2018's Best Plumbing Meme Awards!

When you spend all your time on the go, it can be tough to slow down and look at the lighter things in life. From deadlines to home chores, even when things are at their most serious, there is still plenty to laugh about. As plumbers, we see enough on a daily basis to have a good chuckle at the end of the week.

And even though there’s such a thing as “plumber humor,” these memes are good enough that even our favorite customers can laugh - and we know a thing or two about the best plumbing humor around! So here are our top 10 plumbing memes to close out 2018.

1. Social Media Addiction - When you just can’t get enough of your social media, it might just inspire your home decor. Be sure to hit the “like button,” when the water reaches that perfect temperature.
2. Puppy Plumbers - Plumbing repairs can be hard. So when your fur babies try to give you a helping paw, you might have to accept the love. Who knows, the moral support might be all you need to get that tough nut loose.
3. Ron Burgundy - Everyone’s always invited to the gun show - especially when you’re trying to loosen old pipe. When WD-40 doesn’t get the job done, some old school American muscle might.
4. Cutting Water - With a little direction, anything is possible. That is unless you’re completely plumbing challenged. It might be a good idea to at least know where your main water valve is.
5. Pool Cat - Fix your own pipes they said, it’ll help you save money they said. Consider giving your plumber a call, or at least have a boat on standby so you can save your family.
6. Nut Jokes - Plumber humor? You must be nuts! See what we did there?
7. Dos XX Plumbing - Nothing says “first-time” plumber quite like multiple trips to Lowe’s. But just think - by the time your done replacing your faucet, you’ll have made a new friend too!
8. Drano - Not sure if it’s too late for Drano? Logic says the more you pour in there, the stronger it’ll work...Not!
9. Cooking Grease - You might be tempted, no one will notice, just a little bit. Three months later someone will - your plumber!
10. Flooded Basement - Sometimes you win the battle, sometimes your plumbing does. But it won’t win the war! Saddle up and never give up.

Trust a Plumber

Keeping your home in top shape can be a challenge, but with the right mindset, it can at least be entertaining. For homeowners in the Vernon area, Water Heater Medic is your top spot for the best plumbing and water heater services.

We offer a full range of plumbing solutions, including repairs and maintenance, which can help you prevent from becoming a meme. So be sure to comment which is your favorite meme for 2018, and give our plumbers a call for all your home service needs.

How Can Plumbing be Considered Art?

Art lovers will often travel great distances to see their favorite pieces on display. A great example of this is the fans of Van Gogh--they may travel to New York to view The Starry Night or to The Netherlands to see Vase with Carnations and Wheat Fields.

For fans of certain iconic photos, a trip to the photographed location may be in order; fans of certain authors may read their books, seek autographs, or visit their old homes.

People that love musical artists may attend concerts and those who love plays or certain forms of dance may choose to view them in a theater. Everyone can agree that all of these are forms of art and are to be appreciated--plumbing is nowhere near these and it is quite unusual to see it as such.

With that said, plumbing can’t be considered ‘art,’ or can it? We’re going to discuss what can be considered art and why plumbing actually can be considered as such. Keep reading for more information!

Ancient Art is Still Appreciated

Many great works of art have something in common... they’re old. But art is also created every day and the value of some art is priceless no matter when it was created.

Here’s an interesting fact: art comes from the word ‘artifice’ which can refer to devices meant to trick people as well as anything that is created, or otherwise not found in nature.

This means that simply by existing, plumbing and the materials used can be considered art. As an extension of this, plumbers are the masterful artists, creating beautiful, useful works. Something else to consider is the fact that plumbing has been around since ancient times, in fact, since 4,000-3,000 BC by Egyptians!

Modern Plumbing

There are a number of modern-day plumbing feats that many people travel great distances to see.

One of the first things that may come to mind is the Trevi Fountain in Rome or the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. The

Trevi Fountain might be a little less exciting than the water and lights of the Fountains of Bellagio, but both are definitely considered works of art. Aqua Traiana and the Hoover Dam are other structures that revolve around water and were created to solve a problem.

The famous underwater restaurant Ithaa was built to be an iconic and famous restaurant. All three of these places would not exist without the ability of the plumbers that help design them.

