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The History Of Vacuum Cleaners

January 18, 2025   Matt

The History Of Vacuum Cleaners

Before the vacuum cleaner the simple task of cleaning floors was not so simple. Area rugs would need to be taken outside, hung from posts and beaten by a large wooden beating stick. Floors were swept and the the debris was picked of by hand and then discarded. Today when we vacuum our floors and carpets it usually takes about ten minutes, but before 1880 cleaning carpets and floors was an all day task.

When vacuum cleaners were first invented they did not resemble the vacuum cleaners of today. These first vacuum cleaners were large and heavy and were usually transported from house to house by horse and carriage or were built in the attics of larger homes with a suction system that was run throughout the house. One of the first large vacuum cleaner units was invented by British engineer called Herbert Booth. Herberts invention consisted of a large box with a gas powdered motor that turned large fans to create suction. Long bendable houses were fed through the doors and windows of a house and debris was sucked into the gas powered unit outside. This first vacuum cleaner was large and heavy and required it to be pulled by horses.

The vacuum cleaner as we know it today was invented in 1908 by James Murray Spangler. This first version of the vacuum cleaner is a far cry from the vacuum cleaners of today due to its simplicity and lack of power. Around 1920 William Hoover purchased the patent for this first vacuum cleaner from James Spangler and the Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Company that we know today was born. This first upright vacuum cleaner resembled a box on a stick with a satin bag attached to catch debris. The actual vacuum cleaner itself was made from a pillow case, an electric fan and a modified soap box. The beater bar was added to the vacuum cleaner around 1926 which dramatically improved the performance of the unit. This Hoover vacuum cleaner soon became know as the Hoover Model 700 and was an instant hit. William Hoovers new patent was soon to catch on and by 1950 nearly every household in America had its very own Hoover vacuum cleaner.

The basic design and principle of the vacuum cleaner remained the same from the 1950’s through to the 1980’s. In this 30 year span additional modifications were made to the principal design such as vacuum cleaner self propulsion and an exterior hose that could quickly attach to the vacuum cleaner to clean baseboards and other hard to reach areas. In the 1980’s James Dyson invented the cyclonic bag less vacuum cleaner with increased suction and the added savings of not needing a filter bag to catch the debris. This cyclonic vacuum cleaner creates a vortex in the debris chamber that sends the debris to the outside walls of the container and the air is then pushed out through an exhaust vent.

In the late 1980’s to early 1990’s many vacuum companies started to manufacturer hybrid vacuum cleaners that were built to perform different vacuum duties. The back pack vacuum is one of these hybrids and consists of a canister like vacuum cleaner that is worn on the back like a back pack with a long hose that is used to clean walls ceilings and hard to reach places. The wet dry vacuum cleaner was introduced not only pick up dry debris but also liquids. This type of vacuum utilizes a motor and a float valve that protects the motor against water contact and damage to the electrical interior of the motor windings.

The latest and greatest innovation in vacuum cleaners is the closed system vacuum cleaner. It is currently being designed in England and its primary goal is to not suck air in and then exhaust it out but to circulate the air in a closed chamber so that dust particles are not released into the air. By keeping dust and other particles in the vacuum cleaner chamber the air in the environment that is being cleaned is not polluted.

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Brighten Your Path By Installing Decorative Landscape Lighting

January 17, 2025   Matt

Brighten Your Path By Installing Decorative Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting can add a beautiful quality to any home. There are many choices available to someone who is considering it. Landscape lighting, and any outdoor lighting, can help protect a home as well as keep people from stumbling in the yard. Mainly, people purchase landscape lighting to enhance the appearance of their yard or landscaping.
There are many types of landscape lighting. You can purchase low voltage landscape lighting is recommended if you are interested in conserving energy. Another option to conserving energy is solar landscape lighting. Solar, or from the sun, is powered from the suns rays. It stores energy during the day while the sun is out and then, at night, when it is dark, they are lit using this saved energy. They give off a faint glow that really can light up a little area or large area. These types of outdoor landscape lighting can be great ways to light your yard cost efficiently.
If you are considering doing work on your landscaping, consider landscape lighting design. Designing a beautifully light yard can be tough work, but there are professionals that can help you. For example, something that can be done is light a walkway to the front steps to your home or line the driveway with lights from the street to your garage. Maybe you would prefer to focus your lights on a single bush or tree that is special in some way or to shine on a flag.
When considering landscape lighting, ensure that you think of safety first. Consider speaking with a professional to help you design what you would like your yard to look like. Consider as well using energy efficient landscape lighting such as solar or low voltage. Landscape lighting can add beauty and charm to a home when it is done properly and safely.

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The Plumbing Information You Need To Read (3)

January 15, 2025   Matt

The Plumbing Information You Need To Read

When you think of plumbing, do you just see it as a hidden and mysterious network of pipes and pumps that makes your toilets and sinks work? If so, then you are very unlikely to have a go at mauntaining or repairing the system. Plumbing is not actually that complicated, and there are many things that you can do yourself to maintain and repair your system. Read on to find out how.

Many people deal with clogged toilets. However, if your toilet will not flush every time, the water rises to the top, and there is bubbling effect occasionally, this can be due to a much deeper blockage in the main pipe. The main pipe must then be cleaned in order for your toilet to work properly.

Make sure everyone in your home knows where the main water shut off valve is and that they know how to work it. That way, if there is a water problem, anyone in your household can turn off the water, thereby reducing the chances that your home will incur major water damage.

Many people wonder where the fruit flies are coming from. Each plumbing fixture has a self-sealed reserve that holds about two cups of water. If those pipes are broken or do not seal off, then odors and residue can cause fruit flies. It is recommended before anything to clean your pipes using bleach. If the flies come back, contact a professional.

Using a snake tool to remove blockages is very easy. Just insert the tool a few inches into the drain, and then turn the handle to change the direction of the snake head and search for blockages. Continue moving down slowly and searching until you find the cause of your blockage.

If your pipes bang when you turn on the water, and all the pipes are anchored correctly, you should add some straps or cushion the pipes with a rubber blanket. There may be times when you will need to do both. Make sure that if you have copper pipes, you are not using galvanized straps.

When it comes to plumbing, there is never an unsolvable problem. If you feel yourself becoming frustrated with the project, you should try to take a break from what you are working on. The greatest mistakes start to happen when you become angry and inpatient, so take a break and walk outside.

Drain the sediment from the bottom of your hot water heater twice a year to keep the hot water heater working at its optimal levels. Simply open the drain valve and allow the water to run out into a bucket until the water runs clear. Then close the drain valve.

It should not be necessary to call out a professional for every repair job. If you take your time and apply sensible advice, such as what you read here, you can successfully repair many of the common faults that develop. It may take a longer the first few times, but after a few successes you will pick up speed.

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Pool Landscaping 101

January 12, 2025   Matt

Pool Landscaping 101

There are three things to think about when you are planning pool landscaping. It has to offer privacy and safety for those who are there as well as beautify the surroundings.

This can be done by putting plants around the swimming pool because it helps make the pool blend in with the environment. If the plants are tall enough, these are able to block “peeping Toms” from watching whoever is at the pool.

When choosing plants, it is best to select those that require low maintenance so that you don’t have to fish the leaves or petals that are blown into the water. One good option is to use a broadleaf evergreen such as a holly.

Since you want people to relax when they are by the pool, you can also use tropical looking plants like the aspidistra, aucuba, banana tree, caladiums, elephant ears, cyperus, Fatsia japonica and palms.

You must never make the mistake of putting plants with thorns near the pool. It could also injure someone or tear off the fabric of their clothes, swimsuits or towels.

Instead of planting flowers in the grass, you can also do so by putting them in containers. The advantage of doing is that you can move these indoors when it is too cold especially during the winter and then bring them back the following spring.

You should avoid planting fruit trees by the pool because they could dirty the surrounding area and also attract bees. Surely, you do not want any of your guests to get stung. Another reason is that their roots will soon damage the tiles o f your swimming pool.

Homeowners should also avoid evergreens like oaks and pines because they don’t only drop leaves but also acorns, leaves and needles.

But don’t all trees shed their leaves? They all do but there are those that drop their leaves for a short period of time like the forsythia and maples.

Safety for those in the pool can be done by putting up a fence. If the metal bars are an eye sore, grow vines around them. If you have guests that will be swimming in the evening, make sure there are lights around the perimeter and in the water.

Another safety that you can be around the pool is a patio because it has a non-slip surface for which people can walk on even if they have just come out of the pool. You can also create the same effect by using bricks as long as the surface is rough.

So guests do not enter the house with their feet still wet, it will be a good idea to have a closed gazebo nearby so they can change and at the same time relax in the shade. Those who want to sunbathe can sit on a lounge chair or on an Adirondack chair.

Reading about this should already teach you a few do’s and don’ts with regards to pool landscaping. For those who want more information, it is best to read some books, do some research online, talk to someone at the local nursery and get advice from a professional.

All of this input will ensure that your swimming pool will look good all year round so your guests may drop by anytime and take a plunge.

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Highly Effective Plumbing Tips That Work Well (2)

January 10, 2025   Matt

Highly Effective Plumbing Tips That Work Well

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.

Watch out for decreased levels of intensity in the water flow in your bathroom. This can be a sign of calcium or mineral deposits disrupting water flow. If spotted early enough it may be possible to remedy this without having to replace the pipes.

If water is flowing out from where your meter is located, a professional is required to come out and fix the leak. If your water bill goes up, this is most likely because the leak is on the house side of the water meter. You will need to get a professional to come out and fix the leak.

When getting plumbing quotes for your home, make sure you receive them in writing. Your quote should have the material and labor costs so that both parties know what to expect from the job. If you do not get it in writing, when the job starts, you have nothing to fall back on.

When choosing a plumber make sure he is insured and licensed. This is very important. If there is a plumbing emergency, you want to make sure the plumber has met the training requirements of the state. If he is insured, this covers any accidental damage done while fixing your plumbing.

Periodically, make sure that the sump pump in your house is working to full capacity. Pour a few gallons of water into the sump pit, and your pump should drain that water out with minimal issues. Checking that your devices are working throughout the year can pay large dividends in the event of a crisis.

When your toilet clogs and a plunger will not release it, try a closet auger. This tool features a handle that you rotate in order to feed a line into the toilet drain. When you remove the auger from the drain, the clog should come with it, unless it’s past the length to which the auger can reach.

If you are in need of a new bathtub, try to get one that is made of porcelain enamel. These kinds of tubs do require precise and proper care, but their advantage is that they are able to withstand the chemicals that are found in many bathtub cleaning products.

Do not put cooking oils, fat, or grease, down your drain. These fats cause clogs by solidifying in pipes. To properly dispose of fats, put them in a bowl with a lid that you can dispose of. Once it gets hard, throw it in the trash or compost bin.

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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Do Your Own Plumbing With These Tips (3)

January 05, 2025   Matt

Do Your Own Plumbing With These Tips

A problem with your plumbing can happen anytime. If it does, you need to know what to do about it. It is possible for you to take care of many of these problems on your own. Here are some helpful tips to teach you how to handle plumbing problems yourself.

Make a list of all the water valves you turn off when you leave for vacation so you don’t end up forgetting to turn them back on when you return. In fact, make a hard copy of your list so you will have it handy whenever you go away for an extended period of time.

To make sure your sump pump will run in an emergency, routinely test it by adding several buckets of water into the sump pit. The pump should turn on, remove the water and turn off with ease. Do this regularly, especially if your sump pump doesn’t run that often, to ensure it will work when needed most.

In the winter time to avoid your pipes freezing you should insulate them. If the pipes are going to be in a place that is exposed to severely cold weather, you should drain them if they aren’t being used. If the pipes are indoor you should open up the cupboards under the sink so more heat can get to them.

Do not pour grease and oil down your drains. Cooking grease will build up in your pipes and could cause back-ups. Keep grease and oil in a container in your fridge and throw it in the trash when it is full. Avoid clogging your pipes with any products containing oil or grease.

If your pipes are prone to freezing, let the water trickle continuously in at least one faucet during weather that is below freezing. This will minimize the chances that the pipes will freeze and leave you without water. If water is continually running through the pipes and trickling out of a faucet, the pipes are less likely to freeze.

If you are not able to shut off a main valve to your home before you leave for vacation, shut off the individual valves under the sinks and behind the toilets. Be sure that the valves are in good working order before you make the mistake of turning one that is ready to be broken at any time.

To get the best possible price from a plumber, shop around and keep notes. When you get a price quote from the first plumber you call, you can subtly mention that price to the second and see if they will beat it. If you keep doing this down a list, you can drive down the price considerably.

When you have a plumbing problem that comes up in your home, you do not necessarily have to pay a plumber a lot of money to come out and fix it for you. The helpful points you learned in this article will enable you to care for basic plumbing maintenance and repairs around your home yourself.

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