwasher handle the rest. It's as simple as that.

Do you need assistance regarding dishwasher installation or repair? Contact a Plumber in your area today.

Most of the time, there is no need to pre-rinse your dishes, unless there are chunks of food on the dishes - this you will need to scrape off and throw away. A dishwater can't get any more simpler. A lot of people are reluctant about using a Dishwasher because of water usage and electricity. Well, either way you use water to wash dishes. The electricity isn't much, and it's worth it in the end.

Common reasons to contact a plumber regarding your dishwasher:

• Installing a new dishwasher
• Replacing a dishwasher
• Repairing a dishwasher
• Installing a shutoff valve for your current dishwasher

If you already have a dishwasher, there is a chance you may be having issues with it. Perhaps there is a clog, it's not draining properly, or it is causing other things to back up, such as your garbage disposal. If any of this sounds familiar, you should not attempt to fix any of these problems yourself as this can result in serious plumbing problems. You need a professional plumber.

Do you need assistance regarding Dishwasher installation or repair? Contact a Plumber in your area today.

State Approves Emergency Modifications for Somerset Water Plant

Quick response to Corps of Engineers’ lowering of Lake Cumberland
 
FRANKFORT, Ky. – In a quick response to a water emergency created by the lowering of Lake Cumberland, the Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) has approved plans by Somerset Water Service to modify its water intakes.

The municipal system supplies water to about 100,000 people in the Lake Cumberland region. The Army Corps of Engineers lowered the lake to 680 feet above sea level – 43 feet below normal and perilously close to water intake levels for Somerset and six other water systems that collectively supply 203,000 people in nine counties – Adair, Clinton, Cumberland, Lincoln, McCreary, Monroe, Pulaski, Russell and Wayne.

The modification will enable Somerset to continue to draw raw water if the Corps of Engineers decides to lower the lake even further during repairs to its impoundment, Wolf Creek Dam. The Corps has advised local water systems that a lowering to 650 feet is a “real possibility.”

Somerset’s plans were submitted to DOW for review on Feb. 21 and were approved March 5. Somerset Water Service Manager Charles Dick estimates the project will cost $1.2 million.
Governor Ernie Fletcher said the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD) is working on a state grant to repay Somerset for some of the project costs. “The Governor’s Office for Local Development, along with the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority, is working diligently to locate available funding resources to address concerns related to the relocation of raw water intakes that serve more than 200,000 Kentucky citizens,” said Governor Fletcher.

For more information on this article please visit www.water.ky.gov.

Faucets

Every kitchen and bathroom has a sink, and with every sink comes a faucet. These are just two of the most common places that have some type of faucet. Faucets are an essential part of our everyday lives and we encounter them more than you may think.

Installing a New Faucet? Problems with your Current Faucet? Contact a Plumber in your area today.

Are you building a new home? You are going to need to install faucets. Are you remodeling your bathroom or kitchen, and getting a new sink? You will need a plumber for this as well. There are many different types of faucets to choose from, which usually depend on where the faucet will be used. Some types of faucets include the following:

• Compression Faucets
• Cartridge-Type Faucets
• Lavatory Faucets
• Shower & Tub Faucets
• Kitchen Faucets
• Ball-Type Faucets
• Disc-Type Faucets

You may also need a plumber if you do not wish to install a new faucet, but you are having problems with your current faucet. Besides the irritating noise it can make, a leaky faucet can result in a costly water bill. Or, perhaps, the hot water handle on your faucet doesn't produce any hot water. Whatever the problem may be, do not attempt to fix it yourself! This will most likely result in more problems.

Installing a New Faucet? Problems with your Current Faucet? Contact a Plumber in your area today.

FEMA Approves $2.8 Million For Battery Park Sewer Repair

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- The U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that more than $2.8 million was approved for the City of Richmond. This federal funding, issued under FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) program, will be used to reimburse the city for implementing emergency protective measures associated with damage caused by Tropical Depression Ernesto.

FEMA will pay $2,896,092 - 75 percent of the project costs, which totals $3,861,456.  The Commonwealth or local applicants will provide non-federal funds to pay the remaining 25 percent.

Emergency protective measures are those activities undertaken by a community before, during and, following a disaster that are necessary to do one of the following: eliminate or reduce an immediate threat to life, public health, or safety; or eliminate or reduce an immediate hazard that threatens significant damage to improved public or private property.

"Today's funding reflects FEMA's continued commitment to improving the health and welfare of the residents of Richmond," said Jonathan Sarubbi, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region III.  "FEMA continues to approve eligible costs associated with damage from the storm."

For the rest of this article please visit www.fema.gov.

Fixing Frozen Pipes

In the winter when cold weather is common, your pipes have a greater chance of freezing. Although, just because snow is not present, doesn't mean you are not at risk. If not tended to properly, frozen pipes can lead to a home disaster.

Are you experiencing problems Fixing Frozen Pipes? Contact an experienced Plumber today.

As you may or may not know, water that freezes also expands. No matter how strong the holding container is, while expanding it will eventually cause a burst and break through the container. If your pipes are frozen and the problem is not fixed in a timely fashion, they will eventually burst causing a massive leak. This can cause severe water damage to any area surrounding the pipes.

Pipes for the following are the most prone to freezing:

• Sprinklers
• Pools
• Outdoor hoses
• Other exterior areas
• Interior areas that aren't heated
• Any wall that isn't insulated

How can you tell if there are any frozen pipes in your home? A good indication is when you turn the faucet on fully yet only a trickle comes out. Sometimes, it is possible to thaw out the pipes yourself. However, there are times when it can be close to impossible, due to the pipes being inaccessible. If this is the case, you will need a plumber immediately. For prevention, a plumber can also relocate the pipes that are most prone to freezing.

Are you experiencing problems Fixing Frozen Pipes? Contact an experienced Plumber today.

Frozen Pipes Solution

Unlike summer homes and cottages, modern housing is not usually designed for easy winterization. Under normal circumstances, most of us never have to worry about a frozen water pipe. Our plumbing pipes are on interior walls and are insulated well enough that water does not freeze. But frozen pipes may become a concern if the heat is off or if water pipes run through unheated crawl spaces, floors over garages or in outside walls. If pipes do freeze:

• Shut off the water supply and open faucets to the frozen pipes.
• Warm them with a heat lamp, blow dryer or portable heater.
• Do not use boiling water, propane torches or any open flame to thaw frozen pipes.
• Apply only moderate heat and expect to wait for several hours.
• Open sink cabinets to let in warm air.

The long-term solution for frozen pipes is to provide adequate insulation and heat. Methods may include wrapping pipes with insulation material and installing weather stripping, insulation and heat to the room. A temporary or last resort solution is the use of electric heating tape, which can be wrapped around the pipes and energized when sub-zero weather is predicted. You can also leave faucets connected to exposed pipes trickling when low temperatures are forecasted. If the pipes are under an enclosed sink, open the door and use a fan to blow warm air from the room toward the pipes.

Funded R&D Yields Non-Disruptive Plastic Natural Gas Pipeline Repair Tool

Research funded by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has resulted in the successful development of a unique new tool that can remotely repair plastic natural gas distribution pipelines without disrupting natural gas flow. The new tool also provides substantial cost savings, improved safety, and reduced environmental impacts.

That’s good news for the millions of American families and businesses that consume natural gas. The new tool is designed to repair the polyethylene (PE) pipe that comprises most of the nation’s 1.2 million miles of underground natural gas distribution pipeline system. Repairing PE pipe can be a costly, time-consuming, and dangerous job that entails substantial excavation upstream and downstream of the damage, halting gas flow, isolating and removing the damaged pipe section, and fusing a new pipe section into place. Such conventional repairs also cause lengthy disruptions to natural gas service.

Under a cost-shared project with NETL, Timberline Tools (Whitefish, Mont.) developed a remote repair tool that uses unique chemical and mechanical processes to apply a permanent external repair patch to damaged or defective PE natural gas pipe. The portable, lightweight tool has an open-jaw configuration that can fully encompass the pipe, so it can be operated by a single worker from the top down without the need to fasten the device under the pipe. Such an approach is undertaken remotely via a small “keyhole” excavation, which expedites repairs. More importantly, this approach keeps the operator out of an excavated trench and away from the risks of cave-in or other dangers. In addition, using a thermal-chemical patch to repair the pipe’s nicks and gouges or worn spots eliminates disruption to natural gas service.

