Almost 80% of infectious diseases are passed on by human contact, and on average only 50% of people wash their hands after toileting, emphasizing the benefits of ‘hands-free’ toileting. Total Hygiene, the British company behind the UK’s top-selling Clos-o-Mat toilet, which eliminates the need to use toilet tissue, says latest findings reinforce the argument for a combined toilet/bidet/drier(automatic toilet), showing its Clos-o-Mat uses a 1/10th of the water and energy consumption required to produce just a single roll of toilet paper- and 100% reduction in wood.

“A single roll of toilet paper requires 37 gallons of water, 13kWh of electricity and 1.5lbs of wood to be produced,” says Robin Tuffley, Total Hygiene Marketing Manager. “By contrast, a typical Clos-o-Mat toilet uses less than 2 gallons of water to flush and wash, and less electricity than a kettle- 0.12kWh- to warm the water and air-dry. The eco credentials speak for themselves, even before you factor in the health benefits of improved hygiene.

“We know germs are passed by hand/body contact, so removing that contact improves hygiene. Washing with water rather than wiping is also more effective, especially if you have a limiting physical or mental condition, and, for some, a religious consideration. And a combined unit takes up less space, and requires less cleaning, than separate toilet and bidet.”

Total Hygiene has over 40,000 of its Clos-o-Mats installed in the UK, both in individual’s homes, and public/ multi-user environments. Actor Kenny Baker, most famous for his role as Star Wars’ R2D2, has a Clos-o-Mat in his Lancashire home, which he installed after coming across a similar product in Japan, where 60% of households have such units. He says, “The Japanese love technology, and to them such toilets are normal. I thought ‘I’ve got to have one of those!’ It was a treat to go to the toilet. The Clos-O-Mat has been a fantastic buy, so comfortable, and so much more hygienic and pleasant.”

Published by Angela May

You can contact us at (513)770-5590 or by email at info@nixcoplumbing.com .

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We service our valued clients in Mason, Ohio and  all surrounding areas such as Lebanon, Loveland, West Chester, Kings Mills, Landen, Bethany, Wetherington, Olde West Chester, South Lebanon, Monroe, Springboro,  Morrow, Maineville, Cincinnati, Blue Ash and many more.

Nixco Plumbing Inc. installs, services and repairs backflow preventers, water heaters, garbage disposers, sump pumps, ejector pumps, drinking fountains, lav faucets, kitchen sink faucets, shower valves, tub valves, hose bibbs, toilets, sewer lines, water lines, miscellaneous plumbing repairs and much more.  We can also take care  of your sewer and drain cleaning, water line repairs,  sewer line repairs and much more.

Residents with hard water may notice less suds created by soaps and shampoos and they may also suffer from chronic dry skin, dry, dull hair and a less refreshing shower. They may notice an odor to their tap water and decreased water pressure over time.

Here are the top 9 reasons customers have water conditioning products installed in their homes are:

• Whiter, Brighter Clothes: Conditioned water eliminates the soap curd that clings to clothes. By rinsing away the soil-holding scum that makes clothes look gray and dingy, soft water gets clothes cleaner and brighter.

• Luxurious Shampoos: Conditioned, soft water floods away soap and dirt film and leaves hair clean, silky, soft and manageable.

• More Refreshing Baths and Showers: Conditioned soft water cleans the pores in the skin and rinses away soap residues that cause chapping and redness. Skin complexion will glow and even shaving becomes smooth and easy.

• Easier Dish Washing: With conditioned water, there are no dull sticky film or water spots, so dishes and glassware sparkle.

• More Flavorful Foods and Beverages: Even beverages and the food will look and taste better with conditioned water. The natural flavor of foods is retained because hard water minerals are not cooked in. Coffee and tea taste better too!

• More Efficient Cleaning: Soft, conditioned water floats away dirt and grime and makes dozens of cleaning chores easier. Sinks, tubs and fixtures are easier to clean and they dry without spots or streaking.

• Save up to 70% on Soaps and Detergents: Save money on detergents and laundry additives. With soft water, smaller amounts of detergents are required to do the job.

• Save on Clothing Cost: Lab tests have shown that clothes washed in soft water will last up to 30% longer.

• Save on Plumbing: Conditioned, soft water prevents lime scale which clogs pipes and water heaters, reduces water flow and can lead to expensive repairs. Soft water also prevents formation of hard water scale in laundry equipment and dishwashers that can lead to equipment malfunction and wasted fuel.

