I am going to be a "Father"

Let me start by defining "father".  The International Assoc. of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is the code body world wide.  This code body is accepting my code proposal for upcoming publication.  I have been thinking about this plumbing issue since I was a Teenager! and a newly licensed contractor!  I am now 54 yrs. old and  I am getting my "Baby".  I am assured my child will do well and save millions! probably save a human life.  Thousands of contractors will know my child, but more importantly I am assured good will come.  I am planning another child as well.  Next one will live directly next to the first for life and they will have  replacements to follow their footsteps.  A third is planned as well, I am not really a family man or anything, but  I am ambitious.
  Keep watching for the names of my "children" and the deeds they will achieve . 

World Plumbing day

The world Plumbing Council has declared March 11 2010 the first annual WPD.  This is the same month with World Water Day  (22nd.).  One might ask why, just Google liveearth.org , 8 to 10,000 people die daily from dirty water.  No they aren't Americans, mostly not white, so "what the hell",  "I got my plate full"  The world is shrinking, boarders are not what they were fences aren't either.  more than 1/2 the world is in dire need of water daily.  Sanitation waste removal is equally needed (when water is used it comes out dirty)  The AWWA stated in a report that 40% of Americas water dist. systems had a cross connection with sewer/E Coli.   Na sayers can factually say "we Americans use less water to day than in 1973!"  True to a point, that means "Per capita"  Population has grown to a point that we use 30% more.  Rain is not increasing, lakes not growing.  only 2% of the fresh drinkable water on earth is available (not frozen in glacier)  AWWA report also stated 30% of water we have harvested and intended for use is unaccounted for!  lost is transport to your town.  Some alarmists and some nay sayers debate "Climate Change"  The facts about water are not debateable, facts as they are, ignorance is the only buffer we have.  Walk for water is a new social awareness program, check it out.  Oh and respect for all is the theme of my message, not dooms day or anything else. 
  Thank you for allowing me to share my convictions, now read up and get your own.
  Greg.

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.

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.

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).