Artful Plumbing in Suburbia

Although the previously mentioned fountains, structures, and fixtures may be hundreds or thousands of miles away from you, there is still artful plumbing in your area.

If you’ve ever seen a designed lake with a fountain or appreciated flowers that wouldn’t get water without an irrigation system, you have appreciated plumbing as art.

There is also the fact of wastewater management and sewer drainage. Neither of these topics is pretty to look at and neither of them smells pleasant. Plumbers have used pipes to help remove the waste, which leaves your home and yard looking beautiful. In addition to this, you may have enjoyed water parks and admired beautiful drinking fountains that have been put into place by master artists!

Changing Perspectives

If you still don’t completely agree that plumbing is art and that plumbers are artists, consider changing your perspective. You might be one of those people that consider only traditional forms of art to be ‘real art,’ and that is okay.

However, finding beauty in small things is a great exercise in mindfulness and gratitude, and this is how we love to look at life at Water Heater Medic.

Attempting to see the beauty in everyday items will often increase your level of happiness and give you a level of understanding toward other people that you might not otherwise have.

Maybe you’ve had a quick change in perspective or find this take on art interesting--in either event, take a minute to share this blog with your friends!

Getting to Know Your Plumbing Materials: Pipes

Before you go out on your first plumbing leak service call, there are a few different things you need to know to get the job done right. The different kinds of pipes and their uses are an important component of any plumbing education.

While you’ll always have the right tool for the job, if you don’t have the right materials, you could find yourself with a bigger issue on your hands. Read on to learn the best uses for some of the most popular pipe options in residential plumbing.

When You Need it to Last, go With Cast Iron

As far as plumbing materials go - some of the oldest and most durable pipes out there are cast iron pipes.

Used for complete plumbing systems, cast iron pipes don’t deteriorate easily with water and have durable fittings that are functional even with natural gas.

If a home has an existing cast iron system, one of the few issues it can face is deterioration after 40-years or so, and the initial cost of investment. If you’re working on a whole home repiping, cast iron can be a great option for homeowners looking for long-lasting pipes.

Keep Things Looking Modern With Chromed Copper

For applications in bathrooms and kitchens, or any are where your plumbing lines are exposed, you’re going to want to opt for chromed copper.

These pipes give you the versatility and moldability of copper pipes, with the added perk of good looks. The chromed finish is ideal for that modern look, and also allows you to hide plumbing welds.

These pipes come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, including the p-trap shape for behind toilets, allowing for easy access and installation.

Allow Versatility With PVC Piping

A plumber's best friend, PVC pipes have all the functionality of traditional pipes with a ton of customization for any plumbing situation.

Whether you’re installing an outdoor jacuzzi or an all new plumbing system inside the home, PVC pipes can be molded to your needs.

A major reason why they’re so popular is because of their low cost and the ability to cut them to fit any area. This allows for convenient installation, easy repairs, and customization of plumbing systems that work directly for your customers' needs.

How to Choose The Best Materials

When it comes right down to it, choosing the best materials for your plumbing services depends on your needs and the job at hand. You should always check with your customer to find out what issues they’ve been dealing with in their existing plumbing system, their needs and wants, and their budget. With this information and some exact measurements, you could have a plumbing system installed in no time.

Additionally, you should always go out of your way to learn on the job. With years of local expertise and skills honed by on-hand experience, you’ll know exactly what pipe works for what repair in no time!

Plumbing Job Tips For a Lifetime

They say that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Enjoying what you do is important but the idea of it never feeling like work is a fallacy--especially if plumbing is your chosen industry.

A good plumbing job may require any number of skills, manual labor, frustrating pipe puzzles, and even the ability to deal with difficult customers.

So, with that said, we are going to discuss a few things to keep in mind when beginning your plumbing career. Keep reading for more information!

Customer Service is Essential

Customer service comes naturally to some and is difficult to master for others.

Customers will inevitably be upset, angry, or scared when it comes to dealing with a plumber.

You are there because there is a problem, and this problem may have already caused damage to their home, as well as it being damaging to their pocketbook.