You can contact us at (513)770-5590 or by email at info@nixcoplumbing.com .

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We service our valued clients in Mason, Ohio and  all surrounding areas such as Lebanon, Loveland, West Chester, Kings Mills, Landen, Bethany, Wetherington, Olde West Chester, South Lebanon, Monroe, Springboro,  Morrow, Maineville, Cincinnati, Blue Ash and many more.

Nixco Plumbing Inc. installs, services and repairs backflow preventers, water heaters, garbage disposers, sump pumps, ejector pumps, drinking fountains, lav faucets, kitchen sink faucets, shower valves, tub valves, hose bibbs, toilets, sewer lines, water lines, miscellaneous plumbing repairs and much more.  We can also take care  of your sewer and drain cleaning, water line repairs,  sewer line repairs and much more.

Benefits of Sewer and Drain Cleaning

When you have a high quality company that comes out and checks your sewer line and your drains, you will find quite a few benefits. Some of those benefits are tangible and easily recognizable, while others are hidden but no less important.

One of the first things that you should notice is that your water drains from the tub and sinks much faster. Even if you didn’t have a severe clog, a clean system of pipes will allow the water to drain away faster. Of course, those who did have a clog will notice an even larger difference. Those who use the service will also find that they have pipes that are going to last longer because they are cleaner. Prolonging the life of your plumbing is always a good thing, as it can save money!

Utilizing a company that offers high quality sewer and drain cleaning will also give you more insight into what’s happening with your plumbing. If you have problems hidden in the walls and beneath the floorboards, a quality plumber stands a much better chance of noticing them than you do. When they find other problems in your pipes or your sewer line, they will be able to bring them to your attention. You then have the option of taking some preventative measures that keep your plumbing working properly into the future.

Experienced, Professional Companies are Your Best Choice

Having a professional company taking care of the sewer and drain cleaning can’t be stressed enough. You need to have a company that has experience with cleaning drains and using rooter services. It’s important that they use the right tools for the job and that they do a thorough job of cleaning those drains and sewer lines.

The only way to make sure that you are working with a company that has all of the expertise you need is to do your research. Find a company in the Seattle area that is able to offer rooter services, sewer and drain cleaning and other general plumbing services. Make sure they have a good reputation and that they have client reviews that you can find online.

You can contact us for all of your Drain Cleaning needs at (513)770-5590 or by email at info@nixcoplumbing.com .

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We service our valued clients in Mason, Ohio and  all surrounding areas such as Lebanon, Loveland, West Chester, Kings Mills, Landen, Bethany, Wetherington, Olde West Chester, South Lebanon, Monroe, Springboro,  Morrow, Maineville, Cincinnati, Blue Ash and many more.

Nixco Plumbing Inc. installs, services and repairs backflow preventers, water heaters, garbage disposers, sump pumps, ejector pumps, drinking fountains, lav faucets, kitchen sink faucets, shower valves, tub valves, hose bibbs, toilets, sewer lines, water lines, miscellaneous plumbing repairs and much more.  We can also take care  of your sewer and drain cleaning, water line repairs,  sewer line repairs and much more.

Here is a recommended list of plumbing precautions to save your wallet from the summer heat, while saving energy and staying within the family budget.

1.Check the temperature setting on your water heater. It should be set no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding and reduce energy use. Summer is a good time to turn the temperature down, especially when away on vacation.

2.Replacing an old shower head can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without sacrificing water pressure. To clean mineral deposits from the showerhead, unscrew it, soak it in vinegar overnight and then gently scrub with a toothbrush to remove deposits.

3.Check washing machine hoses for rupture. Turn valves on and off to check for leaks.

4.Make sure that yard drains, gutters and downspouts are cleaned out, open and free of debris.

5.Check outdoor faucets and hose bibs to make sure water flows freely.

6.Beware of standing water. Excess water can result from leaky or broken pipes or a damaged sewer line. Standing water is not healthy for children or pets, and is a breeding ground for insects and germs. Inspect the yard for areas that are too wet and with unusual plant or grass growth.

7.Conserve water. Water your lawn before sun up or after sun down to reduce usage.

8.In humid weather, ductwork may sweat and cause condensation. This can cause a backup if the drains are not clear. If you have an attic installation, be sure to check for water in the drain pan, which could potentially ruin your ceiling.

