There’s still time to get a significant tax savings on top of the efficiency of endless hot water through Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver’s exclusive GoHOT tankless hot water systems.

Denver, CO (PRWEB) November 20, 2010 Homeowners have until the end of the year to claim the generous federal tax credit of up to $1,500 for energy-saving improvements on their house, including the installation of a GoHOT tankless hot water system exclusively available through Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver.

“We have licensed plumbers standing by to install our GoHot tankless hot water systems in time to claim the tax credit, and we can assist with all of the compliance documents,” says Steve Jusseaume, owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver. “Not only can homeowners save $1,500 on their federal tax bill through the credit, a tankless system offers any home endless hot water and significant savings on utility bills for years to come.”

The federal tax credit of up to $1,500 reflects 30% of the cost of energy-savings home projects, including insulation, heating and air-conditioning units, roofs, biomass stoves, windows and doors, and non-solar water heaters. The tax credit was implemented in 2008 legislation and applied to qualifying projects and appliances purchased and installed in a principal residence in the tax years 2009 and 2010, expiring on Dec. 31, 2010. There are a variety of further tax credits, up to 30% of the cost with no upper limit, expiring at the end of 2016 and including such things as geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines for residences, solar energy systems, and residential fuel cell systems.

There are several Energy Star hot water heaters which qualify for the federal tax credit, but none of the typical gas hot water heaters offer the wealth of benefits offered by tankless heaters like Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver’s GoHot systems.

Beyond qualifying for the full federal tax credit, in essence taking as much as 30% off the cost, a GoHot hot water system takes up less space than a traditional hot water heater, and can be mounted to a wall, even outdoors, freeing up basement or utility room space. Moreover, standard tank-type hot water heaters heat the water at all times, whereas a GoHOT system heats water on demand, supplying an endless supply of hot water throughout the house for all purposes and saving the typical family $100 or more each year on utility bills. Also, the GoHOT system is designed for high demand, so running the shower at the same time as the dishwasher and the washing machine is no problem.

In addition, Xcel Energy, Colorado’s largest utility company, as well as various other utilities around the state, offer rebates of up to $100 on energy bills for the installation of a qualifying water heater, and the GoHOT system qualifies. Just to prove the popularity of tankless hot water systems in the marketplace, The State of Colorado Governor’s Energy Office early this year launched a $300 rebate program on such appliances, and these tankless systems were the first category to close due to the volume of requests. Once again, Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver has all of the necessary paperwork and details to help customers claim any and all credits and rebates available.

“Within a few years, tankless hot water systems like our GoHOT models will be standard in new home construction and major home renovations because the energy efficiencies are just that good,” adds Jusseaume. “Besides, our GoHOT customers couldn’t be happier with the endless hot water, the savings, and the performance of their units.”

Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver offers a range of excellent warranties on its GoHOT tankless hot water systems, that include full protection on all labor, parts, heat exchangers, a property protection guarantee, for up to 12 years.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver is family owned, and was founded in 1978 by Jusseaume as Deer Creek Plumbing. The firm joined the #1 residential plumbing franchise in the country in 2005, and was recently recognized by its peers as Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchise of the Year at the brand’s annual meeting. The award recognizes the franchise that displays the best performance and profit numbers over the last year. In a sluggish economy, the Denver franchise grew its sales more than 20%.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver has been accredited by the Metro Denver Better Business Bureau since 2002 and is a full service plumbing company serving the greater metro Denver area. For GoHOT tankless hot water systems, and for a full range of plumbing services services call 866-PUNCTUAL or visithttp://www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com.

I am writing this letter to you regarding your plumber Keith Sears. Having worked in the customer service field in several capacities for a few decades for major corporations I am acute to the service as a customer I receive. For that reason I believe good service should never be a standard to achieve but rather a general expectation. I am not easily impressed.

I was impressed with Keith Sears’s work.

The next time I need a plumber I will be calling Benjamin Franklin because of him. He was on time, professional, answered all of my questions, and explained exactly what went wrong and how he would fix it.  Plus he explained things in a manner that I could understand. I was blown away with his honesty.  That would have been more than enough but Keith Sears did more than this.

