Did you know that water heating is the second largest energy user in your home? This is one of the reasons you should be very careful in selecting the right water heating solution. When changing out an old water heater, or simply selecting a new one, there are a few factors to consider:

• Quality
• Fuel source (gas, oil, solar, electric)
• Price & Operating costs
• Size (point of use, tankless, storage tanks)
• Repair cost & Part availability
• Available features (modulation & sediment build up protection)

Water Heater manufactures Boss Plumbing uses:

American Water Heater

Several reasons for American Water Heater’s exceptional durability: First they use all stainless steel in manufacturing the base. Also, the drain valve and the relieve valve are both made of 100% brass which makes them very durable and impervious to rust and other corrosives. American Water Heater has been at the forefront of many energy-saving innovations now common in all water heaters. Recent successes in the development of safer, more energy-efficient, water heater products have firmly establishes American Water heater as the industry’s best for safe, reliable, low-cost hot water.

Bradford White

Bradford White manufactures oil fired water heaters and electric water heaters for both commercial establishments and residential purposes. Bradford White is committed to research and development thus making the latest technology with the utmost safety. With a long and successful history dating back to 1881, Bradford White today is one of the most technologically advanced manufacturers of water heating, space heating, combination heating, and water storage products in the world.

Tagaki

When it comes to tankless water heaters, Takagi is one of the high-end quality water heaters you may be looking for. Takagi, as one of the first tankless water heater companies to enter the Northern American market just over 15 years ago and over a half century in japan, they’ve earned the reputation for developing superior tankless technology. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Takagi is constantly creating new technology to keep up with customer’s ever-changing hot water needs. From conceptual design to production, Takagi ensures consistent quality and performance at a great price.

Everyone knows that the garbage disposal is a great appliance that makes household duties less demanding. If not operated or maintained properly, a garbage disposal can easily break down, block and clog the drains and cause a long list of expensive plumbing and drain nightmares. Clogged drains are a major inconvenience and garbage disposer repair can be a costly proposition. Fortunately, most garbage disposal troubles are completely unnecessary, and garbage disposal care and maintenance is extremely easy. Treat your garbage disposal well, and it will treat you well in return. A great way to avoid needing garbage disposal repairs is by using ice. Ice is an extremely effective and inexpensive method for cleaning your garbage disposal, sharpening the blades and breaking up any grease build-up which has accumulated. Just toss a few ice cubes into the garbage disposal and turn the switch on. As the garbage disposal chops into the ice cubes, the ice chips will effectively scour all the hard to reach areas of the unit, and melt down the drain. Try this once or twice a month to avoid needing garbage disposal repairs and keep it in fine working order.

Garbage Disposal Do’s:

• Do keep your garbage disposal clean. Pour a little dish soap inside and let the garbage disposal run for a minute or so with some cold water after washing dishes.
• Do run your garbage disposal regularly. Frequent use prevents rust and corrosion, assures that all parts stay moving and prevents obstructions from accumulating.
• Do grind food waste w/ a strong flow of cold water. Why cold water? It will cause any grease or oils that may get into the unit to solidify, so that they can be chopped up before reaching the trap.
• Do grind certain hard materials such as small chicken and fish bones, egg shells, small fruit pits, etc. A scouring action is created by these particles inside the grind chamber that cleans the garbage disposal’s walls.
• Do grind peelings from citrus fruits such as lemons or oranges to freshen up drain smells.
• Do cut large items into smaller pieces. Put them into the garbage disposal one at a time instead of trying to shove a large amount in at once.

Garbage Disposal Don’ts:

The most important rule of thumb: Don’t Put Anything In The Garbage Disposal That Is Not Biodegradable Food. A garbage disposal is for food scraps only! Non food items can damage both blades and the motor. When in doubt, throw it out!