You can contact us at (513)770-5590 or by email at info@nixcoplumbing.com .

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We service our valued clients in Mason, Ohio and  all surrounding areas such as Lebanon, Loveland, West Chester, Kings Mills, Landen, Bethany, Wetherington, Olde West Chester, South Lebanon, Monroe, Springboro,  Morrow, Maineville, Cincinnati, Blue Ash and many more.

Nixco Plumbing Inc. installs, services and repairs backflow preventers, water heaters, garbage disposers, sump pumps, ejector pumps, drinking fountains, lav faucets, kitchen sink faucets, shower valves, tub valves, hose bibbs, toilets, sewer lines, water lines, miscellaneous plumbing repairs and much more.  We can also take care  of your sewer and drain cleaning, water line repairs,  sewer line repairs and much more.

The 30-second spot shows men apologising for their toilet behaviour with men and boys of all ages apologising for their bad aim, failure to flush, the “splattering” and the stench.

Jennifer Osborne, Reckitt Benckiser category manager for Harpic, said: “Consumer research tells us that the brand is mainly used for a serious weekly clean of the toilet. But, lets face it, that good work is quickly undone by the toilet habits of Australian men. So Euro’s campaign encourages the use of Harpic for quick ‘emergency’ cleans of the toilet too.”

Steve Coll, executive creative director Euro RSCG Australia, said: “Toilet cleaner is normally considered a pretty low interest category. But I’m delighted to be working with a client and an agency team who are determined to break those expectations. In particular, huge credit goes to the creatives, Chris Johnson and Dave Ladd, who have worked tirelessly to produce a wonderfully engaging campaign.”

To view the ad click here.

You can contact us at (513)770-5590 or by email at info@nixcoplumbing.com .

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We service our valued clients in Mason, Ohio and  all surrounding areas such as Lebanon, Loveland, West Chester, Kings Mills, Landen, Bethany, Wetherington, Olde West Chester, South Lebanon, Monroe, Springboro,  Morrow, Maineville, Cincinnati, Blue Ash and many more.

Nixco Plumbing Inc. installs, services and repairs backflow preventers, water heaters, garbage disposers, sump pumps, ejector pumps, drinking fountains, lav faucets, kitchen sink faucets, shower valves, tub valves, hose bibbs, toilets, sewer lines, water lines, miscellaneous plumbing repairs and much more.  We can also take care  of your sewer and drain cleaning, water line repairs,  sewer line repairs and much more.

Three Mason businesses and NECC Chamber Members received Small Business Recognition Awards during City of Mason Small Business Recognition Week in June. The businesses were honored for their entrepreneurship, successes, and commitment to the Mason community.

Jeff Heger accepted the Green Business Practices award for Nixco Plumbing, located at 4281 U.S. 42. The business was started by his father, Jim Heger, in 1978. Jeff currently runs the company, which employs about 25 people. Nixco’s philosophy with regards to customer service is to earn the lifelong business of the customer. The company supports local schools and churches through many advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

Diane and Brad Sheltrown, owners of Campioni’s Pizzeria, received the Retail award for their restaurant at 6691 Western Row Road. The new Mason location opened in April of 2010. They also have a restaurant in Springboro. The Sheltrowns enjoy working with local schools, sports teams, and other groups with their fundraising endeavors.

Everybody’s Health, a medical practice that has grown to 4 locations with 6 doctors and 6 massage therapists, opened in 2002 and is currently located at 6213 Snider Road in Mason. Owner Dr. David Berring and his staff are committed to helping patients reach their health goals by providing chiropractic care, massage therapy, and nutrition care in one location. They support area businesses by providing free wellness programs and speakers. They received the award in the Professional/Service category.

Congratulations to these deserving winners.

You can contact us at (513)770-5590 or by email at info@nixcoplumbing.com .

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Find out About Nixco Plumbing Inc.

Become a Facebook  Fan of Nixco Plumbing Inc.

We service our valued clients in Mason, Ohio and  all surrounding areas such as Lebanon, Loveland, West Chester, Kings Mills, Landen, Bethany, Wetherington, Olde West Chester, South Lebanon, Monroe, Springboro,  Morrow, Maineville, Cincinnati, Blue Ash and many more.

