Neptune Plumbing & Heating Company Announces Partnership with Sustainable Improvements

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. (

www.NeptunePlumbing.net

), a Cleveland-based plumbing contractor, today announced their partnership with the energy efficiency consulting firm, Sustainable Improvements (

www.sustainableimprovements.org

).  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.

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

mnovak@neptuneplumbing.net

www.NeptunePlumbing.net

For further information about Sustainable Improvements Contact:

Michael Wallenstein, LEED AP
President
Sustainable Improvements
Office: 216.702.2817

michael@sustainableimprovements.org

www.SustainableImprovements.org

Happy Earth Day!

In honor of Earth Day today, we thought we’d share fifty green tips for Earth Day and beyond (shared by Kathleen J. King). Some of these tips are plumbing related and some are not, but they all can help contribute to us making an impact (or less of an impact) on our planet. Here are 50 favorite tips:

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

Eat Local Challenge

and 

FoodRoutes

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

Energy Star

.
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

eRideShare

.
11. Consider a car sharing service like

Zipcar

.
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.

Precycle

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

LocalHarvest

.
21. Consider

organic cleaning products

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

National Association of Diaper Services

.
23. Consider buying a fuel-efficient car or a hybrid.
24. Landscape with native plants. Check out the

article

on the

EPA website.

25. Opt into a clean energy program. Check out the

Green Power Network

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

scoop

.
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.

Goodwill

or the

Salvation Army

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

water scarcity

.
35. Wash towels after several uses.  
36. Purchase one case of water and

provide clean water

to 24 people (for over twenty years).
37. Give away your goods and find new ones at

FreeCycle

.
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

Carbon Zero Calculator

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

Co-op America's National Green Pages™

can help.
41. Learn about threats to ocean life and help

Greenpeace

take action.
42. Whenever you can, try using green cleaning products. Check out

Cheap, Clean, and Green

.
43.

Find your local watershed

 and learn how to protect it.
44.

Build a greener home

.
45. Opt for

eco-friendly and holistic health products

.
46. Good to the last drop. Switch to

fair trade coffee

.
47. Go paperless at work. Distribute company information and post company material online.
48. Eliminate junk mail at work. For no fee, the

EcoLogical Mail Coalition

 will eliminate the junk that former employees receive at work.
49.

Plant a forest and feed a family

while you’re at it.
50. Shop smart. Choose

eco-smart products

.

What other Earth Day tips do you have? Share them in the comments below.

Fire Hydrant Flushing

Many of you have probably noticed “Hydrant Flushing” signs being posted around your neighborhood recently. Each year, the Public Works Department opens fire hydrants throughout the city and allows the water to flow through the pipes. The hydrant-flushing program is very important to the maintenance of the city's water system.

It serves the following purposes:

• Flushes sediments from mainline pipes (which enhances water quality)
• Verifies the proper operation of fire hydrants and valves
• Helps find weaknesses in the water system
• Checks for closed valves and weak flows in the water mains
• Verifies ample flow for fire fighting
  

Public Works crews will post notices on barricades at intersections to inform residents of flushing in their neighborhoods.

Things to Know During Hydrant Flushing

1. There may be a temporary drop in water pressure at this time.
2. Water may be rusty or cloudy. Discolored water is not harmful and will clear up in a few hours.
3. Fill a bottle with water and store it in the refrigerator to use for drinking or cooking.
4. Flush your hot water tanks after the cold water clears.
5. Do not wash white laundry during this period (wait until cold AND hot water are clear before laundering whites).
   

Hydrant Flushing Frequently Asked Questions

WHY IS HYDRANT FLUSHING NECESSARY?
Hydrant flushing enhances water quality by flushing sediment from the water mains, verifies the proper operation of hydrants and valves, and maintains firefighting capability.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN THE CITY CREWS ARE FLUSHING HYDRANTS IN MY AREA?
If you see a crew flushing a hydrant on your street, avoid running tap water and using the washing machine or the dishwasher until the flushing is completed. If you see hydrant-flushing crews working in the area, please drive carefully and treat them like any other road construction crew.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER HYDRANT FLUSHING?

• If tap water is used during flushing, it could come out full of sediment that causes discoloration. If you encounter discolored water, shut the water off and wait several minutes. After waiting, check the clarity by running cold water for a few minutes allowing new water to work its way into your pipes. If the water is clear it’s OK to use. If not, wait a few more minutes and check again. In some cases, there may be slight discoloration for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water; it does not affect the taste or water quality.
  

