2011 Home Improvement Trends
Tue, Feb 15 2011 06:47 | Tips, Home, Improvement | Permalink
50 experts were interviewed about home improvement trends in 2011 and their results were packaged nicely into this infographic. Use this as inspiration for your 2011 home improvement projects. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding a plumbing project or green plumbing fixtures. Do you have projects planned yet for this upcoming year? Share them below in the comments.
Source: eLocal.com
Source: eLocal.com
Comments (1)
Plumbing Pipe Candlesticks
Fri, Feb 11 2011 09:45 | Topical, Tips, Valentine's Day, Candles | Permalink
In anticipation of Valentine's Day on Monday, we though we'd share this relevant "how-to" guide. Stephen Antonson teaches how to turn spare plumbing parts into an array of industrial candlesticks that are guaranteed to set the mood for any occasion, especially Valentine's Day.
How-Tuesday: Plumbing Pipe Candlesticks from Etsy on Vimeo.
Materials
Plumbing parts can be found at most hardware stores or plumbing supply stores. Here’s a breakdown of all the plumbing parts you can use in this project:
Plumbing parts come in either black or galvanized silver, both of which are quite striking. You have the option of leaving them bare or painting them (See Step 3). You’ll also need:
Directions
Have a Happy Valentine's Day!
For more information on this and other great DIY projects, check out Stephen’s book, Home From the Hardware Store, available on Amazon or from an independent bookseller near you. About the filmmakers: Soo Kim and Marcus Ricci are founding members of Brazen Angler Films. They live and work in Brooklyn, NY.
How-Tuesday: Plumbing Pipe Candlesticks from Etsy on Vimeo.
Materials
Plumbing parts can be found at most hardware stores or plumbing supply stores. Here’s a breakdown of all the plumbing parts you can use in this project:- Bushings — a threaded exterior on one side, and a threaded interior on the other
- Couplings — each end of a coupling connects to other parts
- Unions — two identical interior threadings on either side, unions “unite” two other parts together
- Nipples — a short length of pipe that has two identical threaded ends on either side.
Plumbing parts come in either black or galvanized silver, both of which are quite striking. You have the option of leaving them bare or painting them (See Step 3). You’ll also need:
- Candles
- Mineral spirits
- Spray paint (optional)
Directions
- Thoroughly wipe down the plumbing parts with mineral spirits and a clean rag. The parts come with grease and oils on them to prevent corrosion, so you want to make sure to give them a good once over. If you’re planning on painting your candlesticks, wait for the parts to fully dry before you break out the spray paint.
- Now it's time to assemble your candlesticks. There are endless combinations of parts you can try, so let your creative candlestick vision guide you. If your union-bushing-coupling combination isn’t looking quite right, try a union and four bushings. Or maybe add a nipple. There’s no wrong way to make a candlestick, so have fun!
- As we mentioned, if you prefer the original galvanized or black finish your plumbing parts, skip this step. If you do want to customize your candlesticks with paint, pick a color and start spraying. After ensuring that your candlesticks are completely dry and free of residue, apply your paint in short, even bursts until your surface area is fully covered.
- Pick a candle that complements your creation and you’re ready to go. Now you’ve got a great piece to spruce up your kitchen table or a romantic evening you’ve been planning.
Have a Happy Valentine's Day!
For more information on this and other great DIY projects, check out Stephen’s book, Home From the Hardware Store, available on Amazon or from an independent bookseller near you. About the filmmakers: Soo Kim and Marcus Ricci are founding members of Brazen Angler Films. They live and work in Brooklyn, NY.
Comments (4)
Super Bowl Party Tips
Fri, Feb 4 2011 06:32 | Topical, Tips, Super Bowl | Permalink
Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest day of food consumption, according to the American Institute of Food Distribution. It’s behind only Thanksgiving Day. Just like the holidays, your family and friends cram into your home for the big game. And that means your garbage disposal and toilets will likely be working overtime.