He taught me the value of having a great plumber to call.  Instead of the mindset of calling a plumber as the last resort I’ve learned through him one saves time and money when somone like Keith is on the job.  He changed my attitude.  And Keith Sears made good service great by also doing something else.  I had a peace of mind with the work he provided.

Keith Sears knows how to make good customer service great.

Keith S. He should be acknowledged in whatever manner Benjamin Franklin Plumbing recognizes their employees. And I am asking that this letter is forwarded up the chain of command to the president if you will. Great service deserves such attention.

Thank you, Keith.

From C and S Mason.
Denver CO.

The family-owned Denver plumbing contractor recognized by fellow franchisees for best performance and profit numbers nationwide

DENVER, CO, Oct. 13, 2010 – Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver was recognized by its peers as Franchise of the Year at the brand’s annual meeting last week in Dallas.

 The award recognizes the franchise that displays the best performance and profit numbers over the last year. In a sluggish economy, the Denver franchise grew its sales more than 20%.

 Operating out of locations in Denver and Littleton, owner Steve Jusseaume was extremely proud to be selected from the hundreds of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing locations across North America.

 “I am shocked, honored and humbled by this award,” Jusseaume said. “There is a lot of great competition among the Ben Franklins and I’m privileged to say that we’re number one this year. We’re a family business, and I accept the award on behalf of my family and my entire staff.”

 National Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Vice President of Franchise Operations Chris Leach said Jusseaume and his team are leaders of the rapidly growing brand.

 “Steve has mastered the Ben Franklin systems and procedures and applied them in his own way, which has allowed him to serve the Denver area exceptionally well this past year,” Leach said. “His proud representation of our values and all-around excellence has helped his company emerge as a model for all other Ben Franklins across North America.”

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver was founded by Jusseaume in 1978 as Deer Creek Plumbing and joined the nation’s Number 1 plumbing franchise organization in 2005. Company management includes Jusseaume’s wife Nancy and the couple’s daughters Meg and Kate, and the next generation promises that the firm will stay family owned for years to come.

The Denver franchise features fully licensed plumbers and provides the full range of residential plumbing services, including 24/7 emergency service, expert repair and maintenance on kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms, as well as sewer lines and mains, gas lines, boilers, outdoor plumbing, expansion tanks, tankless water heaters and more. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver also specializes in plumbing remodeling, and through its affiliation with the national franchise it offers a full line of plumbing fixtures and appliances at significant savings over retail.

The national Benjamin Franklin Plumbing operation is one of the fastest growing plumbing franchises in the United States, and was recently recognized as #143 on the 2010 Entrepreneur Franchise 500® list from Entrepreneur magazine, and as #269 on the 2010 “All Star Franchises” list from AllBusiness®, a Dun & Bradstreet unit. According to Entrepreneur magazine, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing was founded in 2000, began franchising in 2001, and in 2010 has 250 U.S. Franchises and 11 company-owned outlets.

Branded as The Punctual Plumber, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing nationwide offers customers on-time service, replacement and repairs done right the first time with courtesy, convenience, cleanliness, competence and character. The company is owned by Clockwork Home Services Inc. in Sarasota, Florida.

Clockwork Home Services, Inc. is dedicated to improving the operations, efficiency, customer service and profitability of contractors in the home services industry in North America through affinity group membership and nationally branded franchises.  Its companies include Mister Sparky® Franchising, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® Franchising, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating® Franchising, BuyMax®, Plumbers’ Success International®, Electricians’ Success International®, AirTime 500™, Roofers’ Success International®,  Success Academy®, AirTime Canada™ ULC, and SuccessWare, Inc.® In 2009, Clockwork was ranked #1,227 on Inc. magazine’s Inc. 5,000® list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States. For more information, visit www.clockworkhomeservices.com.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2002 and is a full service plumbing company serving the greater metro Denver area.  For service or more information call 866-PUNCTUAL or visit www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com.

From small drips and leaks to major problems, a professional plumber can insure that a simple bathroom plumbing issue isn’t poised to become an expensive emergency 

DENVER, CO – There are few rooms in the home more essential than the bathroom, as the plumbing fixtures there are subjected to a daily workout by every member of the family from the first shower in the morning to the last wash-up and tooth brushing before bed. Whether the home has but one bathroom or a whole host of personal and guest bathrooms, these amenities need to be in proper working order day in and day out to ensure no lifestyle interruptions.