• Avoid washing laundry during scheduled flushing times. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap, then wash a load of dark clothes first. Hot water tanks can hold discolored water for some time after the cold water runs clear.
• If pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.
  

WHY DOES MY WATER LOOK FUNNY AFTER HYDRANT FLUSHING?
When a hydrant is opened, there will be temporary incidences of discolored water while fine sediment particles are flushed out. There is no health hazard associated with the discolored water. Allow a few hours for discoloration to dissipate. To verify water is clear, run your cold-water tap for a few minutes.

WHO DO I CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION?
For additional information you can contact your local water department or you can contact us with any questions.

Have any further questions or comments on fire hydrant flushing? Leave them below in the comments.

Customer Question: Increasing Water Pressure / Choosing the Best Shower Head

We received an email yesterday from a customer who had some questions about the new apartment he is moving into. We figured we’d share our response with all of you in hopes this could help other friends and customers of Neptune Plumbing:

“I’m moving into a new apartment this week. I was wondering if there’s anything I can do to try and increase the water pressure in the sinks and shower. I was also wondering if you could help in suggesting a good type of shower head; I saw a variety of different styles and wanted to know if any were better than others. Thanks in advance for your help. - Ryan”

Ryan,
Normally, a tenant in an apartment building cannot control or increase the water pressure to their unit. However, one thing you can do is to check and see if the flow restrictors are clogged. This is a moderately easy task and will only require a few hand tools (adjustable wrench, vise grip wrench, flat-tip screwdriver, cross-tip screwdriver).

For Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks:

• Either by hand, an adjustable wrench or a vise-grip wrench, unscrew the flow restrictor on the end of your bathroom or kitchen sink faucet, along with any rubber gaskets with it. The flow restrictor is simply the aerator (screen) where the water exits at the end of the faucet.
• Inspect the screen for any clogs. Clean any clogs or debris that may be present.
• Run both the hot and cold water at a high rate for a minute or more. Sometimes debris that is too large to pass through the aerator (screen), or flow restrictor, stays trapped in the plumbing near the faucet, and only moves back and forth between the screen and back to where it rests when the water is turned on and off.
• Replace the flow restrictor. Test the water pressure.

For Shower heads:

• Remove the shower head by unscrewing it by hand or with a wrench from the pipe extension protruding from the wall. Disassemble the shower head, remembering how you take it apart so that you can put it back together the same way you took it apart.
• Inspect the shower head for any clogs or debris. Clean clogs, if necessary.
• Run both the hot and cold water at a high volume flow. Again, this is to clear out any foreign debris that may be lodged somewhere in the plumbing. Because such debris can't pass through the shower head, it can decrease the water pressure.
• Reassemble the shower head and re-attach it to the pipe extension. Test the water pressure.

If you don’t feel comfortable removing the aerators or taking apart the shower head, feel free to

contact us

to have a technician come out and assist you.

---

In regard to suggesting a shower head, choosing the best showerhead can be tricky. It's easy to be swayed by the more stylish designs that look good, but disappointment can follow when it comes to performance. To avoid disappointment in your new showerhead, follow these tips to help choose the right one.

Adjustable Spray Shower Heads

Your best bet in choosing a new shower head is most likely an adjustable spray model. Adjustable shower heads usually have three settings and provide a strong, dependable water flow. They're easy to install and are usually lower priced than other styles of shower heads.

The drawback to this model of shower head is that they aren't necessarily very stylish and it can be hard to change the setting when your hands are wet. Overall, customers are happiest with these shower heads.

Rainshower Shower Heads

While rainshower shower heads are very popular, they ranked lowest in customer satisfaction. Customers buying these shower heads are happy with the appearance but very disappointed in the water pressure they provide. Water pressure was described at "wimpy" and state that it is difficult to rinse with these shower heads.

Rainshower shower heads also have such a wide stream that it is difficult to keep your hair dry if you want to and require extra plumbing parts requiring additional installation.

Shower Towers

The most expensive choice in a new showerhead is a shower tower. These are the best if you are looking for a "spa" experience but don't want to go to the expense of installing behind-the-wall plumbing.

Be aware that if you want this "spa" experience, it costs more money -- for the fixture and the cost of using it. Shower towers use up to 2.5 gallons of water per nozzle per minute and will require that you have a larger hot water heater.

To choose the best showerhead for your home/apartment , take into consideration how you use your shower. Is it strictly utility -- a quick wash, or is the shower a place for relaxation? By thinking through your usage and your budget, you can easily get the best showerhead and enjoy it for years to come.

