September 2016

How You Gain from a Whole-House Plumbing Inspection



When all your plumbing is in tip-top shape, you’re going to have to find something else to complain about.  We’re not egging you on, mind you – at least not about looking for reasons to complain.  But we are offering a gentle reminder on how to KEEP your plumbing as problem-free as possible.  And that’s with an annual whole-house plumbing inspection performed by Boden Plumbing Heating & Air.

blogWhile our inspection focus is on problem prevention, we can also spot small problems that we know will only get worse.  Fixing them right away, however, will save you money.  And that’s what we’ll recommend:  guaranteed upfront price and all.

Another great reason to schedule annual plumbing inspections is to protect the value of your home.  What if, for example, we’re able to spot a water pipe with visible corrosion or hairline crack. By fixing it, you not only escape a bigger plumbing problem later on.  You also avoid water damage to your home and the potential for a mold and mildew problem, one that could be difficult and costly to get rid of.

there’s the safety factor – both for you home and family.  Add it all up, and you have everything to gain with an annual whole-house plumbing inspection.  Here are just a few of the steps included in ours:

  1. Check for exposed pipe leaks. 
  2. Check for soft or damp areas on floors, ceilings, or walls that could indicate hidden water leaks.
  3. Inspect for signs of corrosion that could indicate water quality or pipe issues.
  4. Check your water heater for safety, leaks and signs of corrosion.sh, anode rod, and more.
  5. Check all your drains above and below the sink for leaks and clogs.
  6. Check your tub to see how quickly it drains water.  If it’s draining slowly, you could have a blocked drain or vent pipe.

During a Boden plumbing inspection, we’ll also address any specific concerns or questions you might have about your water pressure, water filtration, outdoor access to hot and cold water, and more.  If we find a problem or means to add greater comfort, convenience, or safety into your life, we’ll recommend how to achieve those goals in common sense and budget friendly ways.  Do your home and family a favor and contact Boden today to schedule our whole-house plumbing inspection service.

“Is it Time to Replace My Furnace?”



Winter’s knocking on the door. Here in northern California, it’s smart to heed that knock, especially if you want to skate through the season without any heating system shutdowns.

So that begs the question:  does your system have what it takes to keep you nice and warm and without a breakdown or interruption?  It may not if your system is prone to any of these symptoms, each of which indicates a system on the decline:

Here are the most common warning signs that either your furnace needs to be repaired or replaced:

  • blogSoaring Heating Costs. The older and more sluggish your furnace, the harder and longer it has to work to keep you warm.  And that’s what accounts for the significant increases in heating costs.
  • More Frequent Repairs. Since heating systems aren’t designed to last forever, it stands to reason that the older they get, the more prone they become to poor performance and breakdowns.  Give it enough time, and sooner or later it’s just not worth even another penny to fix something that’s only sure to break down again – and again.
  • Furnace is Constantly Running. A furnace is designed to run until it achieves the desired temperature, and then cycle off for a while until more heat is needed.  If, however, yours is constantly running, then either there’s a problem with your furnace, thermostat, or ductwork.  Any way you slice it, it needs to be checked.
  • Hot and Cold Spots. Once again, furnaces are designed to deliver a consistent amount of warm air to each room it serves.  If, however, you’re perfectly comfortable in one room but “not so much” elsewhere, a problem exists, and it’s one that needs looking into.

Another reason to consider replacing your heating system is its age, especially when you consider that the average system lifespan is 15 – 20 years.  Even if yours is just 10 years old, chances are it’s operating at no better than 60% energy efficiency – far less than when you first had it installed.  A new heating system will pay for itself in energy savings alone.

Not sure what you next move should be?  Today we invite you to call Boden Plumbing Heating & Air to arrange a thorough heating system cleaning and inspection.  In the process, we’ll gain a very good idea of what condition it’s in and whether or not it’s worth keeping, even if does need a repair or two.  At least that way you’ll be making a truly informed decision as to what’s in your best interests.  With Boden, you can always count on that kind of honest and straightforward advice.