The cost savings with the Timberline tool are significant: about 30–50 percent of the operation and maintenance costs. The tool has undergone extensive field testing by several natural gas utility companies across the United States, and the repair patches displayed no long-term unwanted effects on the pipe. Read more at netl.doe.gov

Garbage Disposals

A garbage disposal is very handy to have. Garbage disposals are located in kitchen sinks and they simply grind up small pieces of food into even smaller pieces, which are passed through the plumbing. This is very convenient when disposing small amounts of food and before doing dishes; instead of pieces of food possibly clogging your drain or causing a mess in your sink, you could simply grind it up in your garbage disposal.

Do you need a Plumber regarding a Garbage Disposal? Contact a Plumber today.

You may need to contact a Plumber regarding a garbage disposal due to a variety of reasons. You shouldn't attempt to do the handy work yourself, as it could result in even further problems and damage. Be sure to contact a plumber for the following when it comes to your Garbage Disposal:

• Clogs
• Leaks
• It simply won't turn on
• Installation
• Any other problems you may be having

Since Garbage Disposals are placed under the sink, there is usually another sink next to that sink. A common problem that can occur with garbage disposals also involves the other sink getting flooded with sludge when the garbage disposal is in use. This is something you will want to get checked out by a Plumber as well.

Do you need a Plumber regarding a Garbage Disposal? Contact a Plumber today.

Governor Appoints Members to the State Plumbing Code Committee

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Ernie Fletcher has appointed two new members to the State Plumbing Code Committee and reappointed three others.

Gregory L. Brown, of Independence, was a new appointee. Brown is president of Vitech Inc., a wastewater treatment system design and manufacturing company. He is a registered engineer in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana and is licensed by the National Council of Engineering Examiners.

Brown served as state director of the Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers (KSPE) from 1995 to 1996 and is treasurer and past president of the organization’s northern Kentucky chapter. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and recipient of the KSPE Award of Achievement in Industry and the National Society of Professional Engineers State Award for Achievement in Industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Kentucky and is married to Barbara I. Brown. He represents the KSPE on the committee.James W. Gibson, of Benton, was also a new appointee. Gibson owns Gibson Piping Inc. in Benton. He is a member of the Kentucky Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors and the Associated General Contractors of Kentucky, which he represents on the committee. He attended Murray State University and is married to Wendy Gibson.

Gary W. Schardein, of Louisville, was reappointed. Schardein is president and owner of F.S. Schardein and Sons, a full-service mechanical contracting company in Louisville. He is a member of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Kentucky, which he represents on the committee, and holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial education from Morehead State University. He is married to Deanna E. Schardein.Robert G. Fleenor, of Bowling Green, was also reappointed. Fleenor is the owner of Fleenor Plumbing LLC in Bowling Green. He graduated from Warren Central High School and is married to Beverly Fleenor. He represents the Kentucky Home Builders Association on the committee.

Ricky Russ, of Louisville, was also reappointed. Russ is an officer of Plumbers, Pipefitters and Service Technicians Local 502 and is a graduate of Bullitt Central High School. He represents the United Association of Journeymen on the committee and is married to Debbie Russ.The State Plumbing Code Committee is made up of seven members appointed by the Governor, representing interested professional organizations. The committee is responsible for regulating the licensing and conduct of plumbers, and for setting the state’s plumbing regulations.

Governor Pawlenty Appoints Twelve To Plumbing Board

Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Karl D. Abrahamson, Rebecca L. Ames, Steven Christenson, Jim Gander, Lawrence G. Justin, Kenneth Kammerer, James Kittelson, Allen J. Lamm, Michael McGowan, Rick Palmateer, John A. Parizek, and Paul A. Sullwold to the Plumbing Board.

Abrahamson, of St. Paul, is a foreman and journeyman plumber with McQuillan Brothers Plumbing and Heating, as well as a plumbing instructor at St. Paul College. Abrahamson is appointed to a position for a commercial/industrial journeyman plumber from the Twin Cities metropolitan area to a term that expires on December 31, 2011.

Ames, of St. Paul, is the city of Bloomington plumbing inspector with 17 years of experience as a master plumber in commercial, residential, and industrial plumbing. Ames is appointed to a position for a municipal plumbing inspector from the Twin Cities metropolitan area for a term that expires on December 31, 2010.

Christenson, of Sauk Rapids, is a licensed journeyman plumber and a plumbing instructor at St. Cloud Technical College. He has nearly 15 years of experience as a residential/commercial journeyman plumber. Christenson is appointed to a position for a commercial/industrial plumbing journeyman from outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area for a term that expires on December 31, 2010.

Gander, of Rochester, owns Superior Plumbing, Heating and Water Conditioning, a residential and commercial/industrial company with locations in Rochester, Edina, and Brainerd. Gander, a licensed master plumber and steamfitter, is appointed to a position for a commercial/industrial plumbing contractor from outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area for a term that expires on December 31, 2011.

Justin, of New Brighton, is a mechanical engineer with Wentz Associates, Inc. in Edina. He is a registered professional engineer, and certified in plumbing, engineering as well as a certified plumbing designer by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. Justin is appointed to a position for a licensed professional engineer for a term that expires on December 31, 2011.

Kammerer, of Redwood Falls, is the certified building official for the cities of Redwood Falls and Olivia. He has worked in the plumbing industry for 27 years, and is a licensed master plumber, as well as an asbestos inspector. Kammerer is appointed to a position for a municipal plumbing inspector from outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area for a term that expires on December 31, 2011. Read more at governor.state.mn.us

Home Water Conservation

Water is an essential resource...necessary for agriculture, industry, recreation, the environment, and all life. Water conservation is the responsibility of all users including individual homeowners. Wise water use is crucial to the country's environmental health and general well-being.

Reducing water consumption saves money. Residents who are on a municipal water system pay for pumping, treating, and distributing water to users. Wastewater treatment bills may be based on the quantity of water used. People in rural areas may have good well water available, but they must pay for the installation, operation, and maintenance of a pump.

Most of us use far more water than we need. An average household uses between 60 to over 300 gallons per person per day! By practicing water conservation, we can reduce the amount of water use in our homes between 30 to 40%!

Important ways to conserve water include the following:

• Use water-saving, flow-restricting shower heads, lowflow faucets, toilet flushing devices, and other water-saving appliances.
• Reduce the amount of water used for flushing toilets. Place two half-gallon plastic milk jugs (cleaned and partially filled with gravel or stones to add weight) inside your toilet tank where they do not interfere with flushing mechanisms. The bottles displace a certain amount of water which refills the tank and cuts down the number of gallons per flush.
• Repair leaky faucets, pipes, and toilets promptly. A steady drip can waste as much as 20 gallons in one day, 600 gallons in one month! Water leaking from the toilet tank into the bowl can waste between 200 and 500 gallons of water in one day! Check your toilets by adding food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl after half an hour elapses without any flushing, you have a leak. Leaking faucets and toilet tanks can eventually saturate the drainfield of a septic system. Worn out faucet washers and faulty toilet valves account for 5 to 10% of all residential consumption.
• Run the dishwasher only when fully loaded. Use the energy and water-saving cycles with short washes and rinses. Dishwashers can use as much as 15 gallons of water. Water-saving cycles cut the amount by almost half. Dishes can be pre-rinsed or soaked in a stoppered sink instead of under running water.
• Do laundry at intervals throughout the week instead of doing several loads all at once. The greatest volume of water exiting a home in one surge is from the washing machine. Washers use between 30 to 50 gallons for a full load. Always turn the water level control to the appropriate setting (low, medium, high) to match the corresponding size load of clothes. Permanent press cycles use an additional ten to twenty gallons of water.
• Explore recycling "gray water." If you have a large family requiring many wash loads, consider installing a separate gray or dual water system for bath/shower runoff. Gray water waste is non-sewage as opposed to black water waste from toilets and garbage disposals.
• Use the garbage disposal only when needed or once at the end of meal preparation or dinner. Garbage disposals require a large quantity of running water to operate. Sorting garbage for the compost pile and trash collection is better than sending it down the disposal.
• Avoid running water continuously in the kitchen sink. Rinse dishes, fruits, and vegetables in a bowl. Thaw frozen foods in a container of cold water, in the refrigerator, the microwave, or at room temperature. Keep a container in the refrigerator for cool drinking water.
• Avoid letting the water run down the drain. You can save between 10 and 20 gallons of water by turning off the water until it's time to rinse while brushing teeth, shaving, or shampooing.
• Take shorter showers. Take a 3 gallon shower instead of a 30 gallon shower. If you're taking a bath, don't fill the bathtub so full.
• Sweep sidewalks and driveways rather than hosing them down.
• Wash the car using a bucket and a hose with a shut-off nozzle.
• Water the lawn, garden, and plants only when needed.

