Although it’s fun to dream about major home renovation projects, the reality is that most homeowners are not looking to break the bank for luxury in 2012. Still, homeowners looking to avoid costly expenses must look towards preventative maintenance as a way to keep their homes protected from unexpected disasters. Here’s just a few ways you can help prevent major problems from sneaking up on your home:

1. Test Your Shut Off Valves

Not every household disaster can be predicted. Preventing major damage to your home begins with understanding how to respond in emergencies, and making sure your home can protect itself. Every family member should be aware of all major shut off valves and switches. Each valve and switch should be routinely tested, and any necessary tools should be located close by. Preparation is often the difference between a puddle and a flood.

2. Check for Mold

Mold can be a very sneaky danger to your home. Heavy rains and leaky pipes can lead to mold in your attic, walls, window frames, and floors. Finding mold is often harder than getting rid of mold. Spending some time to check likely locations is a wise investment for any homeowner. In addition to health risks and physical damage, mold can become a widespread problem and devalue a home.

3. Trim Your Trees

Some of the greatest danger to your home can come from outside its walls. Trees located near your home can be dangerous in the case of heavy wind or rain. Taking some time to trim branches and inspect the stability of nearby trees is a worthwhile investment for any homeowner. With older properties, many trees have grown to towering heights. Removing an old tree and planting a new one is a much better option than repairing a damaged house.

4. Check for Signs of Pests

Homeowners wishing to avoid any long-term damage to their home must constantly be on alert for any sign of critters looking to move in. Termites can tear apart the structure of a home in just a few years, and rodents can cause damage in your garage and attic. Fortunately, there are ways to make your home much less appealing to local critters. Keep wood and debris away from your home, protect the foundation of your home from becoming damp, and use expandable foam wherever possible to keep pests out. Detecting termites and rodents early is the best way to avoid costly damage. Use a flashlight and a screwdriver to scan around walls, corners, doors, and the foundation of your home, looking for small holes and piles of droppings.

5. Main Line Cleaning

One of the most important ways to prevent major damage to your home and your wallet is to avoid a major plumbing disaster – particularly with the main drain line. Your main line is responsible for removing all of your home’s waste and bringing it to the sewer system. While you can always call the city to fix sewer issues, your main line drain is your responsibility. Unfortunately, with main lines buried in yards, they can easily become damaged by tree roots or internal blockages. These lines remain out of sight, and often out of mind, until something goes wrong.

Ford’s Plumbing and Heating has been inspecting and repairing damaged main line drains for more than 40 years. Ford’s knows as well as anyone that the cost to maintain your drain is MUCH more bearable than cost of a main line plumbing disaster. Give us a call today at (310) 815-1515 and speak to a Ford’s representative about main line maintenance. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

With a new year comes a new opportunity to learn from the past and look forward to the future. For the average homeowner in Southern California, the continuing decline in home prices has led to much uncertainty and feelings of helplessness. Fortunately, while homeowners can’t change the housing marketing, they can positively affect the value of their own home – often without breaking the bank. Here are just a few options for investing in your own home in 2012:

1. Research Cost-Effective Improvements

When it comes to adding value for your home, not all home improvement projects are created equal. In fact, you might be surprised to learn which investments lead to the greatest increase in home value. The best resource available is the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Annual Report. Using this data, you can quickly learn that many of the most cost-effective home improvements won’t require a wrecking ball. Two of the most cost-effective home improvements are installing a new garage door and installing a new front door. Minor home improvements can add close to 90% of their cost in resale value, while still being enjoyed by the one who still lives there (that’s you).

2. Remodel on a Budget

If you are looking to invest in a more serious remodeling project in 2012, it is important to understand what types of improvements are attractive in modern design and the current home market. Today’s remodeling projects should focus on space and light, “opening up” a home to have both function and warmth. All across the country, contractors are knocking down walls and installing skylights and windows, appealing to the space and light demands of modern homeowners. Rooms within the home, such as the kitchen and dining room, can maintain their specific function without being in isolation and away from natural light. Those who don’t wish to remodel an entire kitchen or bathroom might find that adding space and light will add significant appeal to their home.

3. Improve Storage Systems

The number of square feet that make up your home is likely not going to change in 2012 without some major expenses, but what about all those wasted cubic feet in your home? Next time you have a free afternoon, take some time to walk through your house and identify areas where you are not making the most of your home from floor to ceiling. Whether they are inside the garage or inside the home, storage racks, closet organization systems, and functional cabinetry can add great value to your home – and your life!

4. Grab a Paintbrush!

Whether you enjoy painting or not, you might want to consider picking up a paintbrush in 2012. Interior painting is one of the most cost-effective and simple ways to improve the value of your home, and it’s one of the few value-increasing projects that homeowners can do themselves. The thought of major painting projects can be overwhelming, which is why most never get started. The key is to start small, choosing a small room or a single wall that could use an upgrade. With countless websites and magazines available for inspiration and design tips, there’s no reason not to get started!