Neptune Plumbing has some steps you can take before your guests arrive that will help keep your home’s plumbing in good working condition:
- You should not overload your garbage disposal with leftovers. This can clog you kitchen sink. When in doubt – just throw it out.
- Instead, you should throw scraps in the trash or put in the compost pile.
- You should avoid pouring grease down the drain, because grease hardens when it’s in your pipes.
- Wipe off greasy plates and pans with a paper towel before washing them.
- Remove small objects from the top of your toilet tank that could fall in, causing it to clog.
- Make sure your trash bin is easy to see, so guests won’t flush paper towels, napkins or facial tissue.
- You may want to stock your bathroom with single-ply toilet paper, depending on the number of people attending your party. This can really help.
- You really need to know how to use the water shut-off valve (this is behind the toilet tank).
Have fun and enjoy the game!
Winter Plumbing Maintenance
Drain outdoor water supply lines
Disconnect garden hoses and drain water from water sprinkler supply lines, swimming
pools and spigots. Be sure to shut off the water supply.
Check your water heater
If you have an older water heater, replace it before winter hits. Gas heaters normally last 8 to 14 years, and electric ones last 10-18 years. You can find the installation date on the service plate or on the heater’s serial number.
Insulate exposed pipes
Water can freeze in both hot and cold water supply lines, so it’s important to insulate exposed pipes in areas that aren’t well-heated, like under your bathroom and kitchen cabinets and in your basement, attic and garage. To insulate pipes, wrap them with foam insulation and secure them with tape. For added protection, wrap heat tape (thermostatically-controlled electric cables) around pipes following the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
Take precautions during extreme cold
Even if you’ve already insulated your pipes, leave doors open in crawl spaces and under cabinets to let warmer air circulate. If there are pipes in the garage, keep the doors closed. Allow water to drip from faucets to prevent pipes from freezing—even a dribble helps.
Prep your house before you go away
If you’re going to be away from your home for a month or more, keep the heat on and set the thermostat to no lower than 55°F. A plumber can drain your water system by shutting off faucets, opening the meter in the basement, and using an air compressor to force excess liquid from pipes. Shut off the water heater as well.
Be sure to contact us if you have any questions or needs any assistance with your winter maintenance.
Have any additional tips that you do to protect your plumbing in the winter? Share them in the comments below.
Comments (8)
Pumpkins and Plumbing Don't Mix
Every Halloween season, plumbers across the country get the call to repair garbage disposers and kitchen sink drains clogged with sticky pumpkin pulp and seeds. The goopy by-product of jack-o-lantern enthusiasts is, unfortunately, ideal for clogging household drains. The pulp dries and hardens inside pipes and disposers causing all sorts of problems. Never put pumpkin guts down the kitchen sink or worse, attempt to flush them down your toilet! To guard against Halloween drain disasters, follow these tips:
- Never put pumpkin pulp or seeds down the toilet, sink drain or in the garbage disposer. The stringy, sticky gunk hardens and clogs drains and disposers.
- Carve pumpkins on a thick bed of newspaper. Wrap up pumpkin-related materials and throw away in the garbage can or compost pile.
- Separate the seeds, then roast for a tasty treat. (See the recipe below.)
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds:
(Source: www.allrecipes.com)
- Rinse pumpkin seeds under cold water and pick out the pulp and strings. This is easiest just after you’ve removed the seeds from the pumpkin, before the pulp has dried.
- Place the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet, stirring to coat.
- Sprinkle with salt (or try cayenne pepper or garlic salt) and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until toasted, about 25 minutes. Check and stir after 10 minutes.
- Let cool and store in an air-tight container.