How To Find A Water Leak

You can  easily determine if you have a leak by checking your water meter. Start by turning off all the fixtures and making sure nobody is using the water. Note the meter reading on the dial initially and then again after an hour or more. If there is a change in the reading you have a leak. If your meter has a red low flow indicator (arrow-shape), you can quickly identify a leak by just checking to see if it is rotating when you know the water is turned off.

If you determine there is a leak, check all the faucets, outside spigots and toilets. Here are some tips for your search.

Faucets or showerheads may have small drips which can result in hundreds of gallons of water being wasted each day. Check each fixture to see if it is dripping. Most faucet or showerhead leaks are due to worn washers which can easily be replaced.

Toilet leaks are often the cause of wasted water. To check your toilet for leaks, simply remove the tank lid and drop in either leak detection tablets or several drops of food coloring. Wait 10 minutes. If the colored water appears in the bowl, you have a leak. If you identify a leak in the toilet you should find out what components are defective and see that they are repaired as soon as possible. You can get toilet repair and replacement kits at the local hardware store or contact your plumber for assistance.

Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Federal regulations 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. You can purchase some quality, low-flow fixtures for around $10 to $20 a piece and achieve water savings of 25–60%.

ShowerheadsFor maximum water efficiency, select a shower head with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm. 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 live in a humid climate, you might want to use a laminar-flow showerhead because it won't create as much steam and moisture as an aerating one.

Before 1992, some showerheads had flow rates of 5.5 gpm. Therefore, if you have fixtures that pre-date 1992, you might want to replace them if you're not sure of their flow rates. Here's a quick test to determine whether you should replace a showerhead:

Place a bucket—marked in gallon increments—under your shower head.
Turn on the shower at the normal water pressure you use.
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 could benefit from a low-flow shower head.

Faucets
The aerator—the screw-on tip of the faucet—ultimately determines the maximum flow rate of a faucet. Typically, new kitchen faucets come equipped with aerators that restrict flow rates to 2.2 gpm, while new bathroom faucets have ones that restrict flow rates from 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. Some aerators even come with shut-off valves that allow you to stop the flow of water without affecting the temperature. When replacing an aerator, bring the one you're replacing to the store with you to ensure a proper fit.

Joint NASA Study Reveals Leaks in Antartic 'Plumbing System'

WASHINGTON - Scientists using NASA satellites have discovered an extensive network of waterways beneath a fast-moving Antarctic ice stream that provide clues as to how "leaks" in the system impact sea level and the world's largest ice sheet. Antarctica holds about 90 percent of the world's ice and 70 percent of the world's reservoir of fresh water.

With data from NASA satellites, a team of scientists led by research geophysicist Helen Fricker of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, Calif., detected for the first time the subtle rise and fall of the surface of fast-moving ice streams as the lakes and channels nearly a half-mile of solid ice below filled and emptied. Results were presented Thursday at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in San Francisco. The study will be published in the Feb. 16 issue of Science magazine.

"This exciting discovery of large lakes exchanging water under the ice sheet surface has radically altered our view of what is happening at the base of the ice sheet and how ice moves in that environment," said co-author Robert Bindschadler, chief scientist of the Laboratory for Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

"NASA's state-of-the-art satellite instruments are so sensitive we are able to capture an unprecedented three-dimensional look at the system beneath the thick ice sheet and measure from space changes of a mere 3 feet in its surface elevation. That is like seeing an elevation change in the thickness of a paperback book from an airplane flying at 35,000 feet."

The surface of the ice sheet appears stable to the naked eye, but because the base of an ice stream is warmer, water melts from the basal ice to flow, filling the systems pipes" and lubricating flow of the overlying ice. This web of waterways acts as a vehicle for water to move and change its influence on the ice movement. Moving back and forth through the system's "pipes" from one lake to another, the water stimulates the speed of the ice stream's flow a few feet per day, contributing to conditions that cause the ice sheet to either grow or decay. Movement in this system can influence sea level and ice melt worldwide.

"There's an urgency to learning more about ice sheets when you note that sea level rises and falls in direct response to changes in that ice, Fricker said. With this in mind, NASA's ICESat, Aqua and other satellites are providing a vital public service."

In recent years, scientists have discovered more than 145 subglacial lakes, a smaller number of which composes this "plumbing system" in the Antarctic. Bindschadler and Fricker; Ted Scambos of the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, Colo.; and Laurence Padman of Earth and Space Research in Corvallis, Ore.; observed water discharging from these under-ice lakes into the ocean in coastal areas. Their research has delivered new insight into how much and how frequently these waterways leak water and how many connect to the ocean.

The study included observations of a subglacial lake the size of Lake Ontario buried under an active area of west Antarctica that feeds into the Ross Ice Shelf. The research team combined images from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument aboard NASA's Aqua satellite and data from the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) on NASA's Ice Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) to unveil a multi-dimensional view of changes in the elevation of the icy surface above the lake and surrounding areas during a three-year period. Those changes suggest the lake drained and that its water relocated elsewhere.

MODIS continuously takes measurements of broad-sweeping surface areas at three levels of detail, revealing the outline of under-ice lakes. ICESat's GLAS instrument uses laser altimetry technology to measure even the smallest of elevation changes in the landscape of an ice sheet. Together, data from both have been used to create a multi-year series of calibrated surface reflectance images, resulting in a new technique called satellite image differencing that emphasizes where surface slopes have changed.

Leaks

Aside from clogs, leaks are one of the most common reasons that people need to call a plumber. Leaks can not only be costly or damaging, but they can be downright irritating as well. Unfortunately, some leaks go unnoticed for a very long time. It can be weeks, months, or even years in some cases before they are actually noticed, and extensive damage is done. This is why it is important to have a Plumber make sure there are no leaks anywhere in your home.

Do you suspect a leak in your home? Time for a Plumber. Contact one today!

Plumbing leaks can happen anywhere around the home. Some of the more common leaks are due to the following:

• Faucets
• Crawl Spaces
• Showers
• Toilets

It cannot be stressed enough: sometimes a leak can be going on inside your home and there may be no signs of it whatsoever. However, there are some signs to look out for anyway that could signal a leak. One major indicator is sound. Clinking, Hisses or Splashing noises are all signs that something is wrong with your pipes and a plumber is needed.

Another sign of a pipe leak is the appearance of your walls. Are they spongy, discoloring or cracking at all? If so, you may have a leak. Are random areas of your home appearing moist, and are you smelling strange, moldy like smells? This is another indication as well. If you are receiving unusually high water bills, this can be a red flag too. If you don't get the leak(s) fixed, expect those water bills to get even higher!

Do you suspect a leak in your home? Time for a Plumber. Contact one today!

Low-Flow Fixtures

Want to save some dough?  Install a low-flow fixture.  These fixtures can help conserve water and will lower your utility bills.  Most can even be installed by the homeowner in no time at all.  Low-flow toilets, however, should be installed by plumbing professionals.

Need a plumber?  Click here to reach one of our professionals.

Although low-flow fixtures may be slightly more expensive, they will conserve water and put money back in your pockets.  These fixtures are available at all major hardware stores. There are three types of low-flow fixtures. 

These include:

• Toilets
• Faucets, and
• Shower Heads

 A fixture can only be called 'low-flow' if it meets the standards of ANSI (American National Standards Institute).  It has been calculated that low-flow fixtures can save up to 22,000 gallons of water per year for a family of four.

Mayor Bloomberg Announces New Rule To Make On-Site Power Generation Technology Available To Residential and Commercial Building Owners

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced a new rule setting the country's first standard for the safe use and installation of microturbine systems in residential and commercial buildings. Microturbines are highly efficient turbine generators that recover and reuse the wasted heat of their own combustion process, after producing electricity and heat for a building, to provide energy for other building operations. By reusing heat that would otherwise be exhausted into the atmosphere, microturbines greatly increase the usable energy produced by fossil fuels, reduce carbon emissions, and provide building owners opportunities for operational cost savings. The new rule was published in today's City Record and takes effect immediately.

"I want to thank the Cogeneration Task Force, lead by Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, for the serious attention they've given this issue and for coming up with a rule that will allow for the use of microturbines in buildings here in New York and to ensure that they are safely and properly installed," said Mayor Bloomberg. "This rule will help us to meet our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions citywide by 30% between now and 2030, and it will help spur the real estate and development communities to build more efficient, greener projects moving forward."

Buildings in New York City generate 79% of the city's greenhouse gas emissions. By supplying on-site power generation to buildings, microturbine systems provide an energy-efficient supplement to power plants, New York City's conventional power supply. Estimates show, for a given amount of fossil fuel, microturbines generate 70 to 80 percent of its usable energy, whereas only 30 to 35% of the energy produced by power plants is usable.

