Don’t Make THE $900 Mistake!!!

I just got off the phone consulting with a lady who got some bad advice and made a $900.00 mistake.

Recently they bought a hot water system on price instead of what was best long term for their family.

Now 3 month later, they are having to say bye by to that hard earned money. Yes they are flushing $900 down the drain.

Please, please, please think twice, and buy the very best you can afford from a reputable company.

Only rich people afford the cheap stuff and be doing it over and over.

Kevin Shaw is president of Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc, serving the San Gabriel Valley since 1982. With over 30 years of In The Field experience, Kevin has the skills and know how to fix most any plumbing, heating, air conditioning and insulation problem and makes it a priority to stay abreast of the latest needs in customer satisfaction as well as technical advances. He has served as the President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of the Greater Los Angeles Area, and the California State Board of PHCC. He is also a member of the distinguished organization Nexstar Network and a founding member of Service Roundtable, both of which are trade organizations that train and equip contractors to meet their customer’s plumbing, heating & cooling needs.

For questions, please contact info@kevinshawplumbing.com or call 626-359-1864. You may also visit the company’s website at www.KevinShawPlumbing.com for more helpful tips and homeowner articles and general information. You may also send any questions or comments to: 224 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016

The 10 Most Common Household Repairs

“Old reliable” churns away in your basement or utility room day after day, month after month, year after year like a farm mule in days of yore. Except this one doesn’t eat as much – nor do you have those ugly, malodorous piles laying all around the place!
Except every once in awhile, like a cantankerous old mule, the modern water heater doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do. That’s when you call a plumbing contractor saying “no hot water.”
This is the top reason why people call a plumbing or heating contractor, according to a survey taken a few years ago by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Information Bureau (PHCIB) in Chicago. A related problem, a leaking water heater, came in at number 5 out of the top 10.

Looking over the list, I can’t help but shake my head at all the waste of time and money these emergency service calls represent. Most people don’t pay much attention to their household “mule team” – the mechanical systems that provide so much comfort and convenience in our modern lives. We take for granted our water heaters, toilets, faucets, furnaces and air conditioners, until they stop working. Then comes the panicked call to the service company, and a repair job that always ends up costing more than we expect.

Regular care and maintenance can forestall most of these breakdowns at a fraction of the cost of repairs. Have your plumbing, heating and air conditioning inspected, cleaned and checked at least once a year. Progressive service companies offer service agreements in which they automatically come out to take care of these things for a modest annual fee.

Homeowners also should consider replacing ancient water heaters, toilets, furnaces, boilers and other appliances with new high-efficiency or water-saving models. Most of us are in the habit of squeezing out every last day of service out of such equipment. Yet any unit more than 12-15 years old probably can pay for itself within a few years through reduced energy or water usage.
Here are the rest of the top 10 household repairs identified by the PHCIB:

#2 – Clogged drains. Many of these calls could be avoided by taking greater care in what you put down drains – especially the kitchen sink drain, the most used and most clogged drain in the house. I also recommend regular treatment with Bio-Clean or Super Citrus, biological drain cleaners sold only through plumbing contractors.

#3 - Dripping faucets. This is an annoyance that most homeowners have to deal with from time to time as the washers in the faucets wear out with use. You can extend the life of your faucet washers by not turning them off with too much force.
You may also consider replacing your older faucets with those that feature washer-less valve cartridges instead of rubber washers. Since the valve mechanism is contained in one cartridge, these faucets are easier to repair and replace. In addition, cartridges are generally more durable and do not leak because they do not deteriorate with friction or age as washers do.

#4 - Leaking pipes. In extreme cases, these can cause expensive damage to floors and belongings. To stop a small leak from turning into a big one, take a look at your pipes periodically to check for rust or white lime deposits that may indicate a leak is starting.

#5 – Leaking water heaters. Most often when you have a leaker, it’s time to get rid of the water heater. Usually leaks indicate rusting through at the bottom of the storage tank, for which there is no good repair. By the time this happens, the water heater is usually so old you’d benefit from replacing it with a more energy-efficient model anyway.

#6 - No heat. When your furnace stops operating, it can make for a long, cold winter night. An ounce of prevention here is worth of ton of cure. It’s important to make sure your heating system is functioning properly before the first cold snap hits. Have a competent contractor do a thorough examination and cleaning in late summer or early fall every year.

