Contractors

3 Tips to Make Your Home More Comfortable in Warm Weather

Warm Weather

Homeowners may see some spikes in their energy costs when warm weather heads their way. Cooling a home may seem like an unaffordable proposition on hot and humid days, and some homeowners simply give up and resign themselves to being uncomfortable. Here are some things that you can do to keep cool without having to contend with a skyrocketing energy bill.

1. Get Preventative Maintenance on Your AC

If you wait until your AC stops working all together before you call for service, you’re probably missing out on some important preventative maintenance issues. Annual cleaning and calibration is a standard requirement for most systems. A system that isn’t getting regular maintenance may not be producing cold air adequately. For help with air conditioner service Burlington NC, get in touch with a company that has experience serving residential customers in your area.

2. Insulate Your Home

Most people associate insulation with home heating needs rather than home cooling needs, but insulation works both ways. Having big empty cavities in the top level of your home, for example, will cause your air conditioned air to drift upwards in an area where you don’t really need it. Also, not having enough insulation in your attic will make your home more vulnerable to the heat from the sun’s rays.

3. Cover Your Windows

Unless you’re in a room and making active use of the daylight coming in through the windows, you should make it a point to keep your shades down or your curtains closed. Sunlight pouring into a room can raise the temperature dramatically. When you do go into a room after not using it and the sun has been coming in for hours, it may feel stiflingly hot. Keeping your windows covered can keep temperatures more comfortable and prevent your thermostat from turning on your AC when you don’t really need it on.…

March 19, 2021 by Contractor Service

How to Remove Rust from Tap Water?

Rust

Nothing can destroy iron but rust. Rust is a reddish-brown oxide resulting in the catalysis of air moisture and water. Rusting is the corrosion of iron and its alloys such as manganese, nickel, and steel. Most pipes in the plumbing system among Australian households are made of iron and steel. That is why rust is a common problem in tap water. According to a licensed plumber for taps repair, there are several ways on how to remove rust from tap water. But first, let’s see how rust contaminates our tap water and what are its effects.

How Does Rust Contaminate our Tap Water?

Rust is commonly formed when oxygen in the air comes in contact with water. As air circulates in your water plumbing system, rust is likely to form and mix with the tap water supply. Some water sources may naturally contain iron as it can be found among rocks and soils. And when irons corrode, they form into rust that is mixed with water. This commonly happens for those with the water supply coming from underground wells. Traditional plumbing systems commonly used iron and steel pipes. As these pipes age, rust forms and leeches off in your pipes flowing with water that comes out in our taps.

Having your plumbing system inspected by plumbers for tap repairs can prevent rust contamination in your tap water system. Using CCTV, they can check any signs of aging, corrosion, and damages to your pipes. If they see rusting pipes, they will recommend an immediate replacement to prevent bigger problems.

What are the Effects of Rust in Tap Water?

As rust contaminates our tap water, its common effects are:

  • A strange metallic taste in our tap water. This is because rust is an iron oxide and iron is a type of metal.
  • Stains on your plumbing fixtures. Rust is a reddish-brown oxide. When they flow out in tap water and reach your plumbing fixture, the colour grows stronger as they come in contact with water. This results in stains in your kitchen sinks, tanks, and toilet bowls. Rusty water may also stain the clothes running in your washing machines.
  • Water discolouration. One visible sign of rust in water is discolouration. Clean water is naturally clear. But when contaminated with rust, it turns into a brown or orange colour.
  • You might also notice some small pieces of rust that float in the tap water.

How to Remove Rust on Tap Water? 

Now that you have an idea of how rust contaminates your tap water and its effects, here are some ways on how to remove rust from tap water.

Filtration System

Some households install a filtration system to remove rust on tap water. The filters keep away the rust from entering the tap where you get your water supply. This method is commonly used by a household with an underground well as their water supply.

Water Softener

Using water softeners can also be one way to remove rust in tap water. They eliminate minerals in hard water including rust. The most common water softeners are salt-based. They convert rust into sodium to keep it away from tap water.

Pipe Replacement

Rust contamination in your tap water supply is most likely caused by broken, cracked, or old pipes. As such, you may need to call plumbers for tap repairs to do the replacement. The latest technology guarantees rust-free pipes for 50 to 100 years. This is through pipe relining.

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March 11, 2021 by Contractor Service

3 Ways Improper Plumbing System Could Make You Sick

Plumbing

Dirty water can make you sick. Thus, bad plumbing, your main source of clean water has a significant potential of getting your sick too. However, this can be prevented with proper maintenance and making sure that your plumbing at home is in top working condition.

On top of bacteria and viruses that may be present in your water due to bad plumbing, other issues such as leaking gas, or sewage gas can make you sick. There are several health risks for a family that lives in a home with poor and improper plumbing. To avoid these, here are some of the most common health risks from bad plumbing and how you can prevent them.

