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Helpful Links |
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Proud to be involved with...
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Shepherd's Door
Recovery for homeless women and their children
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What our customers
have to say
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Casey's Plumbing
"Great people, great service, no need to look anywhere else."
Kieth Robins, Sherwood
"Very pleased with your company. I'll be recommending you to others".
Jo Hodges, Milwaukie
"Excellent - Explained everything well. Even made friends with my dog".
Ross Wine, King City
"Thom was great! Professional and good about explaining the process".
David Bleyle, Beaverton
"Great workmanship; competent and skilled".
Ken Moss, Gresham
"We found all of your people to be professional, friendly and considerate".
Michael Lowe, Beaverton
"The best! I am continuing to recommend you guys".
Carol Smith, Beaverton
"I saw my neighbor using you guys and knew they only use good companies".
Patricia Treece, West linn
"As usual, work was performed promptly and explained in detail".
Dan Ziglinski, Tigard
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Plumbing Fun Facts
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Albert Einstein was named an honorary member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union after saying publicly that he would become a plumber if he had to do it all over again.
The world's most famous plumbers are probably video game superstars Mario and Luigi, of Nintendo's Super Mario Brothers series. Copper piping, which is the #1 material used for plumbing work in today's world, is the same material that the Egyptians used to lay their own pipe - some 3000 years ago! Since 1963 (the year CDA was established), more than 28 billion feet or about 5.3 million miles of copper plumbing tube has been installed in U.S. buildings. That's equivalent to a coil wrapping around the Earth more than 200 times. The current installation rate now exceeds a billion feet per year.
In a typical home, more than 9,000 gallons of water are wasted while running the faucet waiting for hot water.
As much as 15% of your annual water heating costs can be wasted heating this extra 9,000 gallons. (Ask us about the solution)
Though we all have heard the many slang-words of which his cognomen is probably responsible for, the truth is... there is no hard evidence anywhere that English plumber, Thomas Crapper was the inventor of the modern-day amenity that often bears his less-than-flattering name (it's believed Crapper may have bought the patent rights from another man - Albert Giblin - and marketed the concept as his own).
More toilets flush during half time of the Super Bowl than during any other time of year.The toilet uses more water than any other appliance in the house. 72.4% of people place their toilet paper to be pulled from over the roll, rather than under.
A low flush toilet can save you up to 18,000 gallons of water per year.You have a 1 in 10,000 chance of being injured by a toilet.A third of people flush their toilet while they're still sitting on it.The average person visits the toilet six to eight times a day. During these six to eight visits to the toilet a day, each individual uses approximately 57 sheets of toilet paper. If a drip from your faucet fills an eight ounce glass in 15 minutes, it will waste 180 gallons per month and 2,160 gallons per year.
In the tomb of a king of the Western Han Dynasty in China (206 BC to 24 AD), archaeologists discovered a 2,000-year-old "toilet" - complete with running water, a stone seat and even a comfortable armrest! The finding: marked the earliest-known water closet, which is quite like what we are using today, in the entire world.
The Earth has somewhere in the neighborhood of 326,000,000,000,000,000,000 gallons (326 million trillion gallons) of water on the planet.
Roughly 98% of our water's in the oceans of the world, and therefore is unusable for drinking because of the salt content. That means only around 2% of the planet's water is fresh, but 1.6% of that water is locked up in ice caps and glaciers.
Another 0.36% is found in very deep, underground sources - meaning only about 0.036% of the planet's total water supply is found in lakes and rivers (our main supplies of drinking water)!
The word "plumber" dates all the way back to the Roman Empire. In Rome, pipes were originally made from lead, which is "plumbum" in Latin. People who worked with lead were called Plumbarius, which was eventually shortened to the word we use today.
The term "plumbers" was a popular name given to the covert White House Special Investigations Unit established during the presidency of Richard Nixon in response to the leaked "Pentagon Papers" documents. Their job was to plug intelligence leaks in the U.S. Government relating to the Vietnam War; hence the term "plumbers".
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Basil Chicken over Angel Hair
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Prep Time: 15 Min Cook Time: 20 Min Ready In: 35 MinServings: 4
Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package angel hair pasta
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
2 cups boneless chickenbreast halves, cooked and cubed
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Directions
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook angel hair pasta until it is al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Saute the onions and garlic. Stir in the tomatoes, chicken, basil, salt and hot pepper sauce. Reduce heat to medium, and cover skillet. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture is hot and tomatoes are soft.
Toss sauce with hot cooked angel hair pasta to coat. Serve with Parmesan cheese.
Thanks to...
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Greetings! 
I don't know about you but I can hardly believe that we are going in to the month of May already. This of course means many things to many people; such as more frequent yard maintenance, school coming to an end and of course, home projects.