• Don’t grind glass, plastic, metal or even paper. 
• Don’t grind anything combustible.
• Don’t grind cigarette butts
• Don’t pour grease, oil or fat into your garbage disposal or drain. Grease will slowly accumulate and impede your garbage disposal’s grinding ability as well as clog drains.
• Don’t use hot water when grinding food waste. Hot water will cause grease to liquefy and accumulate, causing drains to clog.
• Don’t grind extremely fibrous material like corn husks, celery stalks, onion skins, and artichokes.  Fibers from these can tangle and jam the garbage disposal motor and block drains.
• Don’t turn off the motor or water until grinding is completed. When grinding is complete, turn off the the garbage disposal first. Let water continue to run for at least 15 seconds, flushing out any remaining particles. Then turn off water.
• Don’t put too many potato peels down the garbage disposal. The starches in the potatoes will turn into a thick paste and may cause blades to stick.
• Don’t put large amounts of food down the garbage disposal. Feed food into the garbage disposal a little at a time with the cold water running; this will help the food scraps flow down freely through the drain pipes and plumbing.
• Don’t put expandable foods into your garbage disposal. Foods like pasta and rice expand when you add water in a pot; they do the same thing once inside your pipes or garbage disposal and are the cause of many jams and clogs.
• Don’t grind large animal bones (beef, pork etc.).
• Avoid putting coffee grounds down the garbage disposal. They won’t harm the garbage disposal and they’ll actually help eliminate odors. However, they can accumulate in drains and pipes, causing clogs. Best to avoid.
• Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners. They can damage blades and pipes. Borax is a natural sink cleaner and sanitizer that effectively works on odor-causing mold and mildew that accumulates in garbage disposals.

If you are experiencing issues with your disposer and need any assistance contact Boss Plumbing and we’ll send a service technician right away. (323) 464-4700 OR (800) 401- LEAK

What’s worse than a major home maintenance disaster? How about several major home maintenance disasters at once? For the quarter-million families who have their homes ruined and their lives disrupted each winter because of frozen water pipes, frigid nights can very quickly turn to ongoing, inconvenient, and extremely expensive ordeals. In cold and warmer climates alike, pipes freeze for a combination of three central reasons: quick drops in temperature, poor insulation, and thermostats set too low. Both plastic and copper pipes can burst when they freeze. A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the immediate potential for mold. Frozen pipes cause a huge amount of damage each year; unlike natural disasters, this disaster is largely preventable. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help save yourself the mess, money, and aggravation frozen water pipes cause.

Preventative measures:

There are a number of preventative steps you can take to avoid frozen water pipes. You can prepare by protecting your home during the warmer months. Here’s how:

• Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic, even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember: The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
• Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization. Closely follow all manufacturers’ installation and operation instructions.
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause frozen water pipes.
• Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

When The Mercury Drops

Even if you’ve taken the right preventative steps, extreme weather conditions can still harm your pipes. Here are a few more steps you can take to avoid frozen pipes:

• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in the habit of turning down the heat when you’re asleep, but further drops in the temperature – more common overnight – could catch you off guard and freeze your pipes.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
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If Your Pipes Do Freeze

What do you do if your pipes still freeze, despite your best preventative measures? First step: Don’t panic. Just because you have frozen pipes doesn’t mean they’ve already burst. Here’s what you can do:

• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and give Boss Plumbing a call and we’ll send you the first available service technician.
• Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water: You could be electrocuted.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house!
• You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.
• If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it.
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*Our specialty is same day service so call our office today at 323-464-4700 or 800-401-LEAK.

*We provide honest and reliable service at a competitive price.

*Our superb customer service begins from the moment calls are received.

*We schedule your call at your convenience and show up on time!

The most common slab leak symptoms are:

• Wet base boards.
• Hot spots on the floor.
• High water utility costs.
• Sounds of water running but cannot find the source.
• If you observe cracks in the walls or flooring this could be damage from a slab leak.
• Mildew & excessive moisture under carpets could indicate your slab is cracked & the pipes are leaking.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, be sure to give boss plumbing a call and after a slab leak detection we can decide the best course of action for the repair.

What causes a slab leak?

• Natural shifting of the ground due to a change in underground moisture can pull pipes apart.
• Improper installation by unknowledgeable plumbers can lead to pipes that are too small, of the wrong material or wrapped incorrectly.
• The chemistry pH balance of water flowing through can corrode copper pipes.
• Nicked waterlines and inferior materials with imperfections can also lead to slab leaks. This may also occur when piping bends or joins other lines.