Sewer Gases

Gas released from your sewer does not only smell bad, they are also bad for your health too. Blocked drains, clogs and back-ups are the most common cause of sewer gas being released from your drains. Even minor issues such as dry taps can also trigger these gases to enter your homes. If you keep these issues unattended, your home is at risk of getting sick or worse, gas poisoning. If you see blocked drain Sydney at your homes or if you have back-up and clog problems with your home plumbing, call your trusted blocked drain Sydney contractors to fix the problem immediately.

Sewer gases can also leak into your homes when there are leaks in the pipes and vents of your home plumbing. Cracked pipes are also potential culprits for sewer gases. They are at high risk for human waste exposure and may leak into your homes. Blocked air vents and dry plumbing can also potentially cause harmful gases to be released into your homes through the pipe systems.

Bacterial Infections

Bacteria can also enter drains and water systems in your home. Every time you wash something – hands, dishes, pets, and clothes, bacteria goes down the drain. Ideally, bacteria leave the drain system through the sewers. However, when the bacterial growth in the pipes is quite high, it can be a cause of health problems in your home.

When pipes are clogged, bacteria have a hard time passing through the sewer, when this occurs, an overgrowth can be observed in the pipes, causing smells that can be bad for the health. Water heating systems can be infested with bacteria too. When the temperature is too low, the chances of Legionella Pneumophila is high. This type of bacteria can cause bad infections and can be deadly in severe cases.

Lead Contamination

Old pipes made from older plumbing materials can cause contamination and poisoning. Although lead contamination is quite rare in most homes, outdated plumbing can potentially cause several problems in your water supply at home. Small amounts of leads can mix together with your drinking water. The human body has the capability to release lead naturally, however, too much build up in your body is quite dangerous and can cause lead poisoning.

If you are not sure with the age of your plumbing pipes, it would be best to have them checked by a professional plumber before thinking of completely replacing them. A plumber can expertly access the condition of your pipes and give you the best recommendation possible to prevent lead contamination issues.

Viruses, bacteria and other contaminants may enter your plumbing at home without you noticing. To prevent these issues from accelerating to bigger problems like health issues and poisoning at home, it would be best to have your local plumber to regularly check and maintain your home plumbing. It is also a best practice to sanitise areas that have been exposed to leaks to prevent bacteria and viruses from infecting your homes.

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March 11, 2021 by Contractor Service

Home Maintenance You Didn’t Know You Needed

Maintenance

There are some home maintenance tasks that you know you need to do to keep your house in tip-top shape. You may have even created a checklist that you go through at least twice a year. For many homeowners, however, some tasks get overlooked. Here are a few to make sure you include on your home maintenance list.

Clean the Refridgerator Coils

The coils on the back of your refrigerator cool and condense refrigerant. Over time, they can get dusty, which means they can’t release heat properly. The compressor works harder as a result, which can shorten the life of your fridge. Make sure to clean the coils regularly with a coil cleaning brush and vacuum. You’ll help your fridge live longer and keep your energy bills more manageable.

Inspect Your Drains

Perhaps you’ve noticed that your drains are moving a little slower than normal. They still drain eventually, and it’s not a major inconvenience. Or, maybe you’re able to clear up the issue for a while with a plunger.

Ideally, you should have your drains inspected periodically. While an inspection could show a minor clog, it may uncover an issue with your septic, resulting in the need for septic tank maintenance Orlando FL.

Drain Sediment From the Water Heater

You should aim to flush your water heater at least once a year. Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom, which can interfere with heating. In some cases, the lower heating element can fail completely. Periodically draining your water heater can help to remove sediment, extending the life of your water heater and ensure that you have plenty of hot water.

Regular home maintenance is critical. Spotting problems early can help to prevent more serious (and more expensive) issues later on. If you’ve been putting off your to-do list, there’s no better time than now to start.

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March 1, 2021 by Contractor Service

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home’s Exterior

Cleaning

The winter season can take its toll on your home. Your lawn may look a little bare, and you may notice things like moss and algae buildup on your brick and siding. When spring rounds the corner, it is important to be ready with your cleaning list. Consider these three ways to keep the outside of your house looking great for the warmer months.

Brick Cleaning

Brick can start looking dingy after a while if it is not cleaned regularly. You may need to contact services for moss control Arlington WA to remove the green layer over your red bricks. You may also want to use a pressure washer to remove dirt and mud residue from your exterior walls; just be careful that you do not have the power high enough to damage your brick.

Siding Cleaning

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for many homes, but it can get dirty fairly easily. If you have light-colored siding, stains will show up even worse. You can use an industrial cleaning product in a pressure washer to clean the surface of the siding. If you have flower beds beside your home, though, make sure that you cover the plants before using any type of cleaner.

Roof Cleaning

During the fall, leaves can fall around your eaves if there are trees close to your house. You likely did not clean this out during the cold winter months, so now is the time to do so. If you do not remove leaves and debris from the roof, areas can begin to mold and rot. This can leave you with a big mess, so early prevention is key for this problem.