Trouble is, there is so much going on in a bathroom that plumbing fixtures wear out over time and repeated use, and require periodic maintenance to guarantee they are performing at the level required. Those nagging drips or running toilets can consume hundreds of gallons of water every day, plus more serious problems – like pipes leaking into the floors or walls – often go undetected until they have created thousands of dollars in damage.

Bathroom plumbing, especially in the newer, modern homes with multiple fixtures and specialty fixtures like spas and whirlpool tubs, is a very complicated system that often requires inspection and work done by a professional plumber. Indeed, many professional plumbers specializing in bathroom fixtures report they often get called in after a homeowner has hit a snag on that Do-It-Yourself fix-it project.

Since bathrooms get such a workout, any homeowner wishing to forestall problems from happening is advised to have the plumbing fixtures inspected once every two years to ensure all the connections are water tight, the fixtures are working properly, and there are no telltale signs of water damage or the early stages of corrosion from hard water. A complete inspection offers peace of mind, and if anything out of place is detected it is much less expensive, in both money and downtime points of view, to have the problem solved before it escalates into a plumbing catastrophe.

Plumbing professionals are, however, also experts at bathroom plumbing repair – including fixing those nagging drips and leaks or, if the need arises, emergency repairs when a pipe bursts or a fixture fails.

Denver bathroom plumbing repair experts report that the most typical bathroom plumbing repair calls are:

• Toilets – leaking or constantly running toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons of water a day, an unnecessary expense that any professional plumber can easily fix. Toilets leaking around the base indicate that water is seeping into the floor, and into the ceiling of the room below, and can lead to structural damage. Professional plumbers can repair the toilet mechanism or replace the toilet with a new one that matches the bathroom color and décor.
• Faucets – faucets get so much use that drips and leaks are a normal occurrence. Amazingly, a faucet dripping one drip per second wastes more than 3,100 gallons of water every year. For the most part, faucet repairs involve the simple replacement of gaskets or washers, however fixtures do wear out and periodically require replacement. Most professional plumbers have access to a wide array of bathroom faucet fixtures to match the décor or to upgrade to a dream faucet.
• Drains – slow and clogged drains are commonplace, and remedies such as pipe snakes or retail chemical drain cleaners, in the hands of a homeowner, often do more harm than good. A professional plumber can quickly diagnose and repair the problem with the proper tools – and make sure there is no bigger problem just waiting to happen.
• Water pressure – improper water pressure, either too high or too low, can not only be a hassle, it can indicate a much more pressing issue impacting the whole house. A professional plumber can determine the source of the problem and quickly fix it before it escalates into an expensive propostion.
• Hot water – hot water, of course, is at the heart of a great bathroom, and many people report issues with water temperature. The problem could be as small as a malfunctioning single-lever faucet not mixing the hot and cold properly, or it could be a corrosive block in the hot water pipe, or it could, of course, be an inadequate water heater of a water heater on the blink. A professional plumber can figure out the proper course of action quickly and could save the expense of a new water heater or a potential pipe problem.

Professional bathroom plumbing maintenance and bathroom plumbing repair, done on a regular basis and when small problems first arise, can be among the most money-saving undertakings a homeowner can do to maintain the family lifestyle. Check a plumber’s references and experience to insure the selected plumber has expertise in the type of fixtures and systems within the home, however rest assured that the cost of a professional plumber will be an investment against an emergency and money well spent.

In the Denver area, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver has more than 30 years of experience in bathroom plumbing maintenance, bathroom plumbing repair, and bathroom remodeling.

DENVER, CO – There a few things more vexing in maintaining a home than a leaking or antiquated toilet, and in these summer months when water conservation is key a new toilet will not only drastically cut water use, but also guarantee there won’t be any lifestyle adjustments due to malfunctions in one of the most important rooms in the house, the bathroom.

