White House identifies plumbers as ‘essential critical infrastructure workers’ in Guidance for Response to COVID-19

We at Bear’s Plumbing Services are here to help you during these uncertain times.  We are taking measures to keep our employees safe as well as you our customers.  We have always used shoe covers and gloves.  We are also taking extra measures to disinfect the cabs of our fleet daily.

Russ Chaney CEO of IAPMO stated it best.  “Our industry has known for many decades that its contribution to society is essential to global health. This new guidance, to state and local officials from the White House, validates that our industry is vital to the United States. Our highly skilled plumbers have been deemed essential to the nation’s ability to function and recognized as people on whom we can all depend in normal times or a global crisis.”

White House identifies plumbers as ‘essential critical infrastructure workers’ in Guidance for Response to COVID-19

The president and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have issued a Coronavirus Guidance for America, identifying plumbers and other tradespeople as “essential critical infrastructure workers” as the nation responds to the threat of COVID-19.

In a DHS memorandum issued by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) Director Christopher C. Krebs, CISA, announced development of an initial list of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers “to help state and local officials as they work to protect their communities, while ensuring continuity of functions critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security.”

The list identifies those professions deemed essential to continued critical infrastructure viability and advises such workers to continue normal operations, appropriately modified to account for Centers for Disease Control (CDC) workforce and customer protection guidance.

“Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences,” are specifically recognized on the list, which may be viewed by visiting www.iapmo.org/media/23516/dhs_essential_workers.pdf.

IAPMO recently published a guidance for plumbing professionals working under the threat of COVID-19 authored by Peter DeMarco, Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Research for The IAPMO Group. That white paper may be viewed at www.pmmag.com/articles/102722-understanding-coronavirus-exposure-for-plumbing-pros.

“Our industry has known for many decades that its contribution to society is essential to global health,” said IAPMO CEO GP Russ Chaney. “This new guidance, to state and local officials from the White House, validates that our industry is vital to the United States. Our highly skilled plumbers have been deemed essential to the nation’s ability to function and recognized as people on whom we can all depend in normal times or a global crisis.”

https://www.iapmo.org/ibu/whats-new/coronavirus-resources

https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102725-white-house-identifies-plumbers-as-essential-critical-infrastructure-workers-in-guidance-for-response-to-covid-19#.XnSoJSHcd4J.facebook

https://www.iapmo.org/media/23516/dhs_essential_workers.pdf

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ​Updates

At Bear’s Plumbing Services, the health and safety of our Customers, Team Members and the communities we live in and service is a top priority. As many of you have heard, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having an increased impact around the world. It is important that we remain pragmatic and sensible about how we can keep one another safe. Bear’s Plumbing Services takes this responsibility very seriously and asks that each of us, individually, do the same. ​

Operations

  • We will remain open and will maintain normal operating hours.
  • We work with toxic waste daily; cleanliness and hygiene are always a top priority for us.
  • We remain committed to servicing the needs of our customers.
  • We ask that customers delay scheduling an appointment if you traveled in the last 30 days outside of the US.
  • We ask that customers delay scheduling an appointment if you experienced fever and fatigue in the last 30 days.
  • We ask that customers delay scheduling an appointment if you been exposed to anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.

Social Distancing

  • We ask that homeowners and business owners give us necessary space to complete the work we have been called out to address. Keep in mind the government request 6 feet distance to be maintained during all interactions. This means standing further back from the door when arriving to your home or business.

Contingency Plans 

  • We have been working with our Leadership team and key partners to develop contingency plans to mitigate disruption to supply and service.

Communication 

  • We will continue to monitor the situation and will communicate regularly with our customers with important information.
  • You can see the latest updates at https://www.bearsplumbign.net/covid-19 
  • We are also following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other relevant regulatory authorities when we share with you the best ways to practice healthy habits.
  • We are also following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other relevant regulatory authorities when we share with you the best ways to practice healthy habits.

