We all know about knee-jerk reactions, as in, doing and saying the first thing that comes to mind in response to some sort of external stimulus.

Touching a hot stove, for example, not only causes you to pull your hand in a hurry, but perhaps utter a few choice words or two – hopefully with the kids well out of earshot.  Or how about when an ump calls your kid out at the plate during a little league game and, from your vantage point, he or she was clearly safe.  Do you sit there calmly and shout “you’ll get ‘em next time,” “loudly pronounce the ump unfit for his present occupation”   (even though you might be inclined to phrase that a little differently).

Take, for example, the last time a drain or sewer pipe in your house backed up.  The most common knee-jerk reaction when you don’t already have a family plumber?  Go to the internet and call the first living, breathing person who advertises drain cleaning as one of their services.

Sometimes that works out just great.  Other times, not so much.  And that’s when the problem needs more than a plunger, wrench, or mechanical snake to get it fixed.  So what happens then?  You wind up paying twice – at least – for the same service until you locate a company that has the skill, experience, and equipment to handle any size sewer or drain job – especially yours.

At this time, we’d like to suggest one more knee-jerk reaction:  before you do anything us, write down our name and phone number and store it in a secure place where you’re likely to look and locate it the next time you have a sewer or drain problem.

At Boden, we do it all:

• Sewer and drain cleaning
• In-line video inspection
• Sewer and drain repairs
• New sewer and drain line installation

Would you like to learn more about our experience and qualifications?  Then just pick up the phone and call us – we’re happy now and always to answer any questions you might have.

Much like baseball, gardening, and yard sales, grilling is a quintessential part of spring. After all, what’s better than being called outdoors by warmer weather and longer daylight hours than the tempting odors of flame-broiled food – meats, seafood, and veggies alike!

But it’s not all sunshine and burger, as outdoor grilling comes with its own fair share of risk. That’s why we’ve prepared the following safety tips to help keep everything delicious, and your family free from harm.

Get to Know Your Grill

Whether it’s gas, charcoal, or propane, brand new or well loved, familiarize yourself with your grill. Give it a thorough inspection and cleaning at the start of grilling season, and clean it after each use. Routinely check for any loose hoses, leaks, corrosion, or damage. And only light your grill according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Location, Location, Location  

Choose a flat, sturdy, non-flammable surface for your grill, at least 10 feet away from any buildings, hanging tree limbs, or awnings. If you routinely entertain outdoors, make sure the grill is away from heavily trafficked areas. Never attempt to move a grill once it’s been lit.

Don’t Get Burned

Have the proper grilling tools on hand, such as long-handled utensils and fire-resistant oven mitts. If you’re in charge of the grill, avoid wearing loose clothing, or clothing with strings, ties, or frills that could catch fire.

Be Prepared

Every home should have a working portable fire extinguisher. Never attempt to douse a grease fire with water, it will only make the flames flare. Should your gas grill catch fire, turn off the burners and tank valve if you can reach it safely. If you have a charcoal grill, closing the lid should stifle the flames. If the fire involves a propane tank, evacuate the area and call the fire department immediately.

One way to enjoy added safety and convenience is to connect your gas grill to your home’s natural gas supply. As licensed plumbers and gasfitters, that’s a job we’re eminently qualified to perform on your behalf. Contact Boden Plumbing Heating & Air today for more information or to request a new gas hook-up.