5. Preventative Maintenance:

The main reason people don’t invest in their home is because they simply cannot afford it. Riding out the recession with your current appliances, systems, water heater, pipes, windows, doors, and carpet might be the best choice for your finances. If that’s the case, make 2012 the year that you take better care of the parts in your home that you hope will take care of you for a few more years. The professionals at Ford’s Plumbing and Heating know all about preventative maintenance, and their knowledge and expertise can help you make sure that your home systems don’t experience any disasters in 2012. Talk to a Ford’s representative today about preventative maintenance services such as main line sewer inspections, drain clean outs, furnace and air-conditioning tune-ups, and leak detection.

Are you ready to get started with preventative maintenance in 2012? Ford’s Plumbing and Heating is offering $20 off your home Furnace Tune Up. PRINT THE COUPON, schedule an appointment today, and start protecting your home in 2012!

As the winter months are arriving, Americans are preparing for everything that comes with the season. Those of us in Southern California probably won’t be shoveling any snow or maneuvering our cars on icy streets this winter, but we will be facing colder temperatures and increased utilities bills. Thankfully, unlike snow, utilities bills can be reduced with a little bit of knowledge, a little bit of strategy, and maybe a nice pair of wool socks. Here’s a few tips for lowering your energy costs during this winter season:

1. Master your Thermostat

If lower utilities bills are what you are after this winter, then your thermostat is the place to start. Saving on heating costs won’t require drastic reduction, but it will take some strategy. By lowering the thermostat while you are out of the home or asleep at night, you can significantly reduce monthly bills. Installing a programmable thermostat will do the job for you, and most programmable thermostats will pay for themselves in just one year of strategic heating and cooling.

2. Adjust your Water Heater

With most homes still using traditional water heaters, the energy costs of keeping a tank of water warm during winter can be steep. During cold months, it is important to turn down your water heater temperature to 120 degrees. The difference in temperature will not be very noticeable (most people dilute the warm water with cold anyway), but the savings can be dramatic. And of course, the real way to avoid keeping a massive tank full of water warm all winter long is to get rid of that tank altogether and invest in a tankless water heater.

3. Insulate Your Home

Paying for heat is expensive enough already. But the cost is much higher when your home is letting your energy slip through the cracks. Doors and windows are the most common culprits when it comes to leaks. These leaks can be sealed in a variety of inexpensive ways during the winter months. You can learn more about the cost of unsealed windows and doors by using the Department of Energy’s insulation calculator. And of course, don’t forget to close that damper on your chimney, or all your warm air is going to go right out the roof!

4. Insulate Yourself

For Southern Californian’s, there’s very few cold months, if any. When the cold weather hits, we are much more likely to crank up the thermostat than to crank up our wardrobes. Saving on energy costs might mean putting some socks over those bare feet walking around the house, instead of adjusting the house to the bare feet.

5. Borrow from the Sun.

Even in the wintertime, the sun’s rays can provide energy for your home. Open curtains and blinds to let sunlight in during the day, and close them at night to seal the heat in. Even though it’s cold outside, the sunlight still carries a lot of energy that can be used to warm your home.

Ford’s Plumbing and Heating is your neighborhood source for winter home tune-ups. We can inspect a variety of issues, including your furnace and water heater, and make sure you are getting every ounce of energy for the money that you spend. We hope you have a happy and safe winter season!

If you are thinking of purchasing an energy-efficient water heater, the best time to do it is now. Federal tax rebates on qualifying Energy-Star appliances are set to expire on December 31st, 2011. But if you hurry, you can save money on your purchase of a money-saving water heater! That’s not a bad gift for the holidays. Find out more.

Holiday season can put a lot of stress on your kitchen, especially your sinks and drains. Contrary to popular belief, garbage disposals are NOT invincible. With a few simple tips, you can avoid calling your plumber this Thanksgiving (unless you just want to share some leftover pie! 310-815-1515).

Things you should NOT put down your garbage disposal:

1. Grease, grease, and more grease
2. Animal bones
3. Potato peels
4. Eggshells
5. Hard vegetables (asparagus, celery, etc.)
6. Annoying relatives

Things you SHOULD put down your garbage disposal:

1. Ice Cubes (these can help break up the junk in your drains, and they will melt away when they are done, rather than adding to the junk)
2. Lemon or orange slices (simple way to combat any unwanted odors)

With rainy season just around the corner, it’s important to take a few simple precautions to ensure that your home makes it safely to next summer. Our team of Ford’s Plumbing experts has seen the effects of many rainy season disasters – much of which could have been prevented. Here’s a few easy ways you can get your home in great shape for the fall and winter months:

1. Inspect and Clear Drains and Gutters

Throughout the course of a year, drains and gutters can become filled with leaves, branches, and other inconveniences that can cause water to back up. Water that is not properly flowing through drains can cause flooding. In the case of rain gutters installed on roofs, water with nowhere to go can drip down the side of the house, leaking through windows or damaging paint over time. Of course, without the proper equipment and expertise, drain cleaning can be very limited. For expert drain cleaning that resolves issues deep within your drains and pipes, contact the experts at Ford’s Plumbing who have been preventing winter disasters for more than 40 years.

