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How to find a Carlsbad Plumber

Posted by  on Saturday, September 3rd 2011     

We don’t think about Carlsbad Plumbers until we have an issue. Even small, slow leaks can cause extensive damage and cost a chunk of change on your water bill. Knowing a reputable plumber when we have gallons of water pouring all over the kitchen floor is crucial for all homeowners. Here are 5 “Asks” to finding a reputable Carlsbad Plumber.

Ask your neighbors and friends for recommendations.

Often this is the very best way to find a plumber, as everyone has some  opinion and is usually eager to help. Carlsbad Plumbers that have done a terrific job for your neighbors should do an excellent job for you. Don’t forget to ask about price and cleanliness. If you don’t receive any Carlsbad Plumber recommendations, ask who not to use and why. This should help to narrow down your search. When you call the recommended Carlsbad Plumber, make sure you tell them who recommended them. It’s  a fantastic feeling to know you’ve done such a great job that your customers have recommended you.

Ask for their license number.

Carlsbad Plumbers deal with health and safety issues, like sewage and natural gas. Plumbers have years of training that they go through to learn how to fix and install plumbing fixtures, plumbing and sewer pipes and find water leaks. After these years of training, they must be licensed to work in your Carlsbad home or office. If your Carlsbad Plumber has a license, you can be assured that they’ve passed the California State Plumbing Contractors License test; carry workman’s compensation insurance to cover their employees in case of an injury; are bonded against theft and  have liability insurance in case of damage to your home.

Here’s a link to the California State Contractors License Board to check on the license.

Ask for their insurance.

If the Carlsbad Plumber you chose to complete your repairs is licensed, you can check to see if their liability insurance is current on the CA State Contractors website. If their insurance or workman’s comp insurance isn’t current, you maybe liable if they damage your home or the Carlsbad Plumber gets hurt at your home while they’re working. You want to make sure they have at least $500,000 in liability insurance if something goes wrong with the repairs.

Ask for references.

A reputable Carlsbad Plumber will have satisfied clients that will be happy to talk with you and share their experience.

Ask for a written quote before the work starts.

Make sure the written quote contains an estimate of the number of labor hours needed to complete the repair job. Keep a mental tally of the time the plumber works on your project. Remember to include the time spent purchasing replacement part and traveling to and from the job site.

Ask if the Carlsbad Plumber charges overtime for after hours or weekend repairs.

Not all Carlsbad Plumbers charge those extra fees.

John Stevenson Plumbing is a local family owned and operated Carlsbad plumbing company. We are licensed and bonded in the State of California. We never charge extra for overtime or after hour repairs. Read our reviews on Yelp and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Please call us for references and to schedule an appointment at (760) 452-0702.

John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air
6351 Corte Del Abeto, A-108 Carlsbad, CA, 92011 USA 
 • (760) 452-0702
category: Carlsbad, Plumbing, Plumbing Services
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What Will a Whole House Water Filter do for my Water?

Posted by  on Saturday, July 30th 2011     

Most Americans agree that our water quality is poor at best. In San Diego, our water travels miles and miles to reach us. By the time it gets here, who knows what has gotten into it, dirt, debris, agricultural run off with pesticides & fertilizers, human & animal waste and various other cleaning & manufacturing chemicals. Once it arrives our water goes to a water treatment plant where it’s filtered and treated. Even after being treated, the water comes through our tap still loaded with Chloramines and Chlorine. Chloramines are formed when ammonia is added to chlorine to purify the water. I learned in my high school chemistry class that when one combines ammonia with chlorine bleach  they make a deadly, chlorine gas. This gas is so toxic that it was used in WWI and WWII.

whole-house-water-filter-oceanside-plumber-john-stevenson-2Why do we have these chemicals in our water?  Can they harm us? Chloramines are used as a secondary disinfectant, which means they provide a longer lasting water treatment. The EPA says that Chloramines are safe for use and are closely regulated.  But Chloramines have been linked to an increase in the incidence of cancer, especially bladder cancer. Chlorine is  the same chemical  we use in our pools. Just like in pool water, chlorine can dry out skin and hair and cause rashes and skin irritation.