Nixco Plumbing Inc. installs, services and repairs backflow preventers, water heaters, garbage disposers, sump pumps, ejector pumps, drinking fountains, lav faucets, kitchen sink faucets, shower valves, tub valves, hose bibbs, toilets, sewer lines, water lines, miscellaneous plumbing repairs and much more.  We can also take care  of your sewer and drain cleaning, water line repairs,  sewer line repairs and much more.

Do you cringe when you get your monthly electric bill? Join the club! Electricity costs are at record levels. According to the Energy Information Administration’s Short Term Energy Outlook, electric rates nationwide are expected to increase 5.7% in 2009, and another 9.5% in 2010. And those estimates are considered to be conservative.

There’s no doubt about it: Amercians need to cut back on their electricity consumption. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to do so without significantly cramping our lifestyles. Here are some simple energy saving tips from Nixco Plumbing Inc. to help you reduce your energy consumption and minimize your utility bills during the hot season, the cold season and all year round.

In Winter…

• During the winter months, turn down your thermostat from 72°F to 68°F for 8 hours a day and you’ll save as much as 10% on energy costs. Every degree you lower your thermostat could save you about 3% on your heating bill.

• Winterize windows with weather stripping (for all moveable joints) and caulk (for non-moving parts). Also, install a window kit to the inside of your windows to help keep cold air out and warm air in.

• Change filters once a month. A well-maintained heating system can save money and increase the comfort level in your home.

• When you cozy up to a crackling fire on a cold winter day, you may be losing more heat than you are generating if your fireplace is not airtight.

• Inspect ductwork for any air leakage. If you do feel air leaking at joints, use silver metal duct tape to seal them. You could save up to 10% of your heating costs by eliminating those leaks.

In Summer…

• During hot weather, a central air conditioner can account for 30% of your energy bill. Check the air filter regularly – a clean air filter improves system efficiency, which should lead to energy savings.

• The recommended thermostat setting is between 75°F and 78°F. Every degree you raise your thermostat can result in a 5% savings on the cost of cooling your home.

• Have a professional check your air conditioning system to ensure that it works properly and is not leaking coolant.

• Be sure all windows are shut and outside doors are closed when the AC is on.

• It is important not to have lamps, televisions or other heat sources close to the air conditioner thermostat – heat from these sources may cause the air conditioner unit to run longer than it should.

• Check to ensure that no furniture or other obstacles are blocking ducts or fans. This will enable cooled air to circulate freely, making your home more comfortable.

Year-Round…

• Your water heater is the third highest energy expense in your home. If the water temperature is set at 140°F, turning it down to 130°F will save a few dollars each month.

• Using a microwave to cook meals uses about half the energy of a conventional oven.

• Washing clothes in cold water instead of hot is another energy saving tip that can save you about $50 per year.

• Another way to save energy in the laundry room is to put a dry towel in the dryer with each load of wet clothes. The towel will absorb dampness and reduce drying time, saving energy and money.

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient, compact, florescent ones. Besides saving energy, you will also save money in the long run, since the life span of a fluorescent bulb is substantially longer.

• If you have a crawl space, inspect it regularly to ensure that the insulation inside is dry. When insulation gets wet, its optimal effectiveness is significantly reduced. Be sure to find the source of the moisture and replace any damaged insulation.

• Vacuum the coils on your refrigerator at least every three months. The dirt build-up makes the refrigerator work harder to keep the contents cool and therefore uses more energy.

commercial buildings that do not sub-meter their irrigation. This is important for two reasons.

First, if you don’t know how much water you are using for irrigation, how can you measure your

savings? Having that baseline water consumption will allow you to not only track your savings,

but also to calculate the financial impact of your water reduction efforts. The second reason is

just as important. If you do not have your irrigation separately metered, you are more than

likely paying sewer charges on that water. Since municipalities can track only water coming

into a building (I wouldn’t want to be checking that meter on water coming out!), they bill you

for your consumption for both water charges and sewer charges, since they assume all water

coming in needs to be sent to the wastewater treatment plant. Irrigation falls outside that realm,

since municipalities know that the water is being infiltrated. So if you do not have a separate

meter for irrigation, get one installed and watch your sewer bill plummet!

2. Separately meter the cooling tower – The same rule that applies to irrigation applies to

cooling tower water use, and again for two reasons. One, you can’t work to reduce the

evaporation rate if you do not know how much water you are using. And two – you should not

be paying sewer charges on cooling tower water that is being lost to irrigation. Even if a

separate meter from the water authority is not available, they will often let you do an internal

sub-meter and report monthly cooling tower water use for a credit on your sewer bills. If you do

not have both your irrigation and cooling tower water sub-metered, make that your next priority

for the fall!

