The Top Drainage Problems in Your Yard (And How to Solve Them)

If you look out to your backyard and see stagnant water everywhere, that’s a significant indication you have a drainage problem. These spots waterlog grass or other plants and can cause pools and holes in your outdoor space. Thankfully, you can resolve this issue with the proper adjustments and take control of your yard once again. Use these suggestions below to know what to look for and how to protect your lawn.

Common Drainage Issues

Solving drainage can be simple if you understand what you’re looking for. Improper draining signs could include:

• Standing water after heavy rainfall

• Soggy spots that don’t dry out

• Pooling liquid near or under your home

• Damage to the ground under driveways

• Unnatural soil erosion

• Congested downspouts and gutters

Inspect your yard if you suspect your outside area has stopped proper draining methods. Once you have diagnosed a potential concern, you can immediately start your plan to fix up your lawn.

1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters direct the flow of water off of your roof to downspouts. These pipes quickly divert liquid down their openings and out into your yard. If there are clogs or corrosion around your gutters, draining from the downspouts may be slower or stop altogether. Water will collect around the foundation of your house without a proper draining system, which can trickle down into crawlspaces and basements. 

You can use a ladder to climb up and remove any loose debris like leaves or mud to help with the flow. If you notice an area that needs repairs, hire a gutter and downspout inspector to ensure that each attachment is up to code. 

2. Replace Your Driveway 

The dirt underneath your driveway can become unstable if enough water sits around it. Switching the materials of your parking space can help prevent that from happening. 

Asphalt is an excellent replacement because it has a porous surface that drains water deep into the ground. This option lessens the amount of liquid around the area and adds protection to your yard. Paving companies will do the work for you and give you peace of mind when it comes to your driveway.

3.Fixing Shallow Depressions 

Some yards aren’t as flat or scaled as others, and this can cause small pools of standing water to dot your lawn. As the water collection grows, your soil can slowly erode, causing more significant depressions in the ground to form. 

You can solve this by adding top dressings, which means putting down a thin layer of soil every so often. Keep your dirt to about 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick, and apply it around every 12 weeks over the affected area. Eventually, you will have a flatter lawn, and you remove any shallow holes or depressions that hold excess liquid. 

4. Shorten Watering Times

Sometimes one of the best ways to reduce pooling water is to reschedule when you turn on your sprinklers. If some parts of your yard slope more, having extra liquid running on your lawn can cause it to collect in those spots. Give your outside area a healthy balance between wetting and drying for the best results for your plants and grass. 

Resolve Your Drainage Problems

Keep your yard functioning and attractive by fixing drainage problems with the right tools and assistance. You can resolve some concerns with some DIY techniques, or you might need to hire a trained expert. Maintaining a close eye on wet spots on your lawn will help you get your yard back where it needs to be. 

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison

Smart Plumbing: Selecting the best Plumbing Contractor

As a homeowner, maintaining the property in good condition is important. Where it comes to plumbing work, all maintenance and repairs must be done by a professional plumber. When searching for a plumber, it is typical to come across plumbing commercials as well as hundreds of comments and testimonials detailing the different services plumbers provide on a daily basis. With a mixture of good and bad reviews, it's difficult to realise which is the best plumbing contractor for you. If you need to pick out a reliable plumber, this article will provide you information on how to make a smart choice.

Look at their previous work

Not all plumbers perform the same services. If you need your gas cooktop repaired or a new hot water system installed, you can’t hire a blocked drain plumber. Not only is it not their area of expertise but they might not end up doing a good job for you. A good plumber should be able to provide you with several references. Contacting a few of a contractor's previous customers gives you a clear sense of the general efficiency of their work. One crucial thing to discuss with other homeowners who have used a certain contractor is whether or not they completed their job on time. This detail should be included when comparing the estimates you've got. Other considerations to consider by guidelines include a contractor's willingness to commit to a budget as well as the long-term consistency and reliability of their work.