So what can we do to keep these toxic chemicals out of our bodies?  Install a Pro Systems whole house water filtration unit. These whole house water filters are installed between the main water line and the incoming water pipes. A granulated activated carbon filter is used to reduce and/or remove chlorine and chloramine from the incoming water. When your unfiltered tap water is heated, like in your dish washer, washing machine or shower, the water gives off chlorine vapors. Breathing these vapors has been linked to asthma like symptoms. Once your water has gone through a whole house water filter the chlorine is  reduced or removed altogether. Your water won’t give off the vapors and the chlorine smell of the water is reduced.

When you install a Pro Systems Whole House Water Filter clean, safe water will come from every tap and plumbing fixture in your house. So showers and baths will be chemical free,  and your skin and  hair won’t dry out. Your clothes will have no chemical residue left from the water. They’ll last longer, and colors will stay brighter. Your dishes will be soap scum free. Your plumbing lines, faucets, fixtures, and appliances that use water will last longer and require fewer repairs.  This is because the harsh chemicals that cause corrosion and build up have been reduced.

If, for some reason, the municipal water treatment system broke down or wasn’t filtering efficiently. A whole house water filter would be the only way to clean your water effectively and keep your family from drinking toxic water. To find out more about how whole house water filters work and about Pro Systems whole house water filtration units call Oceanside Plumber, John Stevenson Plumbing at (760) 452-0702.

category: Green, Plumbing
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Why You Need a Whole House Water Filtration Unit

Posted by  on Friday, July 15th 2011     

whole-house-water-filter-oceanside-plumber-john-stevensonThere is a growing concern about the quality of the water we use in our homes. In San Diego, our tap water comes from Northern California and the Colorado River. The water has to travel hundreds of miles before it reaches our local water treatment plants. On it’s way here, our water picks up dirt, agricultural run off which may contain pesticides, animal & human waste and byproducts like bacteria & viruses, minerals and radioactive contaminants. Our water sources are open, and anything can fall into them, that’s why once our water gets here it goes to a water treatment plant.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Public Health have established guidelines to limit the total amount of contaminants found in our drinking water. The government says that our drinking water is safe to drink right from the tap, but 84% of American homes say differently and won’t drink tap water. So what do these households do for clean water? Only 7% of US households use a water filter in their home.

So what are the other 93% using? Expensive and heavy bottled water. Bottle water can only be used for drinking and cooking. What about bathing and washing your clothes?

Your skin is an organ and has the ability to absorb small molecules. That’s why nicotine and birth control patches work. The small amount of contaminates in our tap water, like chlorine, may, over time, be absorbed through the skin. To eliminate these chemicals and reduce the impact they have on our bodies and health, you may want to look at having a whole house water filter installed in your home.

You’ll see an immediate difference in your water from your whole house water filter. Because it’s filtering out the contaminants and chemicals that dry and damage, your hair and skin will be soft and moist. You’ll find yourself using less moisturizer and conditioner, and you’ll save money. Your skin won’t break out due to allergic reactions to the horrible water quality.

Your clothes will be softer, and you’ll use less fabric softener. Due to the fact that you’re not chemically processing your clothes every time you wash them, they may last longer. Your dishes will be chemical free and soap scum will be reduced. Your food will taste better without the added chemicals.

John Stevenson Plumbing is proud to offer Pro Systems whole house water filtration units. Call (760) 452-0702 to more information or to schedule an appointment.

category: Green, Plumbing, Plumbing Services
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What is Hydro Jet Drain Cleaning?

Posted by  on Wednesday, June 15th 2011     

Every home has a central line that empties all the drains in the house into the sewer. Just like your sink, tub and toilet drains gets clogged with hair and food debris; your main drain line can clog  too. That debris can turn into a grease sludge, which can’t be easily removed. Your plumber can “snake” your drain and if the clog comes back within 6 months, you probably need to get your drains hydro jet cleaned. A “snake” can break through grease, but a “snake” won’t remove the grease, so your drain won’t clog again.

oceanside-vista-rancho-santa-fe-hydro-jet-drain-cleaningWhat does a plumber do when they hydro jet clean your drain? The hydro jet drain cleaning device is mounted in our truck. The machine pressurizes the water to about 4000 pounds per square inch (psi) of water.  We run a high pressure hose with a special nozzle attached that scours the inside of the drain lines. The cleaning nozzle slowly breaks down and emulsifies the grease and clog, so it can drain into the sewer. The water cleans the entire diameter of the pipe, leaving your drain lines as clear as when they were first installed. Short of replacement, there is no better way to get your pipes flowing freely.