With spring approaching, it is time to dust off your lawn equipment and get everything back in shape. When you put forth this effort in making your home look great on the outside, you can be proud of your work.…

February 26, 2021 by Contractor Service

What You Need to Know About Green Pest Control

Green Pest Control

When irritating, destructive pests invade your home and yard, it is easy to call the nearest exterminator who will service your home quickly. Pesticides work fast and seem to fix the issues that “bug” you, but you could be trading one problem for several other dangers. If you want to rid your home of unwelcome creepy-crawlies, you can do so safely by selecting a pest control company that uses eco-friendly chemicals.

It Works Better and Lasts Longer

An environmentally conscious exterminator Portland OR uses eco-friendly chemicals that are more effective in treating your pest problems and last longer than their highly toxic counterparts. Insect populations survive treatments by developing resistance to products used by exterminators. Repeated exposure to poisonous solutions may only prepare insect colonies against future attacks. Because it is more difficult for pests to develop resistance to green solutions, low-toxicity chemicals are a no-brainer.

It Could Save Your Life

Chemical pesticides with a high level of toxicity can lead to acute poisoning if inhaled or absorbed into your skin. Even if a homeowner avoids these risks by evacuating his or her home during treatment, the dangers of repeated, low-level exposure over time has been scientifically linked to chronic health conditions including nerve, blood and liver damage. Reproductive disorders, congenital disabilities, genetic mutations, tumor growth, cancer and respiratory risks are also increased.

It Keeps the Ecosystem Balanced

Because traditional pesticides must be reapplied frequently, the unhealthy soil it leaves behind can make plant regrowth challenging. Toxins released into your soil may also kill your existing vegetation and harm your pets. Declines in pollinator populations such as butterflies and honeybees are primarily due to irresponsible pesticide use as well.

Ridding your home of unwanted pests is achieved more safely and effectively with environmentally friendly solutions. With this information, you can be sure that you are keeping you and your loved ones out of harm’s way.…

February 25, 2021 by Contractor Service

What To Do With Your Home When You Move

Home

If you are moving to a different city or state and own your home, you have to decide what to do with it. You may not know exactly what your options are, but there may be more than you think. Consider whether you should buy, rent or keep your home. Because each situation is different, you must consider what is best for you and your family.

Sell It

When a family moves, they typically try to sell their home. This way, they can get some financial help with buying a new home in their new city. You may decide to hire a real estate agent, or you may choose to sell the home privately. One benefit of hiring a realtor is that he or she can sell the house even after you are in your new city.

Rent It

If your home is in an area that has a lot of rental properties, you may decide to hire a service for rental management Tacoma WA. This means that you still own your home, but you are renting it out to other people. This can help provide you with a steady stream of income, but it does take some extra effort on your part.

Keep It

Perhaps you are moving across the country for a job, but you may still have family that lives near your old home. If you have strong ties to the area, you may choose to keep the home so that you will have somewhere to stay when you visit. While this is obviously the most expensive option, it is the right choice for some families.

When you move, there are all kinds of decisions that you must make. To decide what is best for your situation, you first need to know all of your options. Discuss with your family members what decision makes the most sense for your unique circumstances.…

February 19, 2021 by Contractor Service

What You Need to Know About Hardscape Design

Design

Designing your outdoor space is exciting. You have the opportunity to design your yard space to meet your exact needs. However, if you are adding hardscape, you should understand a few things before you contact local hardscape design services North Carolina.

Hardscapes Defined

Hardscapes define your outdoor living spaces. They may include focal points. Typical hardscapes are pools, patios, decks and firepits. However, any part of your outdoor space that is not vegetation can be considered hardscape, including natural elements, such as rocks.

Planning

To get the yard of your dreams, you should start your plan by identifying where you want any hardscapes to be placed. Where would you like your decks and patios? Do you want pergolas or other structures built on top of them to provide shade? Be sure to consider your needs over a long period of time. For example, you may be adding a patio initially, but you may want to add a pool in a few years. You don’t want to impede your pool installation process later on. Draw out a map either digitally or physically on paper to evaluate your hardscape design.

Nature’s Curves

When you plan your hardscapes, consider following nature’s curves. Although you may have a somewhat square design for your patios and pools, remember that nature rarely grows in straight lines. You can contrast or complement these lines through your hardscape design.

Drainage

To protect your home, you should ensure that all water is diverted away from your home’s foundation. Build grading into your hardscape plan so the water runs away from your home. Encourage this water to drain naturally and prevent pooling in or around your hardscapes.

Soften

Finally, consider softening your hardscape with plenty of landscaping plants and trees. Avoid placing trees too close to concrete patios and pools to avoid root encroachment as the trees grow.

If you have a blank slate or want to rework your outdoor living spaces, consider consulting with a hardscape designer as you plan your space.…

February 17, 2021 by Contractor Service

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