#7-8 – Running & leaking toilets. This is not only an annoyance, but a waste of water and money. Leaky toilets can cost you upwards of $100 a year on your water bills. If you hear a low humming noise, or if the toilet continues to run into the bowl after the toilet is flushed, it indicates that some part of the mechanism is out of order. Sometimes a minor juggling of the ball-cock or flush valve mechanism solves the problem without cost. Otherwise you may need to replace the entire mechanism.

#9 - New faucet installation. Many homeowners replace faucets not only when they break down, but for decorative reasons as well. This is the ninth most common reason for a service call, according to the PHCIB. A few people buy a faucet from a home center and then call a plumbing firm to do the installation. This is okay, but be forewarned that in doing so, the plumbing firm will only
warranty its workmanship, not the faucet itself.

#10 – Malfunctioning food waste disposer. This can be a messy headache for homeowners. Here are several tips to keep your unit in good working order. First, always run cold water when grinding to move the waste all the way down the drain lines. Fats and grease congeal and harden in cold water and can be flushed through the system. Hot water should not be used because it can dissolve fats and grease, which may then accumulate in the drain line. Almost all bio-degradable food waste can be fed into disposers. However, they should not be used to grind clam or oyster shells, corn husks or other material with high fiber content. Under no circumstances should you put glass, plastic or metal non-food materials through a disposer. This includes bottle caps, tin covers or aluminum foil, which are some of the items service technicians commonly find in clogged or broken disposers.
Maintenance is easy. Grinding small bones and eggshells actually helps clean the disposer by scraping away stubborn deposits or citric acid and pulp. Grinding a little ice is another way to clean deposits and get rid of odors. For the most part, though, disposers are self-cleaning.

Proprietary Information, Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc & Nexstar Network, © 2009

Kevin Shaw is president of Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc, serving the San Gabriel Valley since 1982. With over 30 years of In The Field experience, Kevin has the skills and know how to fix most any plumbing problem and makes it a priority to stay abreast of the latest needs in customer satisfaction as well as technical advances. He has served as the President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of the Greater Los Angeles Area, and the California State Board of PHCC. He is also a member of the distinguished organization Nexstar Network and a founding member of Service Roundtable, both of which are trade organizations that train and equip contractors to meet their customer’s plumbing, heating & cooling needs.

For questions, please contact info@kevinshawplumbing.com or call 626-359-1864. You may also visit the company’s website at www.KevinShawPlumbing.com for more helpful tips and homeowner articles and general information. You may also send any questions or comments to: 224 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016

Our Low Price Promise

Times are tough for everybody right now…………

We have noticed homeowners with plumbing problems have taken the path to resolve these issues using the cheapest way possible. With that can come unsafe installations or part failure. Even worse could be a flood or fire at your home.

At Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc. we understand, and we want to help you get the problem fixed.

We don’t want to see people sacrifice safety to survive. So we decided to introduce our new program called “Lowest Price Promise”.

So here is how the program works…

Have a written estimate from a licensed plumbing contractor for any work you need for your home.

Submit a service request or give our cheerful customer service people a call to set up a convenient time for one of our skilled plumbers to visit your home and review the project along with the opportunity to provide the “Lowest Price Promise”.

Please review the following basic guidelines for the program:
1. A copy of a written estimate with the best possible price from a licensed plumbing contractor must be given to our plumber upon the first visit.
2. Lowest Price Promise is honored during the initial visit only.
3. Competitive estimate must be in writing from a verifiable licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing contractor.
4. Lowest Price Promise is subject to design, products, material and installation method.
5. All federal, state, and local authorities having jurisdiction for safety ordinances, and plumbing codes will be in compliance.

Give us a call right now @ 626-359-1864.

What do you have to lose, besides those aggravating plumbing problems.

Kevin Shaw is president of Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc, serving the San Gabriel Valley since 1982. With over 30 years of In The Field experience, Kevin has the skills and know how to fix most any plumbing, heating, air conditioning and insulation problem and makes it a priority to stay abreast of the latest needs in customer satisfaction as well as technical advances. He has served as the President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of the Greater Los Angeles Area, and the California State Board of PHCC. He is also a member of the distinguished organization Nexstar Network and a founding member of Service Roundtable, both of which are trade organizations that train and equip contractors to meet their customer’s plumbing, heating & cooling needs.

