Monthly Archives: March 2024

Clogged Drains Got You Down? Get Help With All Your Plumbing Needs Here! (3)

March 31, 2024   Matt

Clogged Drains Got You Down? Get Help With All Your Plumbing Needs Here!

Look no further than this article for the greatest plumbing advice that you will ever find. You are concerned about either current issues that you are having or things that might occur in the future. Read the advice carefully in this article and you will be more than satisfied.

If you drop a small item like a ring or earring into a sink drain, hope is not lost. By carefully removing the U-shaped trap underneath the sink, you can probably retrieve the item. Be aware that the trap will be full of water, though, so have something under it to catch the spills.

When you’re leaving for vacation it’s a great idea to turn your gas water heater to the “vacation” setting before you leave. If you have an electric water heater you can turn the breaker off that leads to it instead. This will save you electricity which is being wasted on heating water you’re not using.

If you’re planning to leave on vacation then it’s key to make sure you turn off the main shut off valve to your plumbing. This will ensure that nothing floods or breaks while you’re gone, leaving you with a horrendous mess to return to and headaches you don’t want to deal with.

When you are working on any kind of plumbing project, you always need a backup person. This is because, when working with water, you never know when an emergency can happen and that second pair of hands can come in very useful! This can even be an unskilled person who can follow directions.

Do not let your faucet leak. Did you know a leaky faucet can waste about 150 gallons of water every day? If you have a leak, never ignore it. It could be coming from the faucet or the pipes. Continually check pipes and faucets for extra moisture or small leaks.

If you have an odor coming from one or more fixtures in your house, it is likely this has to do with the water in water traps. Each fixture has a water trap that is sealed off to prevent odors. If the water evaporates, the odors can surface. Therefore, try adding water to the traps.

If water backs up from one sink to another, it is because the lines are connected. The part of the branch line for one device might be higher than another, but most likely there is also a blockage in the branch line connecting the two devices as well. This blockage must be cleaned.

To avoid hair from accumulating and clogging pipes. Use fine mesh strainers in every drain where hair is washed. Fine mesh strainers can catch the hair and still allow the shower, tub or sink to drain and are also useful in the kitchen to catch and stop small food debris from going down the drain.

In conclusion, there is a lot to know about plumbing and not all of the advice available is useful. Ideally, this article either provided you with new knowledge or it allowed you to solidify current knowledge. Use this great information today and you will be set up for success with any plumbing project.

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Water Garden Feature – How To Save On The Pennies And Labour

March 29, 2024   Matt

Water Garden Feature – How To Save On The Pennies And Labour

A Water Garden Feature without doubt is the cherry on the cake giving the ultimate finish to enhance the beauty of a garden or patio – but unfortunately some gardeners are put off because of the work involved with the installation and maintenance of having a water feature. Cost can also hamper the decision of adding a water garden in your courtyard etc.

Expense may not be an issue if you decide on doing the work your self. If you have a good manual at your side when you take on the task then that is the first step in the right direction – follow the instructions accordingly and all should be okay. By chance if you are not DIY minded then you need not worry because Water Garden Features come in all different shapes and sizes thus cutting costs to meet your budget – where you can have an expert fit the fixture.

Small water garden features not only will save on the pennies but will save on the labour also when it comes to the cleaning. And with what you save you can buy different garden novelties.
Combining a fish pond with a water garden has to be carefully planned if plants like the lotus and lily are used; you need to have access to these. Your water garden needs to be approx 16 to 18 inches deep. This is good depth for plants to flourish. Young plants are not dependant on deep water.
How you ornate your water garden feature is entirely up to you but we do not want is to over do it, to much can spoil the appearance.

Water Gardens that host too many plants and shrubs can lose the effect of what you want to inject from the whole project and that is beauty. Shelving is best kept to a minimum if the feature is small – plants can be elevated on to rocks. Shelving is a good idea – it keeps the fish happy providing them with cover from the rays of the hot sun.

Nature comes to the fore from your Water Garden Feature with uninvited guests – what you have to remember water will always attract aquatic life and also children so be careful. Frogs toads and newts will enjoy your water garden feature just as much as you, if not more – so be prepared. There will be the upkeep of the pond/waterfall you have installed – the work involved with the maintenance will not be heavy work if you keep on top.

Installing a water garden feature is not a complicated mission unless you make it one by not having the right tools for the job. Be sure to obtain a good book with details on how to erect and to find the best place to locate the feature. Also do some research on what flowers and plants are suitable? How to clean and maintain a water garden are all important issues you need to know about and last but not least find out what you have to do to meet with the fishes needs and requirements if there is to be any marine life in your pond or pool.

Safety Tip – When next at the garden store purchase your self some netting or mesh so that the Water Garden Feature can be covered in your absence. This is a safety measure for when – CHILDREN ARE AROUND AND YOU ARE NOT.