3. Better manage irrigation schedules – How many times have you seen a commercial building

that has the irrigation system running when it is raining outside? This is almost as frustrating as

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irrigation systems that are not maintained (see point 5). Irrigation systems are far too often

watering plants for longer periods than they need or watering when it is not required.

Fortunately, both are easy fixes. The simple fix is to make sure you are setting back your

irrigation system seasonally. Once you are doing that, begin to challenge how long it actually

needs to run. Is 30 minutes four times a week sufficient or can you get by with 20 minutes? It is

amazing to see how quickly savings add up. And if you notice the plants starting to wilt, simply

readjust the schedule again – it costs you nothing to try. To prevent watering when not

required, adding a basic rain or soil moisture sensor to your irrigation system. These costs

only a few hundred dollars — you don’t need a full weather system, just something that keeps

the water turned off if it is raining, or if it senses sufficient soil moisture. Talk to your local

landscape maintenance company, and you can likely have it installed the same week.

4. Change out water-intensive plants –Simply remove a portion of the more water-intensive

plants, predominantly the uber-thirsty annuals, and replace them with just-as-colorful native or

adapted species. The “color” plants for buildings generally require the most amount of water (or

at least compared to turf), but less water demanding options abound, no matter what region of

the country you reside. Your company will also save money since you can reduce the amount

of seasonal changes that are required. Planting hardy native species that last much longer and

are able to flower for an extended period, save money not only on water but on landscaping

expenses as well.

5. Make sure the irrigation system is maintained – I am not a botanist, but I’m pretty sure that

it is the plants that need watering, not the sidewalks or the parking lots. Similar to making sure

the system is not irrigating during a rain event, how are your sprinkler heads looking? When

was the last time a complete inspection occurred to ensure that sprinkler heads are pointed in

the right direction, and that the system is not leaking? This also leads to incorporating more

drip irrigation into your facility. Drip irrigation has a 95 percent efficiency rating versus 65

percent for spray irrigation.

6. Change toilet flush valves – How old is your building? If your toilets were installed prior to

1992, you are likely using three to five gallons of water per toilet flush, or more than triple what

post-1992 fixtures use. Even for the newer toilets, options abound. There are now 1.28 gallons

per flush (gpf) flush valves from a variety of manufacturers – offering a 20 percent savings per

flush over newer toilets and 70 percent over pre-1992 fixtures. For commercial toilets,

changing the flush valve allows you to retain the actual toilet, resulting in a minimal change-out

cost. If you have standard tank-type toilets, numerous manufactures make a traditional flap

tank with 1.28 gpf, or pressure assisted toilets all the way down to one gpf! I’ve installed both

types in many different types of buildings, and have yet to hear of one complaint or added

service call.

7. Change faucet aerators – This is the $2 fix. Most standard faucet aerators use 2.2 gpm

(gallons per minute) or higher – almost the same as a shower – just to wash your hands! Most

of that water is wasted. For approximately $2, you can get a new 0.5 gpm aerator for each

faucet – cutting lavatory water use nearly 80 percent. We have 0.5 gpm aerators in all our

buildings, and again, no complaints. If you are not comfortable going that low, put on a 1.0

gpm, and still save over 50 percent, for only a few dollars investment.

8. Change out faucets – If you have a leaky faucet, your best bet might be to replace it with a

new WaterSense®-labeled model with a maximum flow rate of 1.5 gpm, or a savings of 30

percent over conventional faucets. If you currently have a pre-1992 model, your savings will

likely be even greater. When replacing a faucet, you might also want to explore a “touch-free”

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replacement, although this may be a more expensive option. But every time I walk into a

bathroom and see a faucet left running, I appreciate every dollar spent on touch-free faucets.

Touch-free keeps water running only when sensing hands underneath, almost guaranteeing

that faucets won’t be left running with water wasted down the drain. In addition, touch-free can

be more sanitary and give users peace of mind. (The same goes for touch-free toilets and

urinals, since from a water-saving perspective, they are much less likely to be left running). For

more on WaterSense, see www.epa.gov/watersense/.

