Posts Tagged ‘water’

DIY: Plumbing Holiday Decor

December 16, 2011 in DIY | Comments (0)

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Today’s Do It Yourself Project is a Holiday Wreath.. and it happens to be made with plumbing materials! If you’re looking for one of a kind holiday decor or just a fun holiday do it yourself project then this is for you! Most of these things you can either find lying around your house, tucked into holiday decoration boxes in your garage or pick up at the store for under ten dollars.
Click HERE for some Christmas music while you CRAFT!

The Square Christmas wreath is assembled out of:

    5 – 6 feet of thick garland or 12 feet of cheap, sparse garland (double up the cheap stuff)

    66 inches of 1/2 ” plastic plumbing pipe

    4, 1/2″ 90° plastic elbows

      (The plastic pipe will run you about $5
      and the elbows around 50 ¢ each.)

    Twist ties

    Holiday Decor add on’s (pinecones, glittery leaves, feathers, etc.)

    Mini lights

First start with the piping. Cut your plastic pipe to 4 lengths of 16.5 (if you don’t have the tools to do this at home you can have the hardware store cut them for you)

Then insert the pipe into your 4 elbows

After you connect all the pieces you should have a square frame for your wreath.

Next you’ll need your garland. We took the traditional green, but feel free to experiment with glitter garlands or even feather boas if you plan on using it for inside holiday decor in a kids room. You can even skip a step by getting garland that already has lights woven in. (But technically your garland should not have the lights on it at this point so that the lights are easier to replace if broken later on) Next, lay your garland around your frame. Remember you can double up on the garland if needed!

After you lay the garland around the frame, attach it to the plastic frame with wire. Twist ties work best because they’re pre-cut and fairly inexpensive. Do this all around the wreath until all of the garland is secured.

From here, all you have left is to add the lights (if your garland didn’t come with them) and your add on holiday do-dads.

    TIP: It’s easier if you hang the wreath up to do this. That way you can see exactly how it’s going to look. You can hang it with an old wreath hanger or pick one up at the dollar store.

NOW you can put your mini lights on. Instead of running them around and around the wreath, lay the lights on top in a zig zag fashion. That way if your lights need to be replaced you can easily remove them.

Once the lights are on you can add in your birch twigs, leaves and pinecones. To attach the pinecones, just hook some wire around the pinecone and then tie it to the wreath.

You can also pick up wreath add ons at your local super store or craft store for a few dollars that already have wire ties attached to them.

The best thing about making your own wreath is you can reposition things if they don’t look good. You can also reuse the base year after year, and just switching out the add ons if you want!

And then for the final product….TADA!

A huge thanks to Theartofdoingstuff.com for today’s inspiration!


Pressure Up!

October 13, 2011 in Pipe Leaks,Plumbing,Water | Comments (0)

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When you’re stressed sometimes water can be the best relief. Whether it’s swimming, hot showers or just a bubble bath.

However, too many of those high-pressure showers and you could end up paying for more than the increase in your water bill.

Water flows throughout your house because of water pressure. Too much pressure and the faucets can actually begin to wear down, leading to leaky valves and dripping faucets.

You may even have this problem in your home now and have thought:

“Well, it’s just a small drip… how much water can a little drip like this really waste?”

And you’re right. A single drip from a single faucet won’t waste much water.

But did you know roughly 3,000 little drips could equal a whole liter of wasted water and about 15,000 of them could equal a gallon?

Sure you’re probably thinking – “Now that’s a lot of drips! There’s no way my little problem could turn into THAT!”

But think about every faucet in your home dripping a little bit all day long. Soon those little drips would add up. Not to mention if you don’t fix the pipes that those drips are dropping from you could soon end up with an unexpected flood from even the smallest of cracks in the piping.

So now maybe you’re wondering…

“Well how do I make sure this doesn’t happen to me?”

The answer to that is simple! Just make sure to check your water pressure on a regular basis! You can learn how to check your pressure by follow these easy steps:

1)   Purchase a water pressure test gauge from a local home supply store.

2)   Attach the gauge to an outside water faucet and turn it on fully. Then, look for a reading between _____ psi and _____ psi for the Phoenix area, but that range could different depending on where you’re from.

The easiest way to find out what your gauge should be reading is to check with a local plumber, likeBenjamin Franklin Plumbing, or with your town’s local water department.