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Landscaping 101: A Pond in Your Own Yard

March 28, 2024   Matt

Landscaping 101: A Pond in Your Own Yard

A pond is attractive way to enhance the landscape if your home and have l large area you wish to landscape. So what do you do? Consider an area where the pond would be attractive and practical.

Why create a pond, you ask? Ponds increase the value or your property, and would be a way to attract a prospective buyer. A well designed and functional pond also adds a peaceful effect to your yard. Ponds create an ideal ecosystem beneficial not only plants but wildlife as well. If you are fond of fish and water plants, a pond would be ideal.

This article will not go into details on creating your pond, but will furnish information about the landscaping aspect…

Landscaping your pond starts at the pond itself. Create a border by adding stones, plants and statuary that will create a great view. You should also create a walkway from your pond to your house. Access is important and easily accomplished by using stepping stones, etc.

Trees are both beneficial and harmful to your pond. Trees provide shade that will be good for your pond but they will also add to debris such as branches and leaves or fallen fruit The key is to strike a balance between the two.

Shrubs will also play a role in maintaining unity between the tall trees and the low pond. They will create continuity from your pond to the trees. You may also add some flowers to provide some color. Be sure to cut the off the old blossoms to prevent debris that can make your area unsightly.

Water plants are a must for ponds and should be added immediately after your pond has been finished. Use similar colored plants as their surroundings to create some balance and harmony between the two. Be creative and do some research on different kinds of water plants to use.

A finishing touch for a pond is adding some fish. Add them after everything else has been finished. Always select appropriate species of fish that will not out-grow the size of your pond.

Creating a pond for your yard will both be tiring, but the fun of creating it will be rewarding. Be sure that do regular maintenance to so it will always be free from debris. After all of your work is finished, enjoy your pond and marvel the harmony you have created in your yard.

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Plumbing 101: Tips And Tricks For Your Pipes (4)

March 26, 2024   Matt

Plumbing 101: Tips And Tricks For Your Pipes

Ready to begin with your own plumbing jobs? Do you know where to start or how to begin? Do you know what equipment and techniques will work for your next task? Well, the tips that are listed below may be the very ones that you need.

If the water pressure on your street exceeds 60 pounds, you many want to consider installing a pressure reducing valve. Too much water pressure is actually harmful to your plumbing system and could cause excess water pressure. A pressure reducing valve cuts down your water pressure by almost 50 percent.

If you toilet is clogged up, the water is low and a plunger doesn’t work you could try dumping warm water from a bucket into the toilet from waist level or higher. You should repeat dumping warm water in the bowl when necessary and if the water gets low again.

Don’t forget to check the plumbing on the outside of your home before you leave on vacation! Any leaks that are there can end up damaging your foundation, especially if you go away during the winter. Check each faucet and pipe, including your sprinkler system, far enough ahead of time to be able to do repairs.

Do not use the liquid cleaning supplies that are designed to clear clogs. These cleaners are harmful and can damage your pipes as they clear the clog. Instead of using damaging liquids, use a plunger or a plumbing snake. These are much more effective and will not harm pipes.

When the temperature drops below freezing, protect exposed pipes from the weather by adding a source of heat near the pipes. Ranging from electrical tape applied directly to the pipes to small space heaters placed near exposed pipes, keeping the temperature above freezing can prevent costly repairs caused by frozen pipes.

If you live in an area where sewers are known to back up into homes. You will need to install a backflow valve into your floor drains. By doing this you can prevent future backup of sewage into your home. This device will save you much money from loss of property due to sewer water contamination, and it will also save many hours of labor needed to clean up after these backups.

When you’re leaving for vacation it’s a great idea to turn your gas water heater to the “vacation” setting before you leave. If you have an electric water heater you can turn the breaker off that leads to it instead. This will save you electricity which is being wasted on heating water you’re not using.

The truth to DIY plumbing is that you’re taking your life on the line when you start a project. You may drive yourself nuts, cost yourself an arm and a leg, and end up having to call in a professional to fix the mess you made – at double the price. Consider a professional first unless you really know what you’re doing.

Fair enough, you’re not going to become an expert overnight – but there are surely one or two pieces of advice here that you can use. Every job that you do yourself is one less job that you have to pay someone else to do!

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Tips And Tricks For Keeping Asthma Under Control (2)

March 24, 2024   Matt

Tips And Tricks For Keeping Asthma Under Control

When you have asthma, it can be very scary. You can have trouble breathing, and have serious coughing attacks very often. Here are some tips to help you learn to deal with your asthma better. The more knowledge you have, the better you will be able to prevent an attack.

Asthma attacks can be caused by dust mites, which thrive in places where they can find dampness and skin cells to eat. This includes bedding and furniture. If you are allergic, it can help to seal your furniture in allergen-proof zip up covers, and wash bedding frequently to reduce dust mites.

Remember that you can have a happy and productive life – even with asthma! You will simply need to be aware of and vigilant regarding your asthma. Remember that you must take precautions to avoid triggers and be very self-aware regarding your physical condition. Joining a support group to discuss your challenges with others who have asthma may be very helpful.