"Microturbines allow buildings to generate a portion of their own electricity in a clean and efficient manner. Owners who take advantage of microturbine technology will help distribute clean power generation throughout the five boroughs, which will in part address the clean energy needs of New York's dense urban community," said Buildings Commissioner Lancaster. "Through our public-private partnership formed under the Cogeneration Task Force, we have set a standard for the safe use and installation of micrortubine systems where no standard existed before. We look forward to continuing our partnership to develop safe regulations for next-generation technology that will make New York City more sustainable."

Moisture Invasion From Leaky Plumbing Pipes

The most obvious problem you may encounter is from leaky plumbing pipes and mechanical equipment. Even new plumbing can leak, but older water and sewer pipes are particularly vulnerable.
 
As a result, slow leaks at plumbing joints hidden within walls and ceilings can stain ceiling plaster or wallpaper, ultimately rot floor boards, and even lead to decay of structural members! Maintaining and repairing, or, if necessary, replacing older plumbing and mechanical equipment are the most common solutions.

Next, condensation produced inside the house can create some real headaches! It's caused when moist warm vapor in the air cools on interior surfaces and changes into liquid. Usually settling on paint, the moist film can result in an unhealthy interior, heavy with mold and mildew spores.

What makes it worse is that the condensation invader is primarily occupant produced! Did you know that a house with four people in it can generate between 10 and 16 pounds of water a day (approximately 1 ½- 2 gallons) from normal, every day activities, such as showering, cooking, and doing laundry?

New England Water Works Association on Frozen Pipes

Frigid temperatures and gusty winds can cause one of winter’s worst woes – frozen water pipes. With winter’s cold, more and more home and business owners may encounter frozen water pipes. “But property owners can take some simple precautions to prevent the inconvenience and expense of frozen water pipes,” said Raymond Raposa, executive director of the New England Water Works Association, the region’s largest organization of water works professionals. These include: • Turning off outside faucets. Disconnect the hose. Turn off the water from inside your home or business, then drain the pipe. Leave the outside valve open slightly, so any water left in the pipe can flow out and not freeze in the line.

Patching any cracks and holes in doors, windows, and walls near pipes. When temperatures drop to near zero, a high wind blowing through a small opening can freeze a nearby pipe. When patching these openings, do not block the air vents that your furnace needs for proper combustion. • Making sure that heat can circulate around pipes. Pipes inside or outside walls, or in an enclosed area can freeze, especially when the wind-chill factor is well below zero and heat is not circulating through these areas. • Insulating pipes and faucets in unheated areas. Wrap pipes with pipe-insulating material, which is available at hardware and plumbing supply stores, or use insulation. Be sure to protect all pipes in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces and garages. • Not allowing your water to run overnight – this should not be your first option. This practice will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing. Instead, it wastes water and increases your water bill. Check with your local utility about the necessity of running water overnight under special circumstances. • Checking insulation around pipes regularly. Older-model furnaces generated sufficient heat to warm basements in cold weather. However, today’s energy-efficient heaters limit wasted heat. Homeowners with wood stoves or other heat sources often turn down the furnace, which could lower temperatures in the basement.

Never shutting off your heat completely. If you are planning to leave your home or business for an extended period and you don’t drain your pipes, you should lower the thermostat but never shut it off. The lack of heat can freeze the pipes in walls and the basement. If freezing occurs, the pipes will burst. When the area warms up, the thawing water will cause flooding and possible property damage. If, despite these precautions, your pipes do freeze, it is best to call a licensed plumber, addedRaposa. “Make sure you keep the name and telephone number of your plumber handy throughout the winter.” If you locate the frozen section of pipe and try to thaw it yourself, be sure to take the following precautions to protect yourself and your property: • Do not use a torch with an open flame. You risk setting your property on fire. In addition, overheating one area can cause the pipe to burst. • Place a warm towel or rag around the pipe. • Make sure you know the location of your master shut-off valve. The frozen pipe may already be broken and, when the water is thawed, it will leak.

New Technique Fabricates "Plumbing" for Microfluid Factories

ARLINGTON, Va. - Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have devised a new method for fabricating three-dimensional "plumbing" for fluids in millimeter-sized devices, using a robotic pen to draw the pipes with specialized ink. They have used the plumbing to build a mixing factory for microscopic fluid streams, and future applications may include uses in sensors, labs-on-chips and self-repairing materials. "Our approach opens up new avenues for device design that are currently inaccessible by conventional methods," said Jennifer Lewis, a professor of materials science and engineering and of chemical engineering at Illinois.  The research is supported by the National Science Foundation, the independent federal agency that supports basic research in all fields of science and engineering, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The plumbing, built out of 3-D networks of microchannels that can range from 10 microns to 300 microns (millionths of a meter) in diameter, represents several advances over conventional, 2-D networks that are etched into a flat wafer, for example. Because pipes are stacked on top of one another in the 3-D plumbing, it occupies a much smaller footprint than 2-D channels of comparable length. At the same time, the Illinois team's 3-D networks are much more effective at mixing fluids than the best 2-D alternatives. "Fluid mixing is critical" for many microfluid applications, Lewis said.

The networks of microchannels may also provide "an analog to the human circulatory system for the next generation of self-healing materials," said Scott White, a professor of aeronautical and astronautical engineering and a researcher at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. "The embedded network would serve as a circulatory system for transporting repair chemicals to damage sites within the material." To create the microchannel networks, Lewis, White, and graduate student Daniel Therriault utilize a computer-controlled robotic "pen." The pen's nozzle deposits a line of waxy ink from which a three-dimensional scaffold is constructed.
"The ink exits the nozzle as a continuous, rod-like filament that is deposited onto a moving platform, yielding a two-dimensional pattern," Lewis said. "After a layer is generated, the stage is raised and rotated, and another layer is deposited. The process is repeated until the desired structure is produced." The waxy ink retains its cylindrical shape, even as it crosses gaps in the level of the scaffold below it. Next, the scaffold is surrounded with an epoxy resin. After the resin solidifies, the material is heated, and the waxy ink melts away and leaves behind an empty network of crisscrossed pipes and joints.

In the final step, the pipes are flooded with a resin that hardens under exposure to ultraviolet light. The material is selectively exposed to UV rays, sealing off channels to create the desired plumbing pathways. The relatively simple technique permits the Illinois team to construct plumbing with regular geometries, such as square-spiral towers that stair-step their way up through the scaffolding. The researchers built these square-spiral towers for mixing microfluid streams to demonstrate the effectiveness of their fabrication technique. Each of the integrated tower arrays was made from a 16-layer scaffold. The mixing efficiency of these stair-cased towers was measured by monitoring the mixing of two dyed fluid streams using fluorescent microscopy. "These three-dimensional towers dramatically improve fluid mixing compared to simple one- and two-dimensional channels," White said. "By forcing the fluids to make right-angle turns as they wind their way up the tower, the fluid interface is made to fold on top of itself repeatedly. This causes the fluids to become well-mixed in a short distance." The Illinois researchers are considering more sophisticated techniques for creating arbitrary 3-D plumbing structures in the final step. "That would just open up a huge window for what we could do in the future in 3-D," Lewis said. "Full-fledged 'factories-on-a-chip' for any of the long-term applications envisioned may require these more complex structures."

NTSB Chairman Identifies Key Practices To Reduce Pipeline Excavation Accidents

Las Vegas, Nevada - National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Mark V. Rosenker said that while pipeline and gas line excavation related accidents continue to occur, the Safety Board has identified three key components to reducing these types of accidents.

Addressing the Damage Prevention Conference in Las Vegas this week, an event focused on reducing accidents involving buried pipelines, gas lines and cables, Rosenker said improvements in practices with excavations and one-call notifications, along with faster damage reporting will all make major contributions to pipeline safety.

Applauding the effectiveness of the 811 national one-call number, which has been promoted as the National Call-Before- You-Dig Number, Rosenker called for its continued promotion to encourage widespread use. He noted that of the 49,000 reported incidents of excavation damage to gas lines in 2006, one-call centers were not contacted in more than half of them. "There is no excuse for not calling the one-call before digging," Rosenker said.

Rosenker also highlighted the progress made in reporting practices that emerged from the recommendations the NTSB made after its investigation of a 1998 gas line accident in Minnesota that killed 4 and injured 11. There are now pipeline damage reporting best practices that advise excavators to immediately notify the pipeline operator if their work damages a pipeline, and to notify local authorities if the damage results in a release of natural gas or other hazardous substance.

Rosenker concluded his remarks by talking about the challenges facing those involved in excavations in an environment made increasingly complex by a growing web of underground facilities. "Today, there are more people, more homes, more schools, more businesses and more underground facilities. Nevertheless, excavation damage is preventable. We must be more vigilant than ever before."

