Radiant Plumbing Main Blog

Man Stabbed Son Over Clogged Toilet

Sarah Casebier — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:11:01 GMT

Corkscrew Used In Vermont Attack

VERSHIRE, Vt. -- A Vermont man is behind bars after police say he stabbed his son with a corkscrew over a clogged toilet.

Nazeih Hammouri, 53, of Vershire, faces a first-degree assault charge in connection with the Monday morning stabbing.

Vermont State Police said they were called to Hammouri's home on Parker Road just after midnight and their investigation revealed Hammouri had stabbed his 19-year-old son in the stomach after an argument over a clogged toilet.

Police said Hammouri was drinking. He is being held on $15,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in Orange County Court Monday afternoon.

http://www.wptz.com/news/21336430/detail.html

Before taking your toilet frustration out on your children, may we suggest giving us a call? We are sure we can fix it!

Sarah Casebier

Radiant Plumbing

512-263-9988

Water Conservation in Austin

Brad Casebier — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:00:44 GMT

Lets Talk Water

Water Conservation is of great interest to me right now. If it is of interest to you, read on. I wanted to throw a few things out there that might be able to help you.

For starters these are the COA Water charges per 1000 gallon.

VOLUME UNIT CHARGES: ALL VOLUMES
UNIT COST PER 1,000 GALLONS

	INSIDE	OUTSIDE
	CITY	CITY
Single-Family
0 - 2,000 Gallons	$0.98	$0.98
2,000 - 9,000 Gallons	2.59	2.59
9,001 - 15,000 Gallons	4.75	4.75
15,001 - over Gallons	8.50	8.50

Depending on what calculator you use the average family of four will use between 8,000-12,000 gallons per month. I know that seems impossible, but that’s the way it is.

Now, throw a sprinkler system, a swimming pool, an extra kid or two, and come summertime, 15,000 gallons or more becomes a realistic number.

Before you go throwing stones, I have yet to meet the customer that builds a house that set out to use a swimming pool full of water every month.

I think we can all agree that 15,000 gallons is a lot of water, and maybe if you are in that category we could look into some options that will keep that water bill down, and save some water. (Apparently the City of Austin isn’t too concerned unless you are over 25,000 gallons per month! keep reading)

The toilet is one of the huge water wasters that I love to replace. Odds are that your toilets are crappy performers anyway. So why not replace your old clogger for a dual flush? The dual flush can save up to a thousand gallons per month. Here is a cool calculator that I used for my family of five. We are will have a savings of 5,915 gallons per year! That’s some serious water! That is around 500 Gallons per month. That’s a pretty good start in the right direction.

How long does it take to get hot water to your bathroom, or kitchen? There is some of your water just going down the drain. It could easily be a gallon or more wasted while you wait for that hot water to show up. If you are in a house that suffers from this Wait Forever malady, you could be losing up to 30 gallons per day. That is 10,950 gallons per year. Now, This is an extreme case. I think most families will probably fall into a 6,000 per year waster water due to a water heater that is too far away. A recirculating pump will solve this problem for you. Once you have a recirc system, you will find it hard to live any other way. That instant hot water is hard to beat. You will kick yourself for not having done it sooner.

So there you are, just two solutions (toilets, and recirculating) that can easily save 10,000 gallons a year per family. That is a big deal.

Here are a few more for you…

Have any drips? FIX ‘UM! A steady drip per second adds up to 3,154 gallons per year. That’s just crazy. One drip 3000 gallons per year. Don’t forget those toilets. They can be invisible drippers.

If you have automatic pool filler, check that thing regularly. A pool can be overflowing without ever looking like it. Once the water is over the waterproofed section, it can be leaking through your tiles, and decorative rocks, and you could have no idea. Luckily the fill valves tend to make a hissing sound when they are filling. If yours is, lift up the rod to accurate the valve. If it doesn’t stop hissing who knows how many gallons you are leaking out of your pool.