3)   Then check the water pressure inside your house by attaching the gauge to your bathroom shower, kitchen or bathroom sink. You will want to make sure to test the pressure any where water runs to make sure enough water is reaching every faucet and that there are no leaks!

As always please feel free to call your local Benjamin Franklin Plumber at 602-903-1111  with any questions or concerns or to book your next appointment! Remember if there is any delay it’s you we pay!


Renovations: Bathroom Showers

July 12, 2011 in New Fixtures,Plumbing,Uncategorized | Comments (1)

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As we discuss bathroom renovations one of the leading renovations that comes to mind is with the shower or bathtub.  However, even though the shower is one of the leading bathroom renovations, it is usually only a simple renovation of the showerhead fixture.

But if you are looking for a new showerhead consider one that gives you options… even if it is just two options between a rainfall or a waterfall

When it comes to renovations, most people are unaware how a shower, bathtub or even the combination of the two can be the definition of your bathroom and just how much you can actually do to renovate it.

First you must decide:

Are you renovating a shower or a bathtub?

If you a renovating a bathtub consider what material you would like to have your tub made out of. With customized homes come more options of a customized bathroom in which homeowners usually have more flexibility with design options.

However, you still have plenty of bathtub options that only vary depending on the size of the room you are fitting the tub in.

Your bathtub has the ability to fully define the room. Whether your bathtub is customized by you, or a designer the options for patterns and material are endless.

Technology has given us the ability to put a modern take on the shower bathtub duo.

But if you are looking for just a Shower Renovation…

Start with something like this..

and finish with something like this…

You can also try going green by installing a shower that is water conscious.

The Shower Brake is a water controller that designates an amount of water (when pushed up) that is sufficient for most showers. The controller descends while you shower to let you know how much water you’ve used.

Then there are also the shower options that are without plumbing…

The pocket shower easily folds up so you can take it on the go!

If your ready for a change in your Bathroom shower or tub area, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can help you come up with just the right update for you!

Contact us today for a free estimate when mentioning this blog, call 602-485-111 or click www.benfranklinplumbingaz.com to make an online appointment.

 


Renovations: Bathroom Sinks

July 8, 2011 in Plumbing,Uncategorized,Water,drains and sinks | Comments (1)

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Summer is a perfect time for home renovations. Whether you simply come up with the ideas and hire a trusted professional to install the renovations, or decide to make it a do it yourself project, either way, there are endless possibilities.

Over the next few days we will be discussing bathroom renovations from showers, sinks and even toilets, highlighting the top and over the top trends to make your bathroom one of a kind.

Whether you decide to fully renovate your sink, including what the sink dish resides in or just decide to switch the faucets there are several options for any bathroom theme.

A bathroom sink renovation could involve fully replacing the sink bowl or in the form of a do it yourself project you re-design the outside shell of the sink by painting it or using a graphic sticker.

The most popular form of sinks in bathroom design is a vessel sink. Offered in many materials, shapes and colors your vessel sink can either be the key accent piece or a complementary and charming accent to whatever theme you may decide.

If you would like to go fully modern, try an unusual shape for your vessel sink. For a list of the different materials offered in the form of a vessel sink look here.

If you want to start renovations with a small change to your bathroom, start by renovating your faucet. Switching to a sleek and modern silver design like the one above will make a noticeable difference in how you feel about your bathroom, whether it be a master bathroom or a hallway half bath.

If you want to try something fun and unusual when it comes to accent colors, try colors in an LED light. These one of a kind sinks are sure to be an eye-catcher for any guest and will be sure to keep your kids entertained.

Then of course there are also the bathroom renovations that to some are considered over the top

but can truly bring your bathroom theme to the next level.

So whether you choose to begin with bold…

…or subtle differences to your bathroom…

Or decide to take on an entire renovation be sure to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, your guide to a flawless installation.


How much are you really watering your plants?

July 5, 2011 in Uncategorized,drains and sinks | Comments (1)

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A leading problem when it comes to water flow actually occurs outside of the home. Although it’s hard to believe, tree roots are actually one of the leading causes behind clogged or broken sewer lines.

Tree roots usually navigate towards nutrients, which the pipes carrying sewage out of your home are full of.

