Radiant Plumbing Main Blog

Austin Solar Water Heaters

Brad Casebier — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:18:45 GMT

The time has come for SOLAR.

If you are interested in reducing your carbon footprint, lowering your utility bill, or just wanting to replace you water heater with the most cost-effective system available. Solar water heaters are for you.

Sure, tankless are great. The Airtap is a real energy saver as well, but when it comes down to it, solar is the greenest option available. No mater how efficient we make any of the gas or electric water heaters, nothing can compare to the renewable energy of solar. Solar water heaters have been around forever. They were quite popular around 30 years ago. As the years passed, and the tax credits (similar to those that are in place today) disappeared people slowly lost interest.

Now with the 30% tax credit for the total solar water heater cost, along with the City of Austin solar tax rebate, ($1,500.00- $2,000.00) I think you would be crazy not to do a solar water heater. A properly installed, high quality system should easily have a 20-year life. Considering that heating your water makes up at least 30% or of your total energy bill this will add up to significant savings. Depending on your exact circumstances you could be on the money making side of the cost of installation in less than 3 years! If you are ready to make the right choice, Give us a call, and lets get you started saving energy, and saving money!

Solar hot water, It’s the right thing to do!

Brad Casebier

Radiant Plumbing Service

Austin, Texas

512-263-9988

for rebates in your area http://www.dsireusa.org/

KVUE link http://www.kvue.com/projectgreen/greenarticles/stories/101308kvue_solar_energy-cb.10d17b9a5.html

Austin Solar Water Heater Providers

Schuco Solar Water Heaters

Brad Casebier — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:35:32 GMT

I am in the North East checking out the Schuco brand of solar thermal water heaters. All I can tell you now is WOW! It is a shame we have been missing out on the solar thermal hot water this long. If you are in the market for a new water heater, be sure to ask us about SOLAR!

Brad Casebier

512-263-9988

My New Navien Tankless Water Heater

Jack Horner — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:08:04 GMT

Tankless Hot Water Heater

My wife and I had a new Navien tankless hot water heater installed at our residence on 5/14/09. We had been considering exchanging our old hot water tank for something much more energy efficient for a while now. The new tankless heater has been in use for about two weeks now, and we are more than pleased! It is comforting to know that the heater is not just sitting there, heating up water when it is not needed. In fact, it does absolutely nothing until a demand is put on it. The other great thing is the tax credit we will receive from the Federal Government for installing an energy efficient appliance!

We have 4 adults living in our house, and we have yet to run out of hot water from the heater. It is not uncommon to have both showers in use, and be running the dishwasher and washing machine at the same time.

We are going to be tracking energy savings on our gas bill in the coming months, comparing the same months from last year to these next 12 months.

Join us as we track our bills online!

Jack Horner

512-263-9988

Radiant Plumbing Service

Calling our Young People Back to the Trades

Sarah Casebier — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:13:38 GMT

Did you know that the average age of plumbers in Texas is 52 and looking to retire?

Hiring friendly, technically skilled plumbers with good communication skills is not as easy as it sounds, but then you add in a limited hiring pool it can take us months to find the right guy for the job. There are few careers in this country that have as much opportunity for our young men as the trades do.

It seems like along the way we have lost pride in working with our hands and have put more value in a college education, even if it means coming out on the other side with a mediocre paying job. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not opposed to college! I just can’t help but be frustrated that so many talented young people are not being presented the option of a viable, well paying job with security.

In a recent blog post titled Real Work, the author George Briggs states, "I have seen the pressure parents place upon their kids to pursue "prestigious" careers, often disregarding the natural talents and interests of their children. I believe that people who are engaged in work that they love lead happier and more productive lives than people who are pursuing prestige or money. I encourage parents to support their kids in finding that career that resonates with them, even if it means looking to "real" work."

I think there may be a perception by some that being a plumber is a dirty job that any Joe Blow could do and that it is more of a fallback career because of a lack of options. What most people don’t realize is that being a plumber requires an ability to not just work with your hands, but to think mechanically, be proficient in math, an ability in problem solving and for service technicians, good communication skills. This is not a career for dummies. In the state of Texas these guys must complete 8000 hours as an apprentice plumber before they can sit for the test to get their Journeyman’s plumbing license.