Irrigation… well it is suppose to leak, just make sure it only does it when, and where it is suppose to. If you use more than 25,000 gallons per month during the summer, get a free irrigation system evaluation by calling 974-2199

Here is the City of Austin 50 ways to save water

Replace older toilets with low-flow models to save up to 50%. Rebates are available to replace up to three toilets per household.
More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering. Be sure only to water plants when necessary. If you use more than 25,000 gallons per month during the summer, get a free irrigation system evaluation by calling 974-2199.
Install water-saving showerheads that use 2.5 gallons per minute or less.
Report water waste from malfunctioning irrigation systems -- call 974-2199.
Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later. Your pool should lose no more than 1/4 inch each day.
Make your next clothes washer a water-saver, and get up to $100 in rebates.
Use sprinklers that throw big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller drops of water and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
When washing dishes by hand, use a sink full of soapy water -- don't let the water run.
Water lawns during the early morning when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces evaporation and waste.
Place an empty tuna can on your lawn to catch and measure the water output of your sprinklers.
Scrape food from your plates instead of rinsing. Newer dishwashers and detergents get dishes just as clean without the need to pre-rinse.
Hand-water with a hose where possible. Homeowners who water with a handheld hose can use one-third less water outdoors than those who use automatic sprinklers.
Cook food in as little water as possible. This will also retain more of the nutrients.
Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of load you are using.
Fix toilet leaks. Plumbing leaks as a whole account for 14 percent of water consumed in the home, according to a study sponsored by the American Water Works Association.
Install water-saving aerators on household faucets.
Buy a rain gauge to track how much rain or irrigation your yard receives.
Fill your pool a few inches lower than usual.
Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.
Chill drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the faucet until the water is cold
Clean your driveway or sidewalk with a broom, not a hose.
Purchase a rainbarrel to capture rainwater for use on your landscape.
Choose drought-tolerant plants when landscaping, and group plants with similar water needs together (hydrozoning).
Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption every time you water.
Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass and use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
Position sprinklers so they're not watering driveways and walkways.
Make sure you know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save gallons of water and damage to your home if a pipe were to burst.
Fix leaky faucets. A steady faucet drip can waste 20 gallons of water a day.
Adjust your lawnmower to cut grass to a height of 3 inches or more. Taller grass encourages deeper roots and shades the soil to reduce moisture loss.
Encourage your employer to promote water conservation in the workplace. Call 974-2199 for commercial and industrial water-saving programs and incentives.
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save 4 gallons a minute. That's 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Start a compost pile or scrape food into the trash instead of running your garbage disposal, which requires a lot of water to work properly.
Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for use on plants.
Don't install or use fountains or other water ornaments unless they use recycled water.
Avoid overseeding your lawn with winter grass. Once established, ryegrass needs water every three to five days, whereas dormant Bermuda grass needs water only once a month.
Stick to the watering schedule during the summer, and turn off your irrigation system in winter.
Wash vegetables and fruits in a bowl or basin using a vegetable brush; don't let the water run.
Use a timer on hose-end sprinklers to avoid overwatering.
When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
Only water your lawn when needed. You can tell this by simply walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it's time to water.
Take a 5 minute shower or a 6-inch-deep bath.
If you own a pool, use a cover to reduce evaporation.
While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.
Aerate your lawn. Punch holes in your lawn about six inches apart so water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage.
Turn the water off while you shampoo and condition your hair and you can save more than 50 gallons a week.
Support projects that will lead to an increased use of reclaimed waste water for irrigation and other uses.

Get involved in water management issues. Voice your questions and concerns at public meetings conducted by your local government or water management district.

Ready for some Rain?

Brad Casebier — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:05:06 GMT

Today got me wishing it would just cut loose, and rain, but until then...

Saving water, and you.

When is it going to rain? On December 2, central Texas was upgraded to an “exceptional” level drought. The future isn't looking too bright for more rain either("looking too cloudy" is more like it).From the look of the forecast we may be in this for a while.

We were at this Exceptional level in 2006 for a shorter period of time. Intense flooding filled our lakes for a while, and here we are again.

What does this have to do with us? Well, we need to save conserve water! Any drip you have is a serious water conservation issue. Here is what the City of Austin has to say...

Is Your Water Bill Leaking?

"It’s just a tiny leak, right? How bad could it be?"

Even small leaks and drips add up fast. For an average Austin home using 9,000 gallons a month, a dripping faucet can cost over $10/month. If that leak worsens to a dribbling, steady stream, you’re looking at $50 to $100 each month in wasted water. Have a worn out or defective toilet flapper that keeps your toilet constantly running? Expect to shell out another $50 to $100.