For questions, please contact info@kevinshawplumbing.com or call 626-359-1864. You may also visit the company’s website at www.KevinShawPlumbing.com for more helpful tips and homeowner articles and general information. You may also send any questions or comments to: 224 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016
You can follow us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/DrNoLeak and on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/KSP.Inc?ref=nf

My 5 NO B.S Steps To A Beautiful Kitchen

If new cabinets are a stretch on your budget, cabinet re-facing can be a good solution for you.

You have a few options here… veneer refinishing can result in a great look, but can be tricky if you’re not a pro; painting, staining and bleaching take time but are relatively simple if you know how to do it. We’re going to focus on these last three methods. Let’s get started!

Step 1 – First things first – use stickers to number all the cabinet doors. You’ll be glad you did this when it’s time to re-hang the cabinet doors! Next, remove all the doors, along with the hinges and hardware. The grunge around the hinges will give you a good idea what your next job is going to be – heavy duty cleaning!

Step 2 – You may have years of built-up cooking grease to remove. The best way to remove the grease build-up is to use a product like TSP Cleaner or mineral spirits. Or you can use this home-made wood cleaner: mix 1-quart boiling water with 3 tbsp linseed oil and 3 tbsp turpentine. Use a steel wool pad to thoroughly clean the doors, along with all visible cabinet surfaces. To be on the safe side, work outdoors when possible.

Step 3 - Lightly sand the doors and then wipe off the dust. For a superior finish, repeat step 2 and leave to dry for at least 24 hours.

Step 4 – If you’re painting or staining, you can now fill in any small dents with wood filler. When the filler is completely dry, sand over the filled areas and remove the dust with a tack cloth.

Step 5 – This step will depend on which of the three following methods you’ve chosen:

Wood bleaching: Use wood bleach and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Follow up with polyurethane or another finish of your choice.

Staining: Apply stain and follow up with a sealer. Be sure to follow product directions.

Painting: Apply an appropriate primer and finish with two topcoats. For durability, a high-gloss alkyd spray makes a great choice.

Final step – Re-attach hinges and doors. While you’re at it, why not replace your cabinet hardware? New pulls or knobs can make all the difference!

Good Luck with your project

Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc. Making life a little more convenient…“Around the House.”

Kevin Shaw is president of Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc, serving the San Gabriel Valley since 1982. With over 30 years of In The Field experience, Kevin has the skills and know how to fix most any plumbing, heating, air conditioning and insulation problem and makes it a priority to stay abreast of the latest needs in customer satisfaction as well as technical advances. He has served as the President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of the Greater Los Angeles Area, and the California State Board of PHCC. He is also a member of the distinguished organization Nexstar Network and a founding member of Service Roundtable, both of which are trade organizations that train and equip contractors to meet their customer’s plumbing, heating & cooling needs.

For questions, please contact info@kevinshawplumbing.com or call 626-359-1864. You may also visit the company’s website at www.KevinShawPlumbing.com for more helpful tips and homeowner articles and general information. You may also send any questions or comments to: 224 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016

Residential Water Heaters Information

Recently Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc. was called to check out a water heater that was leaking in a 2 story condominium.

When we got there, we found that the heater had indeed been leaking and had caused damage to the floors, walls upstairs and the ceiling of the kitchen below.

Unfortunately the heater had been slowly leaking for a period of time and mold had developed.

By the time all was said and done, our replacing the water heater was the clients least costly concern. After contacting her insurance company, they sent out a mold specialist to check it out. 4 Months later and over $50,000 later of insurance claims, she moved back in.

So Kevin, how long does a water heater last?
On average in Los Angeles County, conventional tank type water heaters typically last between 10 and 12 years.

Many factors come into play on how long your existing water heater will last.
#1 The construction of the water heater. Contrary to popular belief, not all water heaters are the same quality.
#2 How often does the heater reheat itself?
#3 The temperature that the heater thermostat is set at.
#4 The maintenance or lack of annual maintenance.
#5 The quality of the water and the minerals in the water that can attack the heater tank.

For some unknown reason, we have become a society that waits to replace the water heater until it fails and possibly causes major damage to your home and property.

Here at Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc., we recommend a replacement every 10 years whether it is leaking or not. By treating your water heater the way it was designed and taking into account the warranty period and life expectancy designed into the system, you can save yourself and your family the agony, annoyance of home problems and a great deal of money in the long run.

California Insurance companies are reporting that mold or mildew claims related to a leaking water heater in California on average exceed $20,000. By investing in a new water heater every ten years and chances are very good that you will never suffer the damages from a flood.

