The family-run company is known for being informed about all the current innovations in plumbing products, such as solar water heaters, tankless water heaters, green plumbing and trenchless sewers.

Last year, the president and founder of Plumbing Doctor, Michael Farias, began researching the impacts of water softeners. After a year of searching for a green alternative to the water softener, a new sustainable product, Water Shield, was added to Plumbing MD’s arsenal.

“When we find new products that work for us, we share them with our clients,” Farias said. “Water Shield doesn’t put anything into your water or remove anything from it, so it is healthier than a water softener, and it is a totally green product.”

Plumbing MD gives back to the community in a number of ways. The company supports the Short-Term Emergency Aid Committee, Habitat for Humanity, Hillel House, local youth soccer and Little League and the Davis Food Co-op’s annual Christmas Eve community meal.

“Davis has always supported us and helped us grow into a successful company,” said Farias. “We don’t just run a business here, we live here, and we’re happy to support our community.”

The company also works to provide opportunities for its employees. In an industry known for high turnover, Plumbing MD works with its employees to develop their skills.

Farias created an apprenticeship program to help his laborers transition into fully trained plumbing technicians.

One of Plumbing MD’s longtime employees, Dave Credit, and his wife Erin, recently relocated to Reno to co-own and manage the Plumbing MD franchise there. Credit, who started with Plumbing MD more than a decade ago, is now a master plumber who was trained through the apprenticeship program.

“If we invest in our employees, they will invest in the company and take better care of our customers,” Farias said. “It’s just another way we can contribute to our community, by contributing to our local workforce.”

Plumbing MD continues to grow and expand, but the Farias family will remain in Davis. They are growing through franchising to ensure that each Plumbing MD is locally owned and operated, just as the original is.