Although most homes nowadays are built with plastic PVC or ABS pipes with glued joints for sewer drains, older homes in the Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa or Scottsdale area were built with sewer drains made of clay or orangeburg, a cardboard type pipe. The PVC or ABS pipes are more industrious and can tolerate the outside pressures that a tree root may exert.

With clay or orangeburg pipes, over time the clay or cardboard type pipe ages or the ground shifts and settles degrading the pipes in the process. If the older pipes even have a slight crack the roots of the tree can find their way in. Once inside the tree roots will grow thick and spread out eventually clogging your drain by their mass or the debris that is caught in the roots disposed from the home.  A complete blockage of the pipes will occur if it goes unchecked and eventually the pipes will completely break apart.

This current photo from a home here in Tempe that had continued problems with their drains backing up, until one day, the pipe just could not drain anymore, the roots took over completely.

So as we move into the hottest months of the year we urge homeowners to contact their local plumber as each homeowner is responsible for maintaining their sewer pipes. Remember even though the pipe is buried and out of sight, does not mean there is not a problem so make sure you schedule a regular cleaning and catch any problem before it’s too late.

  • SAVE TODAY-MENTION THIS DRAIN BLOG WHEN BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT AND RECIEVE A FREE DRAIN CAMERA AND LOCATE WITH ANY OTHER PLUMBING SERVICE COMPLETED, A $200.00 value, not to be combined with any other discounts or specials, expires 09/30/11.


Independence Day

July 1, 2011 in Pipe Leaks,Uncategorized | Comments (0)

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Known as the Fourth of July, we celebrate the declaration of our independence from Great Britain.

Whether you are celebrating the history and traditions of the United States or attending festivals and parades make sure you take advantage of the Independence Day plumbing specials from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naiH5_o_hxU[/youtube]


Rust Never Sleeps

June 29, 2011 in Plumbing,Uncategorized,drains and sinks | Comments (6)

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All plumbing, just like a home itself, needs repairing with age.


As water pipes age they become weaker and the chance of a crack is greater, leaving you as a homeowner with the uncertainty of how much damage even a small leak could cause.

Today, water is still mostly transported in metallic pipes or systems, especially in older homes.  Homes with these galvanized iron water supply lines eventually clog with deposits, or become brittle and prone to fractures. With these pipes, the simpler the iron, the greater the risk of corrosion resulting in lower water pressure.

Pipes can corrode because of age or even by wear and tear from natural elements like a mixture of soil and water. The combination of the two will wear against the exterior of the pipes eventually making its way into the pipe itself. This not only leaves the pipe weakened but can also affect both your water supply and your wallet if the pipes crack and burst. The easiest way to check for corrosion with Iron is in the form of rust.

Another thing that could affect your water pipes is water pressure.

Weakened pipes can cause low water pressure, but a problem within your water pump could actually have the opposite effect, building too much pressure in your pipes causing them to rupture.

So take the proper precautions to make sure that your pipes are clog free, crack free and at a well-balanced water pressure. Working at a fast and efficient pace, we will make sure your pipes are properly working. If you need a replacement we will make sure to install high quality pipes, checking that the joints are tight and sealed properly. So make sure to have regular checks by your trusted plumber, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing who in the case of an emergency will make repairs, clean ups and restoration easy and stress free.


Preparing Your Home for Vacation to Make Sure Small Leaks Don’tTurn into Floods

June 21, 2011 in Community,Pipe Leaks,Plumbing,drains and sinks,water heater | Comments (6)

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Water damage is one of the most common and costly disasters affecting U.S. residences and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Punctual Plumber is on a mission to teach homeowners what they need to know about getting their homes vacation ready. Avoiding water damage is possible with the right preparation. As more Arizonans’ take to the road and the sky this vacation season my goal is for every homeowner to come back to their home and plumbing exactly how they left it – in working condition. Cracks in pipes as small as 1/8-inch can release up 250 gallons of water per day.

  • According to the National Flood Insurance Program a 1,000 square foot home with just one inch of standing water will cost the resident more than $10,000 in damages.
  • The cost doubles to $20,000 in damages with six inches of standing water.  
  •  In fact, according to theChubb Insurance Corporation 37% of all homeowners claim they have experienced losses due to water damage.  The Insurance Information Institute has said these homeowners and renters accounts for billions of dollars in losses annually.