Finding the slab leak:

Breaking into a slab without positive confirmation of the leak source is unacceptable. Do not let anyone dismantle your property just to search for these types of leaks. Boss plumbing has a thorough process with technical expertise, as well as experience, to find a slab leak. Locating leaks, non-destructively, requires the use of modern tools such as electronic amplification equipment and electromagnetic pipeline locators. With the proper equipment leaks can be found and repaired with minimal disruption to property.

The solutions to such problems are as follows;

• Direct access: This is the insurance company term for jack hammering up the floor to make a spot repair on the leaking line. This repair tends to b slightly disruptive and is not highly recommended if you have a post tension foundation. This option is not practical if the leak is below the walls, cabinetry or permanent plumbing fixtures.

• Pipe re-route: This option is the industry standard for repairing a slab leak and the solution generally recognized by the insurance company. A new water line is run through the walls and ceilings of your residence to replace the leaking line below your floor. With this option the disruption to interior surfaces of your residence can be extensive on longer lines. We use this option only if the leaking line is short or not able to be repaired with epoxy restoration.

• Epoxy Restoration: This option can usually be done with the utilization of two access points during the repair. This solution has been known tyo save our customers thousands of dollars over the traditional slab leak repair methods.

• Repiping: If you’ve already had several re-routes and are tired of having to deal with slab leaks then this option may be for you. This can be done with a new water heater system that utilizes non-metallic pex pipping and may be just what you need. This option guarantees a problem free system.

Boss plumbing is open 24 hours daily to assist you in any emergencies that you may be experiencing. If you suspect a slab leak contact us and let us perform a detection and repair service.

 Plumbing for healthcare facilities is extremely important. The healthcare industry affects the life of every person in the United States one way or another, either as a healthcare worker or patient. Based on the most recent survey, there are more than a half million healthcare facilities of various sizes and practices throughout the United States. These facilities admit upwards of 36 million patients a year. Hospitals and healthcare facilities are among the most complex building types to design because they have critical plumbing systems. The facilities also require special equipment for life support systems, which include medical gas systems and plumbing connections to other medical equipment. Some equipment that utilizes plumbing connections include heart and lung machines, distilled water systems, steam sterilizers, lab sinks, dialysis machines, dietary equipment, reverse osmosis water systems, backup water supplies emergency power, and etc. Many of these systems require duplex equipment or backup systems to assure continuous operation for successful healthcare plumbing.

The water service in healthcare plumbing is critical and needs to be from a reliable source. Water service entrance should be from two sources or water mains. A water quality test should be performed periodically on the water supplied to a healthcare facility to assure there is not a high bacteria content in the water supply that may warrant additional water treatment on site. Healthcare plumbing is generally connected to water mains from two different streets that are separated by isolation valves and backflow preventers. This assures that water is available in the event of a water main break or loss of water supply. If the hospital is in a remote location where dual service lines are not an option, a water storage tank may be required in which case water treatment will be necessary to assure that the water does not become contaminated. This is a crucial step in the healthcare plumbing design.

Healthcare facilities need to conduct a water quality test that must be performed periodically to check for high bacteria content that may warrant additional water treatment on site. Water meters, backflow preventers, chlorine injection pumps, copper silver ionization units, water softeners and other water treatment equipment should be located at the water service entrance, with duplex equipment where practical or with bypass lines to assure continuous operation during servicing of equipment. Boss plumbing, for healthcare / assisted living plumbing, will provide a preliminary fixture unit count and determine a peak water flow calculation to determine whether there is a need for a booster pumping package. The plumbing design for healthcare facilities is a very involved process. Accredited hospitals must meet minimum requirements based on the type and level of care of the facility. Boss plumbing provides healthcare plumbing to facilities such as hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, adult care homes, assisted living facilities, out patient diagnostic centers, rehabilitation facilities, occupational therapy centers, rural health clinics and etc.

Boss plumbing understands the need for proper hot water temperatures and drain flowage when it comes to healthcare plumbing and assisted living plumbing. We know the dietary, laundry, and ADA requirements to run these facilities. Failure to comply with state and federal regulations can be costly often resulting in fines and/or facility shut down. We understand that hospitals and outpatient care (and etc.) must have reliable connections to water supply. Our plumbing experts follow strict guidelines to help make sure facilities are up to par on regulations. Boss plumbing can be of assistance to any healthcare and/or assisted living plumbing situation within the same day the service is requested.