Check their licenses

You should verify that the plumber is properly licensed to do all types of plumbing work. You can only hire a plumber who has the necessary licences to safely and effectively resolve your plumbing problem. A plumbing licence certifies that they have completed the necessary training and education and can lawfully do plumbing work. Keep in mind that if you need work done on your gas systems, you must hire a gas fitter or a plumber with a gas fitting licence. In the event that something goes wrong after a licenced plumber has done the job, their insurance will cover the repair and damage. You and your plumber are also covered, and neither of you are spending money out of pocket.

Consider at least 3 quotes

Although minor plumbing jobs can be completed quickly, it is often a good idea to develop a decent lot of different options for a major job. Until making a decision, get at least 3 plumber quotes. Don't be afraid to ask a plumber for more details. This allows you to compare quotes more conveniently. For all plumbers in the same district, material costs should be approximately equal. However, labour rates range greatly from one business to the next. Remember that the cheapest contractor is not necessarily the right match for the requirements. Experienced plumbers with refined capabilities should expect to be paid extra for their services. Make sure all the plumbers are quoting for the same job and have included all their costs such as equipment cost, labour cost, post work cleaning cost etc. 

Get recommendations

When you look at the plumbing services industry as a whole, it can be a bit overwhelming. It is much easier to narrow down the search if you ask friends, family, and neighbours for advice. Ask a few questions whether they have any tips or whether they have recently hired a specific plumber. Learn about the plumbing problem they had and how the plumber fixed it. Firsthand experiences provide an ideal way to assess the level of service knowledge that a specific plumbing contractor can offer. They should not, though, be your only reference. You may also look up web reviews and recommendations from a third party. These are extremely useful, particularly if you lack a personal point of reference.

Get a written contract

A handshake deal simply isn't enough. If it is in writing, then the plumber can’t back down from delivering the project on time and within the budget. When you've completed all of your research and selected the best plumber, cover yourself by writing down the specifics of your agreement. A proper contract or a written document on paper/ email should provide a detailed description of the job to be done, the supplies needed, and the costs paid to the plumber. Find out how much a plumber costs. Schedules should be established for both the plumber's job and your payments. A permanent record of the agreement will hold all sides accountable before, during and after the job. 

Selecting the right plumbing contractor is important. Remember to follow the above steps to get the most from the money you have invested in your house/ work plumbing. Choosing the best plumbing will go a long way in ensuring that you won’t need any major plumbing services for the next couple of years.

Guest Contributor: Arth Camacho

Practical Designs for Your Backyard Patio

Your backyard is your family's personal play space. You've got room for the animals and kids to run around, a space to grill out in the summers, and an area for you and your guests to sit and chat. In most cases, the backyard patio is the place a lot of people are looking to improve when they say "I'm going to sell my house." A simple and practical looking patio can make your house pop before you put it on the market. Not only that, it'll easily help add to your value and get a great return.

Size doesn't matter

A lot of people think that the size of the backyard and patio limit what you can do, and they'd be half right. But even a smaller space can be personalized to fill a family's needs. There's no shortage of ideas for smaller back patio designs. You can go as far as to add a fire pit, a grill, a seating area, and posted plants. Or you can just clean it up, fix some basics, add some decor and a few plants. The key to a small backyard patio is minimalism and efficiency of space.

Bigger doesn't always equal better

Assuming you have a good-sized backyard, you have a lot of canvas to work with. With a lot of area comes a lot of ideas. But when it comes to backyard patios, bigger isn't always better. In some of the best-kept backyard areas, a patio is an accent to make space stand out from everyone else. Some outdoor furniture, a simple grill or fountain, and a few well-placed accents on the patio or even side of the house can change the entire look.

Organize

No amount of accents, grill tops, or chairs can make a backyard patio work if the whole thing keeps you from getting to it. We don't mean to hire a feng shui master to make sure the elements align for good flow. But making sure you do not trip over a garden gnome when you try to sit in a chair would be a good start. The basics you want to stick with is to have enough room for two people to stand in between each piece of outdoor furniture or appliance.

