When was the last time you checked your washing machine hose?

A broken hose can slowly drip for weeks before it is noticed, or gush up to 500 gallons of water an hour.  Periodically check your washing machine hose for kinks, tears, brittle or soft spots to prevent a leak.

Tip to reduce your gas bill

If you are going on vacation, turn down the thermostat control valve on your gas water heater a few degrees.

During the hot summer months you may not want your shower water as hot as during the winter months, turn down the thermostat control valve on your gas water heater a few degrees.

Turning down the temperature on a gas water heater can make a difference in your gas bill.  We recommend not turning the temperature down further than the last mark indicated on the thermostat control.

Take advantage of our FREE Safety Inspection!!!

When we are at your house or business, we will perform a FREE plumbing inspection of your property.  In only 10-15 minutes we check for leaks, rust, water pressure, worn out connections and shut offs.

This short inspection can save you money, time, and the hassle of a plumbing emergency.

Preventative maintenance is smart!!!

Are you compliant with the NEW LAW effective 7/1/11?

According to California Senate Bill 183, all existing single family homes must have carbon monoxide alarms.  The new requirements apply if ANY  of the following are present within a home:
*  Attached garage
*  Natural gas or propane furnace and/or natural gas range and/or oven, or
*  Gas or wood-burning fireplace.

The alarms may be battery powered.  At a minimum, the alarms are required:
*  Outside of each sleeping area or bedroom and
*  On each level of home

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a tasteless, odorless, invisible gas that can be dangerous when inhaled.  CO is formed from the incomplete lighting of any flame-fueled device such as ranges, ovens, clothes dryers, furnaces, fireplace, grills, space heaters, vehicles, and water heaters.

If you live in an apartment or condo, the CO alarm requirement goes into effect on 1/1/13.

Just in time for National Fruit and Vegetable Week...............

Does your garbage disposal need replacing?  We are offering $25.00 off your garbage disposal replacement for one week only!  Call us today to schedule (949) 496-9731.

Happy Fathers Day!!!

In honor of all Dads we are offering a one week special!  From 6/15/11 through 6/21/11 all Dads receive $19 off the service call.  So call us today and let us do the work while you relax 496-9731!

Plumbers and Gas?

A common question we are often asked is "Do plumbers work on gas lines?"  Yes, plumbers and gas go together.  Property owners are responsible for maintaining all the natural gas lines on their side of the gas meter.  For safety, you should periodically check your natural gas lines for leaks.  As a licensed, experienced technician, we are able to repair gas leaks.  In addition, our technicians can repair or install gas lines to stoves, barbeques, fire places, and dryers.  We can even install the log lighter valves for the fireplace as well!

If you suspect that you may have a gas leak, call us today!

Simple steps to SAVE $$$$$:

1.  It is estimated that a leaky faucet wastes 20 GALLONS OF WATER A DAY... so fix those leaks!
2.  Watering after 8:00 a.m. in the spring and summer can waste up to 25 GALLONS OF WATER A DAY... so water in the late evening or early morning.
3.  Wash full loads of laundry in the washing machine and dishes in the dishwasher.
4.  Only flush the toilet twice a day, once in the morning, and again at night....  JUST KIDDING!

This Saturday, May 14th is Water Awareness Day!  Celebrate by attending an event at Upper Oso Reservoir hosted by Santa Margarita Water District.  There will be hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and snow cones along with presentations, and activities.  We'll see you there!

Prayers for the Eissman's

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Eissman family.  Their daughter, Carley, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2011.  May God bless their family and friends with His presence and comfort! 

Woof! Woof! Ruff!

If you have heard this from your dog lately, your canine friend just may be telling you that they want to go to the Wag-A-Thon this Saturday, April 30th at the Dana Point Harbor.  The event goes from 8:30am - 1:00pm.  Look for the Chick's Plumbing booth.  We will have free give-aways for the dogs and their humans.

We look forward to seeing you at this wonderful event!

Save Water

If you want to cut down your water bill Southern California Gas Company is offering FREE faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads for qualified customers.  In addition, they are offering a Energy Savings Assistance Program for qualified customers.  They may be contacted at http://socalgas.com/assistance/esap.

Are you exposing your family or co-workers to germs and bacteria?

Many people do not realize that leaving the toilet lid open or a toilet not secured properly to the floor releases harmful germs and waste bacteria into the air.

Water saving toilets do not use a large amount of water to flush.  We are saving water which is great; however, toilet bowls are not getting as clean as they used to.  A loose toilet collects damaging bacteria build-up in the unsecured areas. 

So CLOSE THOSE LIDS and SECURE THOSE TOILETS!!  Call us out today if you suspect your toilet may not be secured properly (949) 496-9731!

Be sure to visit our website for plumbing specials at www.chicks-plumbing.com.

Water damage can be very costly!

Water damage costs home and business owners hundreds of thousands of dollars a year and those costs are not always covered by insurance.  Water damage accounts for more than 25% of all insurance claims.  Not only is water damage costly, it is a nuisance to deal with.  Mold, mildew, structural damage, insect infestation, flooring and furniture ruined are just a few of the problems that water damage can cause.

Here are some helpful tips to prevent water damage:
* Check shut off valves and connections under your sinks, dishwasher, and washing machine to make sure they are in good condition.
*  Piping under sinks should not be rusty, have holes, or be loose.
*  Toilets should be solidly sealed to the floor.
*  Have outside drains cleared for the rainy season.
*  Water heaters and the pipes that connect to the water heater should not have any rust or corrosion.
If you find that you have any of these areas of concern, have it repaired immediately.