Your costs skyrocket when you’re wasting hot water. Together, water heating, water and wastewater costs for a small steady stream of hot water – just a quarter of a gallon per minute – can cost over $200 a month. Keep putting off the repair, and you’ll waste $2,400 in a year.

The cost of the washer needed to repair the leak? Less than 10 cents.

Don’t let your tiny leaks become big problems -- start fixing them today! Start with our Leak Detection Guide , and start saving today!

City of Austin Water Concervation has a great site for varius ideas for you to conserve water. Including 50 Ways to Save Water.

Until Obama has time to make it rain in Texas, I am afraid it is going to be up to us. Give us a call, and we can talk about water saving shower heads, tankless water heaters, dual flush toilets, and recirculation systems that can save us some water!

Radiant Plumbing Service

Your Austin plumber

Austin, Texas

512-263-9988

photos by Marcel Germain, and Garrettc's photostream

Demolition Derby 2009 Sept 19th!

Sarah Casebier — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:02:11 GMT

Radiant Plumbing is reving our engines getting ready for the annual Demolition Derby sponsored by the Spicewood Volunteer Fire Department on September 19th! Come cheer us on! It will be sure to bring the redneck out in you that you never knew existed:)

Here's the scoop:

6 pm at the Spicewood Fire Hall

Highway 71 West at Gregg Ln, Spicewood, TX 78669

From Austin, go West on Highway 71, cross the Pedernales River and go 7 miles to the Spicewood Fire Hall on the left. If you have passed the Exxon station on the right, you just passed it.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for kids and under. Food and drinks available at very reasonable prices.

Come early to get your seats!

The Derby scheduled for the 12th has been rescheduled due to rain to the 19th.

My New Navien Tankless Water Heater

Jack Horner — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:07:27 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!

A couple things to note on these bills. in 2008, we had 3 adults in the house. This year we have 4 adults. We have a significant demand increase, but our bill is 50% less!

May 2008, $27.92. May 2009, $15.85

June 2008, $36.88 June 2009, $18.39

July 2008, $30.89 July 2009, $16.18

August 2008, $25.87 August 2009, $18.06

Jack Horner

512-263-9988

Radiant Plumbing Service

Is Solar Right For You?

Brad Casebier — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:42:47 GMT

The quick answer is hopefully yes :)

If you have done any research, you already know that solar water heaters are the absolute best way to heat your water. We do find that there a few things that can get in the way of you being a good fit for the solar option.

Got Trees? Who would have thought that trees could be a bad thing? When it comes to solar, trees can really get in the way of a solar system being the right thing for you. We also need to take into account young trees that might be growing into your available solar energy.

What about space? The tank that stores all this free hot water is typically an 80 gallon. These things are pretty big. They will need a good 30" minimum amount of space. The typical 40, or 50 gallon water heater can slip into a 24" closet. In a lot of cases we can set the water heater in the garage, and you can use your closet for storage.

If the solar water heater turns out to not be the right thing for you, don't be too sad. We have several other great options for you to consider.

Austin Solar Water Heaters

Brad Casebier — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:06:02 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.

For some reason when people think of solar power, the instantly think of generating electricity. Maybe it's all those calculators you have owned over the years. We call the electric generating systems photovoltaic (PV for short), and water heating systems, Solar Thermal. What should you do? Both would sure be nice, but the first thing you should do is add solar thermal. It will give you your biggest bang for your buck. The return on investment is generally twice as quick on the Solar thermal as it is on a PV system. I would do the solar thermal water heater first, and add PV as my budget allowed.

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 just a few 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

Europe is rolling out the solar

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

KVUE link

Austin Solar Water Heater Providers

Here is an interesting blog article

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1214149085?bctid=27115588001

Will Smith + Toto Toilets = fun

Brad Casebier — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:03:26 GMT

I hate to say "I told you so", but this should prove that this toilet is that awesome! Why not get one? Two for that matter. :)

My Toto Neorest blog review.

Will Smith seems to think that it is pretty cool...

Brad Casebier

Radiant Plumbing Service

Austin Texas

512-263-9988

Schuco Solar Water Heaters

Brad Casebier — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:08:15 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

Radiant Plumbing Service

512-263-9988

Austin, Texas

For a list of companies that can provide City of Austin residents the $2,000.00 rebate click here.

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