*Our specialty is same day service so call our office today at 323-464-4700 or 800-401-LEAK.

*We provide honest and reliable service at a competitive price.

*Our superb customer service begins from the moment calls are received.

*We schedule your call at your convenience and show up on time!

Boss Plumbing, Beverly Hills Plumber offers Hydro-Jetting: A method of cleaning with high pressure streams of water to remove buildup, sludge, and other materials in tanks and sewer lines. Hydro-Jetting is an appropriate solution when clogs and other debris cannot be removed through traditional snaking. A few examples of when Hydro Jetting is necessary would be for stubborn roots, grease, and sediment that have made its way in the sewer lines. Hydro jetting is not a do-it-yourself project. Failure to properly hydro jet may lead to damaged plumbing and hours of clean up. Your home is one of your biggest investments, let Boss Plumbing, Beverly Hills plumber, help provide years of comfortable living by preventing buildup that causes your sinks and dishwashers to back up.

How Hydro-Jetting is preformed:

Boss Plumbing, Beverly Hills Plumber, Hydro-Jetting services are done through an opening called a Clean Out, which is an accessible opening found in every plumbing system, allowing debris and other blockages to be flushed out with a high volume of forward and reverse jets of water. The reverse water jets and the forward water jets work together to break up all of the obstructions in your drain pipes. The reverse water jets are really what work to break up the blockage in your drain when the forward nozzle is pulled back against the rear water jets to create a force that will clean any drain without having to perform major construction on your pipes. The Hydro-Jet equipment consists of a large tank of water, an assortment of high-pressure hoses used specifically for this service, various types of high-strength rotary nozzles, and a machine which forces the water in the hose allowing water to spray out at a pressurized rate. With this equipment cleaning and descaling can cover several hundred feet of a sewer pipe. Once all the necessary tools are assembled for use, the Hydro Jetting nozzle is then placed at the downstream end of the plumbing system and works its way upstream against gravity allowing debris to safely flow where the drainage path has already been cleared. Boss Plumbing, Beverly Hills Plumber, follows standardized cleaning operations and surface preparations with these four definitions for using water jetting technology:

• Lower pressure water cleaning – The use of water pressure less then 5,000 psi (pounds per square inch) for cleaning.
• High Pressure water cleaning – The use of water pressure between 5,000 to 10,000 psi for cleaning.
• High pressure jetting – The use of water pressure between 10,000-25,000 psi for cleaning.
• Ultrahigh pressure water jetting – The use of water pressure above 25,000 psi for cleaning.

Boss Plumbing, Beverly Hills Plumber, Hydro jetting has key benefits:

• Environmental friendly: No harmful or detrimental chemicals are used. The hydro jetter also does not cause pollution, making this service a green plumbing technology.
• Cost Effective: By scheduling our hydro jetting services regularly you can avoid large scale plumbing problems such as breaks, leaks and even bursts within the drain lines. All of which are costly repairs.
• Increase in Productivity: Solves sewage problems when snaking the pipe lines is not sufficient enough for the job. This allows for free flowing water drains as it reduces backup from soap scum to stubborn roots.

Boss Plumbing, Beverly Hills Plumber, Not only offers Hydro jetting which is used to wash out the pipe lines in commercial, residential, and industrial properties but also Hydro blasting which is used to scour a multitude of surfaces, such as asphalt, metal or concrete, dirtied by pollution, gum, or even paint from walls and highways. Below you will find a few of the services that are commonly used for hydroblasting:

• Surface preparation (metal and concrete)
• Reactor cleaning
• Rust and dirt removal
• Concrete cleaning
• Paint removal / lead paint removal
• Boiler cleaning
• Tube descaling and pipe descaling
• Ship hull cleaning

If you suspect Drainage issues, root penetration, sewer backup, or need assistance with metal / concrete surfaces let our professional plumbers here at Boss Plumbing, Beverly Hills Plumber, help you decide your next course of action. (323)464-4700 or (800)401-LEAK

Although every sewer backup is different, there are some common steps that can be taken to reduce these losses.

Sewer backups in your basement can occur because of exceptionally heavy rainstorms; however, there are a number of steps you, as the homeowner, can take to prevent these messes from occurring and disrupting your lives.

