Garvin's Blog

LMFAO (apologies to the Band)

Garvin's Sewer Service — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:49:39 +0000

I was listening to the radio the other day and the LMFAO song, “Party Rock Anthem” came on. Of course, I turned it up, because it lends itself to that. I was bouncing around in the rush hour traffic when all of a sudden, one line of the song rang out among the others. I felt an immediate need to jump on my computer and write a blog about the following statement: “Like Drain-o™ I got that devilish flow”.

Ok, that’s quite a stretch, but I’m PlumbingGirl and I can write about what I want.

In my opinion, there is nothing more devilish than chemical drain cleaners. Webster’s defines “devilish” the following way: dev·il·ish, adjective, 1. of, like, or befitting a devil; diabolical; fiendish. 2. extreme; very great: a devilish mess.

Is there any other way to describe a product with the following warning label caution? (Bold is my emphasis)

Warnings:

Poison: Keep out of reach of children. Poison: May be fatal or cause permanent damage if swallowed. Causes severe burns to eyes and skin. May cause blindness. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, mouth and clothing. Always keep out of reach of children. Immediately give first aid. Eyes: Rinse immediately with water. Remove contact lenses, then flush eyes with water for at least 20 minutes. Swallowed: Rapidly rinse mouth, then immediately drink a glassful of milk or water. Do not induce vomiting. Skin: Remove affected clothing. Flush with water for 15 minutes. Then immediately call poison center, physician or emergency room. Keep out of reach of children.

Acute Health Effects:

From MSDS Inhalation: None known. Eye Contact: Corrosive. May cause permanent eye damage. Skin Contact: Corrosive. May cause chemical burns. Ingestion: May be fatal if swallowed. May cause severe damage to the digestive tract. Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: None known.

Source: http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=19001029

Sorry for grossly misusing such a classic song out of context. However, I felt to make my point, it was important. Do you see what they say 3 times above? (hint: they don’t want it around children).

Garvin’s Sewer Service strongly discourages homeowners from using and/or storing chemical drain cleaning products.

Garvin’s offers some less caustic products to prevent problems. And of course, we offer the absolutely Earth friendly drain-cleaning service known as “snaking” or “rooting”.

Thanks for listening,

PlumbingGirl

PS. Toilet running? Just give the handle a WiggleWiggleWiggle- Yeah!

Homeowners, Considering a Marble Countertop?

Garvin's Sewer Service — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:04:58 +0000

Homeowners, Considering a Marble Countertop?

We have partnered with Innovative Interior Solutions, LLC to offer you a special deal in February! Here’s the deal:

• Free stainless steel under mount sink and free cutout, polish and mounting of the sink with purchase of 30 SF or more of granite (most all kitchens will be at least 30 SF. This is a $425.00 value.)

• Bathroom Vanity remnant deal – granite slab remnants starting at $45 per SF. Customers can select slabs from stone yard. Plus 1 free oval or square under mount sink

Please let Jason know Garvin’s referred you!

PLUS, through Feb., he is also offering 15% off any Hardwood floor procedure.

Contact him today at jwalk@iisdenver.com or (720) 454-6524

5 Quick Tips for Reducing Water Damage

Garvin's Sewer Service — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:24:13 +0000

Water damage can happen after a water line break, heavy weather hits, sewer line or toilet back ups, sprinkler issues and even, as a friend recently experienced, a fish tank mishap. Here’s some tips on what to do to limit water damage:

1. Turn water off. If the source of water can be stopped, do that first. Stop using your water system as soon as possible in the case of a plumbing related issue.

2. Avoid danger. Be careful of electircal hazards, sagging ceiling panels and other damaged items that could become hazardous.

3. Call a professional. There are many service providers who can help fast. Plumbers, Insurance Agents, Resoration companies, etc. are here to help.

4. Dry it out. Remove as much standing water as possible form hard surfaces such as furtinure legs and hardwood floors. The sooner you can begin the drying process, the less damage you will experience to carpet padding, drywall, furniture and more.

5. Get a water alarm. Water alarms are small devices that can be placed any where you don’t want water damage. Many people place them near floor drains, under sinks, inside window wells, behind washing machines, etc. We sell them for $15, or you can find them at a hardware store.