We know that you have probably seen some picture-perfect patios with pergolas, a 57" TV, and a hidden beer fridge that pops open with a key fob. That might be right for the millionaires, but keeping up with those might not be practical. Getting creative not only will help keep your space practical, but it'll also save some money. Recycling old pallets to make border planters, or even just cleaning up the old grill can help add to your outdoor space. There's really no limit when it comes to having a practical design for your backyard patio.

Alex Capozzolo is a partner of Henry Buys Homes, a real estate company in Jacksonville, FL. He has been writing for the real estate industry for several years. Henry is a licensed agent that operates in the Florida market.

6 Easy Roof Maintenance Tips to Make it Long Lasting

Placing a new roof costs a lot and you've spent a lot on something, you have to protect it. A roof is something significant to deal with. Some people will ignore that their roofs might need maintenance, and the consequences come when they need to sell the house or roof problems such as leaking. Proper maintenance of the roof should be the best way to avoid unnecessary problems in the future, hence reducing your roof's cost.

Roof maintenance can be successful by removing moss on the roof, removing leaves, roof coating, checking for shingle damage and prune overhanging branches, preventing ice dams, and checking the attic. Call this Baltimore roofing contractor for all your needs.

Photo by Juliana Tanchak on Unsplash

Removal of leaves

A simple peaked roof surrounded by a low landscape can probably stay clear, but if trees are nearby and the roofs are complicated, then the roofs are always filled with leaves. The leaves collect near chimneys or in roof valleys. If not removed, the leaves will trap moisture and decompose, then allow moisture to compile in your roof, creating a fertile ground for weeds to grow. If the house is a one-story house with a low-slope roof, then the leaves can be removed using a car washing brush placed on a telescoping pole. A unique tool is known as a leaf rake and a leaf blower can also be used, especially on dry leaves.

1. Removal of moss

Like leaves, moss also damages a roof, but you can remove them by using chemical substances. Roofs that are composed are mostly covered with black algae, and its growth does not hurt the roof. A detergent mixed with water or a little chlorine will finish it off, but it's advised to leave it alone for the safety of both the roof and you. The moss needs to be killed first if there is a lot of build-ups. It's then recommended to use products based on potassium salts of fatty acids instead of toxic formulas that zinc sulfate. It can also be removed by applying soap on where the moss is growing and try preventing the wash water from getting in the storm drains.

After the roof is cleaned and free from moss, you should install the zinc strips on the roof to prevent the moss from coming back. The runoff from the strips inhibits the growth of mosts when raining. Zinc strips are more eco-friendly and effective instead of treating the whole roof with pesticides.

2. Prevent Ice Dams

Ice dams are nasty any they cause damage to the roof and removing them from the roof might cause leaking into the house. It's not advisable to pry off the ice formed already since that can damage the roof. Instead, use a roof rake to remove the snow within three feet of the gutters. One can also get a telescoping pole and work from the ground and if a ladder is necessary, work at an angle that the falling snow won't push you down.

Air leaks and inadequate insulation into the attic the risk of ice dams, so after a great storm, check on the roofs.

3. Prune overhanging branches and check shingle damages

Tree trimming prevents damage to a roof by keeping moss and leaves off the roof. Friction from leaves and limbs that touch a roof can damage shingles, incredibly high wind. Overhanging branches also give other rodents and squirrels the chance to access your roof; thus, they can gnaw on the roof. The branches should be away from the roof, or if not possible, the tree trunk can be wrapped with a metal-sheet bank to prevent the rodents and squirrels from climbing the tree.

Check the shingle daily since you may never know if it's damage from something striking the tree. If the shingles are buckled, curled, or missing, then the roof must be repaired immediately.

4. Check the attic

The attic is an indication that shows if a roof needs to be replaced or it's still holding. If water stains are evident and daylight peeks pass through the boards, then the roofs need to be fixed earlier before any more damages. The attic also shows how well a roof can perform after a big storm.

5. Roof coating

Roof coating is the best method used if you want your roof to last for a long time. There are different types of roof coating that includes;

Acrylic coating: They are durable and inexpensive elastomeric coatings that have potent biocides and emulsion polymers that prevent dirt accumulation on the roof and provide superior resistance to mildew.