Do you have any further suggestions for Ryan? Feel free to post them below in the comments. Have any questions of you own? Email them to

service@neptuneplumbing.net

or use our

contact page

and we’ll be sure to respond promptly.

Water customers in Cleveland could see another rate increase next year

An article from the Metro section of today’s Plain Dealer:

Customers of the Cleveland Division of Water may see another rate increase next year. How much is yet to be determined.

A rate study is in progress, and the division could approach council with a request for a hike around the end of the year, officials said at a council committee meeting this week.

Customers are in the last year of an increase instituted in 2007 that pushed rates up almost 80 percent for city residents and 45 percent for suburban customers over four years. Council sets the rates for the city-run water division that serves 1.4 million people.

Water Commissioner Chris Nielson said revenues were $25 million below projections last year due to a decrease in consumption and a drop in interest earnings and fees. The cool, wet summer contributed to the drop in water use, he added.

The revenue decrease, overall maintenance and a proposed $86 million automatic meter reading system the division wants to buy

will be factored into the cost analysis, division spokesman John Goersmeyer said.

The search for additional revenue comes not long after the division was barraged by customer complaints due to estimated bills, bad meters, long waits on the phone and rude customer service. The Plain Dealer chronicled the division's troubles throughout much of last year.

Residents continue to be critical of the department. Director of Utilities Barry Withers said steps are being taken to improve customer service, including extended calling hours and putting a new computer billing system online.

Nielson said the proposed automatic meter reading system is key to solving most of the remaining problems. "All of our customer service revolves around a good meter reading," he said.

Council, which put the brakes on the purchase last month, is now ready to move forward. Members wanted to investigate whether the radio-driven remote reading system could be used for other city needs such as safety-force communications and traffic cameras.

Councilman Kevin Kelley, chairman of council's Public Utilities Committee, said at the meeting this week that he concluded "meshing systems would be cost prohibitive" since the division's system extends into five counties, including all of Cuyahoga.

In the next several weeks, council is expected to approve legislation to allow the purchase. Nielson said the costs include $3.2 million for design and management; $17.8 million for meters; $42 million for technology; $23 million for installation.

The water division will pay for the network with $8.5 million of previously encumbered money; $12 million from 2009 operating capital; $15.5 million from future operating capital; and $50 million from bonds.

Nielson said the system will eliminate estimated bills. Radio devices strategically installed on places like buildings and utility poles will allow employees downtown to read meters remotely at any time. This could clear the way for monthly billing, he said. The division now bills quarterly. Consumption eventually could be broken down to daily and even hourly use, allowing for detection of leaks or water theft, Nielson said.

The division would save on the cost of vehicles and fuel when the system is fully functional in three years, he said. Installation would begin this fall. The first year, 10 percent of residential meters will be replaced along with 40 percent of the commercial meters.

Nielson said meter readers would reassigned to inspection, maintenance, leak detection and customer service crews as the system is phased in.

See the full article:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/04/water_customers_could_see_anot.html

---

As a customer of the Cleveland Division of Water, there are a few actions that can be taken to help combat the increase in the rates:

• Check for water leaks or running toilets.
  Water leaks can add up on your monthly bills, so make sure to periodically check your home or office for leaks.
• Invest in low-flow plumbing fixtures. Items such as low-flow toilets, shower heads and faucet aerators can help reduce your water consumption and your water bill.
  Contact Neptune Plumbing
  to learn more about having these items installed.

How do you feel about these rate increases? Do you have any tips to help lower your water consumption? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Water Heater Maintenance

Water heaters are one of those appliances we rely upon every day. Whether gas or electric, they are generally very dependable and quiet. Water heaters can last for a decade or more and with this simple 3-step annual maintenance plan you can extend the life of your water heater even further and save money in the process.

Do the 3-Steps

By following this easy 5 minute, 3-step annual maintenance plan, you can significantly extend the life of your water heater:

• Dial Down the Temperature
• Test the T&P (temperature and pressure) Relief Valve
• Do a Mini-Flush

Dial Down the Temperature

Check your water heater temperature setting:

• Go to the temperature setting dial on your water heater. It will be a knob on the gas valve or a thermostat behind an electric water heater panel.
• Dial the temperature setting down so it is between 115 to 120 degrees F.
• This lowered setting will protect the tank from overheating and will reduce the energy used to heat the water.