Hydro jetting works on all types of clogs, like hair, food sludge, grease and roots. Most homes can benefit from a once a year hydro jet cleaning. An apartment building may require more frequent cleaning, due to more people using the main drain line. With all the grease build up restaurants and professional kitchens can benefit from hydro jetting once every 3 months.

Call Carlsbad plumber John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, at (760) 452-0702 any day of the week to arrange plumbing service and drain cleaning. We’ll blast through any sewer drain clog quickly.

category: Drain Cleaning, Plumbing, Plumbing Services
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Here Comes Summer! Get Your Plumbing Ready…

Posted by  on Thursday, June 9th 2011     

With the warm weather, you’ll be using your sprinklers more. Summer is an excellent time for your annual plumbing inspection and maintenance. You’ll have a lot of extra demand on your plumbing during the summer when water use is the highest. The kids will be home from school during the day, so the toilet will be flushing more, and your sprinklers will be running more. Here are some tips for DIY summer plumbing maintenance.

vista-oceanside-carlsbad-plumberGrass grows faster during the summer, so you’ll need to mow. Sprinkler heads have a tendency to get clogged with dirt and grass. Cleaning and maintaining sprinkler heads will help keep them from getting stuck and broken. Keep a supply of extra sprinkler heads, just in case of emergency.

Toilets are flushed more  during the summer than other times of the year. Because the kids are home from school, and you may have out of town visitors. With more paper being flushed, your toilet has more chance of being clogged. You can fish out the extra toilet paper with a wire hanger and then push the rest of the clog through the pipes with a plunger. If that doesn’t work, you’ll probably need to call in a professional like John Stevenson, Oceanside Plumber.

When a house is built there is a main drain that runs out to the septic system or sewer. All of the water and waste that comes out of your home goes out this one, main drain. Look around the outside of your home for the “clean out” pipe. It will usually have a cap on the pipe and be next to a sink. This will be your access to your main plumbing. You’ll want to open it and clean out any debris that has accumulated inside.

In your yard, tree roots can cause havoc. It’s astonishing how they can grow into the sewer pipes. If your lawn is squishy and muddy or if your water pressure is low, you may have some issues with a clogged sewer pipe. These types of  problems can be terribly complicated. If you think you have some of these types of issues with your plumbing, it may be best to call a professional, like John Stevenson Oceanside Plumber. Don’t wait too long, the damages may get worse and the costs of fixing the issue, sky rocket.

Check for any dripping water and puddles of water. Check your sewer/septic system. If you smell anything bad or if you see any standing water, it maybe time to call in a professional.

Some summer plumbing issues may be easy to deal with yourself. Some may require the assistance of a professional plumber like John Stevenson, Oceanside Plumber.

category: Plumbing
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How to Choose a New Bathroom Faucet

Posted by  on Friday, June 3rd 2011     

This may sound like a simple chore, but there are quite a few factors to take into consideration.

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Single handle faucet

Who will be using the faucet? Your kids, Grandma and Grandpa? Should you get a single handle faucet or a two handle faucet?

  • Single handle faucets are easier for little hands and arthritic hands to use.
  • Single handle faucets have less moving parts to fail, so less water leaks.
  • Single handled faucets are stylish and modern looking.
  • Double handled faucets give you better water temperature control and therefore are less likely to cause accidental scalding.
  • Double handled faucets give you better water flow control.
  • Double handled faucets can be more stylish than single handled faucets.
double-handled-lavatory-faucet-john-stevenson-oceanside-plumber

High Spout Double Handled Lavatory Faucet

How will the faucet be used? Will the kids be filling up cups with water at night?

