One of the most basic amenities that we take for granted here in the US today, it is difficult to even imagine what life would be like without the toilet. But for much of the developing world, there is no need to imagine, as life without adequate sanitation is both a common and dangerous reality. Often the hidden problems behind high child mortality rates, poor water quality and lack of safe waste disposal are known to cause a host of horrible, life-threatening diseases, including rotavirus, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis.

On the 10th anniversary of World Toilet Day, which takes place on November 19, we all have a chance to help make lack of clean water and adequate sanitation a thing of the past.

Vanguard, a documentary series on Current TV, came out with this awesome 44-minute documentary on sanitation called “The World’s Toilet Crisis.” It’s raw, very candid and highly persuasive in the argument that yes — everyone in the world should have a toilet! Watch it 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.

By the Oregonia

Silent toilet leaks can account for up to 300 gallons of day of lost water without anybody noticing the leakage.

The Portland Water Bureau offers these easy steps to check your toilet for leaks:

1. Lift off the toilet tank lid. Without flushing, place several drops of food coloring (or one dye tablet, available from the bureau) in the toilet tank.

2. If water in the bowl turns color within 10 minutes, you have a toilet leak.

If you find that you have a leak, give us a call (513)770-5590 and we will get you taken care of.

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.

Michael Hoffmann at the California Institute of Technology found that sunlight powers an electrochemical reaction with human waste in water that generates microbe-killing oxidants and releases hydrogen gas.

The researchers plan to collect the hydrogen in a fuel cell to power a light or possibly even a self-cleaning mechanism, New Scientist reported.

Hoffmann received a grant this week from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to build a prototype.

He says he can build one toilet for 2000 dollars and hopes to reduce the cost through design refinement and mass production.

The grant is part of the Gates Foundation’s latest global public health initiative to improve sanitation.

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.

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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Find out About Nixco Plumbing Inc.

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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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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.

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.

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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.

According to the magazine, Bill Gates says it’s time to leave the era of the classic toilet behind, and he points out that despite all of the recent achievements, 40 percent of the world’s population, or some 2.5 billion people, still live without proper means of flushing away excrement.

Toilets aren’t the only focus for the Foundation. The Associated Press reports that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is planning to provide a dozen researchers with an additional $1 million over five years to test life-saving ideas, such as using microwaves to kill malaria parasites. The toilets seem to be another unique focus for the Foundation, with potentially huge results.

TIME reports that the lack of sanitation facilities increases the spread of disease, and UNICEF estimates that globally, 1.1 billion people don’t have access to any kind of toilet or means of safely eliminating waste. At least 1.2 million children under the age of five die from diarrhea each year, caused by undrinkable water.

The project is working on two important initiatives. The first is to construct sanitation facilities in rural areas and slums, and the other is a research project that is giving grants to scientists who come up with new ideas for using human excrement.

TIME writes:

In view of the world’s limited water resources, both the Gates Foundation and German Development Policy support various projects for dry toilets that do not use water to flush and that separate excrement from urine in order to dry it.

World-wide access to adequate sanitation is a long time goal for the Gates Foundation. At the Techonomy conference last year, Gates took the stage to discuss something most people shy away from, reports TechCrunch:

“We’re gonna have a breakthrough in the latrines,” he continued. He said that while the flushable toilet is the gold standard, it isn’t efficient at all. Someone is going to fix that, according to Gates.

According to TechCrunch, Gates read many books on the subject, and later discussed investing in sanitation. “When it comes to things like investing in new toilets, not much money goes into that. You end up with the low IQ guy on the toilets.”

The Gates Foundation has a strong history of philanthropic projects. In 2008, the organization began helping thousands of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia grow more productive, profitable and sustainable crops. Since 2006, they have committed more that $1.5 billion in grants to agricultural development efforts. Just last week, Reuters reported that the Foundation received a boost when investor Warren Buffett donated $1.78 billion to several charities, with over $19 million going to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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.

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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.

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

Nixco Plumbing Coupons – Click Here

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.

That’s the takeaway from a new study by researchers from Columbia University, Ohio State University and Carnegie Mellon University who found that people are far more likely to focus on switching off lights or unplugging appliances than on buying new bulbs or more efficient refrigerators. But people’s perceptions of the relative savings of various actions are significantly at variance with reality.

“Participants estimated that line-drying clothes saves more energy than changing the washer’s settings (the reverse is true) and estimated that a central air-conditioner uses only 1.3 times the energy of a room air-conditioner (in fact, it uses 3.5 times as much),” the researchers wrote.

Perhaps more to the point, people seem conditioned to think of energy savings as they would of saving money: that they can save by simply reducing use, the study found. But the biggest energy savings are tied to replacing things that use a lot of energy with things that use far less.

Habits like turning out the lights when leaving a room may be virtuous but don’t move the needle much on energy savings. Yet that action was cited by more of those surveyed (19.6 percent) than any other method of saving energy. By contrast, just 3.2 percent cited buying more energy-efficient appliances.

The top five behaviors listed by respondents as having a direct impact on energy savings (turning off the lights, riding a bike or using public transportation, changing the thermostat, “changing my lifestyle/not having children” and unplugging appliances or using them less) yield savings that are far outweighed by actions cited far less often, like driving a more fuel-efficient car.

“Relative to experts’ recommendations, participants were overly focused on curtailment rather than efficiency, possibly because efficiency improvements almost always involved research, effort and out-of-pocket costs (e.g. buying a new energy-efficient appliance), whereas curtailment may be easier to imagine and incorporate into one’s daily behaviors without any upfront costs,” wrote the authors, whose study was published in the most recent issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The lead author was Shahzeen Z. Attari of Columbia University.

The gap between perception and reality narrows somewhat, but not dramatically, with a respondent’s self-identification as an environmentally aware person.

In this study, 471 of the 505 respondents, who were recruited through Craigslist, provided detailed demographic data about themselves. Forty-seven percent identified themselves as liberals, 31 percent as moderates and 22 percent as conservatives. Thirty-seven percent considered themselves environmentalists. But “participants who reported engaging in a greater number of pro-environmental energy-related behaviors had less accurate perceptions” about the value of these behaviors than the group as a whole did.

Perhaps it’s not surprising that people are not always quite as virtuous as they think they are. But amid the larger messages of the study, there was one tidbit that jumped out. About 2.8 percent of those responding said they could save energy by sleeping or relaxing more. That compares with 2.1 percent who said they could do so by insulating their homes.

Paging Comedy Central.

Thanks to Felicity Barringer

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