The plumbing professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver point out that outdated toilets, particularly in older homes where the fixtures haven’t been updated in years, can consume up to 19 gallons of water per day per person in normal use, and if they are leaking or running they can waste as much as 200 gallons of water every day. A new high-efficiency toilet will stop the leaks and cut normal water usage by more than a third, to just 12 gallons of water each day per person.

Also, says Steve Jusseaume, owner and founder of the 32-year old Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver, the new types of toilets on the market today are also more efficient in evacuating solid waste and are better for a home’s sewer system as well.

“Contrary to the common misconception that so-called low-flow toilets don’t flush as well as old-school toilets and require more flushing and a lifestyle change, the new high-efficiency toilets we install actually operate at higher pressures and greater efficiency,” adds Jusseaume. “If fact, our customers report that their new high-efficiency toilets are like what they are used to in their office buildings or other commercial settings. They love them.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, toilets are by far the main source of water usage in the home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of an average’s home’s daily indoor water consumption. The EPA estimates that if everyone in America switched to a WaterSense labeled toilet it would save nearly 2 billion gallons of water a day across the country.

Ben Franklin’s Jusseaume notes that the new toilets on the market are also quite stylish, and there’s a model to meet the demands of any décor, to replace an existing toilet or to be a beautiful complement to a fully remodeled bathroom.

“Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver just replaced our old toilet with a very beautiful model from a company called VitrA,” says a plumbing customer in Denver. “They were able to perfectly match the color of our existing sink and shower fixtures. We couldn’t be more pleased.”

Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver carries, in stock, toilets and other bathroom fixtures from the top brands in the industry, including Toto, Kohler, American Standard, Crane, Elger, Briggs, and Vitra, and the firm will work with designers and suppliers to find any toilet that meets a customer’s need.

The VitrA brand is from a company headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey that was founded more than 70 years ago to create a wide variety earthenware products, from tea cups to electrical sockets. Today VitrA is an international brand inspired by the “sociable, luxurious Turkish Hamman culture,” says the VitrA website, and the company makes a wide array of plumbing fixtures, bathroom furniture, tiles and building chemicals. VitrA has won numerous design awards for its products, including garnering four prestigious design awards in 2006 alone:. The İstanbul Collection by Ross Lovegrove won the Wallpaper Design Award for Best Bathroom, a Good Design Award and a Red Dot Design Award; distinguished designer Defne Koz was also recognized with a Red Dot Design Award for her İznik Collection were also recognized with a Red Dot Design Award. For more information visit www.vitra-usa.com.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver was founded in 1978 as Deer Creek Plumbing and became a member of the Number 1 residential plumbing franchise in America, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, in 2005. Still family owned and operated, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver employs fully licensed plumbers and performs a full complement of plumbing services, from the repair and installation of boilers and water heaters, to repairing and replacing sewer lines, water mains and more. The firm also specializes in home remodeling projects for the kitchen, laundry room, basements and bathrooms.

For more information on new high-efficiency toilets and the full spectrum of home plumbing services available from Benjamin franklin Plumbing of Denver, call 1-866-PUNCTUAL or visit   http://www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com/.

DENVER, CO – Mortgage rates at the end of May have hit record-low territory and may go even lower this summer, and coupled with lower housing prices experts believe this may be the best time in years to buy a home.The plumbing professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver advise prospective homebuyers to have the selected property’s plumbing inspected, particularly on older homes, to ensure that there are no expensive potential problems lurking in the sewer system, sprinkler system, water mains, drains, fixtures and water-based appliances.”

Our licensed plumbers do full-house plumbing inspections before a purchase is made, and sometimes these inspections turn up issues that have very real material effects on the home buying decision,” says Steve Jusseaume, Founder and Owner of the 32-year-old family owned business.

