You can buy a standard or tankless water heater at any big-box hardware store, but that doesn’t mean installing it is a do-it-yourself job. In order for a water heater to meet basic earthquake and carbon monoxide safety regulations, it must be installed by a professional. Water heaters have to be strapped down properly with pressure release lines; otherwise, they become hazardous in the event of an earthquake. Also, in order for water heaters to burn and vent properly, their carbon monoxide levels must be regularly checked. Both of these things are incredibly important—you don’t want to risk your family’s health just to save a few hundred dollars. Read more

Going on vacation? Watch this video to find out how to ensure your plumbing system is well-maintained while you’re away. Read more

If you’re lucky enough to be able to get out of town on vacation for a few weeks this summer, you should consider taking a few steps to protect your plumbing system while you’re away. Jonathan Millington, owner of Ace Plumbing and Rooter, a Diamond Certified company, has three suggestions. First, you should shut off your main water supply. If you don’t know where the valve is, this is a good time to find out. Second, check your storm drains and gutters to make sure they’re flowing well. If we have a big storm, you don’t want them to back up. Read more

Being more efficient with your home water usage is often as simple as making a few modifications to your water-using appliances. Low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets can save thousands of gallons and hundreds of dollars a year without sacrificing water pressure. Aerators can cut faucet water flow from three or four gallons per minute to as little as a half-gallon per minute.

Your plumbing contractor can also help you use your water more efficiently by suggesting ways to lessen your carbon footprint at a minimal cost. Ask your plumber to evaluate your whole plumbing system to see if there are any areas where water conservation could be improved. Read more

If you’re like me, you probably don’t think much about your home’s plumbing. Of course, the day the bathtub won’t drain or the toilet won’t flush, we’re reminded of just how dependent we are on free-flowing pipes. When the time comes to call in a professional, you’ll be relieved to have a great plumber programmed into your speed-dial. Although plumbing problems can be expensive and inconvenient, the right plumber will provide value for your money and make the repair process as painless as possible.I’m often asked what you should look for in a plumber. Based on interviews with both customers and plumbers, I’ve developed a “great plumber” checklist. Here it is:

A great plumber:
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Large-scale plumbing issues should always be handled by a professional, but there are plenty of simple techniques and procedures you can use to perform basic preventive maintenance. Consider the following tips for ensuring your plumbing system is functioning to its full capacity:

Bathroom

• Run hot water down the drain once a week to help keep it free-flowing.
• Repair leaky faucets to avoid further damage to the fixtures and faucets.
• Fit tubs and showers with strainers that catch hair and soap chips. Clean the strainers regularly.
• To remove mineral deposits on your shower head, put one cup of vinegar in a plastic bag, place it over the shower head,

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