As Ben Franklin said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

To call a plumber, or not to call a plumber.. That is the question!

Trying to repair something you do not have the skills or equipment for can result in costing you more time and money.

When should I do my own plumbing?
Yes, there are some plumbing jobs that are simple fixes.  If you feel confident in your skills, go for it!  If your repair job doesn't work out, you can always call Chick's Plumbing.

When shouldn't I do my own plumbing?
It is time to call a professional when:
* You do not have the skills required for the job.
* You do not have the right tools or equipment.  Some plumbing repairs require special tools and equipment that are expensive not just not worth you spending the money to use them once or twice.
* Your time is very valuable and you just do not have the time to make the repair.
* Due to the technical changes in the plumbing industry in the past decade, you do not know the best way to accomplish the task.

Call Chick's Plumbing for any of your service and repair plumbing needs today at (949) 496-9731! 

Don't wear wet clothes!

Is your dryer not drying your clothes completely?  Is it taking longer than 45 minutes to dry your freshly washed clothes?  The problem may not be your dyer; it could be a clogged dryer duct.  Most people clean their lint filter after every use; however, the majority of people rarely clean their dryer's duct.  In addition to not drying your clothes correctly, a clogged dryer duct could be a fire hazard.  A Chick's Plumbing technician can remove lint from around heating elements and ducts.  We recommend cleaning your dryer duct at least once a year.

Cleaning your dryer duct annually will save you money and eliminate a fire hazard!  Call us today to schedule an appointment 496-9731!

Ever wonder what is in your pipes?

Chick's Plumbing can show you!  We have video cameras that can be sent down your drains.  You would be amazed at what we see....  We are amazed!  We have found everything from jewelry to moving, growing globs of bacteria.  If we find a broken pipe normally we can repair it with trenchless technology.  This wonderful and fast technology involves a process that allows us to fix the problem without tearing up your landscaping, sidewalks, or driveway. 

Check our website for specials www.chicks-plumbing.com!

Cold showers are not fun!

Water heaters are one of those appliances we do not think about until they do not work or run out of hot water.  Do not be left in the cold.  If you notice a leak, rust, or that you are running out of hot water too soon, call Chick's Plumbing for an evaluation.  We install tank and tankless water heaters.  We can help you decide which type of water heater, the correct size, and brand to place in your home or business.

Call us today at (949) 496-9731 to schedule an appointment!  Also, check our website regularly for great plumbing specials www.chicks-plumbing.com.

Hail to the Chief!!! President's Day Special offer!

In honor of Honest Abe Lincoln and truthful George Washington Chick's Plumbing is offering $21.00 off any service call fee for this week only (February 20th - 26th)!  Take advantage of this special by mentioning this blog.

Note:  This offer is not valid with any other coupons or discounts.

Tips for a Healthier Bathroom

These are a few steps you can take to have a healthier bathroom:


Change your shower curtain.
Plastic curtains contain chemicals that have potential hormone-disrupting effects.  Instead of using a plastic curtain, go for a fabric one.

Discourage mold.
Turn on a fan to remove moisture, and keep it running for at least 20 minutes after you shower.  This will help to keep mold spores from growing.  Scrub tiles at least once a week with a mold killing borax or hydrogen peroxide to keep your grout lines clean.  Change your rugs and towels frequently to avoid moisture buildup.

Switch to safer toilet cleaners.
Some traditional toilet-bowl cleaners may contain odor-killing p-DCB, a potential carcinogen.  Try healthier products such as Seventh Generation, Clorox Green Works, Method, or other non-toxic brands.

Rearrange toothbrushes
Keep your toothbrushes separated.  If they touch, they can spread germs.  Be sure to replace your toothbrush every few months, or after you've been sick and rinse them thoroughly after using.

Close before flushing
Studies have found that bacteria-filled mist can travel several feet every time you flush, so get your family in the habit of putting down the toilet seat cover.  Informing them of this fact may help!

These tips are brought to you by the Ladies' Home Journal, February 2011 edition.

New Year's Resolutions

What was your New Year's Resolution?

*Drink healthier water?
*Get rid of the water spots on your silverware, dishes, and glasses after washing them?
*Not be embarrassed by rings around sinks and tubs?
*Find a soap detergent and shampoo that gets a better lather?
*Do something about the dry skin you get from bathing?

If any of these were your New Year's Resolution, we can help you!

Install a water softener and enjoy...

*Healthier, better tasting water.
*No water spots on your silverware, dishes, and glasses, or rings around sinks and tubs due to hard water deposits.
*Use less soap, detergent and shampoo to get lather and save money.
*Softer feeling skin and hair.
*A complete rinse of your clothes from the washing machine which will result in softer, cleaner clothing.
*Healthier plants with no white chalky substance in your potted plants.
*Appliances that last longer.

Call us today to get a quote for us to install a new water softener!  (949) 496-9731

Video Contest Winner

After reviewing the several video contest submissions, we finally decided on a winner!  The video was created by a student in Ms. Smathers zero period Technology class at Las Flores Middle School.  We really enjoyed all the submissions though!  The winning video can be found on our website at www.chicks-plumbing.com, or you can view it on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPq3qPy6r60.