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
BP Oil Spill: 'Mystery Plumber' May Be Brains Behind Containment Cap
There has been a lot of press recently concerning the BP oil spill, however, one specific article caught our attention.
from ABC News is about a “mystery plumber” who sent in a sketch on how to solve the problem at the bottom of the Gulf. The articles states that they “received a late-night call from an apologetic mystery plumber... whose humble refusal to give his name at the time nearly brought [them] to tears.” The engineer said that, "You can kind of see how a plumber thinks this way. That's how they have to plumb homes for sewage."
We have a poster hanging in our office that reads “The Plumber Protects the Health of the Nation” and this story reminds us of this phrase. This is not just a cliche saying; it comes from the fact that potable water systems, as well as waste disposal systems, need to be designed and installed correctly to prevent a possible failure that could result in personal damage or health hazards. We believe that our industry is critical to the health and safety of the public. Plumbers protect the health of the nation every day and, as this story shows, in more ways than just in our homes and offices.
Read the full ABC News article here:
12 Creative Toilet Paper Designs
Here’s a collection of unusual toilet paper designs that will spice up your bathroom and surprise your guests.
Sudoku Toilet Paper
This creative roll of toilet paper is imprinted with Sudoku puzzles. [
]
Black Toilet Paper
Renova black toilet paper will definitely stand out in any bathroom. [
]
Origami Toilet Paper
While you sit and ponder keep yourself busy with this silly roll of toilet paper with complete instructions on folding your own toilet paper crane. [
]
Glow in the Dark Toilet Paper
Now you’ll always be able to find the toilet paper, even in the dark. [
]
Crime Scene Toilet Paper
Bring some life back to your bathroom with this unique toilet paper. [
]
Horror Story Toilet Paper
Japan’s creepiest toilet paper comes with imprinted horror story by Koji Suzuki. [
]
Greenpeace Toilet Paper
Greenpeace has used this toilet paper to remind people not to waste paper in Beijing, China. [
]
Valentine’s Day Toilet Paper
Stock the bathroom with a roll of valentine toilet paper that has hearts printed with safe, water-based inks. [
]
Cactus Toilet Paper
Notepad Toilet Paper
Cool advertising for the School of Visual Arts encouraged people to “think” by giving them a place to write down their ideas. [
]
Money Toilet Paper
You can always use dollar bills when you run out of regular toilet paper…
Have you seen other types of creative toilet paper or what type of creative toilet paper would you like to see? Leave your comments below.
Are Camera Plumbing Inspections Necessary For All Plumbing Jobs?
Sooner or later, every homeowner will have to deal with a plumbing problem. Sometimes problems in a septic or water pipe system can be tricky to determine because the source of the problem is difficult to locate. Fortunately, plumbers, such as Neptune Plumbing, now have access to technologically advanced devices that will allow us to view deep inside a plumbing system. One such device plumbers now use is a pipe inspection camera. When it is difficult to locate the cause of a plumbing problem, a plumber may use a pipe inspection camera.
Plumbers can use a micro-inspection camera to peer inside walls or behind appliances or objects that are obstructing the view. Additionally, we can use a sewer inspection camera to examine the septic system. These cameras are beneficial because they can fit in small, tight, and hard to reach places. A sewer pipe camera operates much like a snake because it is a camera that is attached to a long flexible cable. The cable is joined to an LCD screen which will show the image that is captured by the camera. This gives the plumber a clear real time view of the plumbing system. The small camera is sent into the pipe using the cable. As it is fed into the pipe, the plumber is able to view the video that is being transmitted. This is very beneficial for the plumber because the interior of the pipe can be seen which helps in locating the source of the problem and its exact location. This shows where to exactly to make the repair and what is needed to make the repair. For instance, a camera can easily find out if roots are clogging up the pipes and the appropriate measures can be taken to break up the roots so they can be flushed through the system.
Video inspection makes it convenient and inexpensive to locate the problem. For instance, for a problem in a pipe located behind a wall, previously, the wall would have to be torn up. By using an inspection camera, the problem can be located and fixed without destroying parts of a wall. Uses for inspection cameras include: finding clogs in the pipes, inspecting the drain pipes, diagnosing and repairing problems in the HVAC systems, locating electrical wiring problems, and seeing behind walls or other difficult to reach spaces.