How will I know when to replace my water heater?
You can change it out every 10 years, wait for it to flood your home and then change it out or you can keep an eye on it.

If you here rumbling, the cause of that is water boiling under a layer of sediment in the tank. Instead of the heater heating water to 125 degrees, the water is actually getting to the boiling point. This is causing the metal bottom of the tank to fatigue and causing you energy bill to go up.

What can I do to prevent damage from a leaking water heater?

We suggest that every water heater should have a safety drain pan under them.

From there a drain should be installed that will drain the water from the pan to the outside of you home. If you see water leaking from the drain, call Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc. right away The number is 626-359-1864.

If the water heater starts to leak, the pan should catch most of the water and divert it to the outside.

We also sell and install shut off valves that will cut the supply water off to the heater in the event of a leak.

What kind of maintenance does a water heater require?
#1 Every water heater manufacture recommends that their hot water tanks be drained once a year. Our water is full of minerals causing calcium deposits to form when the water is heated. They then fall to the bottom of the tank where they buildup into hard clumps covering the bottom of the tank. This calcium insulates the bottom of the tank and causes the metal where the burners are to become too hot. This increase in heat causes a larger than expected amount metal expansion causing the protective glass liner to crack which allows the water to attack and corrode the metal tank itself.

#2 The Water and Gas emergency shut off valves should be checked for proper operation.

#3 The thermostat on the heater itself should be checked to determine that the temperature it is set of is actually the temperature that the heater is distributing. We don’t need anybody getting scalded by a defective thermostat.

#4 The temperature pressure relief valve should also be checked for proper operation every year. The T & P valve as we call it, is a safety device designed to keep the heater tank from over expanding and blowing up or becoming a rocket. If the temperature pressure relief valve fails to seal completely the valve has failed its test and needs to be replaced.

#5 The water and gas connections should be checked for corrosion and the safety shut off valves should be rotated to make shut that they work properly.

#6 The venting system on a gas heater should also be checked for proper operation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

So I need a new water heater, now what?

Make your investment with a trusted, licensed, professional plumbing company like Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc...

We sell all different types of water heaters for different applications.

To be honest, it is dishonest to say that only tankless water heaters are efficient.

As a matter of fact, the most efficient water heater on the market today is actually a tank type heater system.

Certain tank type and tankless water heaters qualify as Energy Star rated and both types can get into the 90 percent thermal efficiency.

You will pay a premium for these super high efficiency water heaters at the time of installation. The Federal and state government agencies have many tax advantages and credits. The Feds have a 30% tax incentive, up to $1500, for the installation of certain high efficiency water heaters. This really helps to offset the additional upfront cost of the high efficient water heaters we sell and makes them an attractive option.

Well, that is a start and hopefully it has helped to educate. There are many other ideas and comments I could have shared, but I wanted to be brief and too the point. No doubt, some will take exception to what I have shared, but I think time and experience is on my side.

Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc. Making life a little more convenient…“Around the House.”

Kevin Shaw is president of Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc, serving the San Gabriel Valley since 1982. With over 30 years of In The Field experience, Kevin has the skills and know how to fix most any plumbing, heating, air conditioning and insulation problem and makes it a priority to stay abreast of the latest needs in customer satisfaction as well as technical advances. He has served as the President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of the Greater Los Angeles Area, and the California State Board of PHCC. He is also a member of the distinguished organization Nexstar Network and a founding member of Service Roundtable, both of which are trade organizations that train and equip contractors to meet their customer’s plumbing, heating & cooling needs.

For questions, please contact info@kevinshawplumbing.com or call 626-359-1864. You may also visit the company’s website at www.KevinShawPlumbing.com for more helpful tips and homeowner articles and general information. You may also send any questions or comments to: 224 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016

Yes Virginia, There Really Is A Kevin Shaw

In today’s world of big faceless companies, I find it amusing that many times,I am out and meet somebody, they are surprised to find out that there really is a Kevin in Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc.

Kevin, the man behind the company name, has worked in the plumbing industry since 1975, when he started as an apprentice.

With his customer service experience at Sears and technical training with a local plumbing company, Kevin set off to start his own company in 1982.

What started as a one-man shop quickly grew to 15 employees.