If you need a Professional to help with any water damage issues, please check out our referal page or call us! (303) 571-5114

Testimonial

Garvin's Sewer Service — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:16:30 +0000

To whom it may concern:

I’m writing on behalf of my father, Leonard [edit]. Last week after being discharged from the hospital after gall bladder surgery he came home to a sewer problem. This presented a real problem due to his medication which required a working bathroom.

He called on company and they said it would take 3 days without water [to do the repair]- unacceptable!

He called your company and two gentleman, Mitch Gebauer & Matt Pastore came to his aid. Bless their hearts. Many thanks for your professionalism and speedy repair.

Sincerely,
Lynn O., Denver

Thanks Lynn! We are so thankful to be able to help. Best wishes on your father’s speedy recovery.

“You Saved Us Over $8500!”

Garvin's Sewer Service — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:04:25 +0000

You take your car in to the shop. The mechanic notices you need an oil change- he recommends a new engine. That’s one solution, but another solution is to do an oil change. We believe in preventative maintenance over replacement. However, we recognize there are times for replacement. Our goals is to give you the options that others may be relunctant to. Here is the testimonial from our client in Westminster, CO:

Just “thank you” for your excellent advice and serivce does not seem sufficient enough. Your company saved us $8659 from being scammed into major excavation work on our property. After talking with Mitch regarding our problem, we were certain that we wanted your company’s advice and [2nd] opinion.

We were very impressed with your serviceman who did an excellent job with the drain cleaning and explaining what we were seeing as the camera went through the sewer line. He also gave us a DVD showing the condition of the sewer. We were advised that our sewer did not need work beyond what was done on the day your compay inspected it. We would not even consider using anyone else but Garvin’s in the future and we will continue letting others know of the service you provide.

It is a pleasure working with people of your knowledge and integrity.

Sincerly,

Daniel & Evelyn

Cold Weather Tips

Garvin's Sewer Service — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 22:57:50 +0000

A special note from a friend:
This is quick HEADS UP to all TENANTS, OWNERS, VENDORS, FRIENDS and FAMILY MEMBERS!!!

Unless you live in the tropics or in the south, the COLD WEATHER IS COMING.

As a reminder, UNHOOK ALL HOSES and ANY OTHER DEVICES that are attached to outside faucets IMMEDIATELY and I mean NOW… because here in Colorado, is is Monday October 17th and the weather forecasters are telling us we should have our first hard freeze tonight.

I know this is a bit of a late notice, but tenants are responsible, like home owners, for thinking about maintenance of their property at all times. We have already contacted various sprinkler companyies to get in touch with tenants to get into the house, turn off the outside water and to blow out the sprinkler system..

Take this opportunity to check out the furnace filter… AND check the batteries in any smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your property. It only takes ONE issue to cause terrible trouble, damage or death to your family.

Be sure your pets are properly taken care of – make sure the water in their bowls doesn’t freeze, and that they have adequate shelter to stay out of rain and snow (I am guilty of this – I saw all 4 of my doggies huddled under a small roof overhang this morning while they were getting drenched… poor little bugs).

Of course there are all kinds of things to prep your car for the winter…

Lastly, make sure YOU are prepared… maybe have a blanket and snow shovel and ice scraper in your car and maybe some cash tucked somewhere for food, gas, help, etc!

Enough “mothering” of everyone… enjoy the gorgeous fall colors if you get them where you live!
MAGIC GENIE REALTY
Genie Reynolds – Broker / Owner
Office/Fax – 303.622.6449 Cell – 303.881.1912
www.MagicGenieRealty.com

Thank you for your continued support and referrals!

Do you have hard water?

Garvin's Sewer Service — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:40:36 +0000

Here is some great info from our friends over at Clear View Water. We have permission to repost this, and if you have any questions, contact them directly.
Thanks!
PlumbingGirl

Clean.
Healthy. Pure.

Families and Homeowners across Colorado continue to reach out to us with questions like “What are the signs of Hard Water in my home?” We hope these answers help!

