Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Do it yourself ( DIY ) Gas

I got a call today from a man who wanted to know some code issues on gas piping. He was one of many who have become victim to folklore . He didn't think galvanized pipe was OK to use to pipe gas. I assured him it was required when exposed to exterior and above ground.
He then wanted me to sell him "that flex yellow pipe", I replied "what do you mean, CSST or MDPE?" After clearing up what "that flexy pipe" meant, I said that it requires special training and that installers have a card with their name on it by the manufacturer. He understood, but is still piping his gas system himself.
I ask you , if you want to live next door to a Propane gas pipe system installed by an unlicensed, untrained person. I was told that my freedom to swing my fists ended at my neighbors nose. Should there then be a required distance between his house and the public and neighbors? Should gas pipe be sold to non licensed people? Have you ever seen propane explode? Just some thoughts today from the people who call me and my responsible replies. DIY is a great thing, I assist anyone to a fault, but gas pipe is for skilled people who have liability insurance.
Greg Chick, Green Plumber USA licensed, and, yes I have Insurance.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Not your Grandaddy's Spigot



This was your granddaddy's spigot.
It was tough, It had weight. It had enough lead in the brass to kill a rat.
You could replace the washer, ream out the brass and be good for another decade. It has been in service for 60 years.


This is a modern spigot.
It's lightweight. The lead content in the brass is virtually non-existent - and so is its ability to last very long. After 10 years, it's a tired pup.
Stay tuned technology is at work! First generation low/no lead brass is here now, tomorrow is a new day!

Potmetal parts in less expensive " Brand Name Faucets"

Here is the underside of a sink faucet made from cheap pot-metal components.  The homeowners took reasonably good care of it, yet it rotted out from underneath anyway. This faucet was in use about 2 yrs.

The thin tubular brass spout also didn't last long. In this case the water ate right through the side of it. When I arrived on the scene they had tape wrapped around it in an attempt to stop the leak.



What a fixture is made from, really does matter!

Prevent waste and damage to your plumbing with this device!

The most critical single item to preventing waste and damage to your entire plumbing system may be your system's pressure regulator.

Water districts often supply water in their main lines at pressures far above the pressures that home water systems are designed to handle. There are legitimate reasons for doing this in order to ensure an adequate supply of water throughout the service area; however, a pressure regulator should be installed to reduce the pressure to normal household levels. For example, here in Ramona, CA the water district supplies water to my neighborhood at well over 100 psi, yet the proper pressure for a home system is required to be under 80 psi.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Retail Myths, and Fashion Statements with a Faucet.

Why do people think that just because the home center will sell the plumbing stuff, that it is easy to put in CORRECTLY; or just because it's a Moen or Kohler or whatever, that it is repairable or even a good product to begin with? Most all big name company's have made some good /excellent product, but, please lets not be blinded by advertising claims, name recognition and the like. I have heard people who cant pronounce Moen, yet insist it's good because it is. (Moan).

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Welcome

Welcome to my Blog,
I want to get some feed back from "the online world" on what is wanted from an experienced plumber. I want you to ask "what is Green plumbing" Also I want to Myth Bust some peoples misunderstandings with facts, not opinion. I do however have opinions, as does everyone, (except Mr. Spock). I challenge you to ask me a question that I can't answer, with reference, mind you. I will surly learn a few things here as will everyone. Information exchange is what blogs offer, not a bashing party for wanna-be know it alls, including myself. I look forward to being corrected, with reference mind you.
Would you like to ask a plumbing question? Make a statement to be discussed ? share experiences?

Subjects of water are many, from toilet to tap (a phrase I hate), to water filtering, wasting, saving, pumping, collecting,. bottling, heating, etc. Trivia is fascinating too, for example only 1% of the FRESH water on earth is acessable to humans to drink. Pure water would not be good to drink! and water is more important than food or medicine. When a dissasterous Hurricane floods a city, water is in very short supply Ask me for my references!

Welcome aboard!