The best thing that can be done in any intense situation is to do your job while being friendly and helpful. Having a great attitude will go far in retaining customers and getting new ones.

The new ones will definitely come as references from the existing ones because their word of mouth will be, “he was so patient/kind/helpful even when my nerves were shot.” Even when customers are not in anyway stressed, customer service matters. Showing that you care about the job you do, that you stand behind your work, and that you fix any mistakes you make ensures you will be hired for the next job.

Always Remember Your Safety Gear

Plumbing is a dirty job, and not just dirty, but it can be unsanitary and downright dangerous.

Wearing the right protective gear for each job is important to protect yourself from injury and illnesses.

Some examples of protective clothing can include safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, and respirators. The respirators might seem like overkill, but when working with toxic sewage fumes or overwhelming natural gas, you will be thankful for it.

Get On-The-Job Skills With Every Service

Plumbers are required to know many different skills. Many of these are natural physical abilities while many others are learned on the job.

The ability to hold your arm steady to support a pipe or the dexterity in your hands are both natural physical abilities.

Learned skills can include recalling the math needed to fit pipes correctly or tricks of the trade. One such ‘trick’ isn’t so much a trick at all, more like a tip to make plumbing life easier. It is as simple as plunging a sink before removing the trap.

The plunging will move the water and help you make less of a mess. Another tip would be to use your smartphone camera to see into places that are too small or too dark to see. Finally, a favorite tip in the industry is cutting a pipe with a string.

This is not something that can be done extremely fast and accurately, but will get the job done. All you’ve got to do is place a notch in the pipe, wrap the string around it, and then move it back and forth in a sawing motion. Again, it’s not super accurate, smooth, or fast--but it can work when your saw can’t reach an area.

How to Make Your Plumbing System Better

As a Vernon, CT homeowner, you need to be able to count on your plumbing working all the time. When something goes wrong, not only is it inconvenient, it can be expensive as well. The good news is that you don't have to sit around and hope for the best when it comes to your plumbing system.

As a matter of fact, by engaging in some preventative maintenance on a regular basis, you can improve your plumbing system performance and prevent water leaks. Curious as to what these maintenance jobs are? Read on.

Catch Falling Hair

It is inevitable that you'll lose some hair when you are brushing or bathing. It doesn't have to be a certainty that the hair will flow down the drain and causes serious clogs.

You can avoid this pesky problem by equipping your drains with hair traps. They are low-tech but are very effective. Pop them out and clean them often, and you’ll avoid this type of clog altogether.

Dealing with the Water Pressure

Sure, a powerful stream of water in the shower is great, but have you ever thought about what that is actually doing to your pipes?

Strong water batters your plumbing system and can cause it to break down over time. This strain is a common source of water leaks.

Of course, you do need some strength behind your water. It's just about balance. The recommended range for water pressure is 40-60 psi, which is safe for your pipes, fixtures, and drains.

Follow the Code

If you are doing plumbing system DIY, be sure to become educated about what the permitting and regulation process is with your area.

Having plumbing work done to code ensures a good, reliable work product at the end. It’s about safety and reliability.

Complying with code is a critical measure, should you decide to sell your home. If you overlook this process because you think it is a hassle, you may be charged with fines and for repair expenses down the road.

Clean Your Drains

Have you ever had a professional drain cleaning done? It’s a great way to remove clogs. If you cook a great deal, there may be grease and food particles collecting in your drains, which will cause blockages.

Don't use commercial drain cleaners as they can be harsh on your plumbing and actually cause more problems than they solve. Take control of your home’s plumbing system by following our guideline. You’ll save money today and tomorrow too.

Reasons to Obtain a Plumbing Permit For Your Next Project

Remodeling the plumbing in your home can be a cathartic and fulfilling way of upgrading your life at home. Before you can execute any projects you have in mind, however, you need to be fully prepared. When it comes to plumbing jobs, it's likely you will need to apply for permits from the city.

Plumbing permits are a way of ensuring projects are done safely with the homeowner's best interests in mind. Here's what you need to know when it comes to obtaining plumbing permits.

Procuring Permits Comes at a Cost

Let's put this out there right away. Yes, you're expected to hand over a bit of money when applying for plumbing permits. Different cities also might charge different prices depending on what kind of work you want to do.

