Clearwater Plumbers - November/December 2020

Clearwater Plumbers - November/December 2020

November/December 2020 ClearWater Plumbers

Which Is Better: A Bath or a Shower? Do You Even Need a Bathtub in the House?

Top 5 for Baths

I was talking to a friend who was considering remodeling their home. Their master bath was not big, and they were angling toward not putting in a bathtub. I proceeded to hear the argument about how dirty baths are and a couple of the other complaints. Personally, I’m a bath guy. I think every house should have a bath. Over the years, I have heard the bath/shower debate with several reasons people choose what they choose.

1. Provides Relaxation — Experts say being submerged in warm water gives us connotations of being in the womb. Overall, bathing induces feelings of comfort and easiness, and that kind of security allows your mind and, subsequently, your body to relax.

2. Induces Better Sleep — Exiting a warm tub causes the production of melatonin, better preparing you for sleep.

Top 5 for Showers 1. Cleaner — They say you are bathing in your own filth … (Have you heard the expression, don’t throw the baby out with the bath water?) 2. More Convenient — Showering takes less time. Well, there are always those people who can stay in the shower till they run out of hot water with no regard for the next bather. (A tankless water heater solves this.)

3. Relieves Muscle Pain — Epsom salt in your warm bath reduces inflammation in your joints caused by arthritis or other muscular diseases. 4. Relieves Cold and Flu Symptoms — Steam from a hot bath works wonders for stuffy noses and bad coughs. Congestion is caused by inflammation in your nasal passages, and steam gets the blood vessels in your face and nose moving, thus loosening any mucus blockage. Body aches and pains are relieved as well. 5. Breaks a Wintertime Chill — Have you ever just felt cold? Cold for days. Can’t get warm in the winter? There is nothing better than a soak in a warm, deep bathtub to get your body temperature up to break that chill.

3. Less Space Required — This may seem obvious, but a shower takes up less space.

4. Fresh, Clean Water — Washing hair with fresh, clean water is better for your hair.

5. Easier Shaving — When shaving legs, the hair goes down the drain instead of floating around and sticking to your body.

Continued on Page 4 ...

1

ClearWater Plumbers | 817-296-0670 | clearwaterplumber.com

3 Common Problems We Can Fix

The worst part about having an emergency plumbing accident in your home is that you can’t prepare for it. No matter how prepared you think you might be, an emergency situation can sweep the legs out from under you. That is why we at ClearWater Plumbers always have one of our highly trained plumbing technicians on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are here to help you, even when the unexpected strikes. Let’s take a look at a few of the more common plumbing emergencies we’ve tackled over the years. Frozen Pipes Frozen pipes? In Texas? You bet! While our weather remains pleasant most of the year, there are a few days each year when pipes are at risk of freezing. It’s important to keep an eye on the weather so you can shut off your outside water systems and disconnect your house before things drop below freezing. In the event that your pipes do freeze over, don’t just wait for them to thaw. Take action as soon as you can! Water Heater Ruptures We don’t have to tell you that one of the most heart-stopping moments is walking into your garage and seeing water all over the floor. At times, a water heater can die without any warning, but sometimes there are a

few signs. If you notice a gradual decrease of heat in your hot water, it could mean your water heater has ruptured and you’re well on your way to an impending water heater emergency. Clogged Toilets A clogged toilet can either be a minor inconvenience or the beginning of a rather panic-filled day. When a home has multiple toilets, one clogged toilet usually means that something was put down into the pipes that wasn’t meant to go down there. However, if more than one toilet is backed up, the problem could be far more serious. Whichever situation you might find yourself in when the toilet starts to back up, it’s important to call the professionals when you can’t dislodge the clog with a plunger.

If you’re faced with one of the above emergencies above (or any other plumbing emergency), do what you otter: Call ClearWater! Meet Kismet, a Dentist’s Toothless Therapy Dog

Of course, some patients are scared of dogs. In those cases, Kismet relaxes behind a closed gate. But over 98% of patients happily take Kismet on their laps while they undergo their dental procedure. Cameron Garrett told CNN, “Quite honestly, as a dentist, I’m as much a psychiatrist or psychologist as anything else. Kismet has allowed us to have another tool in our toolbox.” They can even use the toothless pup’s story to teach patients about the effects of periodontal disease. Getting love from patients also helps Kismet. “She just wants to be with us,” Debra Garrett explained. The new owners suspect that she was abused in the past and is still recovering from that trauma. “When she is on a patient’s lap, she’s providing them comfort, but she’s also getting comfort. It’s hard for me to describe how nice it is for me to be looking at her while I’m working. It’s just a win-win all the way around.”

Therapy pets can have a powerful impact on dental patients, especially if those patients have anxiety.