Here are a few of the tell-tale signs of hard water:

Scale Build-up.
Hard water allows soap to stick to shower doors, shower walls, tubs and faucets; which increases cleaning time and efforts.
Dry Skin.
Hard water dries out skin and hair.
High Cleaning Costs. Excessive hardness levels cause homeowners to
use increased amounts of soaps and detergents for cleaning and bathing.
Etching and Spotting. Glassware, pots and pans become scratched and
have spotting due to hard water.
Damaged Appliances. Water heaters, pipes, faucets and dishwashers
breakdown or fail when exposed to the daily effects of hard water.

The good news is that there is a green, sustainable solution to these hard water issues. If you have questions about hard water in your home and want to learn more about our Whole House Anti-Scale System, please reach out to us at
303.801.7031 today!

ClearView
Water, LLC

P.O. Box 181782

Denver, Colorado 80218

www.ClearViewWater.com

303.801.7031

Heating Safety

Garvin's Sewer Service — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:28:29 +0000

In October, and even as early as September, homeowners in Colorado begin doing furnace tune and clean. Do you need to?
Typically, Colorado gets snow towards the end of October for the first time in the winter season. Dealing with cold weather prompts many of us to turn that furnace on to take that chill off.
Furnace checks help troubleshoot problems such as potentially dangerous electrical system or filter issues. The tune and clean ensures your heating system is operating at peak performance and it is one of the easiest and cost effective home maintenance items for your home. Heating system preventative maintenance is critical because small problems can grow fast and expensive very quickly. Running efficient equipment also helps keep energy expenses lower.
A quick and easy furnance tune and clean by a NATE Certified Heating Technician at Garvin’s Sewer Service takes only about an hour and is being offered at a Pre-season Rate of $125 from Sept. 15, 2011- Oct. 15th, 2011
Mention Code NATE for this special rate (Normally $150)

When you get your furnance tuned, also check your CO2 detector for functionality. Don’t have a CO2 detector? It can save your life! Ask about them when you call to schedule. They are required by law to be in all residential Colorado homes! Get yours today!

If you need your ducts cleaned, check out our referral partners HERE

I’m no Dear Abby, but…

Garvin's Sewer Service — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:05:13 +0000

I’d love to answer any questions you have about plumbing, plumbing systems, drain-cleaning, sewer lines, heating systems, air systems and more. I know, if you were all that interested, you’d be a plumber, BUT, I get lots of questions when I’m out networking. I also get lots of stories.

I’d love to hear them! I’d love to share them!

Do you have a terrible tenant (or terrible landlord) story? Has a guest ever totally damaged something (I’m thinking like “Meet the Fockers” or “Christmas Vacation” style story)

Do you have a I-did-it-myself-and-you-wouldn’t-believe-what-happened story? Did you try something that absolutely failed or surprised you when it worked?

Do have a weird noise story? A story titled, “It fell into the toilet and.. ” or similar story?

Share your story with me and you could win a $25 gift card*!
E-mail your story within the body of the e-mail to: askplumbinggirl@hotmail.com by Oct. 31, 2011.

*you don’t have to be local to participate. winner will be chosen at random from questions and stories received. gift card will be for $25 to a store of the winner’s choosing as long as one is available within reason, determined at my discretion.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

PlumbingGirl

Calm, On time, Clean

Garvin's Sewer Service — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:41:51 +0000

I LOVED this testimonial and had to share it:

It is not my habit to write recommendation letters to companies I have hired. However, the helpful manner that you personally extended and the professional workmanship of the two employees that came to my home on July 7 should not go unrecognized.

All to often, when I have dealt with other plumbing companies in the past, I had the distinct feeling of being pressured to buy the most expensive solution and advised for the need to do it immediately or suffer dire circumstances. I so appreciated your calmly explaining what needed to be done, and just as important what didn’t need to be done, and then offering a number of alternatives for the repairs. As promised, you e-mailed me that afternoon the information and costs for the project. The invoice was specific and the billing was almost 20% less than previous bids.

The technicians arrived right on time, as you did, and both explained what they were going to do and worked quickly to complete the task. They were not only courteous and conversational but seemed to take pride in doing their job well. They left the areas undisturbed and clean.

I can assure you that not only will I use Garvin’s in the future but I am recommending your services to my friends and associates.

The time spent with your company was indeed a pleasant surprise.

Yours Truly,
John V., Lakewood