  • High spout bathroom faucets have room to wash hands and for water cups to fit underneath.
  • High spout bathroom faucets may cause water to splash back on the sink and mirror.
  • Low spout bathroom faucets may keep splash back and cleaning to minimum.

What is the style of the bathroom?

  • Double handled faucets come in a variety of styles and finishes.
  • Single handled faucets have modern and sleek styling.
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Single Handle Bathroom Faucet

What is the most durable faucet?

  • Brass is the best metal to make faucets from. Most of the highest quality faucets are made from solid brass.
  • Compression valve faucets – These have a screw type mechanism with rubber washers to stop the flow of water. These faucets wear easily and require more maintenance than the other types of faucets.
  • Ball valves – Single handled faucets use these valves to mix the hot and cold water.
  • Cartridge valve – These have two “sleeves” that fit into each other to restrict the flow of water. They have seals that can wear out and need replacement.
  • Ceramic disc faucet valves – The 2 ceramic discs control the flow of water. These are the most durable and longest lasting types of faucets.
brass-faucet-john-stevenson-plumber-oceanside

Brass Finish Bathroom Faucet

What color and type of finish do you want?

  • PVD finish – This is the most durable and scratch resistant type of finish. This finish comes in several colors, stainless steel, brass and nickel to name a few.
  • Plating – This is usually chrome plating over brass. This finish is durable and long lasting.
  • ‘Hand rubbed bronze’ or ‘oil rubbed bronze’ – These don’t have any type of protective sealant and will age and develop a patina.
  • Darker finishes can show spots and finish residue.

How large is your sink? Make sure that your sink and faucet are in proportion to each other.

Do you need an ADA compliant faucet? These are single handled faucets which don’t require you to grasp or twist the faucet. These types of faucets are great for small children and people with arthritis.

category: Plumbing
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June Bathroom Faucet Special

Posted by  on Wednesday, June 1st 2011     

wolverine-brass-finale-lavatory-faucet-john-stevenson-oceanside-plumber

Wolverine Brass- Finale Lavatory Faucet

Faucet and installation for $375

Does your bathroom faucet have that constant drip, drip, drip?

Is your bathroom faucet finish peeling and flaking?

Are you planing on remodeling your bathroom?

For the month of June, John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has Wolverine Brass single handle professional grade lavatory faucets on special.

wolverine-faucets-john-stevenson-plumbing-oceanside

Quality Solid Cast Brass Body and Machined Rod Brass Shanks

Wolverine Brass has been in business for 114 years. They’re an American company, and all of their products are made in America. These high-quality faucets have solid cast brass bodies and shanks. The spout and pop-up is also solid brass. (The pop-up is the handle that you pull to raise and lower the drain stopper.)

These faucets use a 35mm ceramic disc cartridge valve to stop the water flow. (Ceramic disc cartridges are preferred because they are extremely durable, virtually maintenance free and hardly ever wear out.) There is a 100 year cartridge warranty on the faucet. If, for any reason, the cartridge goes bad in the next 100 years Wolverine Brass will replace it for free.

They have a 2.2 gpm energy saving aerator, which means it saves water. They’re American Disability Act (ADA) compliant. Even if you have arthritis or limited use of your hands, you can still use this faucet. It’s NSF-61 compliant, so you can drink the water that comes from your bathroom faucet. Best of all this faucet was made in the USA.

Call (760) 452-0702 to schedule your Wolverine Brass lavatory faucet installation today.

category: Plumbing, Plumbing Services
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An Environmentally Friendly Way to Unclog Your Drain

Posted by  on Thursday, May 26th 2011     

Most slow drains are usually caused by hair and soap scum. Here is an environmentally friendly way to clear that clogged drain with hot water. The trick with this method is for the water to be hot enough, but not too hot.

1. Let the water drain completely. This will probably take some time. But the less water between you and the clog the better this method will work.

2. Fill a large pan with water. Make sure that it’s not more water than the fixture can handle without overflowing. (A fixture overflowing with hot water isn’t good.) Bring the water to a near boil you want the water to be the temperature of a nice cup of tea, about 165° to 180°. (Pouring boiling water down a drain is very dangerous for you and your pipes!)