Our plumbers are trained and experienced on how to properly use plumbing inspection cameras. They can pinpoint the problem and know what tools and devices are needed to make a proper repair. They can then look at the completed repair job to make sure it was properly fixed. They are perfect devices to use when trying to locate expensive jewellery that was lost down the drain. As well, these cameras are effective at tracking changes in the pipe over time such as the accumulation of sediment. It also is safer for one’s health to examine backed up sewer pipes and it does not damage the plumbing system. The next time a plumber suggests a plumbing camera inspection, it is wise to consider the benefits of using such a device.
Video inspection makes it convenient and inexpensive to locate the problem. For instance, for a problem in a pipe located behind a wall, previously, the wall would have to be torn up. By using an inspection camera, the problem can be located and fixed without destroying parts of a wall. Uses for inspection cameras include: finding clogs in the pipes, inspecting the drain pipes, diagnosing and repairing problems in the HVAC systems, locating electrical wiring problems, and seeing behind walls or other difficult to reach spaces.
Our plumbers are trained and experienced on how to properly use plumbing inspection cameras. They can pinpoint the problem and know what tools and devices are needed to make a proper repair. They can then look at the completed repair job to make sure it was properly fixed. They are perfect devices to use when trying to locate expensive jewellery that was lost down the drain. As well, these cameras are effective at tracking changes in the pipe over time such as the accumulation of sediment. It also is safer for one’s health to examine backed up sewer pipes and it does not damage the plumbing system. The next time a plumber suggests a plumbing camera inspection, it is wise to consider the benefits of using such a device.
Have you had an experience where the use of a sewer camera was beneficial? Share it in the comments below.
Neptune Plumbing & Heating Company Announces Partnership with Sustainable Improvements
Thu, Apr 29 2010 05:13 | Press Release | Permalink
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New partnership combines services of Neptune Plumbing with the energy efficiency benefits of Sustainable Improvements
Cleveland, OH– April 29, 2010 – Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co. (
), a Cleveland-based plumbing contractor, today announced their partnership with the energy efficiency consulting firm, Sustainable Improvements (
). This partnership will benefit the clients of Neptune Plumbing in many ways by offering a wide array of energy efficient improvement opportunities.
Sustainable Improvements details the best practiced guidelines aimed at homeowners, builders and designers who seek to incorporate energy-efficient building methods into a new or existing structure. Whether it is residential or commercial, existing homes or new builds, fixtures or appliances, they can help to ensure appropriate measures are taken for obtaining the tax credits and rebates needed to make a property “greener” and more sustainable. Sustainable Improvements supports energy efficiency as a cost-effective energy resource under existing market conditions and advocates energy-efficient policies that minimize costs to society and individual consumers. These procedures will also lessen greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on the global climate. Sustainable Improvements offers eco-friendly alternatives in a vast selection of areas including roofing, high-efficiency toilets, insulation, HVAC, water heaters and windows.
In addition to federal tax incentives, some consumers will also be eligible for utility or state rebates, as well as state tax incentives for energy-efficient homes. The rebate program will help offset the cost premium that is often associated with building an energy efficient home or remodeling an existing home, including the purchase of appliances and fixtures.
“We are extremely excited by our new partnership with Sustainable Improvements,” said Vice President of Construction Mark Novak. “This alliance will provide our customers the opportunity to not only to do something positive for the environment, but to also save money in the process.”
About Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co.
Neptune Plumbing & Heating Company, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is a locally owned and family operated business since 1957. Originally specializing in commercial, industrial, and institutional projects throughout Northeastern Ohio Neptune Plumbing recently expanded their operations to include commercial and residential plumbing services.