Practice Healthy Habits

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after using the bathroom, coughing, sneezing, caring for someone who is ill and before you eat.
  • Alcohol-based (60 percent or higher) hand sanitizer is a great option if you can’t use or find soap.
  • When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue to cover your hand and nose, then throw the tissue away. Immediately wash your hands or use hand sanitizer afterward.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Keep 6 feet between you and anyone who is presenting symptoms and avoid physical contact, like handshaking.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

If You Do Not Feel Well

  • Call your Primary Care Physician and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Thank You,

Bear & Corri Eaves ~ Owners

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Protecting the Health of the Nation

Plumbers have protected the health of the nation for decades. In an effort to protect our employees and customers during this pandemic, we encourage the public to be mindful of themselves and their loved ones. If you need the service of a trade, please make them aware of the following when scheduling an appointment:

  • Have you traveled in the last 30 days outside of the US?
  • Have you experienced fever and fatigue in the last 30 days?
  • Have you been exposed to anyone diagnosed with COVID-19?

We also ask that you refrain from hovering over our technicians when they are servicing your home. Our technicians are licensed by the state of Texas and are trained in installation and repair of all your home and business plumbing needs.

If you have a stoppage, please address it quickly. The last thing our community needs is to start another pandemic by not addressing human waste backups. When using “flushable wipes” and non flushable wipes, here is a little insider information:  NO WIPES are Flushable.

This information and care is not just for Bear’s Plumbing, but for all plumbing, electricians, & all other trade personnel that work in homes and businesses. Yes, we are open for business and are here to help with all of your plumbing needs. Please be safe and smart.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Texas Plumbers protecting the health and safety of its citizens

Texans, you have not seen this in the news, but you should have.  You’re health and safety could be at stake.  Since 1947 the State of Texas has been governed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).  Historians know that history does repeat itself.  Historians also know, that those individuals lacking historical knowledge can be the reason bad decisions are made.  To give you a history lesson as briefly as possible.  In 1937

(Original Caption) 3/19/1937-New London, Texas-Frantic parents, rescue workers and oil field employees probe a tangled and twisted mass of wrecage after a terrific explosion had leveled all but this corner of the New London High School, near Overton, TX. In one of the nation’s most terrible catastrophes over six hundred bodies have been recovered from the ruins.

plumbing was not regulated in the state of Texas.  One of the critical reason that the TSBPE was established was because an individual, not a licensed plumber, installed the plumbing and natural gas in the New London School.  On March 18, 1937 a natural gas leak caused an explosion, destroying the school and killing 295 students.  The TSBPE has kept Texans safe ever since.  Not only safe from explosions but also backflow prevention, which separates clean water from sewer water, as well as medical gas installation and regulation.

Why should you know about this?  Because Sate Representative Paddie voted that the TSBPE be abolished and last night 5/27/19 it was.  As of 9/1/2020 the TSBPE will no longer exist making it legal for anyone, anyone just like the person responsible for the 1937 explosion killing 295 students to do plumbing in your state, your home, your schools, your hospitals, because there will be no one to govern it.  If the responsibility goes to the city level governing bodies, you will have to pay even more for work performed because responsible plumbers could be required to carry multi city licenses rather that 1 state governed license.

What can you do? Call the Governors office 512-463-2000 Leave a message stating you want the governor to call a special session for House Bill 1550.  This would extend the TSBPE two more years.

Posted in Gas | Leave a comment

National Hug A Plumber Day

Yes it is April 25 which means according to the national day calendar National Hug A Plumber Day is observed across the country today. Whether it is a minor leak to a major clog, a plumber will have the right tool for the job. They have been keeping the water flowing since ancient Rome. Consider how plumbers improve our lives and health in the modern world.  Remember to call Bear’s Plumbing Services we would be glad to help with any of your plumbing needs.

If you have some fun photos we would love for you to share them with us.  Here are are few of our favorites

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

WOW it is already the last day of January…..

The first month of 2019 has come to an end.  Are you ready for the next 11 months?  Have you stuck to your resolutions or goals?  What needs to be addressed in your home?  Here are a few items to check on:

  • Water heater – how old is your heater, when was the last time you checked it out, is there any rust?

 

 

 

  • Toilets – are your toilets running? How are the supply lines?  Are you able to turn off the water at the shut off valve or is it stuck?  Do you see any rust?