Silicone: Silicone coating is the best choice for providing UV protection and resisting pond water. They erode slowly without becoming hard and contain high solids content. You can use less material to achieve this film thickness.

Asphalt Emulsion: It has asphalt particles dispersed in water with clay as a bonding element. It is black or brown and contains inorganic and organic compounds that strengthen and durability of the roof.

Butyl Rubber: They are also the best due to their tensile strength and extreme elongation. It contains a solvent-based polymer that is fast drying, highly reflective, and suitable for roof maintenance and repair.

Importance of roof maintenance

Roof maintenance is essential since it reduces costs used to replace another roof and makes a roof last longer. If you want a long-lasting roof, then you should follow the above steps.

Author Bio

For the past 20 years, American High Tech Roof Coating has been owned by Javier Chavez who runs their company throughout the Los Angeles, California Area servicing commercial buildings that require new roofs but opt into silicone cool roofing instead.

10 Steps to Keep Your Pipeline Durable at All Times

Bursting of pipes isn't something you really want to get into, considering the severity of the effects that would follow. From floods or unpleasant and dangerous puddles to poisoning, these are risks you may not want to run into. Especially if there is something you can do about it.

Just like you'd take care of your gas to reduce risks of gas leakage in the house, it is also imperative that you take good care of your pipeline to make them stand the test of time. This guide explores ten common causes of pipeline problems that may make them burst and what to do about it.

1. Extreme Water Pressure

Water pressure is one of the most common factors linked to the bursting of water pipes. Ideally, if the pressure levels spike to levels that your pipe won't contain, it will burst.

The bottom line here, therefore, is to keep checking your pipeline to ensure that the pressure levels are within the recommended ranges. This will help you avoid the risks of the sudden surge in water pressure that would cause your pipes to burst.

You can know for sure that your water pressure levels are within the ideal limits by monitoring them using a water pressure gauge. You will need to hook it up to your hose faucet to get accurate water pressure readings.

The ideal water pressure should average 30 to 50 psi and not go past 60 psi. If you notice that the pressure reading is 60 psi+, be sure to contact an experienced plumber to install a pressure valve that will help you keep the pressure levels at the ideal limits and avoid pipe bursts.

2. Freezing Temperatures

Cold temperatures are not really a concern until when the water in your pipes begins freezing. The freezing of water in the pipe increases the pressure in your pipes, thus increasing the pipes' risks of bursting. You can manage this risk to prevent your pipes from bursting by turning your faucets on to release a steady water flow and prevent pressure buildup. 

3. Corrosion

Most pipes can give you a long-term service, but this does not mean that they will never get damaged. Corrosion is a relatively common cause of pipe bursting, especially for pipes that are used for long periods.

Ideally, the risks of your pipes bursting due to corrosion after long periods of use would be high if hard water passes through the pipes. Over time, the unfavorable pH balance of the water may cause corrosion, leading to a buildup of rust and ultimately bursting of the pipe when the rust blocks it completely.

You can slow down the rate of corrosion on your pipe by ensuring that your water is chlorinated. This will help clear away harmful bacteria like legionella, which thrive in corroded water pipes.

4. Flushing Big Items down the Toilet

Flushing big items down your toilet isn't a wise idea as it increases the risks of your pipes clogged. Again clogging in your pipes would increase the pressure inside your pipes and increase the risks of bursting.

Managing this risk is pretty straightforward and would not need an expert intervention unless you've noticed a leak. Simply find a way of getting rid of items that may clog your pipes, like sanitary pads, instead of flushing them down the toilet.

5. Leaving Home During Winter

If you live in a cold area and you are just coming back home from a vacation and you suspect that your pipes could have burst, the number one culprit, in this case, is freezing of the water. Just as mentioned early, freezing of the water increases pressure in your pipes, and this may make them burst.

To avoid this risk, if you stay in a cold area, leave your heat on if you will stay away for quite some time. It would help if you keep the heat just above 10ºC or 50ºF, as this would do a good job preventing the freezing.