Well, I can't help you much with the first two items but home project? I can help!
If you have been contemplating an electrical or plumbing project, now is the time to move. As we move into the summer months our schedule will become busier and busier. So now really is the time to start scheduling those home projects while we still have summer opportunities. And I can assure you, that once your project is complete, you will have many years of satisfaction using that new completed project. So what are you waiting for? Call and schedule your project today!
Also, in this month's Newsletter we are picking up from last month with DIY faucet repairs. Last month we went over ball type faucets, this month we cover cartridge style faucets and next month we rap it up with ceramic disc faucets.
Finally, in recognition of National Autism Month, I want to personally recommend the video "Temple Grandin". This one of the best stories of courage and determination I've ever read. Just click "Temple Grandin" above to check out her books, video and website.
Until next month,
 Brenda Casey / Owner and Operations Manager Casey's Plumbing - 503-620-9111 Back to top
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DIY Faucet Repair
Cartridge Type |
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Doing your own faucet repair may seem daunting, but once you learn the basics, modern faucets are pretty easy to fix. In fact, the hardest step is usually finding the right replacement parts. In this article, we'll tell you how to find replacement parts and show you how to stop spout drips on the single-lever faucet: cartridge type. We're showing kitchen faucets, but you can fix most single-lever bath faucets using the same procedures. The tools you'll need vary a little depending on the faucet you're repairing. You'll probably need an Allen wrench to remove the handle. Buy a set of small Allen wrenches, and you'll be prepared for any faucet. Most repairs also require screwdrivers and a large slip-joint pliers.
Follow These Basics For All Faucet Repair...
Before you start, examine the faucet closely to determine where the water is coming from. Leaks around the base of the spout require a different repair than a drip from the end of the spout.
Then turn off the water supply to the faucet. You'll probably find shutoff valves under the sink. If those valves don't work or if you don't have any, you'll have to close the main water valve to your entire home. After you turn off the water, open the faucet in the center position to relieve water pressure and make sure the water is shut off. Finally, cover the sink drain holes with strainer baskets or rags to avoid losing small parts down the drain.
Pay close attention to the order and orientation of parts as you remove them. A digital camera or video camera is handy for recording each step in case you forget. For easier reassembly, set the parts aside in the order they were removed. When all the parts are out, inspect the interior of the valve for bits of deteriorated gaskets or mineral deposits. Use a cloth or fine nylon abrasive pad to clean the surface. Loosen mineral deposits by soaking them in vinegar.
Slow water flow can be caused by plugged holes in the faucet body. Use a small screwdriver or penknife to clean them out. Before you replace worn parts and reassemble the faucet, hold a rag over the faucet and open the water shutoff valve slightly to flush out debris that may have been loosened during the cleaning and inspection.
After the faucet is reassembled, open the faucet to the middle position and gradually open the shutoff valves to turn on the water. Leave the faucet open until water flows freely and all the air is out of the pipes. If the water flow through the faucet is slow, the aerator (or faucet tip), may be plugged. Unscrew the aerator and clean it out.
Take the old parts to the store to find replacements
You'll often find the brand name stamped on the faucet. And this information will help when it comes time to find repair parts. But in most cases, the safest bet is to take the worn parts to the store with you.
Cartridges and repair kits for Moen "cartridge type"faucets are readily available. But if you have another brand or a disc-type faucet, you may have to order parts, since there are too many variations for most stores to keep in stock. It helps to know the faucet's model name or number when searching for a replacement cartridge. Otherwise, take the cartridge with you to the store so you can match it to a photo in the parts catalog.
Plumbing supply specialists are also a good source of repair parts. If you're having trouble finding parts, call the manufacturer of your faucet for help.
To stop drips at the spout or correct problems with hot and cold mixing, remove the cartridge and either replace the O-rings on the cartridge if they're worn or replace the entire cartridge. Take the cartridge to the home center or hardware store to find a replacement. Photos 1 - 6 show how to remove the cartridge. Replacement cartridges for Moen faucets include a plastic spanner cap that allows you to twist and loosen the cartridge to make it easier to pull out (Photo 5). Don't be surprised if the cartridge seems stuck. It may take considerable force to pull it out. Really stubborn cartridges may require the use of a special cartridge-pulling tool. Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order. Pull the stem up before inserting the cartridge. You may have to twist the cartridge slightly to line it up for the brass retainer clip. Use the plastic spanner cap or the tips of needle-nose pliers to rotate the cartridge. Slide the brass clip into the slots in the valve body to hold the cartridge in place. Look for the small notch on top of the stem and rotate the stem until the notch faces you (Photo 4). Install the remaining parts and reattach the handle. The directions that come with the stem will help orient you here. Then test the faucet. If the hot and cold water are reversed, simply remove the handle, dome assembly and handle adapter and rotate the stem 180 degrees. How cartridge-style faucets are assembled.