“Potential buyers have used our inspections to renegotiate the purchase  price of the home, to have the current owner fix the problems before buying, and in some cases simply to just walk away and find another home. When we don’t find any problems, then the buyers have the peace of mind that, from a plumbing perspective, they have made an excellent choice.”Jusseaume also recommends that home sellers have a full-house plumbing inspection before placing their home on the market.They can find problems early and take care of them or discover that the home’s plumbing is in tip-top shape – and present the inspection and any problems addressed as a major competitive selling point to buyers, he says.Home buying in Colorado and nationally set a brisk pace in March and April as buyers rushed to take advantage of up to $8,000 is federal tax credits being offered for purchase contracts consummated by April 30 with sales completed by June 30.However, many experts expect the housing market to continue its return to health over the next several months, spurred on by pent-up demand from slow sales during the recession and also by the lowest mortgage rates posted in decades.Freddie Mac, one of the chief quasi-governmental companies involved in the mortgage industry, quoted 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) rates of 4.8% for the week of May 20 – the lowest rate for such debt instruments since 1972, the year Freddie Mac began to track rates on a daily basis. That year the average for a 30-year FRM was 8.04%, rising to 13.47% on average in 1980, 10.13% in 1990, and 8.05% in 2000. This past decade has shown a steady decline in rates, but the current 4.8% is the lowest on record and real estate observers believe it will drop even further over the summer.

“There probably hasn’t been a better time to buy or sell a house in my lifetime,” says Jusseaume, the veteran plumber.”But people have to make the right decision, and potential plumbing problems rank right up there with the most expensive repairs and upgrade a homeowner will face.”A Complete Home Plumbing Inspection from Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver, performed by the company’s professional and fully licensed plumbers, ranges from checking out every system in the house for any obvious problems, to more detailed diagnostic services if a potential problem is identified. The costs vary, as detailed diagnostics run the gamut from simple to complex, but such an inspection will lead to years of worry-free home ownership.For complete details on Complete Home Plumbing Inspections for home buyers and sellers alike from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver, call toll-free 866-PUNCTUAL, local at 303-340-3400 and visithttp://www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com/denver-plumbing-inspections.php.

DENVER, CO – With warmer weather coming, longer days, school ending, more outdoor activities, and even vacations on the horizon, summer is a popular season for home remodeling projects, and the plumbing pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver say that plumbing is often at the heart of the changes.”The most popular home remodeling projects involve new or upgraded bathrooms, and refreshed and expanded kitchens and,” says Steve Jusseaume, owner and founder of the 32-year-old family business. “The key to the work is plumbing. That’s why we have hooked up with contractors and have connections with fixture manufacturers so we can help customers through every phase of a remodel, from concept and design through construction.”Jusseaume, a master plumber who has vast experience in remodeling projects, adds that the most critical aspect of many remodeling projects is the need for plumbing upgrades to handle the demands of modern households.

Older homes in particular, he says, were not originally designed to handle the addition of extra bathrooms, the installation of a spa or hot tub, kitchens with extra faucets, dishwashers and large-capacity washing machines.”Often we have to make some basic plumbing changes to ensure every desired water need in the house is met,” says Jusseaume. “One of the biggest things that comes up is the need for greater hot water capacity and, of course, we are experts at home hot water heating solutions.”Home remodeling projects are often required to meet the needs of a growing family, and Jusseaume says that is manifest the majority of the time in a higher demand for hot water.  The solution gaining in popularity is tankless hot water heating systems that provide endless hot water for every need in the home, while at the same time being highly energy efficient compared with traditional tank hot water heaters.Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver, part of the top national residential plumbing contractor franchise in the country, has its own proprietary tankless hot water system solutions called GoHOT. Available in various sizes to handle the needs of any size home, natural gas-fueled GoHOT tankless water heating systems take up less space than traditional water heater tanks, as they are mounted flush to a wall, and since they only heat water when needed, tankless systems can save homeowners about half the cost on utilities now being charged for hot water.”Not only do you get endless hot water and energy savings, but through 2010 the federal government is offering up to a $1,500 tax credit on the cost of a tankless hot water system and installation,” notes Jusseaume.Beyond hot water, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver customers are looking at new kitchens, new and upgraded bathrooms, second-floor laundry rooms, and finishing basements, including the addition of basement bathrooms and wetbars. The plumbing pros specialize in installing sinks, tubs and showers of all types and leading brand names.