It’s imperative to check the plumbing around the home before leaving for vacation. If they aren’t careful homeowners can return from their vacation to their very own exotic plumbing adventure.  There are several simple proactive things each homeowner can do to prepare and protect their homes for vacation. 

Here are my top 10 plumbing tips before leaving for a weekend getaway or a six month excursion:

Linda Stanfield showing ABC 15 Smart Family how to use the main shut off valve.

  1. Turn off the main valve to the plumbing system. Make sure the valve is properly working before walking away.  There will still be water in the system, but no new water will enter into the system while you’re gone. Only turn it off if nothing around your home needs water, such as pool fills or pumps that need water while you’re away.
  2. If homeowners can’t turn off the main valve: shut off individual valves under your sinks, behind the toilets, at the Reverse Osmosis unit, behind the refrigerator and behind the washing machine. Only turn off the valves that are in good working order.
  3. Even if the main shut off valve was used, be sure no valves or supply lines are wet or leaking before leaving by checking under each sink and toilet in the home.
  4. If there is plumbing behind the refrigerator, pull it out. Check to make sure nothing is wet or corroded behind the refrigerator.
  5. Look around both the homes water heater and softener for wetness and leaks. Each has their own shut off valves that can be used to lessen the chance of water damage.
  6. If the water heater is in good condition, turn the thermostat to vacation on a gas heater. On an electric heater turn the breaker off at the main electrical breaker box. This will avoid wasting energy for heating water while away.
  7. Add water to all drains, and BioBen, before leaving to keep them wet and will help avoid returning to odors.
  8. Walk around the outside of the home make sure nothing is leaking outside before leaving.
  9. Homes with drinking water systems, especially older systems, need to be careful of any cracks in the line. Cracks turn into breaks. Breaks are often the culprit causing water damage in many homes. Some systems can be turned off individually at the valve under the sink to lessen the possibility water damage.
  10. If the homeowner is going to be away for an extended period of time, ask a neighbor to stop in and walk around the home to check that nothing has broken or continues to run while away.

I know these tips are fairly common, but I also know that if they’re not followed they can cause serious damage and cost upwards of $5,000. When they are followed these simple tips will protect homes and provide the owners with a little extra peace of mind while away.

For more information about Benjamin Franklin, The Punctual Plumber   please visit: http://www.benfranklinplumbingaz.com/ or call 602-485-1111.

Follow these tips to avoid returning from vacation to water damage.


So many Bottles…

June 10, 2011 in Water | Comments (1)

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Take a second to think about how many plastic bottles you may have used this week. How many do you think you’ve used this year? Now out of all of those bottles.. how many did you recycle?

The United States alone consumes over billions of bottles each year. This video is from 2005 — where the US had consumed an estimated 30 billion water bottles.. and only 12 percent of them were recycled. The numbers have only gotten increasingly worse despite many recycling campaigns nation wide.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZbTXDkrD1o&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

So make sure if you are going to drink from a plastic bottle to go one extra step when you’re done with the bottle and recycle it! Or you could always consider reusable bottles and save both your own time and money — not to mention planet earth! :)

Using re-usable plastic bottles or metal bottles for those who want to stay away from plastic all together is the better solution all around. For a usually cheap one time payment, you can find a bottle that you can take with you on the go and refill for free any where. With a range in sizes, colors and options there is a perfect bottle for everyone, even the humanitarians who would like recycled bottles or bottles that give back to charities. Some options are insulated, keeping your water cold and fresh, some even come with a built in filter.

Here are our Top Suggestions:

  • Intak by Thermos Beverage Bottle, 24-ounce ($11)

If you are an athlete or just looking for an easy bottle to open on the go then this is the bottle for you!

“A plastic lid covers the top and pops open with the press of a button, making it easy to use with one hand. A rotating intake meter even helps you count how many times you’ve refilled your bottle each day.”

  • Product Architects Inc. Polar Bottle, 20-ounce ($11) or 24-ounce ($12)

Although these aren’t the most fashion forward bottles, their lightweight, spill-proof capabilities definitely makes up for it.

“They’re easy to grab, thanks to contoured grips and a plastic loop around the bottle top makes them easy to carry.”


  • FuelBelt 22-ounce Bottle ($4)

Are you looking for something you can easily store anywhere? If these bottles small size doesn’t sell you then their price surly will.

These small bottles, sold in sets of two or four, are made from polyethylene, a plastic that is manufactured without BPA.