  Photo 1: Remove the allen screw Pry off the handle cap (gently) with a knife. Turn the Allen screw counterclockwise to remove it and lift off the handle.  Photo 2: Remove the metal handle adapter
Unscrew the dome assembly under the handle. Then unscrew the metal handle adapter and lift it off. Lift off the plastic pivot stop.  Photo 3: Take out the retainer nut Remove the retainer nut by turning it counterclockwise with large slip-joint pliers.  Photo 4: Take out the retainer nut Remove the retainer nut by turning it counterclockwise with large slip-joint pliers.  Photo 5: Twist loose the cartridge
Loosen the cartridge by slipping the plastic spanner cap (included with the new cartridge) over the cartridge and twisting it back and forth.  Photo 6: Replace worn parts and reassemble the faucet Grab the cartridge stem with pliers and pull it straight up and out. Replace worn parts and reassemble the faucet in the reverse order. For questions or to schedule a call... 503-620-9111  |
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MORE THAN JUST A 20% SAVINGS | |
Click on documents below to download and print
Our Diamond Club Plus members enjoy a number of benefits,
including 20% off any work performed*. They also receive special treatment when calling in for a service call; they go to the front of the line regardless of how many non-Diamond Club Plus customers were on the board. A Diamond Club Plus member will receive a FREE annual plumbing and electrical evaluation to ensure your system is safe and operating smoothly. And finally, it's FREE! The $14.95 monthly dues accumulate in an account to be used for future work. So let's say that you've been a member for 10 months and now need some plumbing or electrical work done. You will now have accumulated around $150.00 that can go towards that work. So there you have it; it really is FREE. Because we couldn't possibly accommodate all of our clients, we limit the membership to 22% of our customer base. So if you are interested in becoming a member, do so today. Just call, 503-620-9111 and tell them you want special treatment too and are ready to sign up for the Diamond Club Plus. *Does not apply to larger bid type work. Back To Top |
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Tips for hiring a contractor
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Check with the CCB (verify contractor's license), before asking for bids or entering into any agreements with a contractor. When checking a contractor's license: - Verify the contractor is actively licensed. This means the contractor can legally work in Oregon, has a surety bond, provided proof of liability insurance at the time of application and insurance renewal*, and assures that you have access to the CCB (Construction Contractors Board), Dispute Resolution Process.
- Check the contractor's history of complaints (disputes) and any other licenses associated with the contractor's name.
Get more than one bid from licensed contractors before making a decision. Don't automatically accept the lowest bid. A higher bid may be worth the price in better materials or workmanship. If you get a very low bid, the contractor may have made a mistake or not bid everything. If the bid is too low to make a profit, they may use cheaper materials or take shortcuts. Ask for references. Check with previous customers. Were they satisfied with the work? Was the work completed on time? Did the contractor return phone calls? Check the BBB (Better Business Board) and Angie's List for records of complaints and / or praise. Learn as much as you can about the contractor you are hiring. Read "Building/ Remodeling Checklist" and "16 Ways to Avoid Remodeling, Repair and Construction Problems" for a more comprehensive list of issues to consider when hiring a contractor. *Many insurance companies do not contact the CCB when the policy is cancelled since they are not required by law to do so. Consumers may want to verify coverage is still in effect.
The above information was taken straight from the CCB as we believe they are your best resource for checking lincensing.
 If you have any questions or need to schedule a plumbing service call, please contact us at... 503-620-9111
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MONEY SAVING COUPONS
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Click on coupon to download and print
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All Plumbers Are Not The Same
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- All Casey's Plumbing employees are background checked to insure that a safe person is entering your home.
- All employees at Casey's Plumbing are drug tested to insure that an alert professional will be performing your plumbing work.
- We offer a full two year warranty (three years for Diamond Club Plus clients), on all our repair work and a lifetime warranty on all workmanship. That's right - if any work we perform ever fails due to workmanship, we will repair it at no cost to you.
Sure, there are a number of plumbing contractors out there to chose from and it's always a good idea to get more than one quote when choosing a contractor. But I want you to know, that when you need a plumber, we'll be there for you. There will be no price surprises and if you are unhappy at anytime with our service, we'll do the job over for free! So who should you choose? I am humbled and indeed proud, of the loyal customer base we have grown and believe that if you give us a chance, you'll be a happy loyal client as well. You'll be happy with our service - I personally guarantee it! Thanks your continued patronage.
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National Poets Month | | |
Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.
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