In addition, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can upgrade laundry rooms, install dishwashers, install and repair ice makers and a whole host of modern conveniences, like water faucets next to cook-tops for the pasta chef in anyone.Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver was Deer Creek Plumbing for 28 years before joining the national franchise organization Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in 2005. Family owned and operated, the company taps the national resources of the Number One residential plumbing franchise in the country, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver employs licensed plumbers and handles every home plumbing need, from small leaks and slow drains, to main sewer and water lines, sump pumps, water softeners, gas lines and more.To schedule a guaranteed appointment and for complete information on all of the remodeling and plumbing services from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver – The Punctual Plumber – call toll free 866-PUNCTUAL, local at 303-340-3400 and visit www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com.

Governor’s Energy Office “Recharge Colorado” energy rebate program is immediately oversubscribed on “tankless water heaters,” proving the popularity and efficiency of this endless supply of hot water, says Ben Franklin Plumbing of DenverDENVER, CO – Colorado consumers eager to cash in on energy-efficient rebates from the Governor’s Energy Office clogged phone lines and the internet on the program’s first day April 19, and those lucky enough to register locked up the entire rebate allocation for tankless hot water heaters in a matter of hours.The oversubscription on $300 tankless hot water heater rebates put the public spotlight on one of the most energy-efficient and energy-saving home appliances on the market, says Steve Jusseaume, owner of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver, but he notes that significant incentives to upgrade to tankless technology are still in place.”The federal government is offering up to $1,500 in tax credits – credits, not deductions – for the purchase and installation of a tankless hot water heating system through the end of 2010, and most ultility companies have rebates too,” Jusseaume notes. “But the real advantage in tankless hot water heaters is endless hot water for every need in your home at a fraction of the energy cost of a traditional hot water heater.”Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver, through its affiliation with the Number One plumbing residential franchise operation in America, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, is an exclusive distributor of GoHOT tankless hot water heaters.

Jusseaume explains that the GoHOT appliances heat water on demand, supplying an endless supply of fresh hot water to every appliance and fixture in the home even if they are all in operation at once.In addition to endless hot water, tankless hot water heating systems are compact in design and can be mounted to a wall inside or outside of the home. Also, GoHOT tankless hot water heaters are rated at an energy efficiency of 83% to over 90%, compared to just 60% from traditional tank hot water heaters, which adds up to significant savings on utility bills. Indeed, Xcel Energy, the main utility provider for the Denver Metro area, offers a $100 energy bill rebate to any Colorado customer installing a tankless hot water heater in recognition of its energy-saving attributes.”Certainly the tax credits and the energy-efficiency rebates have raised awareness for tankless hot water heaters, but to be honest we’re installing more and more of our GoHOT systems all the time because people truly want to greatly improve the delivery of hot water in their home and save energy,” says Ben Franklin’s Jusseaume.The Governor’s Energy Office Recharge Colorado program has $18 million available for consumer rebates on certain home appliances and home improvements, and there are funds allocated to different categories that will be distributed until the money is claimed. Under the program, for instance, the GEO set aside enough money for a $75 rebate on a qualifying clothes washer, with a limit of 4,000 units in that category, and up to $100 for a refrigerator, with 6,000 rebates allocated.

The state set a limit of 500, $300 rebates for tankless hot water heaters. For more information on the program, to claim a rebate or to be placed on a waiting list for oversubscribed categories with unfulfilled reservations, visit the Recharge Colorado website at http://rechargecolorado.com.For information on the federal government tax credits for energy-efficient appliances and home improvements visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits for full details. For energy bill rebates offered by Xcel Energy in Colorado visit  http://www.xcelenergy.com/COLORADO/RESIDENTIAL/PROGRAMS_RESOURCES/HEATINGANDCOOLINGREBATES/Pages/WaterHeaterRebates.aspx.Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver personnel also have full details on all these tax credit and rebates and can assist customers in making claims and filing the necessary paperwork.Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver has been family owned since its founding in the Denver Metro area in 1978, first as Deer Creek Plumbing and, since 2005, under the Ben Franklin banner. The firm offers complete residential plumbing services, including leak repairs, remodeling upgrades, home inspections, sewer service and many more core capabilities, with licensed plumbers. For more information and to schedule a guaranteed appointment call 1-866-PUNCTUAL (866-786-2882), 303-340-3400 or visit http://www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com/.