Add a sump pump to prevent sewer backups:

Installing a sump pump removes footing drain water from around the basement wall and allows it to instead be discharged to the surface of the ground, a ditch or storm sewer. In some areas, sump pumps are required to be installed prior to escrow closing on a new home. In new homes, these sump pumps typically discharge directly to the storm sewer system.
Plumbing fixtures and floor drains in a basement area should be disconnected from the municipal sewer to protect the basement from flooding.
Typically, the installation of a sump pump depends on the home.

Add a sump pump, as well as valves to prevent sewer backups:

Isolating the home’s plumbing from the public sewer system is the purpose of installing a check valve and shut off valve. The check valve is designed with a flapper that prevents high water level in the public sewer system from flowing back into a home. By installing the shut off valve, the valve can be shut off manually.
When rain fall is particularly heavy and the risk of flooding is increased, care should be given to cutting back on the use of bathroom facilities. In addition, showers, washing machines and dishwashers should not be used.

Add a sump pump and ejector pump to help prevent sewer backups:
The purpose of an ejector pump is to pump out sewage into the public sewer. The installation of a sump pump and ejector depends on the home.

There are different types of plumbers in Beverly Hills, as well as other cities throughout the United States. Some plumbers work solely on repair work for homeowners and commercial property owners. Other plumbers in Beverly Hills specialize in new construction or remodel work. When choosing your plumber, be sure that the plumber in Beverly Hills specializes in the area that is important to you.

When looking for a plumber in Beverly Hills, be sure to ask your friends, family and neighbors for references. Real estate agents are also a good source of references since they often deal with home contractors. Most plumbers in Beverly Hills charge either by the hour or by a flat rate basis. If your plumber in Beverly Hills charges by the hour, keep in mind that you may be paying extra for travel time or for locating specific parts needed. Either way, a plumber in Beverly Hills should be able to give you some kind of estimate in writing prior to beginning work at your home. Most plumbers in Beverly Hills charge more for weekend or after hour service.

Some important questions to ask your plumber in Beverly Hills include:

• What is the typical response time for a service call?
• Do you have a website?
• Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau?
• Are your technicians radio dispatched?
• Are your trucks fully stocked?
• Can you provide references?

It is wise to establish some kind of relationship with a plumber in Beverly Hills prior to desperately needing one for an emergency.

One area to look at is the faucets throughout your home. Replacing and updating these fixtures is relatively inexpensive and, when done by a reputable Los Angeles Plumber, highly recommended. Prospective new homeowners can appreciate (and touch) new faucets and these plumbing repairs can easily add appeal to your home.

Plumbing repairs, such as leaking faucets in the kitchen and bathroom, should not be deferred on any home that is newly on the market. A Los Angeles Plumber can also check that all drains (sink and tub drains included) work properly. Other plumbing repairs to have a Los Angeles Plumber check include leaking under sinks, proper flushing of toilets, corroded or rusting pipes under sinks, and garbage disposer issues. A Los Angeles Plumber can easily make these plumbing repairs and make your home shine.

If your home consists of two stories, do not neglect the upstairs area. In addition, ceilings throughout the home should be examined for any necessary plumbing repairs. A Los Angeles Plumber can easily be hired to do a full home inspection and detect any and all plumbing repairs needed.

Another area to consider when addressing plumbing repairs is any water conservation fixtures recommended by a Los Angeles Plumber. Shower heads, faucets, and toilets are available in water saving models. Some homeowners opt to install these fixtures themselves while others prefer to use a Los Angeles Plumber. In fact, low flush toilets, required to be installed in many homes being sold, take some time to install (up to an hour or so) but can be done by anyone who is handy Homeowners benefit in the short and long run with a reduction in water bills.

Do not neglect the exterior of your home, as well. Plumbing repairs can be found both in your backyard (leaking faucets, sprinkler problems), as well as in hose connections outside. A Los Angeles Plumber can walk the perimeter of your home and make recommendations for plumbing repairs needed.

Most new homeowners are not looking for a fixer upper property and addressing all plumbing repairs can only add money to the bottom line. A Los Angeles Plumber can offer additional suggestions for maintaining your home and preparing it for sale.