9. Convert to waterless or one-pint urinals – Standard post-1992 urinals use one gpf.

Waterless urinals, as the name indicates, use no water. They simply have a gel barrier that

allows liquids to pass through but prevents odors from rising back up. And water use is

eliminated! However, they do require different care than typical urinals do. Dumping cleaning

water or chemicals into the urinal drains can damage the gel seal and permit odors to

permeate the air. Also, some have filters that can cost $30 each, which can add a cost burden

if the gel seal wears down prematurely. However, with a little education, cleaning crews will

maintain them properly and you use zero water! In the buildings we maintain, we have not had

an issue. We have actually seen fewer service calls, because as there are no moving parts,

nothing can jam or clog the system. If you are not comfortable going waterless, one-pint urinals

(1/8th of a gallon) are now on the market. They use just a bit of water to move waste and keep

liquids flowing, while reducing water consumption over 85 percent. Not quite as water-efficient

as waterless urinals, but if you aren’t ready to take that plunge, this may be an acceptable

alternative.

10. Use ENERGY STAR® dishwashers – If you are using commercial dishwashers in your

building’s cafeteria, consider ENERGY STAR-rated dishwashers that use 40 percent less water

than a standard dishwasher, while saving energy in the process! The cost is virtually the same,

so if it is time to upgrade your dishwasher, make sure you are looking for the ENERGY STAR

label.

Thanks to Tommy Linstroth for this list of Top Ten.

Save $25 on Your Next Service Call

Wasteful water usage and unnecessary damage to plumbing can cost you BUCKETS of cash. Here are nine incredibly simple things YOU can do to prevent wasting water indoors and out while saving on your water bill!

1. Toilets:

• Leaks: Toilet leaks are often silent, allowing water loss to go undetected for long periods of time. A leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. To detect these leaks, remove the lid from the toilet tank, remove any colored cleaning agents, flush to clear water in the bowl, and then add dye tablets, leak detector fluid or a few drops of food coloring to the water in the toilet tank. If the tank is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes. Flush as soon as the test is complete.

• Low-Volume Toilets: Since the mid-1990s, all new toilets have been redesigned to conserve water, using 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Older models use 3 gallons or more per flush. If your toilet is not a newer water-saving fixture, you might want to consider purchasing a newer model.

• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other such waste in the trash rather than in the toilet.

2.  Faucets:

• Leaks: Dripping faucets can waste gallons of water per day. Check faucets regularly for leaks at the faucet head and seepage at the base and its connections.

• Low-Flow Faucets: Check the amount of water flowing from each faucet. You can do this by opening the faucet and allowing the water to flow into a container for 10 seconds.  Multiply the amount of water in the container by six to determine the per minute flow. If your existing faucet flows above 2.5 gallons per minute, install a low-flow aerator. For a bathroom faucet, a 1.5 gallons per minute flow will provide enough water for personal hygiene needs. For a kitchetn faucet, you will want 1.5 to 2.5 gallons per minute of flow to make sure the flow of water is enough to wash and rinse dishes.

• Aerator Faucets: Aerators are circular screened disks, usually made of metal, that are screwed onto the head of the faucet to reduce flow. Aerators for kitchen faucts are available with a variety of spray patterns and flow-control features.

3.  Baths and Showers:

• Use the minimum amount of water needed for a bath by closing the drain first and filling the tub only one-third full. The initial burst of cold water will be warmed by the hot water as the tub fills.

• In the shower, turn water on to get wet, turn off to lather up and then turn back on to rinse off.

• Turn off the water as you brush your teeth, wash your face or shave.

4.   Laundry Tips:

• For washers with variable settings for water volume, select the minimum amount required per load.

• If load size cannot be set, operate the washer with full loads only.

• Use the shortest wash cycle for lightly soiled loads. Normal and permanent press wash cycles use more water.

• Check hoses regularly for leaks.

• Pre-treat stains to avoid rewashing.

• When you replace your clothes washer, consider a water-efficient model that uses an average of 27 gallons of water per load. Front loaders use 20-25 gallons. Older, inefficient washing machines can use as much as 56 gallons of water per load.

5.  Irrigation Amounts:

• Apply moderate amounts of water to create a healthy drought- and stress-tolerant lawn. For most soils, up to three-quarters of an inch of water per application is enough to replenish the grass. Saturate the root zone, then let soil dry to encourage healthy, deep-root growth. Over-watering promotes weed growth, disease and fungus.