Test the T&P Valve

The temperature and pressure relief valve is critical to safety and proper operation of your water heater. It's a simple but important valve and is easily checked:

• To test the T&P valve simply lift up on the lever part way, then let go and allow it to rapidly snap back.
• You should hear a gurgling sound as the valve allows some water to be released into the drain tube.
• If the T&P valve did nothing then it is bad and needs to be replaced.

Do a Mini-Flush

• Removal of sediments from the bottom of the tank is important to prevent rust, corrosion and improve efficiency. Although a full water heater tank draining and flush is best, performing a full flush is a bit of work and requires shutting down the water heater. This mini-flush works well, takes a fraction of the time and allows you to do it while the water heater is running:

• Place a bucket under the drain valve found near the bottom of the tank.
• Some drain valves have a handle. Others like the one in the photo shown here have a short handleless stem with a slot for a flat blade screwdriver.
• Turn the valve counter-clockwise to release a few gallons of water into the bucket.
• Close the valve by turning it clockwise and drain the bucket.

Make sure to take caution and be safe when following these plumbing tips. If you are unsure or feel uncomfortable make sure to call Neptune Plumbing to have a technician come out to assist you.

Do you have any other water heater maintenance tips or questions? Feel free to post them in the comments below.

Spring Plumbing Tips

April showers bring May flowers and the onset of spring, which means it's time for "spring cleaning." Neptune Plumbing offers these maintenance tips to protect your home against plumbing problems.

Kitchen/Bathrooms

• Check faucets for drips or leaks. Make repairs to save water.
• Ensure that all drains have strainers to prevent hair, soap and debris from clogging the drain lines.
• Check toilets for hidden leaks. Dye test your toilet (Neptune Plumbing technicians can provide you with dye test kits). If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes.
• Inspect tank and bowl for cracks or leaks.
• Exercise water supply valves under sinks and toilets to prevent them from sticking.
• Make sure toilets flush properly. If the handle must be held down for a thorough flush or jiggled to stop the water from running you may need to replace worn tank parts. They're inexpensive and you'll notice a lower water bill.
• Clean mineral deposits from showerhead. Unscrew it and soak in vinegar or fill a plastic baggie with vinegar; place it over the showerhead and hold in place with a rubber band. Soak overnight then remove and gently scrub with an old toothbrush to remove deposits.

Appliances

• Check the temperature setting on the water heater. It should be set no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy use.
• Carefully drain several gallons from the water heater tank to flush out corrosion causing sediment, which reduces heating efficiency and shortens the life of the heater.
• Consider replacing a water heater more than 15 years old. (The first four numbers of the serial number represent the month and year it was made.) Newer water heaters are more energy efficient.
• Make sure flammables are not stored near the water heater or furnace.
• Check dishwasher, washing machine and icemaker supply hoses for bulges or leaks. Replace hoses showing signs of weakness or older than ten years.
• Clean out washing machine lint trap, if equipped, and place a wire trap or a piece of pantyhose over the end of the hose that drains the washer.

General

• Pour a gallon of water into infrequently used drains (including floor drains) to fill the trap and prevent odors from entering the house. Slow floor drains should be snaked to ensure they will carry away water quickly in the event of a flood.
• Check exposed pipes under sinks and in the basement for signs of leaks.
• If your home has a sump pump, make sure it operates properly by pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pit. The pump should quickly turn on, discharge the water then shut off without any problems.
• Install a backflow valve in the floor drain if you live in an area where sewers sometimes back up into homes. This device will prevent future backups.
• Inspect for slow leaks in your home by taking a reading on your water meter before bedtime. The next morning, without using any water overnight, take another reading. If the reading has changed you have a leak that should be repaired.
• Install flood alarms. Like a smoke alarm, a flood alarm is a battery-operated device that sounds an alarm when it comes in contact with water. It alerts you to potential flooding or leaks. Ask your technician for more information.

Outside

• Make sure yard drains, gutters and downspouts are cleaned out, open, and free of debris.
• Check for bird nests in plumbing vent pipes.
• Check faucets and hose bibs to make sure water flows freely. If an outdoor faucet drips or if there is leakage inside your home the first time the hose is turned on, you may have had a frozen pipe that cracked and needs to be replaced.

Make sure to take caution and be safe when following these plumbing tips. If you are unsure or feel uncomfortable make sure to call Neptune Plumbing to have a technician come out to assist you.

Do you have any questions about these tips or have any other Spring Plumbing Tips to share? Post them below in the comments.