With a desire to bring his focus back to service and repair, Kevin reorganized the company in 1995, and began to offer Flat Rate pricing to his customers, rather than the traditional Time & Material pricing method, that left many customers feeling taken advantage of. With strong industry mentors,

Kevin desired to offer only the best, most inclusive service possible. His dedication to customer service can be seen in everything from the uniforms the technicians have on and the booties they wear on their feet to keep customers’ floors clean, to the detailed, descriptive contracts given to the customer for each service call performed.

Kevin wants everyone who uses his company to feel confident in choosing Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc. and he insists that his customers have the information they need to make an informed decision.

To help his customers make the best decision, Kevin continues his own education each year through professional schools and seminars through Nexstar Network, PHCC and other organizations, and is a graduate of the Service Management School. He also continues to hone his technical skills by working in the field and as support for the other technicians.

As an innovator, Kevin is always learning about new products that can help make life easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable for the customer. He has been recognized as a leader in the industry for many years, having served as President and Vice-President of the Los Angeles chapter of PHCC, and on the PHCC State Board.

Kevin is certified to install WIRSBO, Wardflex and TRACPIPE products and Rinnai water heaters. He carries a C-36 plumbing and a C-20 heating and air conditioning license.

Kevin is married to Dorie, has three daughters, Brandi, Kirsten and Kelly, 2 son-in-laws Jeffrey & Mike and four grandchildren (2 boys & 2 girls) to boast about. He enjoys being outdoors playing golf with the guys and riding his motorcycle with his best girl. Kevin’s favorite donuts are vanilla cruellers or maple bars.

Kevin Shaw is president of Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc, serving the San Gabriel Valley since 1982. With over 30 years of In The Field experience, Kevin has the skills and know how to fix most any plumbing, heating, air conditioning and insulation problem and makes it a priority to stay abreast of the latest needs in customer satisfaction as well as technical advances. He has served as the President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of the Greater Los Angeles Area, and the California State Board of PHCC. He is also a member of the distinguished organization Nexstar Network and a founding member of Service Roundtable, both of which are trade organizations that train and equip contractors to meet their customer’s plumbing, heating & cooling needs.

For questions, please contact info@kevinshawplumbing.com or call 626-359-1864. You may also visit the company’s website at www.KevinShawPlumbing.com for more helpful tips and homeowner articles and general information. You may also send any questions or comments to: 224 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016

Report Asserts Filtered Tap Better Than Bottled Water

First off, I want to give recognition to my good friend Terry Boden owner of Boden Plumbing in Sonoma County for this useful information. He can be reached at 866-663-7477

The Environmental Working Group has released a new report exposing the lack of health and water quality information for bottled water. It’s not a big surprise, but it’s a good reminder that too often we assume that because something comes in a package with a recognized brand name on it, it must be OK.

The report, 2011 Bottled Water Scorecard, surveyed websites and labels of more than 170 bottled waters sold in the U.S. looking for three things:

* Where does the water come from?
* Is it purified? If so, how?
* Have tests found any contaminants?

EWG found that just three — including only one of the top 10 domestic brands — disclose information about the water’s source, the method of purification and any chemical pollutants that remained after the water was treated.

The domestic brand noted is Nestlé’s Pure Life Purified Water, which discloses its water source and treatment methods on the label and offers a toll-free number consumers can call to request a water quality test report.

For a summary of the report, see Report: Filtered Tap Water Better for you than Bottled Water at www.walletpop.com. You can read the report and the EWG summary at Bottled Water 2011.

Of course not knowing the source of the water you’re drinking or its quality is a biggie. On top of that, however, are the alarming number of plastic water bottles thrown away — and the expense of bottled water compared to filtered tap. If you have no idea whether or not the water you’re buying is as good as what you’ve got at home, why pay the extra bucks? Convenience? Really?

Fortunately, point-of-use and whole-house water filtration provide good alternatives. Filter your own tap — if it needs it — and refill BPA-free water bottles for pennies per gallon.

We regularly install point-of-use filters for customers. Give us a call if you would like information on options and choices. We have also installed whole-house filters.

Kevin Shaw is president of Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc, serving the San Gabriel Valley since 1982. With over 30 years of In The Field experience, Kevin has the skills and know how to fix most any plumbing, heating, air conditioning and insulation problem and makes it a priority to stay abreast of the latest needs in customer satisfaction as well as technical advances. He has served as the President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of the Greater Los Angeles Area, and the California State Board of PHCC. He is also a member of the distinguished organization Nexstar Network and a founding member of Service Roundtable, both of which are trade organizations that train and equip contractors to meet their customer’s plumbing, heating & cooling needs.