6. Cracks or Holes in the Pipes

Cracks or holes in pipes aren't uncommon and are also notorious contributors to the sudden bursting of pipes. The cracks or holes in your pipes will let cold air inside.

As you probably already know, this would increase the pressure causing them to burst. To prevent the bursting of pipes due to cracks or holes in them, ensure that your pipeline is sealed both inside and outside to prevent cold air from getting into the pipes.

7. Water Hammer Damages

Water hammer damage happens when your pipes bang and rattle when you turn on the water. You can detect this just from the sound whenever you turn on the water.

If this water hammer isn't managed promptly, it will weaken surrounding pipes and make them burst. Therefore, if you hear strange sounds, have a professional examine the pipes and repair them to prevent the looming problem.

8. Frozen Garden Hose

Now, this is something that you really wouldn't expect, but a frozen garden hose may also make your pipes burst. Ideally, when the ice in your frozen garden hose expands, it will increase pressure buildup in the pipes, something which may end up making them burst. You can prevent this problem by disconnecting your garden hoses from the pipes during cold weather.

9. Very Cold Temperatures in the Home

Very cold temperatures around the home may also be to blame if your pipes burst. If you leave in very cold temperatures, here’s what you can do to protect your pipeline.

Ensure the temperatures around the areas of your home where the lines pass through don't drop below 32ºF. You can achieve this by directing warm air to cold areas in the home. You can also apply heating tapes to your pipes.

10. Poor Insulation

If your pipelines pass through areas like the attics or basements with poor insulation, they may also burst. A typical red flag of a frozen pipe is the molds that would form along the property's exterior walls. 

To manage this risk, you will need to get in touch with a professional who will improve the insulation of your pipes. Any exposed water pipe will need to be properly insulated.

In Closing

You can make your pipeline stand the test of time by taking measures that reduce risks of damage to the pipes. Taking timely precautions will help you prevent damages that may not only be dangerous but also costly to repair.

Author Bio:

Leon Collier is an expert blogger and academic writer based in the UK. He has expansive experience working with experts offering assignment writing services at Write my dissertation. Leon is a go-getter who doesn’t mind taking on challenges thrown at him. He loves to read books and play tabletop games with friends in his free time. Connect with him on Twitter @ LeonCollier12

Photo by Kevin Butz on Unsplash 

A Guide to Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance is a type of service that assists people who relocate to a new place. Relocation assistance can be done in many ways, but it is generally divided into three categories: financial, professional, and personal. In addition, there are various types of relocation packages that have different prices depending on what you need. In this article, we will go through all these aspects and provide information about relocation policy and how much the package should cost for relocating to a new place.

What is Relocation Assistance?

Relocation assistance means when a company assists recruits of an existing employee, which can help him find financial assistance when relocating work from one location to another. It is also for the employee's benefit because while moving employee doesn't have any financial burden on them. And by this employee can start in his new position as soon as possible.

The employee usually gets relocation assistance benefits to make it easy for them in their new location. In some companies, if employees have a family, they also receive spouse and children's move with the employee called domestic partner relocation (DPR).

Types of Relocation Assistance

Direct billing means the hiring company directly deals with the moving company and pays the bill for the move, including selling old home and services for helping in relocating.

Lump-sum - In this, a certain amount of money is given to the employee directly to pay the moving company and related expenses. And if the moving cost is more than the amount given to the employee, he has to pay from his pocket.

Reimbursement - In this, the employee pays from his pocket for the move, and after moving, the company reimburses the amount to the employee. But drawback in this is the employer has to keep all the records of the move carefully.

Third-party relocation - All the logistic, rental expenses, and real estate related to the move are outsourced to the third party, which coordinates with the services and takes care of them.

What is Included in Relocation Package?

Most expenses are included, like interim living, lodging, meals, etc.

• The company may also offer a relocation bonus or reimbursement.

• A moving allowance is also included, which helps the employee transport their goods from one place to another on an expense basis. Temporary housing until the new home purchase is completed and includes any additional costs, such as security deposits, utility connection fees, etc., incurred in making this transition is also covered by some companies.