A program of the EPA’s WaterSense partnership, Fix a Leak Week is a great time to make sure a home’s plumbing system is operating properly, says owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing. Leaks account for an average of 10,000 gallons of water wasted per year in the home.

DENVER, Colo. – It’s national Fix a Leak Week March 15-21, 2010, and the master plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver advise that a few simple checks and fixes could save homeowners thousands of gallons of water each year, lower water bills and improve the operation of their home plumbing systems.

“Fix a Leak Week was establish by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its WaterSense partnership, and it’s a great awareness program for people to check around the house to see if their plumbing is operating properly,” says Steve Jusseaume, a master plumber and owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver. “An enormous amount of water is wasted through leaks in the home that people aren’t aware of, and we hope this program gets people to save water and money.”

According to the EPA’s WaterSense program:

• Leaks can account for, on average, 10,000 gallons of water wasted in the home every year, enough to fill a backyard swimming pool.
• The amount of water leaked from U.S. homes could exceed more than 1 trillion gallons of water every year. That’s equivalent to the annual water use of Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami – combined.
• 10% of American homes have leaks in faucets, toilets, showerheads or sprinkler systems that waste over 90 gallons of water a day.
• Just one leaky faucet can waste more than 3,100 gallons of water every year.

Taking a cue from WaterSense, Jusseaume notes that checking for leaks around the home is easy. The first step is to listen, as many leaks are audible. Then inspect each and every faucet in the home and outside for signs of dripping – spots of water in the basin or on the splash outside. For toilets, Jusseaume says to put a little food coloring in the tank; if color seeps into the bowl, the toilet is leaking.

Many of these types of leaks can be fixed easily, most by replacing a washer or gasket in the fixture’s spout, says Jusseaume. A faucet leaking at one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year, he adds.

Toilets that run all the time could be wasting as much as 200 gallons of water a day, the Ben Franklin Plumber says. The most common problem is a broken or worn flapper in the tank, and it’s a quick job to replace it.

Of course, Jesseaume notes that sometimes leaks are undetectable by a non-professional. But a homeowner can narrow down a problem by following some simple steps from Denver Water.  The water agency says to first locate the water meter for the house, and then the water shut-off valve for your home; it can be inside or out and is commonly located where the main water line enters the foundation. Then turn off all faucets, outlets and water-using appliances in the home. Note the gallon calculating sweep hand on the meter (it looks very much like the second hand on a watch). Wait about 30 minutes, then check the meter again: if it has moved, you have a leak somewhere. Then, close the main shut-off valve; if the indicator on the meter stops, you have a leak inside the home. If the indicator is still moving, the leak is underground between the water meter and the shut-off valve.

“Many homeowners can handle simple leaks and repairs with a few dollars worth of washers and gaskets from the hardware store,” says Jusseaume. “But if the leak is underground or more severe, or if the toilet won’t stop running, it’s time to call in a professional plumber and get the problem solved. It’ll save the homeowner money in the long run, prevent any further water damage, and of course it will help conserve a precious resource, water.”

Jusseaume adds that if it’s time to replace fixtures like faucets and toilets, the WaterSense program and plumbers alike recommend fixtures carrying the WaterSense label as they are approved for today’s water-conscious requirements and will save homeowners money on water bills.

As an extra incentive on new fixtures, Denver Water offers many rebates to residential customers who buy and install qualifying high-efficiency toilets, washing machines, rains sensors, water heaters and other water-efficient fixtures. In addition, some of these appliances may qualify for rebates through the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office, and for federal tax credits through the U.S. government’s Energy Star program.

WaterSense, launched in 2006, is an EPA-sponsored partnership of local water utilities and governments, product manufacturers, retailers, consumers and other stakeholders dedicated to promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs and practices.

Family owned and operated for over 30 years, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver provides the full array of plumbing services throughout the Metro Denver area. For more information or to schedule a guaranteed appointment, visit www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com  or call 303-340-3400.

Homeowners can enjoy up to a $1,500 tax credit on their 2010 federal taxes plus significant rebates from Xcel Energy and the State of Colorado by upgrading to a qualifying tankless water heater this year

DENVER, Colo. – Benjamin Franklin – The Punctual Plumber of Denver is a registered contractor for water heaters that not only cut heating bills, but for a limited time offer significant federal tax credits as well as energy-saving rebates from the State of Colorado and Xcel Energy.