For questions, please contact info@kevinshawplumbing.com or call 626-359-1864. You may also visit the company’s website at www.KevinShawPlumbing.com for more helpful tips and homeowner articles and general information. You may also send any questions or comments to: 224 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016

Do You Drink Enough Water?

Most people do not drink enough water and wonder why they don’t feel well.

I would like to offer a few facts about water consumption and how it affects our health and well being.

#1 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.
#2 In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak it is mistaken for hunger.
#3 Even MILD dehydration will slow down one’s metabolism.
#4 One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.
#5 Lack of water is the #! trigger of daytime fatigue.
#6 Preliminary research indicates that 8-10glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
#7 Just a 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math and difficulty focusing on the computer or on a printed page.
#8 Drinking five glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79% and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

So, now that you know these facts, ARE YOU DRINKING ENOUGH WATER?

Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc. Making life a little more convenient…“Around the House.”

Kevin Shaw is president of Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc, serving the San Gabriel Valley since 1982. With over 30 years of In The Field experience, Kevin has the skills and know how to fix most any plumbing, heating, air conditioning and insulation problem and makes it a priority to stay abreast of the latest needs in customer satisfaction as well as technical advances. He has served as the President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of the Greater Los Angeles Area, and the California State Board of PHCC. He is also a member of the distinguished organization Nexstar Network and a founding member of Service Roundtable, both of which are trade organizations that train and equip contractors to meet their customer’s plumbing, heating & cooling needs.

For questions, please contact info@kevinshawplumbing.com or call 626-359-1864. You may also visit the company’s website at www.KevinShawPlumbing.com for more helpful tips and homeowner articles and general information. You may also send any questions or comments to: 224 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016

The Secret Revealed – When To Do It Yourself

Gigantic home improvement centers and hardware stores have sprung up to service virtually every community in the country with a vast array of tools and building supplies available to every home owner. You can find literally hundreds of books and magazines dedicated to the subject of home improvement, many in the form of do-it-yourself (DIY) manuals. The craze has also been popularized by TV shows such as the long running PBS “This Old House” series and various clones.

Saving money is perhaps the main motivation behind most DIY projects. Coupled with that is the fact that some people simply enjoy working with their hands. They derive a sense of satisfaction out of building things and doing their own repairs. As professional trades people, we fully understand this feeling of pride at seeing the fruit of one’s own labor take shape. There is nothing more satisfying than completing a home improvement project successfully. We would be the last to discourage anyone from tackling a project.

However, as professional trades people, we also get to see the flip side of that coin on a regular basis. Hardly a week goes by when our company isn’t called to finish or repair a botched job by someone whose expertise didn’t quite match his or her ambition. Here is just a short list of the many unexpected things that tend to arise in home improvement jobs:

Incomplete instructions. Mr. and Mrs. Home Owner buy one of those packaged products at the home center that comes with installation instructions. However, the instructions are not always written in clear language, or sometimes leave out critical steps. It’s like a cooking recipe that uses terms such as “dicing…simmering…basting.” People who know their way around a kitchen know what to do, but a beginning novice may not be familiar with common cooking terms. Same with do-it-yourself work.

Coping with the unexpected. No matter how detailed the instructions, they cannot account for every possible situation that may arise with a home improvement project. The box containing the kitchen faucet you bought at the new home center may have instructions telling you how to remove the old one and put in the new, but what happens when you discover stripped threads and a rusted “frozen” nut that resists turning by even the strongest hands and pipe wrench?

Harder and more time-consuming than expected. Most people tackle larger projects on weekends, and maybe for an hour or two at night after they arrive home from their regular jobs. The first few weeks of this is a labor of love. As time passes, though, the project takes up all of a person’s free time and becomes drudgery.

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), many professional remodelers won’t even take on a DIY job gone bad. They find it too difficult to fix the problem and too many liabilities involved in taking on the work. Often the rescue job may end up costing more that a project started from scratch by a professional, because the professional may have to first “undo” much of the DIY work.

Here are some guidelines for deciding which jobs to tackle on your own:

Painting is usually a good DIY job — in fact, it’s the most popular DIY project among homeowners. The best part about paint is that it is just paint. If you mess up the job, you can always paint over your mistakes. Local paint companies can offer advice for the best finish. However, if you have high ceilings or tend to be clumsy, you may want to call in reinforcements and avoid climbing your ladder.

