Glenn's Blog

Can you imagine a regular water heater lasting more than 15 years!  Well yes, I installed ours in 1981, been draining the unit all those years and I guess it has paid off. You might say big deal...not so expensive but I label everything around my historical house here in Fullerton inside and out.  Built in 1912 it has been a work in progress, firstly renovated in 1978 and now all the modern goodies except the outside looks the same (picture) well nearly. I love to educate my first time clients that doing these little things around the house like of labeling the hoses on the toilets and under sinks can save problems down the road. Washer and Dryer are the big thing as I've had hoses fail and flooded a client's home, big time.  Most city codes require that new hoses (gas or water) be fitted when installing any new appliance.

We must save WATER like the Aussie's can with a Duel flush toilet system that was manufactured way back in 1956. Since 1980 Australia has had a two flush toilet system from "Caroma" in all most every home. There are several models but the old model saved an average over 32,000  liters that's (8,453 US gallons) per year, per household.  The duel flush Caroma system works like this. It has a Cistern above the tank that stores the water  and when you push the half button it only uses 3 liters (.79 gallons) of water. With the full flush button, the system uses 6 liters ( 1.5 gallons) of water  just like most of the systems we can buy today in the US. In fact in all seven Australian states it's compulsory to have the two flush systems in all new buildings. I grew up with these systems in Australia and when I came to the states I was amazed of how much water we waste.  To think these simple water saving systems are now sold in over 30 countries, so someone saw the light. If you like to learn more of my home hints, just log onto my web site at www.JungleOutThere.net

I want to share a great fast growing flowering ground cover that I found. I have been on the hunt for some time now to find a ground cover that is easy to grow, flowers, low to the ground, fast growing with little water. I live in Fullerton, Southern California and as you know we don't get a lot of rain. I was on the prowl to find some California natives as well as a ground cover that had some color. Well, I found this "Cotula Linearllobe" common name is "New Zealand Brass Buttons" at the College plant sale in Fullerton. This great yellow button cover sure is fast growing at nearly 3/4" a day with soft, fern-like leaves and 1" yellow flowers look like brass buttons. What a find, it grows to approx 2" tall and wide as you can get. Best thing of all is little to moderate water, sun to partial shade..perfect for the 10'x10' space that I have.            

Being in a very hot dry climate here in the So Cal a drip and soaker system for your home will save you tons of dollars on your water bills. I have twenty or more drip and soaker tubes running all over my garden and the 2 patios I have and I can tell you it has cut my water bill in half. Most of these plastic systems were first introduced in Afghanistan, used in Europe and in Israel where as you know the water is scarce to say the least. Make sense as then all is directed to the plants itself instead of the watering the weeds in the ground. So go out and check it out, not only will you save money but saving precious water for our planet.    

In reference to the regular water heaters making a noise during the day and night I have found a temporary solution. I live in So Cal and a plumber friend of mine told me of a helpful hint to help with the constant crackling to keep them quieter.  Attach a regular garden hose to the drain tap at the bottom of the heater, turn the tap on to drain the hot water along with the any calcium that may be in the unit for about 3 minutes. I have only drained about half of the heater at a time but it really helps when a water heater is older. I guess the calcium builds up in the heater tank over the years and by draining gets rid of some of the calcium. I do notice tons of white powder coming out as well so I'm assuming that's the calcium draining with the hot water. Good luck!