Oil refinery fined $10,000 for leaky pipes on property located within the Port of Tacoma

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) has levied a $10,000 fine against U.S. Oil and Refining Co. for a leaking pipeline that saturated the ground at its refinery near Blair Waterway in Tacoma.

On Aug. 10, 2005, a Tacoma city employee reported stained soil along the pipeline corridor from the refinery to the marine terminal. At the time, an oil transfer was under way and an investigation was held off until the transfer was finished. The pipeline was excavated, and a hairline crack was discovered in the 16-inch crude oil line. About 6,552 gallons of crude oil were recovered from this location.

A year earlier in Aug. 2004, a three-inch jet fuel line was discovered to be corroded and leaking fuel through a small hole eventually saturating the ground. Seven recovery wells were installed and monitored for leaking oil. Over the next year, more than 13,700 gallons of jet fuel were captured and another 378 gallons was recovered through excavation.

U.S. Oil is in the tideflats within the Port of Tacoma. Depending on the time of year, the water table below the refinery and its pipelines ranges from one to two feet below the surface to eight to 12 feet. Therefore, leaks from buried pipelines can potentially contaminate groundwater at least six to 10 months a year.

In addition to the penalty, Ecology is requiring U.S. Oil to provide a schedule for replacing the pipelines from the refinery to the marine terminal and to clearly identify all buried pipelines and have them inspected and certified fit for service by Dec. 2007. The order addresses the risk of future pipeline leaks similar to the ones that occurred in 2004 and 2005. U.S. Oil is regulated under the state's Oil Spill Contingency Plan requirements and Facility Oil Handling Standards rules.

"All pipelines are subject to annual pressure hydro-tests," said Chip Boothe, Ecology's spills prevention section manager. "That doesn't eliminate the possibility of an oil spill, but careful examination of all the pipelines and replacing them as needed will prevent most spills from happening."

U.S. Oil can contest the penalty by either filing an Application for Relief to Ecology or an appeal to the Pollution Control Hearings Board no later than 30 days from the date of notification.

Old Toilets Being Replaced By High Efficiency Toilets

Toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for more than 30 percent of residential indoor water consumption. Toilets also happen to be a major source of wasted water, due to leaks and/or inefficiency. WaterSense, a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is helping consumers identify high-performance, water-efficient toilets that can reduce water use in the home and help preserve the nation’s water resources.

Under federal law, toilets must not exceed 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf). High-efficiency toilets (HETs) go beyond the standard and use less than 1.3 gpf. WaterSense will label HETs that are verified by independent laboratory testing to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and efficiency. Only HETs that complete the third-party verification process can earn the WaterSense label. On average, a family of four will use about 26,000 gallons of water per year with a 3.5 gpf toilet made between 1980 and 1994. By replacing the older toilet with an HET, the family could reduce that by more than 60 percent and save $55 or more annually, depending on local water and sewer costs. Savings could be three or four times that amount if replacing a leaky toilet or a pre-1980 model that uses 5.0 gpf or more. With these savings, a new WaterSense labeled HET can pay for itself in only a few years. Additionally, many local utilities from California to Florida offer substantial rebates (ranging from $25 to $175) for replacing old toilets with HETs.

Unlike first generation “low-flow” toilets, WaterSense labeled HETs will combine high efficiency with high performance. Design advances enable WaterSense labeled HETs to save water with no trade-off in flushing power. In fact, many perform better than standard toilets in consumer testing. Whether remodeling a bathroom, starting construction of a new home, or simply replacing an old, leaky toilet that is wasting money and resources, a WaterSense labeled HET is a high-performing, water-efficient option worth considering. In the future, you will be able to look for the WaterSense label on toilets.

U.S. Labor Department's OSHA Forms Safety Alliance with Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Massachusetts

BOSTON -- Enhancing safety and health for the Bay State's plumbing, heating and cooling contractors and their employees is the goal of a new alliance between the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Massachusetts (PHCC of MA).

Under the alliance, OSHA's three Massachusetts area offices will work with PHCC of MA to develop safety and health training and education programs for PHCC of MA members. Training will focus on reducing and preventing exposure to hazards associated with falls, electricity, lead and being struck by or caught in or between machinery.

OSHA and PHCC of MA also will share information on best practices and effective approaches to workplace safety and health, and promote and encourage PHCC of MA members' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs, including its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), safety and health consultation, and the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).

The alliance agreement was signed by OSHA Area Directors Brenda Gordon (Braintree), Mary Hoye (Springfield) and Francis Pagliuca (Methuen) and by PHCC of MA Executive Director Thomas Theroux. The Braintree-based PHCC of MA is a statewide organization of plumbing heating and cooling contractors. For information about this and other OSHA alliances and partnerships in New England, contact OSHA's Boston Regional Office at (617) 565-9860.

OSHA safety and health alliances are part of Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao's ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of employees through cooperative partnerships with trade associations, labor organizations, employers and government agencies. OSHA currently has more than 468 alliances throughout the nation with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.

For the full article please visit www.osha.gov.

Paint and Sewage in Storm Water Drain Traced to Accidental Connection at UW Shop

Following weeks of investigation, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) pollution inspectors have traced a plume of pollution in Portage Bay back to its sources in a maintenance shop and academic computer services building at the University of Washington.

The UW stopped the use of the bathrooms as soon as SPU notified them of the problems.

Inspectors from SPU’s Source Control and Monitoring Team began looking for the source of intermittent flows of sewage into the bay in April 2007, following reports by citizens. One source of the pollution — from a storm water drainage pipe emptying into the bay from the University District — was quickly identified as sewage coming from the school’s academic computing center.

The inspectors continued to monitor the bay and the storm water pipe, and last week located another source of pollution in the pipe — paint and sewage— this one emanating from a sink and bathroom at a UW maintenance shop, at 3902 Cowlitz Road N.E.

The University District discharge pipe is located just under the overlook at NE Boat Street and Brooklyn Ave. NE. All of the storm drains in the University District drain into Portage Bay.

In each case, the cause of the pollution was found to have been caused by the improper connection of a sewage pipe to the city’s storm water drainage system — instead of the sanitary sewer system, where it should have been connected. In each case, also, SPU issued a notice of violation to the UW for unauthorized discharge of into the city’s storm water system.

The unintended cross-connection from the maintenance shop sewer pipe to the storm water system occurred about a year ago, while workers were renovating the shop.

The UW worked cooperatively with SPU throughout the investigation; one of the plumbing errors has been permanently repaired and the other is scheduled for next week. SPU will continue to sample and monitor the storm drain until it is confident the problem has been resolved.

Water Conservation

How much attention should be paid to fixtures that just drip a little bit of water or that just will not quite shut off? At 30 drops per minute, you will lose and pay for 54 gallons per month. At 60 drops per minute, you will lose and pay for 113 gallons per month. At 120 drops per minute, you will lose and pay for 237 gallons per month.

This is only a small loss of water considering the 5 to 7 gallons per flush used by a properly functioning toilet. If the toilet is not properly maintained, the loss of water and its effect on the monthly water bill can be incredible. Lower flow toilets have been mandated to save precious and limited resources. Most pre-1992 toilets used up to 7 gallons per flush. Toilets have since evolved to use 5.5, then 3.5, and now 1.6 gallons per flush.

With the changes in the water usage laws in 1992, there were many customer complaints, and plumbers were in the bad position of installing products that nobody wanted to use. New and updated products now work better than the old water wasters.

According to the EPA, in 2000, a typical U.S. family of four spent approximately $820 every year on water and sewer fees, plus another $230 in energy for heating water. In many cities, according to the U.S. EPA, water and sewer costs can be more than twice those amounts. Many people do not realize how much money they can save by taking simple steps to save water, and they do not know the cumulative effects small changes can have on water resources and environmental quality. Fixing a leaky faucet, toilet, or lawn-watering system can reduce water consumption. Changing to water-efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances can result in major water and energy savings.

Summer droughts remind many of the need to appreciate clean water as an invaluable resource. As the U.S. population increases, the need for clean water supplies continues to grow dramatically and puts additional stress on our limited water resources. We can all take steps to save and conserve this valuable resource.