Sustainable Improvements details the best practiced guidelines aimed at homeowners, builders and designers who seek to incorporate energy-efficient building methods into a new or existing structure. Whether it is residential or commercial, existing homes or new builds, fixtures or appliances, they can help to ensure appropriate measures are taken for obtaining the tax credits and rebates needed to make a property “greener” and more sustainable. Sustainable Improvements supports energy efficiency as a cost-effective energy resource under existing market conditions and advocates energy-efficient policies that minimize costs to society and individual consumers. These procedures will also lessen greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on the global climate. Sustainable Improvements offers eco-friendly alternatives in a vast selection of areas including roofing, high-efficiency toilets, insulation, HVAC, water heaters and windows.
In addition to federal tax incentives, some consumers will also be eligible for utility or state rebates, as well as state tax incentives for energy-efficient homes. The rebate program will help offset the cost premium that is often associated with building an energy efficient home or remodeling an existing home, including the purchase of appliances and fixtures.
“We are extremely excited by our new partnership with Sustainable Improvements,” said Vice President of Construction Mark Novak. “This alliance will provide our customers the opportunity to not only to do something positive for the environment, but to also save money in the process.”
About Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co.
Neptune Plumbing & Heating Company, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is a locally owned and family operated business since 1957. Originally specializing in commercial, industrial, and institutional projects throughout Northeastern Ohio Neptune Plumbing recently expanded their operations to include commercial and residential plumbing services.
For further information about Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co. Contact:
Mark Novak
Vice President, Construction
Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co.
23860 Miles Road, Suite G
Cleveland, Ohio 44128
Office 216-475-9100
Fax 216-475-2996
For further information about Sustainable Improvements Contact:
Michael Wallenstein, LEED AP
President
Sustainable Improvements
Office: 216.702.2817
Happy Earth Day!
1. Lower your thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat.
2. Reuse your water bottle. Avoid buying bottled water. In fact, reuse everything at least once, especially plastics.
3. Check out your bathroom. Use low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets.
4. Start a compost in your back yard or on your rooftop.
5. Buy foods locally. Check out
2. Reuse your water bottle. Avoid buying bottled water. In fact, reuse everything at least once, especially plastics.
3. Check out your bathroom. Use low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets.
4. Start a compost in your back yard or on your rooftop.
5. Buy foods locally. Check out
and
to get started. Buy locally made products and locally produced services.
6. Buy in season.
7. Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs. You'll find more on energy-efficient products and practices at
6. Buy in season.
7. Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs. You'll find more on energy-efficient products and practices at
.
8. Turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room. Unplug your cell phone charger from the wall when not using it. Turn off energy strips and surge protectors when not in use (especially overnight).
9. Recycle your newspapers.
10. Car pool. Connect with other commuters at
8. Turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room. Unplug your cell phone charger from the wall when not using it. Turn off energy strips and surge protectors when not in use (especially overnight).
9. Recycle your newspapers.
10. Car pool. Connect with other commuters at
.
11. Consider a car sharing service like
11. Consider a car sharing service like
.
12. Ride a bike.
13. Walk, jog, or run.
14. Go to your local library instead of buying new books.
15. At holidays and birthdays, give your family and friends the gift of saving the earth. Donate to their favorite environmental group, foundation, or organization.
16. Get off junk mail lists.
12. Ride a bike.
13. Walk, jog, or run.
14. Go to your local library instead of buying new books.
15. At holidays and birthdays, give your family and friends the gift of saving the earth. Donate to their favorite environmental group, foundation, or organization.
16. Get off junk mail lists.
can get you started. They’ll even plant a tree for you!
17. Buy products that use recyclable materials whenever possible.
18. If you use plastic grocery bags, recycle them for doggie poop bags or for small trashcan liners.
19. Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Given a choice between plastic and paper, opt for paper.