You can buy the bottles and a belt that they can connect to. The belts, sold separately ($32 to $45), hold from two to six bottles — enough to keep you hydrated during the lengthiest walk.


  • Britta Bottle – 10 dollars

How about filtered drinking water to go?

“Now you can get great-tasting water on the go, without the cost and waste of bottled water. Just reach for the reusable, BPA-free Brita® Bottle, available in blue and green. It filters ordinary tap water as you drink and reduces chlorine taste and odor1 to make tap water taste clean and refreshing.”

This 20 oz. reusable bottle contains a filter that not only provides you with safe drinking water on the go, but also can replace the use of over 150 plastic bottles. The bottle itself is also recyclable .

Humanitarian Water Bottles

  • The Mosaic Project

“The Mosaic Project embodies the most important work to be done today. Too often we burden our youth with the responsibility of fixing our mistakes. The Mosaic Project empowers children to create peace now, build communities across differences, and break down stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination.”

http://brettdennen.net/mosaic-project/

http://mosaicproject.org/

“The Mosaic Project® works towards a peaceful future by reaching children in their formative years. Our principal program is a unique outdoor school in which we unite 4th and 5th graders of diverse backgrounds, provide them with essential skills to thrive in an increasingly diverse society, and empower them to strive for peace. We create a microcosm of the diverse, inclusive, just world we want to see and show our young students that peace is possible. Unlike any other organization of which we are aware, The Mosaic Project profoundly reaches children in elementary school before prejudice becomes entrenched. Over the last 10 years, we have served over 5,600 4th and 5th graders in our Outdoor School. In addition we have served over 900 high-school and college students through our Youth Leadership Project, over 11,000 students through our In-School Project and over 1,000 adults through our professional development trainings. Our participants have been profoundly affected by our programs.”


  • Klean Kanteen

Looking to support an array of causes?

Try Klean Kanteen and support some of their official partners: The Breast Cancer Fund, Green Mountain Energy CompanyHealthy Child Healthy World and NatureBridge.

http://www.kleankanteen.com/friends/friends.php

“Every social change, every movement, every step toward a better tomorrow takes shape when people come together and work toward a common goal. Together we are able to accomplish far more than we ever could on our own.”

Klean Kanteen® is also a member of Green America and 1% For The Planet, donating a minimum of 1% of our gross annual sales to the environmental conservation and education efforts of nonprofit organizations including our official partners and other organizations such the Environmental Working Group, Natural Resources Defense Council and Surfrider Foundation.


  • Charity Water – The Thermos Hydration Bottle.

How about supporting a company who will provide clean and safe drinking water for people in developing countries for every water bottle you chose?

“Our friends at Thermos created and donated this educational Thermos Hydration Bottle. Each bottle provides clean, safe drinking water for two people and has facts about the water issue.”

Thermax® double wall vacuum insulation keeps contents cold for up to 12 hours. The BPA-free unbreakable stainless steel interior and exterior. The push button lid with pop-up straw also makes this bottle very easy to use!


Water Bottles Can Be The Way To Go:

June 8, 2011 in Uncategorized,Water | Comments (6)

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In our current generation, we appreciate being able to take things on the go. Cheap and convenient is the motto most of our society lives by. That motto combined with the heat of summer means you’re going to want to stay hydrated as quick and easy as possible… Which usually means grabbing a water bottle.

Well there is nothing wrong with wanting to take your water on the go, in the form of a water bottle, just make sure you are making the right choice with what bottle you choose.

Most people choose to buy a package of plastic water bottles at a grocery store, seeing only the overall price and amount of bottles you get for that low price, instead of realizing that not only is it costing you more in the long run but it is also costing your planet more.

Watch this quick video on the story of bottled water, you may be surprised with what it really means when you buy that 24-pack of water filled plastic at the grocery store or a quick bottle from a vending machine.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se12y9hSOM0[/youtube]

We have come up with a few alternatives to help you still get your water on the go….

Other Ideas are Filters – Here are our Top Suggestions:

1) Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water & Ice System- Which can produce tens of gallons of delicious quality water daily at a low cost and convenience of no handling of water jugs and heavy boxes.

2) Simple Harmony Drinking Water- Which produces delicious quality water with no waste discharge.

3) Whole House Filter- Which removes chlorine and other contaminants throughout the entire home water system.