The EPA suggests the following steps homeowners should take right away to save water and money:

• Stop leaks!—Check indoor water-using appliances and devices for leaks. Pay particular attention to toilets that leak.
• Take showers—Showers use considerably less water than do baths.
• Replace shower heads—Replacement shower heads are available that reduce water use.
• Turn the water off when not needed—While brushing your teeth, turn the water off until you need to rinse.
• Replace your old toilet—The largest water user inside the home is the toilet. If a home was built before 1992 and the toilet has never been replaced, it is very likely that it is not a water-efficient, 1.6 gallons-per-flush toilet. Choose a replacement toilet carefully to ensure that what you make up per individual flush, you do not lose because you must flush more often.
• Replace your clothes washer—The second largest water user in the home is the washing machine. Energy Star-rated washers that also have a water factor at or lower than 9.5 use 35%–50% less water and 50% less energy per load. This saves money on both water and energy bills.
• Plant the right plants with proper landscape design and irrigation—Select plants that are appropriate for the local climate. Having a 100% turf lawn in a dry desert climate uses a significant amount of water. Also, home owners should consider the benefits of a more natural landscape or wildscape.
• Water plants only as needed—Most water wasted in the garden is by watering when plants do not need it or by not maintaining the irrigation system. If manually watering, set a timer and move the hose promptly. Make sure the irrigation controller has a rain shutoff device and that it is appropriately scheduled. Drip irrigation should be considered where practical. Newer irrigation systems have sensors to prevent watering while it is raining.

Plumbers Are Licensure and Qualified

Licensure. Although there are no uniform national licensing requirements, most States and communities require plumbers to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary, but most localities require workers to have 2 to 5 years of experience and to pass an examination that tests their knowledge of the trade and of local plumbing codes before working independently. Several States require a special license to work on gas lines. A few States require pipe fitters to be licensed. These licenses usually require a test, experience, or both.

Other Qualifications. Applicants for union or nonunion apprentice jobs must be at least 18 years old and in good physical condition. A drug test may be required. Apprenticeship committees may require applicants to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Armed Forces training in pipelaying, plumbing, and pipefitting is considered very good preparation. In fact, people with this background may be given credit for previous experience when entering a civilian apprenticeship program. High school or postsecondary courses in shop, plumbing, general mathematics, drafting, blueprint reading, computers, and physics also are good preparation.

Advancement. With additional training, some pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters become supervisors for mechanical and plumbing contractors. Others, especially plumbers, go into business for themselves, often starting as a self-employed plumber working from home. Some eventually become owners of businesses employing many workers and may spend most of their time as managers rather than as plumbers. Others move into closely related areas such as construction management or building inspection.

Plumbing A Big Concern In New York City

Protecting You and Your Family from Lead
The New York State Health Department, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are concerned about lead in your drinking water. Although most New York City homes have very low levels of lead in their drinking water, some homes in the community have lead levels above the action level of 15 parts per billion, or 0.015 milligrams of lead per liter of water. Under the State Sanitary Code, New York City has had a program in place to minimize lead in your drinking water since 1992. This program includes corrosion control treatment and public education. The City is also required to replace any lead service line it controls if the line contributes lead concentrations of more than 15 parts per billion. If you have any questions about how we are carrying out the requirements of the lead regulation please call 311. The following information explains the simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by reducing your exposure to lead in drinking water.

Health effects of lead
Lead is a common metal found throughout the environment in lead-based paint, air, soil, household dust, food, and certain types of pottery, porcelain, pewter and water. Lead can pose a significant risk to your health if too much of it enters your body. Lead builds up in the body over many years and can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells and kidneys. The greatest risk is to young children and pregnant women. Amounts of lead that won't hurt adults can slow down normal mental and physical development of growing bodies. In New York City, the primary source of childhood lead poisoning is lead dust from peeling and chipping leaded paint. Also, a child at play often comes into contact with sources of lead contamination, like dirt and dust that rarely affect an adult. It is important to wash childrens’ hands and toys often, and try to make sure they only put food into their mouths.

Although rarely the sole cause of lead poisoning, lead in drinking water can significantly increase a person's total lead exposure, particularly the exposure of infants who drink baby formulas and concentrated juices that are mixed with water. It is estimated that drinking water can make up to 20 percent or more of a person's total exposure to lead.

Lead in your plumbing system
Lead is unusual among drinking water contaminants in that it seldom occurs naturally in rivers and lakes, and the water that comes out of the City's upstate reservoirs is virtually lead-free. Lead enters drinking water primarily because of the corrosion, or wearing away, of materials containing lead in the water distribution system and household plumbing. These materials include lead-based solder used to join copper pipes, brass and chrome plated brass faucets, and, at times, pipes made of lead that connect your house to the water main (service lines). In 1986, Congress banned the use of lead solder containing greater than 0.2 percent lead, and restricted the lead content of faucets, pipes and other plumbing materials to 8.0 percent.

When water stands in lead pipes or plumbing systems containing lead for several hours or more, the lead may dissolve into your drinking water. This means the first water drawn from the tap in the morning, or later in the afternoon after returning from work or school, can contain high levels of lead.

Plumbing Code Is To Insure The Proper Installation

The Plumbing Code: The purpose of the plumbing code is to insure the proper installation of systems for furnishing potable water, for sanitary sewage disposal and storm drainage; and to insure public safety, health, and welfare insofar as affected by the installation of plumbing.

What is the plumbing code?
The plumbing code controls the design and installation of plumbing systems, including sanitary and storm drainage, sanitary facilities, water supplies, and storm water and sewage disposal in buildings.
 
Are plumbing permits required?
Plumbing work shall not be started until a permit for such work has been issued by the appropriate enforcing agency.

A permit is not required for repairs which involve only the working parts of a faucet or valve, clearance of stoppages, or repairing or replacement of defective faucets or valves, provided alterations are not made in the existing piping or fixtures.

Do you need a license to do plumbing work?
To obtain plumbing permits, an applicant shall be a licensed plumbing contractor or a homeowner installing his/her own plumbing, building sewer, or private sewer. The state or a governmental subdivision shall require the plumbing contractor to record his or her current plumbing contractor license number on the permit application. A licensed plumbing contractor shall designate 1 or more licensed master plumbers employed full-time who directly supervise the installation of plumbing to obtain permits using the license number of the plumbing contractor. The master plumber's license number must also be recorded on the permit application.

Plumbing: Frequently Asked Questions

A: Licensed plumbers are required to renew their licenses on or before June 30 of every
even-numbered year. Effective June 30, 2006, licensed plumber will be required to
renew their licenses on or before June 30 every three years: 2009, 2012, 2015, etc.

Q: Are plumbers required to meet continued competency requirements to renew
their licenses?

A: Prior to the June 30, 2009 renewal of the license, and prior to every license renewal
thereafter, all licensed plumbers must meet continued competency requirements to
renew their license.

Q: What agency has jurisdiction over permitting requirements and electrical or
plumbing codes?

A: The various County Building Departments.

Q: Can a licensed electrician or plumber offer to perform or enter into a contract
to perform electrical or plumbing work?

A: No. An electrical or plumbing contractor’s license is required. There is only one
exception when a licensed electrician or plumber may offer to perform or enter into a
contract to perform electrical or plumbing work and that is if the project for which the
aggregate contract price for labor, materials, taxes, and all other items is not more than $1,000 and it does not require an electrical or plumbing permit.

Q: How long does it take to get a permit? 

A: Some permits can be issued immediately while others may require review and approval by the respective inspector. Normal processing is 3-5 business days with 7-10 business days allowed for larger and/or commercial projects.

Plumbing Glossary

Dishwasher: A built-in or portable appliance used for automatically cleaning dishware, utensils, and cutlery. The national appliance efficiency standards required that, by 1988, dishwashers be equipped with an option to dry without heat.

Effluent: Treated sewage from a septic tank or sewage treatment plant.

Electric Pump for Well Water: A pump that forces the water from a well below ground level up into the water pipes that circulate through the house. When this pump is not working, there is a limited supply of running water in the house.

Leaching Bed: Tiles in the trenches carrying treated wastes from septic tanks.

Moisture Barrier: Treated paper or metal that retards or bars water vapor, used to keep moisture from passing into walls or floors.

Scuttle Hole: A small opening either to the attic, to the crawl space or to the plumbing pipes.

Septic Tank: A sewage settling tank in which part of the sewage is converted into gas and sludge before the remaining waste is discharged by gravity into a leaching bed underground.

Soil Stack: Vertical plumbing pipe for waste water.

Vent Pipe: A pipe which allows gas to escape from plumbing systems.

Plumbing Pipefitters

Most people are familiar with plumbers who come to their home to unclog a drain or install an appliance. In addition to these activities, however, pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install, maintain, and repair many different types of pipe systems.

When construction plumbers install piping in a new house, for example, they work from blueprints or drawings that show the planned location of pipes, plumbing fixtures, and appliances. Recently, plumbers have become more involved in the design process.

Pipefitters install and repair both high-pressure and low-pressure pipe systems used in manufacturing, in the generation of electricity, and in the heating and cooling of buildings. They also install automatic controls that are increasingly being used to regulate these systems. Some pipefitters specialize in only one type of system. Steamfitters install pipe systems that move liquids or gases under high pressure. Sprinklerfitters install automatic fire sprinkler systems in buildings.

Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters use many different materials and construction techniques, depending on the type of project. Residential water systems, for example, incorporate copper, steel, and plastic pipe that can be handled and installed by one or two plumbers.

Pools & Hot Tubs

When people buy homes, one of the most common things people want in their backyard is their own private pool and/or hot tub. If you are building a house, you should consider adding a pool and/or hot tub to your home as well. Even if you are not building a home and you already live in an house, perhaps you have been considering adding on a pool or a hot tub. Don't wait any longer! Contact a professional today.

If you would like a pool or a hot tub in your backyard, contact a professional today.

There are many different options out there when it comes to buying a pool or a hot tub. Perhaps you'd like both, or maybe just the pool or just the hot tub. There are many different sizes and varieties of hot tubs available. The same goes for swimming pools; depending on the size of your backyard or what best suits your needs, you can have a very large swimming pool or one that is not so large.

Benefits of Having Your Own Pool and/or Hot Tub:

• You can use them whenever you wish
• You can use them in privacy or the company or others
• You do not have to worry about them being "too crowded"
• You can customize them to look the way you wish or have the features you want
• It increases the value of your home

Stop making the excuses you have been making that have been stopping you from finally having the pool or hot tub you have always wanted. Even if your backyard is small or if you feel it may be difficult to work with, good builders can always manage. Contact one today!

If you would like a pool or a hot tub in your backyard, contact a professional today.

Restrooms Closed at Cochran Shoals

The restrooms at the Cochran Shoals unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area are closed due to plumbing problems. The park staff has placed portable toilets to accommodate park visitors for the interim.

The plumbing has been an on-going issue at the Cochran Shoals restroom and park staff is working on the replacement with new restrooms. The construction will begin on Nov 1, 2007 for a new restroom at the Interstate North parking area of Cochran Shoals. A second restroom will be placed at the Columns Drive parking area of Cochran Shoals with a scheduled construction start date of March 2008. These dates are approximate and will be contingent upon weather and any other construction obstacles that may arise during the process.

San Diego agrees to estimated $1 billion for sewage system improvements and maintenance

The city of San Diego will spend approximately $1 billion over the next six years to make improvements to its sewer system under a comprehensive settlement filed today by the Justice Department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.The consent decree filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California by the United States, along with co-plaintiffs Surfrider Foundation and San Diego Baykeeper, is the third and final settlement that addresses current violations in the city’s sewer system. Today’s action requires the city to continue to undertake capital projects and perform operations and maintenance through 2013 to prevent future spills of raw sewage from San Diego’s system.

"This settlement will ensure that the city of San Diego will continue upgrades and repairs of its sewer system in order to comply with the Clean Water Act," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Ronald J. Tenpas. “We are pleased that we have reached a resolution to these matters, and that the city has agreed to make the necessary improvements to reduce untreated sewer discharges."

"San Diego will spend over $1 billion to improve its aging sewer system and prevent future spills of raw, untreated sewage into local streams, the ocean, and city streets," said Granta Nakayama, assistant administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "This significant action creates a straightforward path to address sewer overflows and provides a safer recreational environment for the San Diego area."

"As with our previous consent decrees, the EPA and the city of San Diego will work together to ensure its sewage collection system meets our federal requirements, and protects precious coastal resources and surrounding communities," said Wayne Nastri, the EPA’s administrator for the Pacific Southwest.San Diego’s Municipal Wastewater Collection System collects wastewater from approximately 1.2 million residents over 330 square miles. The system has an estimated 2,800 miles of sewer lines and 84 pumping stations.

In 2000, there was an average of one spill per day from San Diego's collection system. In 2002, the EPA issued an administrative order requiring the city of San Diego to address sewer collection system maintenance, repair and replacement issues. In June 2003 the Department of Justice filed a complaint on behalf of the EPA seeking a long term court-sanctioned resolution to the problems, joining environmental groups who had already filed a Clean Water Act citizens’ lawsuit against the city, resulting in two partial consent decrees, issued in 2005 and 2006.

Since the EPA’s 2002 enforcement action, San Diego has reduced the number of spills by more than 75 percent and has largely eliminated large volume spills that plagued the city. Today’s action will result in further spill reductions and require the city to renew its aging sewer infrastructure.

Septic Tanks

More than likely, your home utilizes a septic tank. In the United States, more than 25 million households do. When any type of waste goes down the drain and leaves a household or a building, it goes straight into the septic tank. A septic tank is made up of three components: water-like substances, solids, and floatables.

Are you having problems with your current Septic Tank or do you need one to be installed? Contact a plumber today.

Since a septic tank contains many types of things, many of which are not exactly pleasant, it is not something you want to have problems with. A problem with your septic tank can present many overall unsanitary problems. Some of the many reasons that you may need to contact a plumber regarding your septic tank:

• You are building a new home
• Sewage is leaking into your yard
• You need to replace your current septic tank
• It is backing up
• You suspect your septic tank has a broken or crushed sewer line
• It needs to be pumped out and inspected

Septic tanks come in different sizes and allow for large amounts of water to flow per day. The average size septic tank is about 1,500 gallons, which is suited for a four person household. This allows approximately 200 to 400 gallons of water to flow each day. Of course, you may require a larger septic tank, especially if it is for a business. A plumber can help to answer your questions.

Are you having problems with your current Septic Tank or do you need one to be installed? Contact a plumber today.

Updated: MH

Sewer Overflow Bill Passes House Overwhelmingly

Water Quality Investment Act of 2007 (H.R. 569) was originally approved by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in February

By a vote of 367 to 58, the House of Representatives approved legislation to authorize appropriations for the Environmental Protection Agency’s sewer overflow control grant program, despite opposition from the White House. The Water Quality Investment Act of 2007 (H.R. 569) amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations to assist municipalities and states in controlling combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs).

CSOs occur when high volumes of rainwater or snowmelt exceed the capacity of a municipality’s collection and treatment system. The excess flow, which is untreated and often contains raw sewage and industrial wastes, is diverted and discharged directly into receiving waters, thus bypassing the sewage treatment plants. These discharges of diluted untreated wastewater, which violate both State and Federal water pollution laws, often occur in recreational areas, fish habitat and shellfish beds that may become contaminated.

Discharges of untreated sewage from municipal SSOs come from manholes, broken pipes and deteriorated infrastructure, and undersized pipes, and can occur in wet or dry weather. Unlike CSOs, SSOs transport only sanitary wastes.

For the rest of this article please visit transportation.house.gov.

Showers

Most homes have showers. Even some commercial properties have showers, such as gyms and hotels. We all need showers on a regular basis for good and proper hygiene. If there are any problems with your shower or you are remodeling your bathroom and installing a new shower, a plumber is essential in making sure you have a proper working shower.

Do you need plumbing assistance regarding your Shower? Contact a Plumber in your area today.

You may need to contact a Plumber regarding your shower due to the following:

• Installation
• Replacement
• Clogs
• Remodeling
• And more

A shower can be more than just an area you wash up and clean yourself in. Showers come in many designs and looks, and you can have one installed that matches the theme and look of your bathroom perfectly.

Besides the toilet and sink, the shower is also a common area of the bathroom that can face problems due to clogs. A lot of people don't use any kind of blocker when taking a shower, so there is just a large gaping hole that can allow many different drain clogging objects to pass through and get stuck.

Do you need plumbing assistance regarding your Shower? Contact a Plumber in your area today.

Shut-Off Valves

Unfortunately, pipes burst and leaks occur more often than one may think. People tend not to think about such things, and most do not know what serious consequences could result if a pipe in their home did burst. Your home could quite possibly get flooded, which will result in a costly water bill. Even worse, it can cause serious damage to your home by ruining your electronics, furniture, and causing mold in your carpet.

Would you like to have shut-off valves installed? Contact a Plumber today.

There is good news, however. There are preventative measures that you can take to ensure that this won't happen to you. Shut-off valves installed by a plumber can help to stop any serious problems from occurring should any of your pipes leak or burst. A shut-off valve is designed to simply shut off your water completely when a pipe bursts or leak is sensed, therefore preventing gallons and gallons of water from coming out and into your home.

In fact, shut-off valves are crucial. In case reminding was needed, these are the following reasons why a Shut-Off Valve can save you a world of trouble, headaches, and money. Shut-off Valves prevent:

• Floods
• Mess in your home
• High water bills
• Ruined possessions
• Mold
• And more!