20. Buy locally. Find farmers’ markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food near you at
17. Buy products that use recyclable materials whenever possible.
18. If you use plastic grocery bags, recycle them for doggie poop bags or for small trashcan liners.
19. Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Given a choice between plastic and paper, opt for paper.
20. Buy locally. Find farmers’ markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food near you at
.
21. Consider
21. Consider
like vinegar, borax, and baking soda.
22. If you have a baby, consider using cloth diapers. To sign up for a diaper service to do the dirty work, check out the
22. If you have a baby, consider using cloth diapers. To sign up for a diaper service to do the dirty work, check out the
.
23. Consider buying a fuel-efficient car or a hybrid.
24. Landscape with native plants. Check out the
23. Consider buying a fuel-efficient car or a hybrid.
24. Landscape with native plants. Check out the
on the
25. Opt into a clean energy program. Check out the
at the US Department of Energy.
26. Go paperless. Consider reading your newspaper and magazine subscriptions online. Switch to electronic banking and credit card payment, too.
27. Teach kids about the environment.
28. Take your batteries to a recycling center. Earth 911 gives you the
26. Go paperless. Consider reading your newspaper and magazine subscriptions online. Switch to electronic banking and credit card payment, too.
27. Teach kids about the environment.
28. Take your batteries to a recycling center. Earth 911 gives you the
.
29. Turn your car off if you’re going to be idle for more than one minute.
30. Do full loads of laundry and set the rinse cycle to “cold.”
31. Recycle. If you’re not at home, take the extra steps, (literally), to find that recycling can.
32. Reuse. Plastic food containers make good crayon and marker holders. Use padded envelops more than once. Give away clothes that don’t fit to friends.
29. Turn your car off if you’re going to be idle for more than one minute.
30. Do full loads of laundry and set the rinse cycle to “cold.”
31. Recycle. If you’re not at home, take the extra steps, (literally), to find that recycling can.
32. Reuse. Plastic food containers make good crayon and marker holders. Use padded envelops more than once. Give away clothes that don’t fit to friends.
or the
can help.
33. Limit the length of your showers. Even better, take a “navy shower,” shutting off the water while soaping up and shampooing.
34. Don’t run the water when brushing your teeth. Learn about
33. Limit the length of your showers. Even better, take a “navy shower,” shutting off the water while soaping up and shampooing.
34. Don’t run the water when brushing your teeth. Learn about
.
35. Wash towels after several uses.
36. Purchase one case of water and
35. Wash towels after several uses.
36. Purchase one case of water and
to 24 people (for over twenty years).
37. Give away your goods and find new ones at
37. Give away your goods and find new ones at
.
38. Recycle your technology. Dell, Hewlett Packard, Apple, and IBM, among others, offer recycling programs.
39. Go zero! Log on to the Conservation Fund’s
38. Recycle your technology. Dell, Hewlett Packard, Apple, and IBM, among others, offer recycling programs.
39. Go zero! Log on to the Conservation Fund’s
and in less than five minutes, you can measure and then offset your carbon dioxide emissions by planting trees.
40. Put your money where your mouth is—invest in green investments. Web sites like
40. Put your money where your mouth is—invest in green investments. Web sites like
can help.
41. Learn about threats to ocean life and help
41. Learn about threats to ocean life and help
take action.
42. Whenever you can, try using green cleaning products. Check out
42. Whenever you can, try using green cleaning products. Check out
.
43.
43.
and learn how to protect it.
44.
44.
.
45. Opt for
45. Opt for
.
46. Good to the last drop. Switch to
46. Good to the last drop. Switch to
.
47. Go paperless at work. Distribute company information and post company material online.
48. Eliminate junk mail at work. For no fee, the
47. Go paperless at work. Distribute company information and post company material online.
48. Eliminate junk mail at work. For no fee, the
will eliminate the junk that former employees receive at work.
49.
49.
while you’re at it.
50. Shop smart. Choose
50. Shop smart. Choose
.
What other Earth Day tips do you have? Share them in the comments below.