Plumbing Facts and Tips:  

• There are more than 10 different types of common end-user plumbed-in fixtures. They include, at least, toilets, urinals, drinking fountains, sinks, bathtubs, showers, ice makers, humidifiers, plumbed-in coffee pots, eye wash stations, washers, dishwashers, and fountains. 


• Some urinals have voice-activated flush mechanisms.  According to wikipedia, these urinals respond to as many as 30 different languages and several terms. 


• Water pipes used to be made from Lead. Pipes haven’t always been made of metal.  In the 1800s, wooden pipes were used; they were logs that were hollowed out and tapered at the ends. At 140 degrees, it takes 5 seconds for water to burn skin.  At 160 degrees, it takes only 1/2 of a second. Safe home hot water systems should be set to no hotter than 125 degrees. 


• The terms Facuet and Spigot were once used only in the Northern and Southern United States. The terms have come to be used interchangeably. Spigot, originating in the South, is more commonly used for outdoor connections. 


• In 2004, there was over 91,000 miles of water distribution piping, greater than 4" diameter, in the United States.  Close to 80% of that pipe is made of PVC. 


• The most recognized video game character in the world is a plumber. Nintendo’s Mario has appeared in more than 200 games. Hot water heat recycling is the process of recovering heat from used water. Heat exchanger systems can recover as much as 60% of the heat that normally goes down the drain.


• Thomas Crapper didn't invent the toilet, but he did hold several patents for improvements to toilets and other plumbing devices. He was also the proprietor of one of the leading plumbing companies in England at the end of the 19th century.

 HVAC / Appliance Facts / Tips:

• Sometimes the hardest part about getting something done is just finding the time to do it. Giving your heating and cooling system a thorough evaluation is well-worth the effort involved, so make this task a priority. Consciously setting aside a block of time to do it will increase the chances that it will actually get done. Make this even more effortless by calling McClellan Plumbing for an appointment to visit your home or business and perform the evaluation for you.


• Use nature to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Trees can be a homeowner's best friends when strategically planted where they can be most beneficial in keeping your home comfortable and by keeping costs down. Trees on the eastern and southern exposures will provide shade in the summer and allow the house to warm in the winter. Conifers along the northern side give shade in summer and act as a wind break in winter.


• Close window coverings to keep the hot sun out in the summertime, and open them up to let the sunshine in during the wintertime. Install or replace weather-stripping around doors and windows. Consider installing glass doors on your fireplace; also, close the flue during the summertime (but don't forget to open it again when winter rolls around). Heating and cooling rooms you don't use wastes money and energy – close the vents and shut the doors to those rooms.


• Call your power provider to have an energy audit performed to see exactly where your energy is going.


• As your appliances apporach the end if it's life cycle consider replacing them with modern, more energy efficient models. This will save you money on your enery bill.


• Considering that up to 74% of your energy bill is a result of heating and cooling costs; You should ask a professional about how you can make your home or business more efficient. A few steps to take would be to install an electronic thermostat. Install insulation on doors and windows and reduce the use of exhaust fans.


• Installing CFL (compact flourecent) lights will reduce power consumption. And increase efficiency. The modern CFL lights are as bright as incandescent bulbs and last much longer. You can also purchase CFL bulbs for vainities, appliances and night lights.


• Dishwashers can be set on economy mode, or the door opened to 'air dry' dishes economically.New models have delayed start features - you can set them to operate when energy prices are lower later in the day.
• Dry clothes only as long as required; you could be using 30 minutes to dry a load that really only needs 15 minutes.


• Use cold water for rinsing and most other washing cycles.


• Defrost freezers and manual-defrost refrigerators regularly - they'll work better.


• To save energy set your computer to stand-by or hibernate. If you do not use your computer regularly turing it off will help save energy.