Podcasts & Videos
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- Responsible Plumbing Issues
- Saving Water & Energy
- Tankless Water Heaters
- How-To
- Plumbing Stories
- Fun
- Hiring a Plumber
Responsible Plumbing Issues
This series of podcasts is about the responsible use of water, without involving politics, histeria, alligations, half-truths, or the passion on either side of the "green" label.
I believe that every human is entitled to water and air. By our actions we are starting to deny usable water for drinking to people.
The Water Cycle
This podcast provides a general overview of water, the water cycle, and human use of it. Where it comes from, how does it get to our homes, where does it go, and what is its life cycle. We cover well water and city water supplies.
We'll touch on what is considered to be waste water (the definition may surprise you), and the distinction and different treatment of storm water, and household waste water, as well as drain venting.
Also: Pressure regulation: which includes pressure reduction or boosting. Did you know that high water pressure is the largest cause of plumbing problems? .
Should you be alarmed about "toilet to tap?" What about pharmacutical residues in waste water? I'll give you some perspective.
Duration 22:45
Reusing Water
This podcast provides an introduction to water reuse around the home. What water reuse means, different types of reuse, what water can and should not be resued and an overview of some typical reuse setups.
Duration 14:17
Saving Water & Energy
Saving water on your lawn and irrigation system.
Learn about "the white elephant" in your yard. Water auditing, new irrigation controllers that may allow you to skip water rationing restrictions, and how to save 15-20% on your water bill.
Link to the Irrigation Association (mentioned in the podcast)
Saving water inside your home.
Greg talks about water saving shower heads that really work, and other ways to save water in side the home without giving up anything.
Loading your Dishwasher.
Greg talks about things to consider when loading your dishwasher. His recommendations will allow you to use the energy-saving settings and still get your dishes clean!
Tankless Water Heaters
Intro to tankless water heaters
Greg talks about Tankless Water heaters and how they differ from tank-type water heaters, new installations, retrofits, and related issues. Also please see the Tankless Water Heater page.
How-To Podcasts
For a complete collection of How-To videos, see the DIY page
Toilet Tank Leakage
Greg shows how to diagnose a toilet leaking from the tank into the bowl. Some people describe this as the tank "flushing itself" - but, it's really not (it's the toilet filling itself over and over). He uses a blue dye to show if the tank really is leaking and a few spots of where the trouble could be and what to do about it.
Clearing a tub and shower drain
Clearing a Sink Drain
Joining PVC Pipe with Solvent (the right way)
Greg demonstrates how to properly cut and join PVC pipe the right way.
This video focuses on primer and solvent slip joints. Threaded joints, unions, and other related subjects will be covered in a future production. That only takes a few seconds, but what is equally important is showing you the common mistakes and why some joints go bad (and can cause a lot of damage in the process).
The video on the left is an extended version of the video on YouTube (on the right), with additional examples of the mistakes to avoid.
How to Clear a Dishwasher Airgap Clog
Greg tells what the dishwasher air gap is, why you need it, how to tell if it's clogged and three ways to fix the clog in just a few minutes. No under-sink gymnastics required!
Why NOT to use a plunger to clear a Toilet!
Listen to why Greg doesn't carry a plunger in his plumbing tools. Did you know it can make a clog worse, damage your toilet, and even lead to illness? Listen in...
Using a Closet Auger to clear a Toilet Clog
Greg , shows how to clear a clogged toilet using a closet auger. Using this inexpensive tool (about $35 at the home store), and a little practice you can save hundreds of dollars in plumbing service-call costs with each use.
For this video, Greg created a clog in a toilet drain using paper towels. During the unclogging process there is some rust colored water visible in the bowl - That IS rust from the auger itself, not anything nastier that that.
Greg talks about how to diagnose if the plug is in the toilet, or farther down the drain; he talks about the closet auger and demonstrates its use; and how to check for a common reason the toilet clogged in the first place.
Repairing Roots in the Toilet Drain
A two part YouTube video. Greg repairs a toilet drain that was clogged with tree roots. The clog, along with a flapper valve malfunction caused the house to flood. The entire process is clearly shown, along with the "root monster," and how to prevent this from ever occurring again.
Plumbing Stories
More stories are being added regularly. You can also find them on the Stories page.
Just for Fun
Ramona's Drummer
What not to say to a plumber
In this podcast Greg speakshow to get the business relationship with a prospective plumber off on the right foot frankly about , with solid advice on what not to say to a plumber. Duration: 8:41