Shut-Off Valve installation is a job that is best left to the professionals. Allowing a Plumber to do so instead of attempting to do it yourself will ensure that the job will be done correctly. If you are reluctant to install Shut-Off Valves because you don't want to spend any money, try to imagine all the money it would cost you if a pipe were to burst, and your home were to get flooded. Also keep in mind that some possessions, such as photo albums, can't even be replaced with money. You will wish you had the Shut-Off Valves installed.

Would you like to have Shut-Off Valves installed? Contact a Plumber today.

Sprinklers

If you live in a house or you own a business that is located near grass, a sprinkler system is vital. Sprinklers guarantee that your lawn will be watered on a regular basis and that your yard and/or garden will remain fresh, vibrant, and kept alive. First impressions can only be made once, and if your place of business is surrounded by dead grass, that might make people second guess your practice - if you can't even take care of the appearance of your business, what else do you neglect? This is something that will be on their mind.

Are you interested in having a Sprinkler System installed? Contact a Plumber in your area today.

The main three choices of sprinkler systems are drip systems, spray systems, and rotor heads. How would you determined which sprinkler system is the system that you need? It is simple to determine this, once you consider a few different factors. Some of the factors to be considered are the following:

• The size of the area that will be watered
• The amount of saturation you wish to have on that area
• Type of soil
• If a certain area, such as a specific plant or flower, needs special attention

You don't want to be one of the only houses with browning grass. You cannot rely on precipitation alone - this is not usually enough for grass to be kept alive, this is especially when there are droughts. Also, if you have a garden, it will need constant watering as well. Who has the time to constantly water their yard with a hose? With the convenience of a sprinkler system, you do not need to worry about such things. You can also program the sprinklers to go off at the time that you desire and is most convenient to you. Contact a plumber today.

Are you interested in having a Sprinkler System installed? Contact a Plumber in your area today.

Tankless Water Heaters Designed to Be Seen

October 23, 2006 - The latest series of tankless water heaters from Rinnai Corporation features sleek, modern designs that give consumers the opportunity to take their heaters out of the closet and install them along with existing household appliances anywhere in the home.

Based in Japan and with its American headquarters in Peachtree City, Ga., Rinnai is the world's leading gas appliance manufacturer and a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry - The Supplier 100 of NAHB.

The compact design of Rinnai's Designer PLUS tankless water heater saves home owners up to 16 square feet of floor space compared to standard tank water heaters.

For optimum performance and easy installation, the unit can be mounted either internally or externally, and is equipped with factory-matched accessories, including Rinnai's standard venting kit, plumbing installation kit, digital temperature control pad and matching pipe cover, which provides a finished appearance for interior installations.

The Design PLUS tankless water heater and complete factory accessory package has a MSRP range of $1,500 to $1,800, according to the manufacturer.

Featuring smooth and pleasant lines, a rounded corner enclosure and a silver-powder coated finish, the Design PLUS series is available in three models, two for inside and one for outside the home.

The energy-saving water heater has the capability to deliver continuous, on-demand hot water at up to 8.5 gallons per minute, Rinnai says. The unit has a safety monitoring system to ensure reliable operation, improved on-board diagnostics and digital temperature control functionality.

The Design PLUS heater comes with a 12-year warranty on the unit's heat exchanger, a six-year warranty on all parts and a one-year warranty on labor for standard installations.

The Importance Of Sprinkler System

Schools, office buildings, factories, and other commercial buildings have benefited from fire protection sprinkler systems for over a century. To prevent investments in buildings and machinery, the textile mills in New England began using sprinkler systems over 100 years ago following a series of devastating fires which claimed many lives and destroyed entire businesses.

Sprinklers in Homes

But what about our homes? Although we protect our businesses from fire, what actions do we take to protect our families, our homes, and our possessions from fire? Millions of Americans have installed smoke alarms in their homes in the past few years, but a smoke alarm can only alert the occupants to a fire in the house ... it cannot contain or extinguish a fire. Residential sprinkler systems can!
Sprinklers—The Solution

Fires in residences have taken a high toll of life and property. In 2005 there were:

• 396,000 residential fires
• 3,055 civilian fire deaths
• 13,825 civilian fire injuries
• $6.9 billion in property damage

Studies by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's United States Fire Administration indicate that the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems could have saved thousands of lives; prevented a large portion of those injuries; and eliminated hundreds of millions of dollars in property losses.
What Are Home Fire Sprinkler Systems?

Using quick response sprinklers and approved piping, homes can be built or even retrofitted to include low-cost automatic sprinkler systems connected to the domestic water supply.

Sprinkler systems offer advantages to the homebuilder:

• A low-cost reliable safety option that would attract many buyers.
• Trade-offs between sprinklers and code requirements that can result in lower construction costs, more units per area of land, etc.

Advantages of Newly Designed Home Sprinkler Systems

Fast Response

Residential sprinklers, listed by Underwriters Labs, are now available. They are designed to respond to a fire much faster than currently available standard commercial and industrial sprinkler systems. The new home sprinklers react automatically to fires more quickly because of their improved sensitivity.

Low Cost

At the present time, cost of a home sprinkler system is targeted at approximately $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot in new construction. It is hoped that the cost will decrease as the use of home fire protection grows. It is also possible to retrofit existing homes with sprinkler systems.

Toilets

Toilets are essential components in our everyday lives. Just about everywhere you go, there are restrooms which contain toilets. Toilets, of course, require plumbing as well, whether it's residential or commercial.

Do you assistance regarding a toilet? Contact a Plumber in your area today.

When it comes to your toilet, you may need a plumber due to any of the following reasons:

• Repairs
• Installation
• Replacement
• Clogs

Many people try to fix toilet problems themselves, but this is not recommended. One of the hardest tasks when it comes to fixing a toilet yourself is finding the exact cause of the problem. If you aren't a professional, you may think you fixed the problem, when in fact, you have not.

Toilets are one of the most common places in the home where clogs occur due to objects accidentally being flushed. Sometimes, a plunger does the trick, but most of the time an experienced plumber is necessary. Other types of toilet problems can run up your water bill if not fixed right away, as well as make your toilet useless for the most part.

Do you assistance regarding a toilet? Contact a Plumber in your area today.

U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA forms partnership to protect construction employees at Hoffmann-La Roche Building

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has joined Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Skanska USA Building Inc., Essex and Passaic Counties Building and Construction Trades Councils, and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development On-site Consultation Service in an effort to protect the employees of all project participants at the Roche Building Façade Replacement Project in Nutley, N.J.

The Façade Replacement Project, due to be completed in March 2009, will remove the energy inefficient and aging glass curtain wall system from Roche's 15-story building and replace it with an energy efficient unitized system on the corners and along the north and south sides of the structure.

The goal of the partnership is to eliminate worksite hazards and achieve a high level of employee safety and health for all project participants at the construction site. Participants will strive to do this by developing a contractor/government relationship that encourages contractors to improve their safety and health performance, presses for the elimination of accidents in the industry and recognizes contractors with exemplary safety and health programs.

"This agreement provides the tools to ensure that employers and employees commit to safe and healthful work practices," said Patricia K. Clark, regional administrator of OSHA's New York office. "Cooperation among labor, management and OSHA is vital to ensure the safety and health of employees."

Water Heater Safety Requires Proper Installation, Inspection

March 15, 2007 - When Bob Carmickle, a state plumbing inspector in Hardin County, went to a local residence to inspect a water heater, he could only shake his head at what he saw.

The gas heater was leaning at a crazy angle, its outer jacket peeled away. Carmickle determined that the installer used an inadequate temperature and relief valve and failed to use a required expansion device. Water inside the tank expanded as it heated and the appliance exploded, sending natural gas throughout the house.

The elderly resident was helped to safety by a neighbor and the gas supply was shut off, averting a more serious accident. But Van Cook, executive director of the Office of Housing, Buildings and Construction, said the near tragedy was completely avoidable.

“Our state wide code is clear: Except for farmsteads, and manufactured homes that meet a federal guideline, all water heaters installed in the state must have a permit and must be inspected,” Cook said.

Every county has a plumbing inspector to inspect water heaters. For the fee of $35, the inspector visits the home to ensure that the job was done properly.

“Not only is it state law to have an inspection, but if you don’t properly install it, you will void the heater’s warranty,” Cook noted.

The code allows either a resident who both lives in and owns a home or a licensed plumber to install the heater. The responsible party must obtain the permit and receive the inspection.                                                
A violation carries potential penalties of $100 per day in fines and up to 90 days in jail per offense.

“If you’re moving into a home, make sure the water heater has been inspected,” Cook advised. “Look for the green approval sticker on the heater.”

More information is available at the office’s web site, http://www.ohbc.ky.gov/plumbing.

Water Heaters