There are few career opportunities in this day and age where you get paid during your apprenticeship and are not saddled with student loan debt at the end. Here in Austin, the starting salary for plumbers is generally between $37,000 and $50,000. When you take into consideration the scarcity of plumbers and the importance of the job they do in being on the front line of disease prevention, it makes sense that they make as much as they do.

So come on! We need you guys. The health of our nation depends upon it.

"If I would be a young man again and had to decide how to make my living, I would not try to become a scientist or scholar or teacher. I would rather choose to be a plumber or a peddler in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available under present circumstances."

-- Albert Einstein, The Reporter, 18 November 1954
Shortly after making this remark, the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, A.F.L. in Washington, D.C. voted to grant Einstein an honorary membership. Einstein was reportedly well pleased with this honor.

Sarah Casebier

Radiant Plumbing

512-263-9988

Bass Fishing Plumbers

Brad Casebier — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:45:40 GMT

Well, I try to keep it to plumbing, but this is just too good to not share. I have started playing around with a local Austin bass fishing tournament at Lake Austin. This is my fourth attempt, and luck was on our side. On a plumbing note, My partner is Randy Nelson. He is a great plumber, and even beter fisherman. I am gratefull to have him as a friend, and fishing partner. I'll post the story as TTZ tells it...

We had another great evening of weather and Lake Austin lived up to her big fish reputation tonight! Besides some very nice fish and an amazing 27.36 pound sack, the teams that came back to the weigh in witnessed a very rare pure bred smallmouth brought to the scales!

Many teams reported a very tough bite and and the weigh in was shaping up to be another battle of small sacks. After a couple of eight pound sacks were weighed, Greg and Wade brought up a very respectable four fish bag going 11.82 pounds. The brothers caught the majority of their fish Carolina rigging deeper grass edges on the northern end of the lake. With only two teams left to weigh in, most of us thought their bag would set the mark and hold on to take first place. Unfortunately for the Mehaffey’s, the last team to weigh in would eventually knock them into second place.

After another sack in the seven pound range left the scales, Randy and Brad calmly stepped up and proved Austin is one of the best lakes in Texas. After pulling out three fish between four and five pounds, they added another three pounder to their weight and led everyone to believe their fish were getting smaller. About that time is when Brad hoisted out a fish that anchored the team’s incredible 27.36 pound first place limit! Brad and Randy’s double digit kicker weighed in at 10.36 pounds and also earned them Big Bass honors. According to Randy, all their fish were spawning and came off beds. They had several beds located and only fished a select few, what’s even more amazing is they had another fish in the nine pound range flare up twice but were not able to stick a hook into her. Randy also mentioned there are other big fish in the area that haven’t locked down and are still cruising the shallows. When asked how they caught the spawners, Brad revealed their bait of choice was a Chompers Skirted Twin Tail Grub fished on a weighted swimbait hook.

Coming in third were Jay and Russell, their two fish sack weighed an impressive 9.58 pounds with a 5.99 pound kicker. Jr and Mike took home the Yamamoto and Kinami tackle pack for their fourth place finish.

In addition to the 10 pounder, there was another very nice fish caught by Lance. His fish weighed 7.79 pounds and is another great example of the quality fish you find in Lake Austin. Seeing huge fish brought to the scales is always nice, but tonight we also witnessed something you don’t come across too often on this lake…a smallmouth bass! Many were doubtful but after a quick check for the tongue patch came back negative, there was no question Wayne’s fish was a pure bred smallie.

So there you have it, there are smallmouth in Lake Austin and the fish are once again on beds; find the right bed and you could be walking away with the $300.00 Certified Arbor Care 11.34 pound Big Bass Bonus. Find a lake record bed and we’ll gladly pay you $25,000.00! Congrats again to the winners…Go Big or Go Home!

Brad Casebier

Radiant Plumbing Service

Austin Texas

512-263-9988

plumbing blogs

Brad Casebier — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:12:08 GMT

I still love those demotivators! This goes out to all those who blog, and wonder if anyone is out there.

This is an Austin based company, and you should check them out for a little fun

http://despair.com/

Brad

Radiant Plumbing Service

512-263-9988

Austin, Tx

High Water Pressure In Austin!