The largest cost savings, tax credits and rebates are available through the installation of a tankless water heater, and Ben Franklin Plumbing owner Steve Jusseaume recommends those manufactured by Rinnai, which qualify for all savings programs and supply an endless source of hot water at a fraction of the cost of traditional tank water heaters.

The Rinnai tankless system is able to service three water outlets simultaneously while maintaining a constant hot water temperature.  Rinnai tankless water heaters supply hot water at the rate of up to 9.8 gallons per minute, while offering 30% more efficiency than a natural-gas fueled tank water heater and 50% more efficiency than an electric water heater. The units are compact and wall-mounted, with many models no bigger than 23 inches tall, no wider than 18.5 inches, and no deeper than 9.8 inches.

The United State federal government has established an energy efficiency program for homeowners which offers up to $1,500 in tax credit on the purchase and installation cost of qualifying water heaters, including the Rinnai models available at Ben Franklin Plumbing. This is a tax credit, not a deduction, which means it can reduce a tax bill up to the full $1,500. Homeowners must purchase and have installed the qualifying water heater by December 31, 2010 to claim the tax credit. Check http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits for full details.

In addition, Xcel Energy, the largest public energy utility in the state, is offering a rebate of $100 on qualifying tankless water heaters, and from $40 to $80 on qualifying standard natural gas fueled water heaters, purchased and installed through the end of this year.

The State of Colorado, through the Governor’s Energy Office, is in the process of implementing a mail-in rebate program for residents who replace older, inefficient appliances, including water heaters, with ENERGY Star qualified appliances. No details have been announced, however officials said that the program is slated to begin in March 2010 with total funding of $4,739,000; once the money is gone, the program is over.

Each of these programs have their own set of rules and levels of energy efficiency that meet their criteria for tax credit or rebate. Ben Franklin Plumbing’s Jusseaume says his company is well versed in the qualifications and can provide homeowners with all of the necessary documents and forms for customers to claim their benefits.

“Between the tax credit and the rebates, not to mention just the cost savings from using newer, more energy efficient water heaters, homeowners can virtually recoup the entire cost of a new Rinnai tankless water heating system in a relatively short period of time,” says Jusseaume. “Plus, the level of comfort and convenience offered by these tankless water heater solutions add even more value to the decision to go tankless.”

Tankless water heaters installed by Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver save on precious fuel costs because they don’t continuously heat water all day long when it’s not being used, like traditional water heaters which heat the water in them while you’re at work and even while you’re sleeping. Using the Rinnai tankless water heater, you only pay to heat water when you need it, and for as long as you want it.

Another benefit of a Rinnai tankless water heater is that it shuts off automatically when the water supply is closed, and they have a life expectancy of 20 years versus the 10 years a traditional water heater is expected to perform.

Conserving energy and water are among the many services Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver performs in households in Arvada, Aurora, Brighton, Broomfield Castle Rock, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Commerce City, Denver, Englewood, Glendale, Golden, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, Morrison, Northglenn, Parker, Sedalia, Thornton, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge.

“Being informed is always optimum,” says Steve Jusseaume. “Being proactive is even better.”

Benjamin Franklin – The Punctual Plumber serves the Greater Denver area, providing every plumbing need, from the smallest leak and repair, to emergencies, remodels, upgrades and new plumbing solutions. Founded more than 30 years ago as Deer Creek Plumbing Inc., the family owned plumbing business in the 2005 joined the #1 residential plumbing service company in North America, becoming a Benjamin Franklin franchisee.

“What sets us apart from the competition is our ‘one of a kind’ warranties and guarantees,” says Jusseaume. “Like our Punctual Promise: ‘If there’s any delay, it’s you we pay,’ which means that if we are late for your appointment we pay you $5 per minute up to $300. Plus we have a 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee: If you’re not happy with our service, you don’t pay us. It’s that simple.”

For more information on tankless water heaters, as well as the federal tax credit and rebate programs, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver at 303-340-3400 or visit www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com.