“The studies are very clear: People who sit and pet animals have lower blood pressure, and that’s what it’s all about,” Dr. Cameron Garrett

told TODAY when the world found out about Kismet. Garrett’s dental practice employs the adorable 13-year-old Chihuahua rescue as a therapy animal that patients can hold and pet while they get dental work done. Kismet’s life has not been easy. The Muttville Senior Dog Rescue has invested thousands of dollars into Kismet’s health — they diagnosed her with heart disease, removed a cancerous tumor, treated a hernia, and removed all of her teeth due to periodontal disease. Yet, Kismet remains a very sweet dog. She never barks and loves back scratches and being held.

It’s especially amazing that the toothless Kismet found such a perfect new home with dental professionals! This past July, Cameron Garrett and his wife, Debra Garrett (a hygienist), adopted Kismet into their home as well as their dental practice. The serene dog has provided a special experience for patients who come for exams, cleanings, and even root canals.

Our hearts are officially melted. It’s only fitting for a pet hero to have heroic owners, too!

2

ClearWater Plumbers | 817-296-0670 | clearwaterplumber.com

Interview With Chris

When did you start in the plumbing industry, and what motivated the career choice? I started service plumbing in 2004. The relationships I built with customers and the final outcome of the work I did motivated me. What motivated you to join ClearWater, and when did you start? After moving here from Clearwater/St. Petersburg, Florida, the otter and the ClearWater name stood out to me. After interviews, it was a great fit and felt like where I needed to be.

If you could be any car, what would you be and why? I would be a 1961 Chevy truck. It has a lot of character.

INGREDIENTS • 1 lemon •

Inspired by BoulderLocavore.com

You recently started a ClearWater baseball team. What prompted you to create the team? What is their record so far? I love the sport and have played it at many levels — college to minor league. Building the relationships with the fellows outside of the work environment is what prompted me. While our record isn’t good, I love joking and laughing with the fellows.

1 gallon pure apple cider

• • • • • •

1 large orange, thinly sliced crosswise

2 tsp whole cloves

2 tsp allspice berries

1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced

When you think about retirement, what does that look like for you? I plan on traveling the country and world to appreciate all of nature’s beauty.

2 tbsp honey

3 cinnamon sticks

DIRECTIONS 1. Using a paring knife, shave the lemon peel off in curls. Reserve the curls and save the lemon for use in a different recipe. 2. In a large slow cooker, combine the lemon peel with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 3–4 hours.

Sudoku!

3. If desired, use a sieve to strain the spices. Serve and enjoy!

Quarterly Raffle

Remember ... every quarter, we draw a name for a $500 cash prize! Every time you refer ClearWater, your name goes in the pot. Keep on referring! May the odds be in your favor.

3

ClearWater Plumbers | 817-296-0670 | clearwaterplumber.com

6954 Boat Club Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76179 817-296-0670

ClearWater Plumbers

1 2

Which Is Better: A Bath or a Shower?

When Emergency Strikes — Don’t Panic!

Meet Kismet, a Dentist’s Toothless Therapy Dog

3

Interview With Chris Potter

Festive Apple Cider

... Continued From Cover

Which Is Better: A Bath or a Shower?

Tub Too Small — If your tub is not big enough, there are newer tubs that fit the same footprint as a standard tub but are roomier and deep enough to soak in. This is a game changer. In those old tiny tubs, I look like a turtle on its back with just my abdomen and hips in the water. Tub Too Big (or Awkwardly Shaped) — In the ‘70s and ‘80s, they made some crazy cultured marble tubs more for visual appeal than for function. We had one that was a big round bowl that took a ton of water to fill. While it looked luxurious, and I enjoyed it, the tub was not comfortable for my wife. The good thing about a big tub is that it gives you a lot of options when you’re thinking about replacing it with something more practical. Let us know if we can take a look at making you bathroom a little warmer and cozier for you this winter, whether that means getting you more hot water or changing up your tub or shower to make you more comfortable. Your ol’ buddy, –Jeff P.S. If you are getting this communication, we’ll waive our trip charge and give you a free consultation … because we like you. :-)

6. (A Bonus Reason) Have a Luxury Spa Day at Home — This is a top five list, but … I’m a bath guy. I like the quiet isolation to read and make notes. I light candles, turn the heater on, have warm face cloths, add Epsom salts, and sometimes even add bubbles. I can sit in the tub for hours and adjust the water temp with my feet. All my life, my family has checked in on me to make sure I am still alive because I stay in the tub so long.

You really want a bathtub and a shower. Let’s solve some bathtub problems.

Dirty — If you are really that dirty before you take a bath, take a shower first.

Not Enough Hot Water — If you can’t fill the tub because there is not enough hot water, try: • A tankless water heater (saves energy and money) • Adding a tank-extender valve to an existing heater • Upgrading an old heater to larger capacity Call us to help you find the best way to get enough hot water to fill your tub.

4

ClearWater Plumbers | 817-296-0670 | clearwaterplumber.com