Brad Casebier — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:55:46 GMT

The phone has been ringing today! It turns out that a City of Austin pressure reducing station failed some time last night. One of our customers had 175lb water pressure in his house! From a plumbers perspective, that's pretty scary. The City of Austin Water, and Wastewater tells us that the problem is isolated to the Lakewood - Cat Mountian area (North East between 2222, and 360) If you are in this area, give us a call, and we will get a plumber out and make sure everything is ok. So far we have encountered damaged toilets, shower valves, water heater T&P valves (temperature, and pressure relief valves), and home owner shut-off valves.

P.S. If you see one of our plumbing trucks, flag them down. They will be happy to help you!

Brad Casebier

Radiant Plumbing Service

Austin, Texas

51-263-9988

Major Devlopment For Electric Water Heater Owners!

Brad Casebier — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:39:14 GMT

Green Electric Water Heaters

Electric water heater people! If you want a way to cut your water heating bill 60-80% ($400.00-$600.00 per year), technology has finally caught up to you. We have a way to increase your hot water output, and lower your energy bill. Airtap from AirGenerate is the first of its kind water heater upgrade. Here is a calculator to determine your potential savings.

We have lots of people call us hoping they can enjoy the benefits, and rewards of the tankless water heaters, but they have no fuel gas (propane, or natural gas) available. Since electric tankless water heaters are not a real option. Airtap is definitely the way to go. If you are interested in saving money, reducing your carbon footprint, and enjoying more hot water, give us a call! 263-9988

One last thing The Airtap is eligible for the 30% federal tax rebate. If my calculations are correct, your electrical savings will have paid for the unit in less than 2 years!

Brad Casebier

Radiant Plumbing Service

Austin, Texas

512-263-9988

Stella, the plumbing dog!

Sarah Casebier — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:49:22 GMT

If you happen to stop by our office someday, don't be surprised if you see Stella sitting pretty on a chair next to Shannun's desk. She is Shannun's constant companion and our wooly friend. I may have to put her on payroll soon since she does fulfill a valuable job of making our day brighter!

Sarah Casebier

Radiant Plumbing

Austin, TX

512-263-9988

Austin Drain Cleaning Experts

Brad Casebier — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:42:15 GMT

Got Clogs? Give us a call, and let us get things flowing again. 512-263-9988 If you are interested in the down and dirty regarding drains, read on.

I GOT IT UNCLOGGED!!!!

A random toilet clog, or a Kitchen sink is probably nothing to loose sleep over, but if it’s a little more than “random” you may have a real issue that we can take care of for you.

A simple unclog of just about any fixture will normally run between $131.00 to $250.00.

Drains are a great thing when they are working correctly. This integral part of your life that you never think about can sure ruin your day when things start to back up. The good news is with modern piping, and a proper installation, you could have a lifetime of clear drains, but life being what it is, you may not. Over time, there are a few things that can go wrong to the best of systems. Trees can grow around your drain line, and the roots can lift, push, squeeze, and pull your drain line, causing all sorts of problems. Central, South, and North East Austin all suffer from expansive soil. As rains come, or don’t, the dirt in your yard is heaving up and down on a regular basis. This can cause the intended fall that the pipe should have (we call it grade) to flatten out or even belly. This will cause all sorts of clogs. That same expansive soil will also be moving your foundation. And of that is bad enough in itself, a few tons of concrete heaving up and down on your pipes aren’t doing them any favors. Now, PLEASE DON’T GIVE UP ON ME! WE CAN FIX WHATEVER YOU HAVE GOT! But before I let up on what seems like a lot of bad news, lets not forget old pipes. Cast Iron pipe, once the mainstay (and bane to plumber’s bad backs) was the primary option that was used on all indoor drain piping. There was a little galvanized, lead and copper pipe used, but the bulk of the older drain systems are piped in cast iron. Cast iron pipe isn’t all bad. We come into a lot of systems where it is holding up nicely. But over time in direct burial applications corrosion seems to get the better of it. First a little leak, then a little roots, and finally one big clogged mess!

There are a few other “special” things that we run into out in your yard. If you are in one of the older downtown homes, you may have clay, orangeburg, or concrete pipe. If we run into these specail products, the City of Austin requires us to not attempt to repair it, but replace it with a modern system with all the required cleanouts.

Brad Casebier

Radiant Plumbing Service

Austin, Texas

512-263-9988