It’s easy to smile when we hear fun polka songs like “In Heaven, There is No Beer”! Polkas have a special upbeat tempo that tends to warm the heart.
The “King of Polkas” that warmed the hearts of so many with upbeat polka music was Big Joe Siedlik. Big Joe prided himself on playing “happy music for happy people”. Big Joe was especially known in the surrounding area for his polka shows on KTTT radio broadcast out of Columbus, Nebraska. Big Joe recently left us at age 80 after sharing polka music coast to coast for many years. Thanks, Big Joe, you will be missed!
My grandparents and parents enjoyed listening to the Big Joe Polka show for many years. My parents loved polka music that helped bring them together with friends at numerous dances. Polkas would have been impossible to avoid as a kid. The result is today I enjoy almost all kinds of “happy music”, but polkas will always have a special memory.
The connection between “happy music and happy people and happy plumbing” is polkas can make us smile as much as good plumbing will if done right! Maybe that is a stretch, but with those thoughts in mind, let’s consider ways to maintain “happier plumbing” in our future. Here are some “happy” solutions.
Let’s start with the concept that quality plumbing in our homes and businesses should make us smile. For instance, there are great examples of “happy plumbing” on remodel shows like HGTV. They show us the incredibly beautiful kitchen and bathroom remodels. Everyone is “happy” with those results.
If you want to see more examples of beautiful plumbing fixtures and faucets that have good warranties, check out the newly remodeled Lincoln Winnelson showroom at 700 Pioneers. It’s the largest showroom in the area. You can go there on weekdays from 9:00 to 5:00 as a guest of John Henry's Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical or your licensed plumber or just tell them “happy” Jack sent you!
Plumbing remodel may especially make sense if you are coping with a disability or aging, as hopefully, we all will! Why not stay in your home longer if that’s what makes you “happy”? Simple things like an elongated right-height toilet or a remodeled bathtub area can help. Maybe the answer is a walk-in shower or tub with grab bars and a handheld shower to make bathing easier. Why leave an inheritance to your kids when you can enjoy helpful improvements in your home?
Do you have a faucet that is hard to operate or just needs replacement? Odds are that John Henry's Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical’s service trucks have the right one available to install! The change-out process starts with a phone call to schedule service. You will know the cost upfront before the work begins. You will be “happy” with the results!
Are you concerned about your health? I believe one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve health is to have a Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) system installed for approximately $550. It can remove over 30 known hazardous chemicals. Why not avoid chemicals in plastic water bottles that cause severe health risks. Your organs deserve safer water and will be “happier”!
Do spot-free silverware and clean dishes make you “happy”? If so, add a tablespoon or so of distilled white vinegar to your dishwasher or install a water softener for spot-free dishes. Water softeners will also improve the life of your water heater and reduce spots on plumbing fixtures.
“Happy plumbing” includes avoiding the substantial cost increases of new water heaters scheduled to take effect on April 15, 2015, as a result of new Federal water heater energy efficiency requirements. Many of the water heaters will be larger because more insulation is required. Will a larger water heater fit in the area your current water heater is in? If not, you will be “happier” being proactive! That window of time will close quickly.
Be “happier” by avoiding hot water burns! It’s easy to check out by using a cooking thermometer and running hot water in a container. City code requires the water temperature to be below 130 degrees.
Flooded homes from water piping or sewage turn smile upside down. Is your home or business safe from frozen pipes or excessive water pressures over 80 PSI? Is your sewer in good shape? Why not have licensed plumbers check for risks?
We can choose to be proactive and make necessary improvements or live with the results life deals us. It’s more fun to choose “happy music for happy people……and enjoy happy plumbing”!