Cleaning out gutters and checking the roof are other good spring-cleaning tasks; however, replacing a roof should be left to a professional. It is essential that your roof prevent moisture from entering the home. A poorly placed shingle or flashing could mean leaks and water damage.

If you are patient and detail-orientated, you may be suited to some larger home improvement tasks, ranging from building a patio to replacing a faucet. However, larger projects can get unwieldy for a weekend DIY job. Be certain that you have the skills needed for the job. Moreover, many product installations require special tools that are not always found in the average household tool chest.

If the job involves electricity or gas/oil connections, call a Nexstar Network professional. One mistake here could be fatal. Many jurisdictions require that only a licensed professional perform certain types of work in order to meet building codes.

It’s also best to leave structural work to a professional. Not only could a mistake be dangerous, your home may not meet the local building code. This could make it impossible to sell without corrective measures.

In addition, EPA regulations forbid the venting of refrigerant gasses into the atmosphere. Keep this in mind when tinkering with an air conditioning unit or refrigeration project.

How long can you afford to be without full use of your home?
Remodeling is messy work that often renders one or more rooms off limits. Or, you will be without a key piece of equipment, such as a furnace or water heater or toilet. Professionals can do the job a lot faster and minimize the time your home will be disrupted.

In the end, the decision boils down to common sense. If you enjoy DIY projects and are good at them, by all means save yourself some money. But don’t lose sight of the fact that saving a few dollars now often increases the cost of a project in the long run.

If you are not a DIY personality, but need to get you house spruced up, click here to contact us. We will respond quickly.

Newsletter. It is free and has lots of other great information and discounts. Sign Up here

One last thing. Here is comment from Mrs. B a satisfied client in So. Pasadena. “Kevin. I cannot express how happy I am with the wonderful work you did in my bathroom. It turned out much better than I expected. Tell Anthony, Jeff and Jose that they did great work and that I appreciate the way they kept the house clean.”

Copyright Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc. @ Nexstar Network.

Kevin Shaw is president of Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc, serving the San Gabriel Valley since 1982. With over 30 years of In The Field experience, Kevin has the skills and know how to fix most any plumbing, heating, air conditioning and insulation problem and makes it a priority to stay abreast of the latest needs in customer satisfaction as well as technical advances. He has served as the President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of the Greater Los Angeles Area, and the California State Board of PHCC. He is also a member of the distinguished organization Nexstar Network and a founding member of Service Roundtable, both of which are trade organizations that train and equip contractors to meet their customer’s plumbing, heating & cooling needs.

For questions, please contact info@kevinshawplumbing.com or call 626-359-1864. You may also visit the company’s website at www.KevinShawPlumbing.com for more helpful tips and homeowner articles and general information. You may also send any questions or comments to: 224 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016
You can follow us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/DrNoLeak and on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/KSP.Inc?ref=nf

50 Observations About The Art of Home Service Part 2

Lets face it, we are all in the people business. Who provides the best client experience will set themselves apart from their competitors.
In my last post I gave you the first 25 observations from from my friend Matt Michel.

CEO Service Roundtable

Well, can you relate? Do these items describe the type of company you want to deal with?

Rest assured we do.

And speaking of great service, click here to schedule your on-line service request and redeem this $50 coupon for the water-saving fixture and installation of your choice. That way, you’ll save twice on the same job.

From your local Pasadena plumber to you, we’ll see you next time…“Around the
House.”

Kevin Shaw is president of Kevin Shaw Plumbing, Inc, serving the San Gabriel Valley since 1982. With over 30 years of In The Field experience, Kevin has the skills and know how to fix most any plumbing, heating, air conditioning and insulation problem and makes it a priority to stay abreast of the latest needs in customer satisfaction as well as technical advances. He has served as the President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of the Greater Los Angeles Area, and the California State Board of PHCC. He is also a member of the distinguished organization Nexstar Network and a founding member of Service Roundtable, both of which are trade organizations that train and equip contractors to meet their customer’s plumbing, heating & cooling needs.

For questions, please contact info@kevinshawplumbing.com or call 626-359-1864. You may also visit the company’s website at www.KevinShawPlumbing.com for more helpful tips and homeowner articles and general information. You may also send any questions or comments to: 224 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016
You can follow us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/DrNoLeak and on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/KSP.Inc?ref=nf

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