2. Check and Seal Windows and Doors

When a major rainstorm comes, you will quickly discover which windows and doors have been properly sealed. There are a variety of ways to ensure water doesn’t sneak into your house, and any improvements will be beneficial year round, saving money on heating and air conditioning expenses. Windowsills can be sealed with waterproof sealer or rubber, and cracks can be filed with caulking.

3. Don’t Forget the Little Things

There are a lot of little things that come with preparing for rainy season. Backyard swimming pools should have their water level lowered to accommodate for extra rain water and avoid flooding. Wood doors exposed to the elements may need a new coat of waterproof varnish to avoid soaking up water. Each home has its own set of rain preparations. Spend some time making a list of issues to prepare for at the start of each new rainy season.

4. Protect Against Wind

Many rainstorms are accompanied by strong winds that can often inflict even greater damage to a home or backyard. To prepare for windy months, secure anything that could potentially fly, slide, fall, tip, or bend from strong winds. Don’t neglect items that are less valuable such as trashcans, as these can often inflict damage on more valuable parts of the home or backyard. Some items may need to be placed in a garage through the season to avoid any damage.

5. Secure all Electrical Units and Exposed Wires

Summer is often the time for outdoor home repairs and maintenance. Make sure that all projects have been finished and there are no exposed dangers. Exposed wires or power boxes that have been forgotten can be a major problem when rain comes, leading to power outages and other electrical issues that will require extensive maintenance. If you need any repairs done during a storm, contact the experts at Ford’s who can inspect and repair your home systems safely. And for extra preparation, have the Ford’s team inspect your heating system and furnace before the cold nights come around.

Don’t let winter storms get you down. A little hard work goes a long way in protecting your home. And of course, calling in the professionals at Ford’s for the difficult tasks will bring you long-term safety and protection.

1. Be Consistent

With all the busyness of life, it’s no wonder people put off disaster preparation year after year. The best way to stay consistent is to make it simple. Create a list of things to update every six months, and schedule out reminders on your calendar. Your list can include basics like checking or changing out emergency food and water supplies, as well as other things like replacing smoke detector batteries, checking fire extinguishers, and making sure important valuables and documents are kept in a safe.

2. Have a Plan

Planning for emergencies involves everyone in the home. Older children and adults should know how to turn off water, gas, and electricity, and everyone should know where to go in case of an emergency. For disasters in the home, the family should have a meeting spot somewhere in the neighborhood. For larger disasters, a meeting spot should also be arranged outside of the neighborhood, along with choosing an out of state friend or relative as a family contact.

3. Prevent Further Danger

Some of the worst damage from disasters is caused by secondary problems. Earthquakes and other natural disasters are not preventable, but the secondary damage they cause can be limited with preparation. Preparing for disasters might also save your home from fire, gas leaks, chemical spills, and explosions. This includes:

- Strapping down your water heater

- Using flexible supply lines to fit all your gas appliances

- Storing dangerous chemicals in secure and separate places

- Storing any necessary tools next to valves for quick shut offs

4. Be Visible

When disasters strike, every second matters. Make sure that your home address number is easily visible from the street, making it quick to spot for emergency vehicles and crews. Don’t allow curb-painted address numbers to fade, and make sure any markers on your home are well lit at night.

5. Use Caution

After any disaster, there can be many hidden dangers that are often very difficult to detect. If you suspect there may be a gas leak, shut off the main valve and open all windows and doors. If power has gone out, use flashlights rather than candles and matches, which can be very dangerous if gas is leaking.

Did you know that a leaky faucet can lead to 150 gallons of wasted water per day? Living with leaky faucets is costly on our environment, and especially on our wallets! Never ignore a leaky faucet, and make sure you check under the sinks to identify the source of the leak. And of course, if you have any questions or need any assistance, make sure you contact Ford’s Plumbing and Heating for the best service in town.

Many people can talk-the-talk of being green and conserving water, but can they walk-the-walk? Over the years, I have developed an environmentally conscious list on how to conserve our most precious resource, water. Before I begin sharing this list, I thought I would ask for your involvement on suggestions on how you think we can save water? Pictures and videos are excepted and all participants will be entered into a drawing for a Free Ford’s Plumbing household appliance evaluation and T-shirt!