Each permit you apply for will normally cost between tens and hundreds of dollars. Some local governments may even charge more depending on how many fixtures you wish to install. Last but not least, there may also be cases where you have to pay just to submit an application.

You Need Permits for Large Projects

Just about every big plumbing project requires a permit to be greenlit. These types of projects typically include repiping, drain line replacements, sewer line replacements, water heater installations and any relocation of plumbing. Some small tasks, such as replacing a water tap, don't require special permission from city officials.

Homeowners should also be aware different cities may serve different types of permits. Some may require a permit to perform a particular task while others may not. It's recommended you check up on Vernon, CT municipal rules to make sure you're doing everything right.

Providing Homeowners With Protection

Plumbing permits are actually designed to protect homeowners from breaking the law and make sure projects get started without any problems.

After accumulating all the needed permits, you will be in contact with municipal reviewers and inspectors from whom you need to gain approval.

Their only purpose, as one might guess, is to ensure everything is in compliance with local plumbing codes and zoning laws. Plumbing permits can also show you're following sanitary and safety rules set out by the city. This may include potential setbacks with property regulations and neighboring structures.

Hefty fines may be levied upon homeowners who begin projects without the necessary permits. There might also be complications if you attempt to sell your home in the future. Homeowners interested in discovering more about what it takes to apply for permits should contact a local Vernon plumber for more details.

Why Are Some Plumbing Emergencies So Common?

No one enjoys a plumbing emergency, because usually when something goes seriously wrong with the plumbing, it can be an expensive, upsetting experience.

There are some plumbing emergencies that occur more frequently than others, but why? We’ll look at the causes to help you avoid these problems.

Leaky Fixtures

Not, strictly speaking, an emergency by the standards of most people. But this is still something that can run up your water bill, in addition to creating endless irritation with the constant “drip” noise.

Emergency water leaks are most often caused by the breakdown of a few parts within the fixture itself, usually the washer or O-ring.

These parts, however, are not expensive to buy and are relatively easy to switch out for anyone with a wrench and a few minutes to spare.

Blockage in Drains

People who fill the sink with water, then pull the plug on the drain and see the water just stays there are suffering from a blocked drain.

It means at some point, something, maybe hair, maybe food, went down the sink and got caught in the pipe. As time passed, it acted like an “anchor” collecting more mass, until finally, it obstructed the entire pipe. When this happens, it usually means residents ignored the “early warning,” which is the slow drain that happens at the partial block stage.

If you notice your drain is emptying out slower than it used to, you’re on your way to a fully blocked drain. It’s up to you to do something now, with either a plunger or some drain cleaner, or ignore it because you’d prefer to have a fully blocked drain at a later date.

Overflow from Toilets

This can be nightmarish for an unsuspecting user who uses a toilet, flushes it, and sees the waste flood the toilet, spill over the edge and onto the floor, instead of going down the sewage pipe like it’s supposed to.

The most common cause of toilet overflow is “toilet abuse.” In this case, people ignored the function of a toilet and treated it like a garbage can.

Toilets are designed to only safely flush down human waste, and toilet paper which, by design, breaks up when it makes contact with water.

Anything else, including cigarettes, rags and even the paper towels from a kitchen roll, will not break up, and may instead collect in the pipe, eventually blocking the toilet. Treat your toilet like a toilet, not a garbage disposal unit, and you’ll never have an overflow.

Burst Pipes

A burst pipe can be a very serious emergency. It takes some extraordinary factors to cause this though. Very cold winter temperatures, for example, can freeze the water in unprotected water pipes.

This freezing causes the water to expand and rupture the pipe, but it can be avoided if you insulate the areas were the pipes are vulnerable to colder temperatures.

Another factor is the age of the pipes. If you live in a very old home, with the original cast iron drainage pipes, metal fatigue is a definite concern for pipes 75 years of age or more.

Consider an upgrade to modern PVC pipes before a burst inevitably occurs. Plumbing in Vernon, CT will usually give you years of trouble-free experience. Taking some preventive measures can stretch that into many decades without an issue.