 

 

  • Sinks – Do you have any leaky faucets? Again, are you able to turn off the water at the shut off valve?  Do you see any rust at the supply line or shut off valve?

 

 

  • What if you spring a leak and the local shut off valve does not work or worse breaks? Do you know how to shut off the water to your house?  Make sure you can use this valve as well.

 

 

 

If you have issues with any of these home items give Bear’s Plumbing a call 281-350-2327.  You will be glad you did.  Our technicians are licensed and insured for your protection and ours.  We provide an excellent service at an honest and fair price.  We are a service company not a sales company, there is a difference.  If you don’t know the difference you could be paying too much for a service.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Thankful for Great Guys

We have great guys that not only work for us, but help make us who we are. Bear and I are so very proud of our team. I love seeing them proud of their work and sharing it. Here are some pics of their work.

If there is anything you are looking at doing in your home please give us an opportunity to help. 281-350-2327

To Jose, William, Stevie, Nick, Owen, Brice, & Jordan –

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Thank you guys for being such a joy to work with.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Baby It’s Cold Outside

Jack Frost has arrived. Don’t forget to take care of your pets and your exterior pipes. That includes your sprinkler system shutoff and bell cap (not the proper name, but that’s what I call it ), not just the pipes. Check out my previous posts regarding winterizing.

Baby its cold outside……

Frozen Pipes and no water

Baby its cold outside…….again

I love the sound and smells of a burning fire in the fireplace. I remember growing up we had a wood burning fireplace that my dad had gas piped in but never connected. Years later with mom we would struggle to get the fire started using crumpled newspaper.

Today, I am married to the best plumber in the world and I have gas in my fireplace to start my fire off without a hitch. If you would like to have a wood burning fireplace and natural gas piped to it for instant warmth and cozy evenings give us a call at 281-350-BEAR(2327). We can help with gas logs too. If you want to get really crazy and have a remote control to turn on your gas log fireplace give our neighbor down the road, Cunningham Gas Products, a call at 281-376-5200.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Chose the Cherries not the pits : )

When I receive this type of note it truly makes me proud of my husband and our team.  We take pride in the plumbing service we provide in the Spring, TX area.  We don’t want to sell you what you don’t need.  We are here to help families and businesses with all of their plumbing needs.  I hope you enjoy this note as much as I did.  I feel it represents us quite well.  We appreciate our customers and their support.

Hi there,

I just wanted to send a thank you shout out to Bears Plumbing!!!They knew right away what to do to remove the clog in my dad’s pipes.

My step-mother previously had a plumber come out while dad was out of town last week who wanted to charge them to drill into their brick and other stuff with a starting cost of $1,200.00 and up..

I called her and made her cancel the service request so I could call you guys.

Bears plumbing fixed it with a snake for less than $300.00.

Both of them just called me almost in tears to thank me, they are in their late 70’s, their income is very limited, and it meant a lot to them to have it fixed and not feel taken advantage of!

Thanks for your honest service, you are appreciated!!!

Have a great day

C.L.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Plumbers helper – Circa 1974

In honor of Father’s Day 2018 I would like to thank my dad, Cliff Helmcamp.  Thank you dad for teaching me to be there to help my parents, husband and kids.  Thank you for teaching me the difference between a flat head and Philips screw driver.   Thank you for teaching me to mow the grass.  Thank you for teaching me to change the oil in my car.  I may not do these tasks today, BUT I know how because you took the time to teach me.  Looking at this photo from 1974 brings so many thoughts to my mind.  Who knew then that you would be preparing me to be the plumbers helper to my husband, who is in fact an amazing plumber, father, & friend.

 

I may not have had the reaction you wished for when you showed me the cover of this month’s New Yorker magazine honoring dads.  But it did remind me of this picture of you and me.   It is the perfect reminder of the dad I grew up with working around the house, fixing what you could, with me by your side.  Riding on your back, with my feet in your pockets while you mowed the grass.  Great memories dad.  Thank you for all you have taught me.  Happy Father’s Day

P.S. Dad – I have the pic from 1974 on my desk at work.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment