Durability and Care of Glass Sinks

Artisan created glass vessel sinks are, in fact, very sturdy. Virtually all professionally made glass sinks are resistant to small accident breakage, such as dropping a brush or plastic bottle into the basin. Of course a heavy object can break a glass sink. The rule of thumb is if something is heavy enough to break a glass sink, it would do the same thing to the common porcelain or enameled steel sink.

The most common problem we have seen over the years is not breakage after installation, but breakage before and during installation. There are two things that can cause this: 1) over-tightening of the drain assembly, and, 2) thermal shock.

Properly installing a drain means hand tightening only. Over-tightening with a wrench is not necessary and is the absolutely not recommended. In addition, the plumber or homeowner should use a bead of silicone during installation - or at least make sure that no metal contacts the glass. Most drains have gaskets that will prevent metal to glass contact.

One other issue we have witnessed is "thermal shock". Most glass vessels can withstand temperature changes of up to 70 degrees without breakage. However, users should avoid pouring scalding hot water (over 120 degrees) into a glass sink. The immediate temperature changes, or thermal shock, may cause the glass to crack or shatter. Once cracked, the entire glass sink would need to be replaced. When breakage occurs due to thermal shock it is most often prior to installation or right after installation when indoor temperatures are unregulated. This generally happens on a new construction site before the heating is in operation. Be sure your contractor is aware of this.

So how should you care for a glass vessel? Glass sinks are tough enough to withstand everyday wear and remain as beautiful as the day they were purchased, when treated correctly. They require no more special treatment than a standard porcelain sink. When water spots occur, a solution of vinegar and water will dissolve the spots. Abrasive bathroom cleaners are not recommended.

For more information on glass vessel sinks, please visit Sinks Gallery where you will find the largest variety of artisan and hand crafted vessel sinks available anywhere. There are several more articles online about the various types of glass used by artisans and what to look for when purchasing a glass sink.

Crawlspace - Underhouse - Floods - Water Under Your House Can Cause a Variety of Problems

Standing water or wet soil in your home's crawlspace can come from a variety of sources. These may include but are certainly not limited to the following.

(1) A leaking freshwater supply line, usually galvanized, copper, pvc or pex.
(2) A leaking sewer drain line, usually cast iron, galvanized, clay or ABS.
(3) Naturally high groundwater table.
(4) Over watering of plants around your home (creating a man made high water table).
(5) Sprinklers spraying through the crawlspace vents.
(6) Leaking swimming pools (this is rare).
(7) Improperly directed gutter downspouts.
(8) Stream or river flooding.

Standing water or extremely damp soil in your home's crawlspace (under house) can cause a variety of structural problems and health concerns. Excess humidity caused by the evaporation of standing water or wet soil in your crawlspace can cause mold growth on the wooden foundation and the bottom of sub flooring. It can also cause warping or buckling of sub flooring and mold growth in the living area of the building. If your home has H.V.A.C. (heating , ventilation, air conditioning) ducting in the crawlspace and the system is compromised with excess moisture, microbial amplification may result. All of these issues can possibly create unhealthy indoor air quality. A broken sewer line in your crawlspace and the subsequent release of raw sewage onto your crawlspace soil can create an awful odor problem in your home. Also there are possible health concerns to the constant inhalation of sewer gas from an open or broken sewer line.

Some solutions to the problems mentioned above. Try to determine the source of the water intrusion and correct it yourself. This may be as simple as redirecting sprinkler heads, fixing leaky outdoor faucets or redirecting gutter downspouts. If you suspect plumbing problems, you should call a licensed plumber.

Often, there is too much water under your house for a plumber to properly inspect the pipes, you may need to call a Water Damage Restoration company. Many water damage companies offer crawlspace de-flooding and or sewage cleanup, should the leak be from a sewer drain line. After the water is removed and the crawlspace made accessible a plumber can check for leaky pipes. If your foundation is wet you may need a water damage restoration company to dry it for you, in order to prevent mold growth.

If you have over watering problems or a high water table you may need to contact a landscape engineer or a water proofing contractor to design a French drain system or other remedy to keep water from accumulating under your home. Many plumbing companies or water proofing contractors will also install sump pump systems in the low area of your crawlspace to help combat water pooling. You may also want to consider having a crawlspace dehumidifier installed to regulate the relative humidity to a level that will inhibit structural damage or mold growth. Another way to keep air flowing through the crawlspace (and thereby promoting evaporation) is by installing crawlspace ventilation fans over your existing crawlspace vents. There are also companies who can completely encapsulate your crawlspace with thick plastic, thereby effectively sealing your home off from the ground.

As you can see there are many problems that can arise from excessive water or moisture in your home or buildings crawlspace and just as many solutions. Should you suspect a problem that may need a professional solution, a good place to start is on the internet with your favorite search engine and a search for "crawlspace". This should get you started in the right direction with any crawlspace (under house) issues you may have.

Why You Need a Plumbing Expert

Though some simple plumbing problems can be fixed easily if you have some basic knowledge of plumbing, you would sometimes face serious problems, like a burst pipe, for which you should always call plumbing experts.

In your house there is an intricate network of pipes that have been installed within the walls, under the flooring, and sometimes even behind electrical circuits. This network of pipes is responsible for many things. The fresh water pipes bring in water for drinking, bathing and other uses, while the drainage system carries dirty water out of your home to a sewage treatment facility. There are complicated designs and plans that are followed while these pipes are being installed inside your house, and only an expert can understand them and carry out major repairs.

Though fixing a leaky faucet is an easy task and can be accomplished by almost anyone with a few tools and the right instructions, you should never try to fix major plumbing issues by yourself.

Plumbing issues cannot always be fixed by a trial and error method. For instance, if you have a clogged drain, you might try to stick a stiff wire into it and pour a whole lot of chemicals to clear the blockage. While sticking the wire you could damage the pipe and cause it to crack. Water and chemicals could seep out of the crack and fall on other piping fixtures such as gas or drinking water pipes. The chemicals are quite strong, and they can steadily eat into these pipes and cause the sewage water to leak into your drinking water supply. Your gas pipes could also get damaged and cause a leakage which could be dangerous. So the first and foremost reason to avoid fixing plumbing problems all by yourself is your own and your family's safety.

Plumbing experts have the experience and the right equipment required to deal with these pipes and protect themselves from exposure. An experienced plumber would know when to use what kind of protective gear. Professional plumbers are trained to look for potential hazards before they start their work. For example, if there are electrical lines near a pipe that needs to be fixed, the plumber would use tools with proper insulation and cut off the power supply. If he is working in a small enclosed environment, he would use special gas masks.

Apart from all these safety issues, a good plumber would also be able to accomplish the task much quicker. You wouldn't have to go through the inconvenience of figuring out the plumbing system or look for the right tools to fix things. There is such a large number of chemical products that perform a very specific function that it is very difficult for an average person to understand which product will be right for a particular problem.

Plumbing experts make sure that your water supply and drainage systems remain in good shape and whenever you face a problem you have an experienced professional to rely on.

Most Popular Plumbing Services

Although there are minor plumbing issues such as a clogged drain that people can repair themselves, there are certain problems that can only be repaired by a professional plumber. Plumbers are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and tools to get the repair job done efficiently.

Below is a list of the problems which are the most popular plumbing services:

1. Repairing problems causing an unpleasant odour coming from the toilet is a common problem requiring the services of a plumber. It is most likely a strong sewage odour. This can be due to a burst sewer pipe, malfunctioning wax ring, or there is not enough water in the toilet bowl. There can also be strong unpleasant odours coming from the bathtub's drain. This can be due to a broken pipe, broken or leaky trap, or a dry trap.

2. You can also have a blocked drain that you are unable to clear which causes the water to stop draining. This could be the result of the accumulation of hair, soap, fats, and grease that has hardened. The plumber will have the tools to remove a hardened clog.

3. A plumbing system can also develop low water pressure or fluctuations in the water temperature. You will notice this problem when you run your taps and a low volume of water is coming out. This problem can be due to defective parts, rotting pipes, an improper sink installation. You will need a professional to fix this problem.

4. A noisy water heater is another common problem that will require repair. This problem can be the result of defective parts, improper installation of the water heater, accumulation of sediment in the water tank, and the temperature is set too high.

5. Noisy pipes that vibrate and rattle are a common plumbing problem. The noise is referred to as water hammer. Causes can include water pump failure, sudden valve closure, and the accumulation of dirt and sediment. The services of a plumber are required because water hammer can eventually damage your pipes.

6. Burst pipes are always an emergency. A burst pipe is often due to excessive cold temperatures. The pipes will freeze, expand, and then burst. It is a serious matter that will require the services of a plumber because of the risk of flooding. There a number of other reasons why a water pipe might get damaged. Soil and water can cause corrosion on the exterior of the pipe. Old water pipes or poor quality pipes will become brittle and can crack more easily. As well, physical damage can occur such as if someone accidentally hit a pipe when doing home renovation work. Too much pressure within a pipe can cause it to burst. Improperly installed water pipes can also result in pipe breakage.

Professional plumbers are educated, trained, and experienced to fix a variety of plumbing problems. They are also equipped with the tools and supplies, and trained and licensed to perform extensive repairs, replacements, and installations. A plumbing system is very fragile and any unintentional damage can cause more problems and more expense. There are 24/7 emergency plumbers available to help you with your plumbing needs.

A Few Tips on Home Repairs

Home maintenance is something that many people have to do at some point. While not everyone is qualified to perform a Texas Insulation or a Texas sandblasting, most people do know how to go about basic tasks such as changing a light bulb or fixing a burnt fuse. Professional repair men are there to ensure that the problems of a home are easily attended too. With the efficiency of the internet, seeking help in such areas is no longer a difficult problem

However there are a few problems which, contrary to the general public opinion can be fixed at home. A leaking faucet might require the assistance of plumber but a stuck one does can most times be remedied at home. The following tips will provide assistance for people who might need to make some emergence plumbing repairs.

- Stuck/Frozen faucets: With the faucets frozen turning on the water supply no longer becomes as easy as it rightfully should be. In severe cases, even a two handed grip will be insufficient to loosen a stuck faucet. Stuck faucets are normally caused by mineral deposits which have built up within it. The faucets will therefore become unstuck if these deposits are removed. Grease can also be used to improve its performance and reducing the friction caused by the deposits.

- Repairing a Clogged drain: A clogged drain can be really irritating and very unpleasant. Fortunately it can also be fixed at home. A plunger can be used to remove the items that are plugging the clog. If this fails then a plumber snake might be required. Depending on the nature of the pipes that have been affected a drain cleanser can also be used for cleaning out the pipes. However, this decision should only be made if a person is sure that here will be no adverse effect.

- Defrosting frozen pipes: The solution to frozen pipes might seem simple enough but still many people go about this the wrong way. Obviously a source of heat will be needed in order to thaw the pipes sufficiently. However, this heat source must not be too hot. The use of direct heat (such as a naked flame) should not be considered. Instead indirect methods like the use of towels drenched with hot water or a hair dryer will be more effective. These will thaw out the pipes without affecting them negatively.

There are many other actions which can be done at home to remedy basic problems. However, not every household problem should be attempted directly. If you are unsure of how to proceed then it is best that you seek the services of a professional. Professional men will provide a more lasting solution to your household problems. They will also be able to identify any other potential weakness which your house might have.

Finally, although problems do occur in the home, they are less likely to occur with regular maintenance. People who take good care of their homes end up requiring less assistance. Practicing good home maintenance methods will therefore prevent a lot of future problems.

Fix Leaky Shower Faucet - Easy and Fast

"Fix leaky shower faucet in a jiffy", screamed the eyeball grabbing title of an article on the Internet. Now before you dismiss this as utter drivel, look beyond the hyperbolic headlines, and listen to what the experts have to say. Fixing that leaky shower faucet in your bathroom, and that too without any professional assistance, is not that prosperous a proposal. All it takes is a few very functional tools, a modicum of your time and a hard-to-torpedo attitude, and your leaky faucet becomes a thing of the past.

End To That Niggling Problem

Here's a tenuous contention that displays the traditional proclivity to raise the hackles. But before your temper assumes rampaging dimensions, take a look at how you can put an end to your consternation:

Cut off the water supply to the shower faucet, either in the bathroom or in the main cut off valve in the basement.

Open the faucet to drain the water in it completely.

Get to the root of the problem by removing the faucet handle screw, located underneath the snap on cover, with the help of a knife or screwdriver. This is achieved by turning the screw clockwise.

It's now time for the faucet handle to come off. At times, a slightly recalcitrant handle may be stuck to the stem, and comes out only after a few knocks with a hammer handle.

Look for the rubber gasket inside, and inspect its condition. In case it coats your hand with a black deposit, it's time to abandon it for a brand new one.

Place the new ring flat inside the shower head assembly. It's important to make sure that it fits perfectly.

Retighten the handle, without the use of too much force. Similarly, thread the shower head into its designated place.

The Moment You've Waited For

It's now time to turn on the water and see if you deserve a pat on the back. But what if things don't pan out the way you planned? Relax; just unscrew the shower head, re screw it, and tighten the handle a little more. If it's still as intractable as before, call a professional to bail you out.

Laundry Sink - A Surprisingly Useful Addition

A laundry sink or tub can be a great addition to a home if it's put in a place where it will actually be used. While most people don't really think they have as much need for old fashioned utility sinks because of automatic washers and dryers, the installation of one can really add value to your home and provide a special sort of usefulness that smaller sinks can't. If you are thinking about redoing your laundry room or your basement, a laundry sink can be a great way to do it.

Uses
While the obvious use for a laundry tub is for washing purposes there are a great deal of other uses for these sorts of sinks that may not be quite as obvious. Naturally, they are great for hand washing delicate clothing or hand sewn quilts and for pre-soaking laundry as well, but there are lots of other great things that can be done with a laundry sink that many people don't think of.

One great example, is that they can be used for parties to keep drinks chilled and on ice. When your fridge is packed full of snacks and food, you might be tempted to use a cooler for the drinks, but coolers are bulky, heavy and inconvenient. If you have a laundry tub, you can fill it with ice and keep all of your drinks ice cold without putting a huge safety hazard on the floor for people to trip over.

Another great way to get the most out of laundry utility sinks is to use them for defrosting large quantities of meat. Whether it's a large roast or enough chicken to feed a whole backyard full of guests, using a laundry tub to thaw your meat will allow you to keep your fridge free for other items and your kitchen sink empty as well.

Styles
When you first begin to consider a laundry sink, you may think that they are all the same, but the truth is that there are a few differences in design that set one sink apart from another. The biggest choice you have when purchasing a laundry tub is whether you want it to be wall mounted model or a four legged stand alone design. While wall mounted models may seem logical, it's important to take into consideration whether or not your wall will be able to support the weight. If you have any doubts, then a standing model might be better for you.

The other big difference from one sink to the next is what it's manufactured out of. You can find laundry utility sinks that are made out of polypropylene, stainless steel, or other materials in a variety of sizes ranging from 20 gallons up.

Even though the name may make you think that a laundry tub is limited in function, the truth is that in these modern times there are dozens of great ways to use a laundry sink in your home.

Tree Roots Can Play Havoc With Sewer Lines

Most homeowners view the trees in their yard as a source of shade and beauty, but they don't realize that the tree roots may very well be to blame for potentially major plumbing issues and problems. Root growth can prove to be very invasive and cause damage to existing sewer lines and septic systems. When a sewer line becomes backed-up, the result is much more serious than a minor inconvenience. In fact, one of the most popular claims to homeowner's insurance companies involves black water and sewage being spilled out into the home.

The unfortunate truth is that most consumers are simply not prepared to deal with such major plumbing issues. Many homeowners don't realize what will be involved if plumbers are contacted at the last minute or after a situation has been allowed to escalate into an emergency.

Tree roots don't necessarily have to invade the lines to cause issues, and sometimes root growth is enough to push the existing system piping out of place. In some cases extensive digging is certainly the only appropriate method to deal with the plumbing issues, but plumbers often are able to utilize other processes to help reduce or eliminate the need for a dig. The primary reason that digging has often been required in the past is because the lines could be very difficult to actually locate. Professional plumbers can find and locate the lines and eliminate the guesswork of spot digging, and in some cases digging isn't required at all.

Modern plumbing methods have now made it possible to flush sewer lines and perform repairs without having to replace major structures or cause serious exterior damage to the yard. Hydro jetting, for example, can quickly and efficiently clean out the existing lines without requiring removal. Electrical power rodding can also be an effective method for clearing out grease build up or root invasions.

Any property owner is going to greatly appreciate the plumbers who can solve their plumbing issues without having to dig up their entire yard, but few consumers understand that the power lies within their own hands. Too many homeowners wait until a major problem has occurred to contact professional assistance. Any drain that is beginning to exhibit signs of slow drainage could potentially be a warning sign of blocked sewer lines.

Routine inspections performed by qualified plumbers can certainly reduce or even eliminate the chances of such a major catastrophe caused by tree roots, so a wise consumer will seek a professional's expertise long before an emergency occurs. The relatively small price of a service call is nothing compared to the potentially catastrophic results that could occur if a plumbing issue is allowed to continue without immediate intervention. Septic systems can cost thousands of dollars to replace, and sewer lines could eventually require complete replacement. Consumers need to realize that all of these issues can be halted from becoming any worse by simple contacting a professional for help.

How to Save Money by Using a Good Septic Tank Cleaner

If you've got a septic tank, one of the regular maintenance tasks you do (or should be doing) is to keep it clean. Septic systems are largely "set it and forget it" devices, true, but they do still need regular maintenance and you should not forget about yours altogether.

Checking your tank regularly

Of course, one of the things that you'll need to do to keep your system working properly is to have regular checkups and maintenance done on it. By doing this, you're going to ensure that it won't clog, back up and cause you plenty of headaches, money -- and mess. The person doing regular maintenance on your septic system will check to make sure that there are no leaks and that everything is working properly. If you do that, you can rest assured that your septic tank contents will do what they're supposed to, and won't back up and make a mess of your lawn that not only is unsightly, but unsanitary and maybe even dangerous. It's also a bad thing to happen your community in general.

Introducing the Activator 1000

However, there's another component to maintaining your septic tank, and that is that you need to perform cleanings on a regular basis. A cleaner like the Activator 1000 is going to help you do the job right -- and it doesn't contain harsh chemicals like many other cleaners do. Instead, the Activator 1000 is completely natural, and it won't disturb your septic tank's delicate environment, which is what helps your system do its job properly. Instead, the Activator 1000 keeps your septic tank clean, naturally.

What will the Activator 1000 do for you?

No backups, no dirty pump outs. Instead, your septic tank won't get clogged, and you won't have to get it cleaned. (However, due make sure you get your sewer system checked regularly, to make sure it's still doing its job and still is within the guidelines set by your local ordinances.)

Instead of having to clean it out after a backup or pump out, you can use the Activator 1000 on a regular basis. While other cleaners will claim to do the same job, the Activator 1000 doesn't have any chemicals and is completely natural. This is better for you and the environment. It's also better for your sewer system, by the way, because it doesn't upset the balance your septic tank system needs to work properly.

Having a septic tank system can be a pain, to be sure, but it doesn't have to be. Fix problems when they're small, and use a cleaner like Activator 1000 to make sure everyone (you, your neighbors, and your family) won't have to deal with a malfunctioning system and all the problems that can cause.

Nothing Happens When You Pull the Plug

You wait awhile, hoping the problem is temporary. You hope your sink will eventually drain of the water that's standing in it. You even stick a finger down the hole to feel for some intrusive clump of hair. However, your problem remains, it isn't draining.

We use the bathroom sink for so many things in a single day. We simply take it for granted until something goes wrong. A clog has a significant impact on our lives, and we need to get things flowing again as soon as possible. It's looking like a drain repair in your home will be essential in this situation.

If you have a stopped up drain, then there might be a clog just out of reach in the drain pipe. Longtime accumulations of hair, food particles, impurities, soap and grease can plug a pipe. Such a glob of waste will cause a slow down or stop draining completely. The built up debris of many years narrows the drainpipe until nothing will get through.

If more than one drain is involved, there may be a more widespread plumbing repair problem. Errant tree roots blocking pipes can bring on a multi-drain problem, as can a poorly installed, designed, damaged or aging plumbing system. All of these situations may necessitate simple repairs of perhaps a complete overhaul.

The result is you have a very inconvenient plugged drain or drains. This also causes a real problem with poor sanitation and odor. Biological material accumulates and bacteria begin to develop, triggering potential hazards and unpleasant conditions. This would obviously be the case with sewers, but all clogged drains can create an odor or sanitation problem.

It can be a temptation to attempt your own plumbing repair, however think twice, because this can turn out badly. It is a better idea to hire a plumbing professional. Happily, there are highly-trained professionals that are experts in the trade. The days of digging up property to access pipes for a simple diagnosis are behind us.

Having to dig up your entire yard is always a very destructive and expensive method. The modern plumbing professional employs such advanced technology as a video sewer inspection system. By itself, this fiber-optic and flexible video camera can look at and diagnose a blocked sewer line. Your plumber can see and record your sewer lines in action.

With a minimum of hassle and expense, your expert plumber will clear the lines, repair your problem and return the normal functioning of your drains and sewer system. So why wage a futile battle against the problem all on your own? Do away with plumbers helpers, drain cleaners and plumbing snakes, that often don't help at all. Let trained repair professionals ascertain the problem and repair it.

They will be able to ascertain the problem very quickly, and understand how to repair it. They may also detect a larger problem that needs to be addressed before it gets any larger. A professional plumber will be able to see what the real problem is and fix it effectively. Remember, be good to your drains and sewer systems, and they will be good to you.

Don't Pay the Plumber, Fix Your Toilet Yourself

One of the biggest issues many people have when it comes to plumbing is the toilet. Many things can go wrong. Your toilet can get plugged up, or it could be that it is constantly running, or it could even be leaking. These are the main problems many people face with home plumbing. They are fairly common and easy to repair.

Two things that could be the cause of the toilet running constantly are you either need to change the flapper or adjust the float. To change your flapper you will need to turn off the water to your tank and flush the toilet; once this is done you can easily remove the flapper from the chain and where it sets at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Now you can install the new flapper and hook it back to the chain.

If you find that after replacing the flapper that your toilet is still running then you may need to adjust your float as the water is running into the overflow tube. All you need to do is locate the adjustment screw that is found at the top of the fill valve, until your water stops flowing. The water level should be around one inch below the top of the overflow tube.

For clogged toilets all you need is a plunger and possibly a drain snake. If plunging by itself will not work to get that clog out then you may need to get yourself some sort of drain snake. Drill snakes are the best for a job like this. You simply feed the snake all the way into the toilet drain letting it drill through whatever is clogging the toilet and break it up allowing you to plunge and flush the toilet until the clog is gone.

Plumbing Repair - Save Money on Contractors & Plumbing Jobs

When it comes to hiring contractors plumbing work can be amongst the hardest to secure, but also the most urgent to complete. Good qualified plumbers are always in great demand, and getting one at short notice can be a serious problem. Plumbing services, if they are not urgent, will need to be booked in, and you can expect to have to wait for the work to be carried out. Emergency work will obviously take priority, as the consequences of faulty plumbing can be severe.

If you are ever faced with a situation where faulty plumbing is causing water leaks, there is only one sensible course of action. That is obviously to turn off the water supply altogether, and wait for a qualified operative to come and assess the situation. This is why it is important to always know where the stop cock is located on your property. Don't leave it until it is too late to find out. Make sure that you know how to turn off the electricity supply as well, as flooding can make electricity extremely dangerous. If you think there is risk, leave the situation to a trained professional.

There is much that individuals can do for themselves in the way of home plumbing repair. Unlike with gas appliances, there is no great requirement for professional intervention. Provided you have taken the time to learn how the plumbing system works, there is no reason why you cannot carry out a large percentage of the repairs for yourself. It is easier than ever before to get qualified instruction, as videos can be freely shared on the Internet. When it comes to home repair plumbing is one of the less frightening jobs to tackle.

It is even possible for you to carry out a home toilet repair. Information is readily available in the Internet showing you how to carry out a variety of simple repairs. A toilet which is running can waste water, leading to higher bills, so the job is best tackled as quickly as possible. A leaking toilet can obviously cause damage to other fixtures and fittings in the bathroom, and a clogged toilet is a great inconvenience. All of these are jobs which you can tackle yourself.

If you have never tackled a job such as this before, it is easy to feel a little apprehensive. Just remember that there is no serious damage which can be done. If you don't manage to carry out the repair successfully, you can always resort to calling out a professional plumber. It shouldn't be necessary, though, as there is plenty of detailed instruction available. Once you have carried out one repair, you will have increased confidence to tackle any others. Keep a list of everything you do, and try to find out what you would have needed to pay to have the job carried out by a professional. You will save a lot of money by not having to rely on contractors for plumbing.

Finding The Very Best Kitchen Appliances For Your Home

Most apartment kitchens are already supplied with stoves and refrigerators included. However, if you need a new stove, microwave, or refrigerator there are many types of such appliances that are good buys, you just need to know what brand, size, and type etc. that you need. Here are some ideas to get you started if you are looking for new stoves, refrigerators, microwaves or other kitchen appliances:

* Refrigerators:

Refrigerators are essential kitchen appliances

§ The most popular and convenient refrigerators are side-by-side as opposed to the actual fridge part being on the bottom and the freezer on top or vice versa.

§ Water and ice dispensers on the outside of the door are a very nice touch that make water and, if you choose, ice water easily accessible.

§ There are even refrigerators, such as ones GE has designed, that are shallower in depth than traditional model refrigerators, which making it much easier to seek and reach for things stored at the back of fridge. As you probably know, food can go bad way back there, usually because you never see it when you look around for something to eat.

And of course, there are much smaller refrigerators that are not so much kitchen appliances as they are conveniences for the office, dorm rooms or recreational vehicles etc. These items are very handy in a lot of ways, and designed especially for the purposes I just mentioned. Virtually all kitchen appliance manufacturers offer such items.

· The dishwasher:

Most dishwashers come with push button controls or simple to use dials in the front. Dishwashers in general are fairly accessible appliances, but sometimes you will want to do a little research on the reliability of such kitchen appliances before purchasing your dishwasher.

Dishwashers are usually at least 34" high and will fit perfectly beneath a standard 36" high counter. Unfortunately, standards kitchen appliances do not work for everybody.

For example:

Some people are very tall and have trouble bending. In these cases the person should try to have a higher dishwasher installed, (and often will have higher counters as well). This approach will make their experience in their kitchens a whole lot less painful--and such accommodations for the installation of kitchen appliances is sometimes even doctor recommended.

For another example:

People who use wheelchairs often find it easier and more accessible to have a kitchen counter that has provides space underneath it so that they can pull their wheelchair right up to the counter like a chair. Thus the size of the dishwasher they choose to purchase will have to be carefully considered.

· The stove:

Of all kitchen appliances the stove is one of the most important. There are plenty of kitchen appliance manufacturers currently designing burners and ovens especially with different kinds of accessibility in mind.

§ Knobs:

Sometimes there are knobs or push-button controls in the front of the stove. This way the user does not ever have to reach across a hot burner while cooking.

§ Ceramic cooktop units:

Another great kind of stove is the type of stove or burners with flat surfaces. These kitchen appliances allow you to easily slide pots and pans from one area to another, and are incredibly easy to clean up after.

· Ovens:

The way that the oven door opens is also very important.

§ Many ovens have a door that pulls downward. This sort of door will provide a very convenient transitional shelf.

§ On the other hand, some consumers prefer a door that swings to the left or to the right. This may seem to allow him or her better access to the oven racks inside.

* Microwaves:

Microwaves are kitchen appliances that are safer and much less expensive than other kitchen appliances. They are easier to operate than conventional ovens especially because you set the cook time and the microwave immediately turns itself off. This is a great feature for the forgetful cook. Sure you can set a timer for your oven, but the oven stays hot and if you do not hear the dinger--supper may be burned, and you may even have to disconnect the smoke alarm. But with a microwave oven, the item you have heated up will just sit there, waiting for you to remember it.

§ Look for features like a microwave with a door release that can be simply pushed shut.

§ Many microwaves have pads for programming the operation you need, such as cooking popcorn, re-heating soup or beverages, defrosting frozen leftovers etc. These pads are terrific, unless you have low vision. Or you can, of course, set your own time and heat levels with the number and cooking level pads.

§ Some microwaves have a timer dial rather than a touch pad.

* Smaller conveniences:

Other kinds of kitchen appliances are not necessary, but make for great accessories and can be incredibly useful in the kitchen. Without some of these smaller and less essential kitchen appliances, there are some things that you will not be able to make.

§ In-sink garbage disposers:

It is easy to become dependant on in-sink water dispensers. Once you get used to not having to scrape off the remains of your meal on or in your dishes into the trashcan it becomes habitual to take the dishes straight to the kitchen sink. If you do this without an in sink garbage dispenser your drain will get clogged--and quickly.

In sink garbage disposals are designed especially to dispose of food waste easily. And they will help your trashcans smell better longer, for lack of rotting food collecting inside.

§ Instant hot water dispensers:

Instant hot water dispensers can be a great convenience for those who need quick access for things like coffee or soup. However, it takes only a minute or two more to heat your water in the microwave. Accessories such as instant hot water dispensers are a fancy touch to add to your kitchen for extra convenience.

There are many kitchen appliances to choose from that I have not mentioned here. Popular and smaller items such as blenders, coffee makers, espresso machines, mixers, egg timers and more are great items to own, though not essential. Whatever kitchen appliances you choose to purchase for your kitchen, make sure they are in high quality condition and will be long lasting for your convenience.

Point Of Use Water Purification Systems - Clean, Safe, Contaminant-Free Water In Your Home

Point of use water purification systems (known as POUs) refer to units that attach directly to the faucet or shower and produce H20 on an as-needed basis as opposed to whole house units which connect directly to the water main and treat everything that flows in from that pipe. There are benefits and drawbacks to both types of units.

Point of use filters typically are less expensive than whole house systems; a shower unit may cost 70$ while a whole house unit may cost 700$. Whole house units usually require professional installation while POUs don't, plus the whole house units can require more maintenance.

There is also some wisdom to using point of use water purification units as opposed to whole house units because POU-treated H20 is used instantly. In a whole house system, the incoming H20 is treated, then stored in a tank and piped throughout the house. It is possible for it to pick up microbes and contaminants along the way from tank to glass. If your plumbing is older, point of use water purification systems are generally a better option.

However, there are drawbacks to point of use filters. If you want to attach one to all your faucets, this will mean more cost for purchasing and maintaining the products. Reverse osmosis or distillation point of use water purification units also have a tendency to work slowly and may not process enough H20 to suit your needs.

These drawbacks can usually be overcome by purchasing the right type of product. Point of use water purification systems that are carbon-based are the most efficient type of units. Carbon is better than ceramic, reverse osmosis, or distillation because it blocks contaminants the most efficiently but does not remove important minerals from H20. Carbon units also work more quickly and can process greater volumes of H20 than other types of systems.

However, be aware that the best carbon units exist in multi-step forms. While many homes and offices have inexpensive carbon pitcher-style units, these products only contain one strainer. Point of use filters become clogged over time, and if there is only one strainer, it is easy for contaminants to slip past.

The best units contain more than one carbon-based filtration system so that the H20 is run through a multi-step process, ensuring that all pathogens and other unwanted elements are removed.

Generally, most people think of treating just the H20 they use for drinking and cooking, so a point of use water purification unit is most likely to be found in the kitchen. However, it is a good idea to install one in your shower. The chlorine that H20 contains dries out hair and skin and can accelerate the aging process. Additionally, point of use water purification systems in your bathroom make it easier for you to wash away soap and keep mineral build-up from accumulating.

Ideally it is wise to treat all the H20 that enters your house, but once water has left a whole house purifying unit, it may pick up some contaminants on its way to your faucets. Point of use filters give you access to clean, safe H20 whenever you need it - the second it leaves the unit, it is in your glass. Point of use water purification systems are one of the the best ways you can provide your household with safe, clean H20.

Blow Bags

What is a blow bag? It is basically a heavy duty rubber bladder that attaches to a hose. It is used to clear a clogged drain. It is inserted down a drain and uses water pressure to push through a clog. Blow bags are very successful in clearing clogs that are completely clogged. They are effective in situations when plungers and snakes are not, like on gooey and greasy clogs. The bag resembles a deflated balloon. It fits into a drain pipe. Once the water turns on the bag inflates with water and pushes the clogs out of the pipes and into the sewer or septic tank. In grease clogs snakes fail because the grease allows the snake to pass through the clog without getting rid of the clog. Blow bags blast through the clogs with bursts of pressurized water.

Blow bags come in various sizes in order to fit different pipes. Be sure to select the correct size of the drain you wish to unclog. Attach the bag to a garden hose and attach the hose to the hot water heaters drain valve. The hot water is very effective in dissolving clogs. Do not insert a blow bag into a toilet or a sink drain because the bag will not be able to create enough friction to keep itself in place. It is better to insert the bag directly into the drain pipe. To do this you must remove the P-trap under a sink, or remove the toilet. Do not force the bag in because there may be bends in the pipes and the bag can get stuck. Once the bag is deep in place, turn the water on and gently turn the hose clockwise while slowly pulling the hose out. Turning the hose counter clockwise can unhinge the bag from the hose leaving you with a greater problem.

When you want to remove the blow bag you must turn off the water. Wait for the bag to deflate and then gently full the bag out of the pipe. If the bag becomes stuck, slightly turn the bag clockwise. Reattach the section of the pipe you removed earlier, and you should have a clear clog free drain.

Water supply pipes have internal pressure. A drain system is not pressurized. Water flows by the force of gravity alone. The drain can withstand pressure, but the only pressure a drain endures is the weight of draining water. When you use a pressurized tool such as a blow bag, you are putting pressure onto the drain pipes. Because of this pipes can burst. When clearing any clog there is always the risk of additional repairs.

Using a Video System For Preventive Maintenance of Drain Cleaning

A drain maintenance system using a video system can cost anywhere from four hundred to one thousand dollars for professional systems. They are one way you can maintain a smooth running plumbing system. With a little preventive maintenance you will save time and money. You can put together an efficient system of drain cleaning tools and inspection cameras. Remember your plumbing system is the foundation to any business you are running. Many do not think of their pipes until there is an emergency. And then it is too late.

Drain maintenance refers to keeping your plumbing system in smooth running condition. With regular inspections and a recording system in place, you can keep track of the build up in your plumbing system. It is important to track the sludge build up in your pipes so you will not be caught off guard by a back up. You can plan for the equipment you need to keep on hand and the best time to perform your drain clearing work.

You can see the pluses to this set up. First you will be able to reduce the inconvenience to the building occupants. They will be able to plan around your work schedule each time you plan a drain clearing. Next your plumbers will have an easier job because it is easier to take out small sludge packs than dealing with an all out blockage.

Third you are able to avoid the health and safety issues that come from sewage backups. You also avoid the huge mess and inconveniences that come with the average plumbing emergency. You can start your inspection time table when you are ready. Then do the next one in about three months. This is an easy way to implement your system. You can use your initial findings to alter your time line as you choose.

This is all about your convenience and efficiency and effectiveness. For instance if you detect no major change in your pipes after the first two inspections you can make your inspections every two years or even once a year. But with all your planning you know that an emergency is still possible.

But cameras can help even in an emergency plumbing situation. Your tech with his camera outfitted with a water proof lens and light emitting diode equipment can see into even a flooded sewage back up. He can find the clog and help the pipes run trouble free again.

If you have an emergency or a slow building clog, the cost to clear the drains is less when you use cameras before and after the drain work. The plumbers are able to detect the clog and then use the right tools for the work.

They can detect the problem and see how far is the access point. This way they can in a hurry complete the work and do it in an efficient manner. When the techs look with their cameras after the drain clearing work they can assure that the entire blockage is removed. The problem will less likely occur again once it is initially removed.

How to Find Money in Everyday Life

In this tough economy, with no signs of it letting up soon, everyone is looking for some way to get extra money out of their budget. You're probably in this position as well, having scoured your budget several times and yet you still have too much month at the end of the money. What should you do? You've read the finance advice, cut back all you can but things are still not working out. Here are some ideas on how to make ends meet or revamp your financial outlook.

In terms of your financial outlook, remember that what you see on the TV is a good model for how not to live. The Real Housewives series are fun to watch for comedy, but it can make your jealousy rear up and the need for excess spending to overtake your normal spending. Shows like these are dangerous because they feed into our sense of entitlement and that we're falling behind. Just don't watch them.

I'm sure you've heard this one before, but if you find yourself just living in one or two rooms, think about getting a roommate. Rent out a bedroom or two and you'll have extra spending money, plus you'll have help doing the chores around the house. It's a scary proposition, but it sure beats losing the house or moving if you don't want to.

If you like collecting things, then think about collecting items that are high in resell value. It feeds your need to collect, and provides an income. I know some people that went to estate sales, flea markets, secondhand clothing stores and bought up vintage clothing that they knew would sell well at online auctions. They would get an average of $30 for a $1 item. They made thousands a month from this little venture. So take a look at things selling well on eBay and hop to it.

Another way to save a bundle is to be your own household repair person. I once had to call a plumber because my kitchen sink wouldn't drain. The plumber took 10 minutes tops and $70 to fix it. The next time it wouldn't drain I looked up how to unclog it online, and also talked with the local hardware guys, and unclogged it myself! I saved $70 and felt like superwoman. That same sink has clogged two more times and each time I thought of the money I was saving.

Common Plumbing Problems One Might Face

If you find that leaky faucets, clogged pipes, broken fixtures and many more plumbing problems are becoming an issue for you then you might want to learn the basics of plumbing and installation as well as the ABC's on how you should tackle these problems so that you can fix them and avoid them in the future. Many times people do not know these ABC's nor do they have the time to fix their own plumbing problems. This is why you should have someone who can do this for you or either learn how to do it yourself. To learn how to do so, one can search online on YouTube or Google. It is preferable that you are to learn from a video than a step by step instruction made available on a webpage. The visual aid would definitely help you a lot.

You will find that that materials being used for your plumbing has changed in many cases from clay, stone, or even lead, to things like steel, brass, copper, plastic, and more materials that are nontoxic. This means that in most cases you should find that your plumbing lines are able to operate smoothly and without many problems. If you find that you are having any of the problems below you need to find out how to fix it yourself or hire a plumber quickly.

Common Problems that Require Attention:
• Drains that are clogged
• Faulty Faucets
• Toilets that are broken
• Hot water heaters that are running out of water that is hot
• Shower heads that are broken
• Pipes that are noisy
• Blockage of your kitchen drain
• Frozen pipes
• Sink sprays
• Getting your system ready for the cold weather
• Shower heads, tub faucets, and kitchen faucets with low pressure
• Blocked showers
• Blocked drains
• Plumbing emergencies (eg: pipe burst)
• Leaky pipes

Finding a plumber to help you deal with this entire problem is easy. Finding a reliable plumber whom you can count on to solve the above problem would be another issue all together. Generally the only way to find out is via trial and error. You need to be sure that you don't have plumbing problems that keep occurring. This will help you with being able to save on money over time. You might even want to set up an inspection of your plumbing by a plumber to prevent further problems from occurring.

Contractors Liability For Plumbing Problems After Being Fixed Once

When a plumber or other home repair professional comes into a home to do a repair, they are required to have liability insurance. Things can happen during a plumbing repair job that can result in unintentional damage. For instance, a pipe could be accidentally hit causing the leak of oil or gas which may require costly clean up. Contractor liability insurance can help alleviate the cost. As well, a problem could be fixed, but a day later, the problem could reoccur. Contractor liability insurance is a necessary financial safeguard to protect the client and the hired professional.

Contractor Liability Insurance is insurance that contractors buy to protect them from specific liability claims from issues that occurred during contractor operations. This insurance helps financially protect a contractor from accidental damage, injury to others, contractual liability, and more. If a contractor does not have contractor's liability insurance, a contractor could be put out of business there was a lawsuit. Depending on the type of insurance purchased, contractor liability will not only benefit the policy holder, but it can also protect people who work under the contractor. When a contractor chooses a policy, they will often choose a million dollar liability, but they can also choose higher liability such as two or three million dollars. The type of insurance a contractor purchases will depend on the level of risk. They will also normally make sure any subcontractors they hire also have contractor's liability insurance. This is to ensure protection if a subcontractor attempts to avoid liability responsibility if they make a mistake resulting in damage.

For a plumber, they will normally have liability that covers plumber related issues such as septic, gas, and water systems. When it comes to installation of plumbing systems, many contractor liability insurance policies cover damage that occurs after a specified period outlined in the insurance policy. For instance, a professional plumbing company may guarantee its parts and workmanship for twelve months and if there are any problems during this period, they will redo it at no cost to the homeowner. This means that if a part broke down once during the warranty period and then again a few months later, it will still be within the warranty period. Therefore, homeowner will be able to have it repaired again at not cost. A professional plumbing company will always maintain the necessary insurance coverage.

Much like doctors having malpractice insurance, contractors have insurance to cover damages from accidents and unintended damage that occurs during a job. If an event occurs, the insurance company will review the report and evidence collected by the insurance adjuster. Once fault has been determined, and it is the contractor who is found liable, the insurance company will provide compensation for such things as parts or property damage, legal costs, and possible medical expenses. Contractor's liability insurance will not cover bad workmanship; however, it will provide coverage for property damage that is the result of the work performed by the plumber. As well, it will cover any injuries sustained during the work project.

It is essential that all contractors, including plumbers, obtain liability insurance because costs associated with an accident can be very expensive. If a homeowner is not sure about the provisions outlined in a plumber's policy, he or she should ask the plumber. Contractor's general liability insurance protects a contractor in an industry where accidents happen frequently. As well, this type of liability insurance will give both the homeowner and plumber peace of mind knowing they are protected.

What You Need to Fix Your Plumbing Yourself

When it comes to plumbing you should not have to spend a fortune on labor. Most things can be done by you. First thing you should be aware of are the laws of the state you live in, as some states do not allow do it yourself bathroom plumbing.

Safety is also a big issue with bathroom plumbing. Be sure you have the proper equipment before you take on any job. Rubber soled boots and rubber gloves are essential in keeping yourself from being electrocuted. Goggles are something you should also have to keep from getting anything in your eyes.

Some basic tools you will need are, a pipe wrench, a set of basic wrenches, tubing cutters, plumbers cloth, a torch, level, drill, some cola which works good to remove rust, magnet and a plunger.

One of the biggest plumbing problems next to a clogged drain is frozen pipes. If your pipes freeze that can expand and destroy your pipes as well as your home. You need to take measures to keep them from freezing over. Some things that can be done are to wrap your pipes with rubber or some form of insulation, taping them tightly. You need to be sure and heat the pipes on a regular basis. You can do this with a hair dryer, a heating lamp or a portable heater.

If you find that your pipes have already frozen you need to move quickly to thaw them. Be sure you turn your faucets on so that the thawing water has a place to go. Place electrical heating tape around your frozen pipes, and again use a hair dryer or simply place heating laps over your pipes until they begin to thaw. Then be sure to keep them heated and insulated so that they will not freeze again.

The Dangers of Hiring "Unprofessional" Professionals

Let's face it, one doesn't exactly prepare ahead for home and auto repairs. With bills to pay and other expenses needed to get through the month, to have something unexpected come up like an accident or burst pipe requires attention, and money. At some point in our lives, we're expected to give up money saved for something special to take care of something more important. Therefore, it's necessary to make sure the repair is done right the first time and doesn't incur further financial strain.

If you're tight on money, it may be tempting to go with a low bidder in order to fix your repairs, yet in the long run that could hurt you. While it may not be true across the board, choosing a plumber, repairman, or other contractor based on price without researching them could lead to trouble. If you were to hire a mechanic for your home or car who wasn't properly licensed, for example, you might find you'll experience problems with your insurance company. Then you'll have to another another person to right any mistakes in the repair, costing you even more!

How can you avoid such problems?

1) Referrals. Talk to trusted friends and relative, ask which plumbers and mechanics they use. Has anybody used the same people for years without incident? Are there online reviews of the work done you can examine?

2) Business references. Research who will work for you. Are they licensed? Are they members of the local chamber of commerce or Better Business Bureau. Does the BBB have on record any official complaints?

3) Communication. How do the staff act when approached? Are they friendly and courteous? Do they answer all questions directly? Are they complete in their procedures and contracts?

The more you learn about the people who come into your home or work on your car, the better prepared you are for a concise repair that hopefully won't cost you more in the long run.

Top Reasons to Hire a Professional to Clear a Drain Clogged in Your House

When you need to clear a drain clogged in your house you may need to call a professional plumber to take care of it for you. There are many reasons why calling a professional is a good idea. Knowing these reasons will help you see why a professional will be able to get the job done if you can't. Trying yourself is always a good idea before you call in a professional but don't wait too long or your drain could become even more clogged.

Do you live in San Francisco?

Here are the top reasons why it is a good idea to hire a professional to clear a drain clogged in your San Francisco house.

One: Knowledge - A professional has the knowledge needed to handle a lot of different problems that can occur with drains and plumbing in your house. If you don't have this knowledge then you may find that it is hard to fix a drain that is clogged.

Before you can try it for yourself you will need to take time to learn a little about how to do it correctly. This will be more time spent on the clog that you more than likely don't have enough of already and a professional already has this important knowledge.

Two: Experience - There are many different types of clogs that can happen or other plumbing problems that a professional will know how to handle.

They won't have to waste time trying to learn how to fix the drain clogged in your house because if you hire a good plumber then they have probably done this many times before.

Three: Tools - Professionals have their own tools that they can easily get to and use for unclogging your drain. Many times you will have to spend your own money on these tools before you can try and unclog it.

You may want to do some research because if you don't already have the tools needed then it may be cheaper to hire a professional instead of the tools.

Four: Time - Unclogging any drain will take time that most people don't have a lot of already. A professional definitely has the time because that is what they do for a living so they give themselves plenty of time to take care of the job right from the start.

These are the top reasons why hiring a professional is always a good idea to clear a drain clogged in your San Francisco house if everything you have tried has not taken care of the problem. Remember don't delay or the drain could easily and quickly become an even bigger problem to fix.

Suggestions For Preventing Future Plumbing Problems

Being a homeowner comes with its joys and woes. While there is a certain sense of pride in being a land owner, there are also many costs associated. Lawn care and roof repair are only the beginning of the long list of maintenance work that a responsible homeowner should follow. Plumbing problems alone can end up breaking the bank for those who are unfortunate enough to end up with them.

More often than not, those who end up with plumbing problems did not faithfully keep up on their maintenance like they should have. Unfortunately, many wait until it's too late to start asking questions about plumbing maintenance. Some suggestions for preventing future plumbing problems would be to periodically drain your water heater from time to time. By doing this, it helps to eliminate the sediment that will inevitably build up.

Another suggestion is to ensure that the jets are clean inside of the burner chamber of your water heater. The way to tell if the jets need cleaning is to look at the color of the flame. If the flame shows any sign of yellow, the jets are dirty. Only a blue flame should be present inside the burner chamber of your water heater.

Checking for leaks or clogged pipes is also suggested as usually these problems start out very small; however, when they go unchecked, they can turn into large and costly issues. Those who are diligent in preventing future problems will definitely find themselves much happier homeowners than those who are not. These simple suggestions could end up saving a large sum of money in the years to come.

Finding a Water Treatment System For Home Use

It is important to know that our drinking water must adhere to certain standards and go through some sort of filtration or purification system in order to be safe for human consumption. Water can be treated by a municipal water treatment facility before it is set out to the community, or you may have an in-home treatment system that will purify what comes out of your tap and remove all harmful contaminants. Even with having a treatment facility servicing your city or town, you may find that the water supply isn't as pure as you would desire. Many contaminants can remain in the supply after the initial treatment. Furthermore, treatment facilities usually use chlorine and other dangerous chemicals in their water purification process, and hints of these chemicals will remain in the water piped to your home.

A good starting point for determining whether your family needs to install a purification system in your home is by having a reputable water treatment company perform a test of your water supply. A good treatment company will perform this evaluation for free and will be able to tell you about the equipment that will best remedy the problem, and advise you on whether you need a treatment system that should be installed at the point at which the water enters your home or if you should install under the sink or tap-based water filters.

The types of water treatment equipment available for in-home use range from on-the-tap filters to large tanks that filter the entire supply. Depending on your type of water and the budget you have, you will be able to find a treatment system that will provide clean, purified H2O for your family. Those who have well water may be experiencing metallic-tasting water that leaves orange stains on appliances. This is an indication that your iron and calcium content is high, and your water is classified as Hard Water. Conversely, H2O with very little mineral content can be classified as Soft Water. Each extreme can be difficult to live with and can be detrimental your health. Furthermore, water with a high volume of pathogens and contaminates can be hazardous to your health. Contaminates such as bacteria and viruses can come from a variety of places, including from surrounding groundwater, especially if your underground plumbing has small leaks or cracks.

In-home filtration can be easily researched on the Internet, but a licensed water filtration company can properly prepare a customized treatment system that is right for your family's needs. Providing clean water for drinking, cooking and washing doesn't have to be a daunting task, especially with recent technological advancements in purification technology.

Clearing a Drain - The Safe Green Way

Every homeowner has to deal with a clogged drain at some point. However, even though chemical solutions often offer a quick and easy solution to the problem, they can potentially damage the balance of your septic system, and will definitely damage the planet. Below are a few cheap, green solutions to a clogged drain.

1. Prevent the problem. When is the last time that you cleaned out the drains in your bathroom or your kitchen? It may not be the most glamorous activity in your home, but drains get filled up with gunk and debris from everyday usage. Spending a few minutes cleaning these things out can save you time and money in the long run.

2. Baking Powder and Vinegar. Remember when your baking soda and vinegar experiment won the fourth grade science fair? Well, probably not, but the chemical reaction these two items offer can often provide enough agitation and pressure to clear a blocked pipe, without risking damage to the pipes themselves.

3. A plunger. Plungers can be a little bit gross, but with a little bit of elbow grease, and a little bit of overall effort, you can often clear a pesky blockage without risking the long-term health of the environment.

4. Drain Snake. While many people are often intimidate when they think about using a drain snake, it is in reality a very simple and basic tool. Simple insert the "business" end of the snake into the clogged drain and begin rotating and agitating the snake until the blockage has been cleared.

If you consider yourself an environmentally conscious individual then the decision to abandon your damaging chemical solutions should be relatively easy to make.

How to Flush Out Sinuses

Most of us should contend with troubles like allergies and infections. The symptoms that are induced by these troubles may be irritating and at times unfavorable. One of the worst is the sinus infection. When this occurs our heads feel stuffed and we feel like it may explode. The pressure is so extreme that it feels like there is nothing that will help. But there is something that will.

One of the easiest things you are able to do to help contend this is by using nasal irrigation. This will flush out the sinuses. This is likewise utilized for individuals who have a blocked or runny nose. No matter what the reason might be this is effective. First you should find out how it is done.

There are kits that you will be able to purchase from the store that may cost you just about $20. Another means is to mix up your own natural solution. Blend a ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and 8 ounces of warm water. It works more effectively if you boil the water and permit it to cool down before adding in the other ingredients.

Use anywhere between eight to sixteen ounces of the solution you made and pour it into each nostril. Endeavor to do this once or twice a day. If your doctor told you what to use and how much than go by their directions.

To pour the solution in you can lean your head over a sink so that the left nostril is facing downwards. Squeeze out the solution slowly in the right nostril utilizing a nasal bulb syringe. Allow the water to drain from the left side and into the sink. Ensure to use enough pressure so that it will all come out. After you have used the sinus irrigation in each nostril blow your nose.

Common Plumbing Problem

Plumbing problem is one of the biggest problems in the day today life and it really distorts our mood when it happens in the morning; this is the time when everybody is getting ready for the office. Most of the people get worried when they find themselves groaning under the burden of plumbing pressure. They run here and there and try to fix the problem by themselves by doing this they unknowingly does huge damage to their problem.

So the best way in such situation is to keep calm and call your nearest plumbing contractor and let them examine your problem. By doing this you can easily get away with your problem at a price which is in the reach of your pocket.

Below are some of the common problems:

Sink blocked. This is the most common problem, it happens when some food particles fail to pass out from the pipe of the sink and get segregated at the bottom causing the water to overflow from the sink.

Toilet Jammed. This is the one of the worst plumbing problem that occurs in every ones life, so do not panics call your plumbers immediately

Water Pipe Leakage It happens when water automatically deviates from the normal path and gushes out in multidimensional way

Underground Drainage Choked. Drainage system should be built in such a way that it matches the quality of your living. Underground drainage system is one of the most complicated systems, so its management should be done with expert had

Main Line Jammed. Every small outlet is connected to the main line; proper caring of main line is must. Connection point between main outlet and small outlet should have chamber so that, so that waste material do not choke the main line

Sewer Line Jammed by Rodents Sewer line is the best dwelling place for the rodents they just come here in search of food particles and sometimes get stuck into the small space resulting in choking

So when you come under the attack from the above common problem do not panics simply call your nearest plumbing experts as soon as possible

Plumbing For Our New Addition - How to Get an Emergency Plumber

After sorting through contractors, carpenters, electricians, architects and landscape designers, we finally narrowed down the crew that we wanted working on our home's new addition. But we still needed to find a plumber or plumbing contractor who could do the job right, unlike the last one.

Of the four licensed plumbers we brought out to our property, all seemed knowledgeable and realistic in their expectations. But one, unbeknownst to us, had already worked on several houses in our neighborhood, and was even the plumber who worked on the addition that was built on the property two blocks away from us. If we were to get a plumber from the current lineup, it certainly seemed like this was our guy. Admittedly, he didn't promise the lowest price or the best time frame, but his experience in our area gave us the reassurance that he had the most realistic expectations for these concerns.

Plumbing problems from ice cold showers and freezing pipes to basement flooding and serious leakages - tend to sneak up on us at the most inconvenient time. Chances of emergency plumbing are considerably higher in homes with poor plumbing maintenance, but unfortunately emergencies have also been known to occur in homes that have diligently maintained their plumbing.

Before jumping in head first, we asked our neighbor up the street if he was satisfied with the work that this plumber had done. He replied that he was absolutely thrilled with the plumbing repairs and work that was done on his property.

This made our decision pretty easy-as much as we'd like to get a plumber who promises the lowest price or to get a emergency plumber who assures the fastest delivery, we want the job done right more than anything else.

Our home remodeling last year set us back quite a bit more than we'd planned thanks to shoddy plumber work, hence our careful and deliberate selection process this time around- but we were thankful to finally get a plumber who knew what he was doing.

Getting it Done

Once the project was underway, the plumber we chose was able to lay down pipes to fit through the foundation before any concrete was poured. He knew all the right places to put them so that they would flow efficiently into all the outlets planned for the final product. He even navigated around the areas of the new addition that were most likely to settle over time, reducing the risk of cracked pipes and major foundational repairs.

After the project was completed, we had a simple but effective plumbing system that we were more than happy with. Sure enough, everything worked just as it was supposed to with readily available hot water and plenty of pressure in all the places we needed it most. Our addition was ready for guests, tenants, or whomever we needed to put up for a little while.

Plumbing Help: How to Avoid Burns at Home When Setting The Water Temperature

Sometimes it seems like your shower or sinks are too hot, or not hot enough.

But raising the temperature valve on your water heater can be dangerous or a waste of energy. If there are children, elderly, or disabled persons in your household, for example, you might not want to set the thermostat above 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid contact with "hot" water.

The following chart may help you determine the right temperature for your water heater. According to Shriners Burn Institute:

- Water set to 125 degrees generally takes about 1.5 to 2 minutes to scald.

- Water set to 130 degrees generally takes about 30 seconds to scald.

- Water set to 135 degrees generally takes about 10 seconds to scald.

- Water set to 140 degrees generally takes about 5 seconds to scald.

- Water set to 145 degrees generally takes about 3 seconds to scald.

- Water set to 150 degrees generally takes about 1.5 seconds to scald.

- Water set to 155 degrees generally takes about 1 second to scald.

So you can see how small increases in temperature can have a large effect on scald times.

People are often concerned about raising the temperature on their water valves due to a bacteria known as Legionella (and the disease known as Legionella's disease) that thrives in water at a temperature of 105 to 115 degrees.

Since this bacteria cannot survive above a temperature of 131 degrees people often look to exceed that temperature despite the risk of scalds.

Fortunately, the solution is a simple one. A device known as a water mixer allows your water to be heated to a point that will kill off all harmful bacteria, but sets a different max temperature to water being distributed to your tap water in sinks and showers.

A plumber can install this device for you quickly and without great expense!

What to Look For When Choosing a Plumbing Contractor

Choosing a plumbing contractor to service your home's needs is one of the most important house-related decisions a homeowner will ever make. After all, you depend on healthy pipes each and every day to bring you water for showers, baths, laundry, dishwashing, drinking, keeping your yard green, washing the dog, and a host of other jobs we take for granted! Like any service industry, there are fantastic professionals and some not-so-fantastic contractors. Here's what to look for when choosing a plumbing contractor you can trust.

Licensed and Insured

The last thing you want to have happen is waste your money on a fly-by-night plumbing service that does terrible work, doesn't finish the job, or worse: disappears altogether. Request proof of licensing with the state from any plumber before you sign any sort of agreement. In addition, you want to be sure that all technicians who work in your home carry their own liability insurance policies, for your own protection.

Years of Experience

The longer a plumbing contractor has been serving a community, the better. Plumbing is a very competitive field, and those who don't make the grade simply will not be in business very long. Only highly-trained and certified technicians should be allowed to set foot in your home: your plumbing is simply too important to leave to chance.

Ready When You Need Them Most

Your plumbing contractor should respect your time by offering flexible scheduling options and then coming when promised. Look for a plumbing contractor that offers 24/7/365 service, who will be able to serve you both in emergency and non-emergency situations.

There are some real differences between plumbing professionals: take the time to choose wisely.

Avoiding Mistakes For Do-It-Yourselfers - Drain Clearing

The other day I was in a popular home improvement center picking up some irrigation parts for our house, when I was ease dropping on a conversation between an older man and one of the stores representatives. The man explained to the so-called in house plumbing expert that he had a clogged drain and was looking for a product that could be poured into the drain and solve his problems.

They were both standing in front of the liquid plumber selection of fine products(that was a joke). What product do you recommend the older man asked. The do-it-yourselfer plumbing expert answered by pointing to a product that he recommended, this seems to do a pretty good job at clearing drains. The older man, having been around the block before, a little more educated than he was a few years ago, from his previous purchases of a product that claimed to perform a task, but didn't.

If this was a young man or woman, I would have waited until the home improvement specialist left the area and then, I would've explained who I was, and my experience with a few of these products. However, I felt that this man, who looked like he was in his late 60s or early 70s, should've known better. I chose the let him help the economy with his purchase. I guess in a sense, I was doing my good deed for the day.

Their conversation soon ended as the in-house plumbing expert left to advise another customer, hopefully on something that he actually knew something about. The older gentleman selected a different product and quickly scaned the area to make sure that the person who had assisted him wasn't around as he scampered off in a hurry.

Here's a quick tip on how to avoid mistakes as a do-it-yourselfer. Don't assume that liquid drain cleaning products will solve your problem. Try not to get caught up in your home improvement advisers solution to your problem. I have watched them sell products to unsuspecting customers and even had them try to sell me something that didn't work.

I personally, have never had any luck unclogging any drain pipes with any liquid drain cleaner. I don't know if my message is loud and clear here and hope that anyone who has gotten this far, reading the article will not believe everything that they read, because the book or product says professional plumbing expert or listen to someone because they're wearing a shirt that says ask me, I'm a home improvement expert.

If you choose to ignore my advice, know this, you will be forever doomed to repeat the mistakes that others have made before you.