3. Pour the hot water down the drain from about 3 to 4 ft above the drain. (The extra pressure from the height of the water will help to clear the drain.)

4. This may not immediately clear the drain. It may take some time for the hot water to work it’s magic. If, in thirty minutes the drain isn’t cleared, try this method one more time. If this second attempt doesn’t clear the clog in the drain, you’ll need to call a licensed, bonded plumber to clear the clogged drain.

Call John Stevenson, Oceanside Plumber to clear your drains. His service is fast and reliable and there’s no overtime charge for after hours calls. (760) 452-0702

category: Drain Cleaning, Plumbing, Plumbing Services
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How to Conserve Water with your Plumbing Fixtures

Posted by  on Tuesday, May 24th 2011     

Even small changes will have a huge impact when it comes to conserving water. You could save a significant amount of money every month by making a few simple changes and being more efficient in your water usage.

Your bathroom is the easiest and best place to conserve water. Your toilet uses nearly 30% of the water used in your home. If your toilet was manufactured before 1994, your toilet is probably pretty inefficient. New toilets can use as little as 1.3 gallons of water as compared to the 7 gallons of water a standard toilet uses. That’s a savings of 5.7 gallons per flush! If you flush your toilet 16 times a day, using a new ultra low flush toilet you’ll save 91.2 gallons a day or 2,736 gallons a month or  32,832 gallons of water a year! If just 1/4th of the households in Oceanside replaced their pre-1994 toilets with the new ultra low flush toilets we’d have a total water savings of  463,653,504 gallons of water a year! If the new ultra low flush toilets were used across the country we’d save close to 2 billions of water a day! You may have to spend some money for the new toilet fixtures, but you’ll make up the money on your new lower water bills, especially with the upcoming water cost increase in Oceanside, CA.

Your sinks use about 15% of your home water use. New faucets with aerators are water efficient and will help you save water and money. These new faucets will reduce water flow by 30% without sacrificing performance. Turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth will help conserve 3,000 gallons a year.

By reducing our water usage, we’ll also reduce the energy that it takes to treat public water supplies and the energy to supply water to the homes. By reducing our water usage, we could save about 100 million kilowatts of electricity per year, which will supply 43,000 homes with electricity for a month. All without building new power plants or using fossil fuels.

To find out more about the new ultra low flush toilets call John Stevenson Plumbing at (760) 452-0702.

category: Green, Plumbing
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Save Money With Preventive Plumbing Maintenance

Posted by  on Thursday, May 12th 2011     

Spring is a great time for cleaning and taking care of those little, nagging chores that just seem to linger. Here are some quick and easy maintenance tips to keep your plumbing in tip top shape.

Faucets – At the tip of each faucet is an aerator. Screw off the aerator. Rinse the screen, the washer and the aerator housing in water to clean them. If you have really stubborn lime build up, soak in vinegar for an hour and use an old toothbrush to loosen and remove the scale.

Toilets – Check the flapper in the toilet tank for cracks and wear. If the rubber looks cracked at all, you may want to replace it. A cracked and worn out flapper equals leaks and higher water bills. Check around the toilet base for leaks. Catching leaks early will save you money. To find out more about how to check for water leaks read, “How To Determine If You Have A Water Leak”.

Drains – Hair is the most common item in clogged drains. The easiest way to keep hair from clogging your sink is to purchase a hair screen to place in your drains. These catch the hair before it goes down the drain and makes trouble. The best way to maintain your drain is to keep clogs from happening. To find out more about keeping your drains clog free read, “Advice From A Plumber: How To Keep Your Drain Clog Free”.

Water Heater – Watch the outside of your water heater for small leaks. Water leaks start as small pin holes and progress and get larger. As you use your water heater, it will have lime and scale build up in the tank. To keep your tank running at optimum efficiency you’ll need to drain it and clean it at least once a year. You need to check the the release valve to make sure it’s working properly.

These are all tasks that you can perform yourself, but you may want to hire Oceanside Plumber, John Stevenson to come out and do these tasks for you. Give him a call at (760) 452-0702.

category: Drain Cleaning, Plumbing, Plumbing Services, Water Heaters
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