• You can use the “can method” to determine how much water to apply and to see if you are watering uniformly across the landscaped area. Place 5-7 wide-mouthed, flat-bottom cans (cans about the size of an average tuna can) throughout the area to be irrigated. Wait 30 minutes and then measure the depth of water in each can. Average the measurements and use this number to determine how long you need to water the area to apply three-quarters of an inch of water.

6.  Irrigation Methods:

• Irrigation can be done in two basic ways – with a hose and sprinkler or an in-ground irrigation system. When using a hose and sprinkler, place the sprinkler in the driest area. Allow the sprinkler to run the proper length of time to apply up to three-quarters of an inch of water. When that area is complete, move the sprinkler to another dry area. Place the sprinkler so that its water spray will overlap the area previously watered. Position the sprinkler so that your water lands on the lawn and shrubs, not on paved areas.

• In-ground irrigation systems can be automatic or manual or a combination. The automatic system is set for a predetermined time of day and days of the week. Make sure it is set for a predetermined time of day and days of the week. Make sure it is set for early morning or late afternoon, set for up to two days a week and operates long enough to apply three quarters of an inch of water. Learn how to operate your system. Check timing devices regularly to make sure they are operating properly. Watch for broken or misdirected sprinkler. During extended periods of rainy weather, irrigation systems should be turned off.

7.  Lawn Fertilization:

• Fertilize in moderation. Typically a 15-20 pound bag of fertilizer is enough to feed a half-acre lot for an entire growing season. This is enough fertilizer to feed the grass roots without allowing the fertilizer to run off the lawn.

• Fertilize only during the growing season. Allow a month between autumn application and the time of freeze if possible, allowing new growth to harden off and become less vulnerable to frost. Feed in spring with a complete micronutrient fertilizer. Use pesticides only when needed and ju on affected areas.

8.  Lawn Mowing:

• Cut your grass at the highest recommended height for your turn species or the highest setting on your lawn mower.

• Cut no more than one-third of the grass length to encourage grass roots to grow deeper and grass blades to hold moisture.

• Keep mower blades sharp for a clean cut; dull blades tear grass, opening it to disease.

• Leave short grass clippings where they fall. They reduce the lawn’s need for water and fertilizer. Remove thick patches of clippings so that they will not kill the grass underneath.

9.  Additional Tips (Indoors and Outdoors):

• Operate the dishwasher only when you have a full load. When purchasing a dishwasher, consider a water-efficient model.

• When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water and fill the rinsing sink to one third or one-half full. Avoid letting the water run continuously in the rinsing sink.

• Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternative method of disposing of food waste instead of using a garbage disposal.

• Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or by using the defrost setting on your microwave.

• Install instant water heaters in bathrooms and in the kitchen so you don’t need to run water while it heats up.

• Insulate your water pipes. You’ll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.

• Pay attention to your hose. Left unattended, a garden hose can pour out as much as 600 gallons of water an hour.

• Check all hoses, connectors and spigots regularly to make sure they are in good working order.

• Use a broom to clean leaves and other debris from sidewalks and driveways rather than a hose. Using a hose to clean a driveway can waste hundreds of gallons of water. Outfit your hose with a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted so water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks.

• Use hose washers between spigots and water hoses to eliminate leaks.

For additional tips go to Nixco Plumbing Tips

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Here is a troubleshooting guide to the most common problems of an electric water heater:

Problem: Water is not heating up!
This is one of the most common problems that can sprout with an electric water heater. The culprit in most cases is a failure with the high temperature limit switch. If this be the case, then just reset it. Use a voltmeter to check if any of the thermostats have failed. The heating element may also be at fault. Call a professional heating technician from Nixco Plumbing Inc. to replace the thermostat or the heating element.

Problem: The water smells foul!
Thankfully, this is one problem that has no relation with the mechanism of the heater. Clean the water tank thoroughly and install a water filter and a softener—this will cure the problem.

Problem: The pressure relief valve is leaking!
High levels of water pressure or a complete failure of the valve are the usual suspects when such a problem crops up. If the thermostat set too high is causing the water temperature levels to shoot up, then just adjust the settings and your water heater will work fine. If graver reasons are at work here, like a failure of the valve, then call the heating appliance repair technicians from Nixco to do the job.

Get the electric water heater in place before winter temperatures plummet. This is how you can ensure that you won’t be forced to take icy cold showers throughout winter.

Thanks to Horizon for the info.

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