Make sure that you get at least eight or nine hours of sleep every single day. It is important to get rest so that you can restore the energy necessary to take on your day. Lack of sleep yields stress, which can affect your ability to breathe during the day.

A great tip that can help you cope with asthma is to branch out and get in touch with other people who also suffer from asthma. Not only will you be able to get helpful advice from them, you won’t feel so alone and ashamed that you have asthma.

Although it may seem trivial to most people, it is important that you live near your doctor or an emergency room if you have asthma. Living in a rural area can mean that paramedics cannot get to you in time to save your life if you have a severe asthma attack.

Buy cleaning products that are labeled as environmentally-friendly. This will not cost you more, and they are just as efficient as chemical products. These green products will reduce the risk of asthma attacks and allow you to keep your house clean at the same time. Look for non-toxic cleaning products.

If you have asthma, and you have no choice but to live in a cold environment, try not to spend too much outside when it is cold. The cold will worsen your asthma symptoms or cause attacks. Spend as much time as you can in a hot environment and when you have to go outside, wear a scarf.

You should have your home inspected at least one a year if you or your child has asthma. You might not be aware that your house contains dust or mold in areas that you cannot see. Find a professional to inspect your house and give you a complete report of the situation.

You know how scary it is when you have asthma and you are having trouble breathing. The more panicked you get, the harder it will be to breath normally. Use this article as a reference and learn it so you will know what to do next time you are having asthma trouble.

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Landscaping Lessons-Proper Placement Of Trees In Landscape Design

March 23, 2024   Matt

Landscaping Lessons-Proper Placement Of Trees In Landscape Design

Landscaping and landscape design goes beyond just creating beautiful designs. As a professional designer, it’s not only my job to create designs but also to envision every possibility of the mature landscape in years to come.

And while most elements will remain what they are for years to come, the one thing that most do it yourselfers and some professionals overlook is the space that tiny little sprouts will occupy when they become mature plants and trees.

Trees serve a number of obvious purposes in the landscape. Creating shade, wind blocks, noise reduction, boundaries, and focal points are just a few. Once I have established where I’ll need trees for these purposes in a design, I have several other considerations before I can designate their permanent home.

Planting without considering the space that the mature full grown plants and trees will occupy can become more than just an inconvenience. It can be costly.

Things to consider.

Around Play Areas

A shaded canopy over play areas, sand boxes, etc. may be desired for shade from afternoon sun. However, you need to consider the mess that birds and other critters will drop right into your childs play area if the canopy extends over it.

The solution to this is to place large shade trees a distance from the area in line with the travel of the sun. If you know the trees you plant and how far the mature canopy will extend, you can still plant for shade without exposing your kids to unsanitary conditions.

Around Pools

Keeping a pool clean is hard enough without a mess of leaves and branches. And while most pool areas are sunny locations, it is sometimes desirable to have a space near the pool where one can escape the sun.

Unlike play areas though, you may not want to shade the entire pool landscape from the afternoon sun. Therefore you shouldn’t plant large shade trees in direct line with the travel of the sun. Design as to create a shady area to one side or the other. This is also another spot to eliminate top rooting trees around concrete. Evergreen types are usually your best bet for around pools.

Roots And Concrete Footings And Foundations

While infrequent deep watering as opposed to frequent shallow watering will help deter top rooting trees, some trees are still determined to seek out other sources of water which may be on the surface or moist areas under structures.

The seeking roots of large trees are a powerful force that can break sidewalks, foundations, and even lift walls out of place. This is the biggest and most costly mistake I see. Know your landscaping trees before you plant them next to your home.

Under Power Lines
Know what’s overhead.

Property Lines And Easements
This one can make enemies out of neighbors.

Underground Utilities, Sewers, And Septic Tanks

Besides the roots being able to break pipes and lines, you don’t want to have to move or destroy a mature tree to fix a leak. Locate lines and plant away from them. Some trees can spread out much further underground than they do up top. Know what’s underground.

Perspective

You need to keep in mind the mature size of trees in proportion to the size of your home and other landscaping elements. Large trees can dwarf a small home and small trees can look like shrubs placed around a very large home. Know the mature size of trees and keep them in perspective.

Hiding or framing a home

Consider the view from the street and other areas and consider the purpose of your trees. If you wish to seclude your home, you don’t need much thought for that. However, if you only wish to frame or accent your home, you’ll again need to consider the mature size and placement of your plantings.

Parking Areas

Here’s another opportunity for birds and critters to make a mess of things. If possible, plant in accordance with the travel of the sun. And once again, know the mature canopy of your trees.

Usefulness And Cost Effectiveness

If you’re going to make an investment in landscaping, look for ways to make it work for you. Placed properly, large trees can shade your home and reduce your cooling costs and vise versa. You can intentionally create shade for your shady garden, screen and divide areas, reduce noise, and a world of other applications if you just give it some thought.

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