• Unreimbursed expenses like increased childcare for children under 12 years old while at school; pet care if there's no family member available to take care of them during the move can be reimbursed by companies too. It also includes selling the old home, moving and storing, furnishing, and other household goods.

What is Included in Relocation Policy?

In relocation policy, mostly short-term hosing, selling and purchasing fees, furniture, and moving costs are covered.

• It is usually up to the company's discretion how much of a relocation package they would be willing to offer their employees. The average length for an employee in this process can range from one day or less to three months, depending on what type of work you do and where it needs to happen.

• Mileage reimbursement can also be included as part of your benefits package if you're required by federal law, state law, or local ordinance laws to maintain driving records for business purposes. All mileage will need receipts that must include the date and miles traveled between destinations, destination location address with zip code (i.e., hotel name), and vehicle used during travel time.

Are Relocation Packages Common?

In the past years’ relocation was only for the high level of employees. But in today's global economic scenario and global workforce development, it is common to offer relocation assistance as part of the compensation package.

• Most employers are trying to save money by not having employees relocate themselves and provide everything they need in one location.

• Most companies have started offering this type of benefits packages for their key members because more people were looking for employment opportunities outside their current locations. This trend has continued, so now even small businesses are giving out similar packages.

Conclusion

If you need help moving, it is best to get a relocation package. Relocation packages are common and can be used for any move (local or long distance). A relocation policy will detail what the company offers in terms of assistance with packing, unpacking, transporting furniture, etc., as well as how many days off work employees receive if they have to relocate. You may also want to determine whether there's an option for reimbursement for travel expenses like gas money or plane tickets. Please feel free to contact us.

Guest Contributors: Komal Shah

How to Reduce the Risk of a Gas Pipe Leak in Your House

Natural gas is commonly used in households for kitchen and heating purposes however, one of the major threats is a gas pipe leakage in the house which can be extremely dangerous and even fatal in some cases. In most countries, gas is used as the essential energy resource for water boilers and kitchen needs. 

Natural gas is also relatively cleaner, cheaper, and produces abundant heat for different purposes. People use gas stoves, boilers, heaters, and much more appliances that use natural gas. Natural gas is safe to use but you have to be careful to avoid any unfortunate incident. 

Some of the commonly used gas appliances at home are:

• Fireplaces

• Furnaces

• Grills

• Water Heaters

• Backup Generators

• Gas ovens

• Laundry Dryers

• Outdoor Lights

• Pool Heaters

• Space Heaters

These appliances are commonly used by people in everyday life and are not a big threat but you must ensure that you are using these appliances correctly to avoid any leaks. 

Dangers and Causes of a Gas Leak

If not detected on time, a gas leak can be fatal and cause huge losses. A gas leak can even burn down your entire house if not controlled on time. Following are the potential risks associated with a gas leak:

• Adverse health effects

• Accidental fire

• Explosion

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning

• Death

Natural gas must be treated carefully as it can be dangerous which is why it is suggested to keep children out of reach. Natural gas is extremely inflammable and even the slightest spark can cause a huge fire. Some of the common causes of gas leaks are:

• Faulty appliances, like boilers or ovens

• Loosely fitted gas pipes

• Poor Appliance Maintenance

• Appliance Malfunctions

• Damaged gas pipes

• An unattended stove that’s been left turned on

• Damaged gas cylinder

• Fitting and Connection Issues

 Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Gas Pipe Leak in Your House

1. Installing a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Due to incorrectly fitted appliances or other reasons, there can be a gas leak at any point in your house. One way to reduce the risk of leakage is by installing a carbon monoxide detector at your home. 

Any appliance that burns fuel can produce carbon monoxide which is extremely hazardous for health. The carbon monoxide detector is just like a smoke detector that can be installed at your house. You must place a carbon monoxide detector in every room where there is a gas/ fuel-burning appliance. 

 Before installing the detector, carefully read the instructions mentioned. Do not place the detector near the fireplace or any flame-producing area. Make sure the alarm is placed in an area that is audible in the entire house.

2. Inspecting the Vents on Your Appliances

The vents on your appliances can get clogged with dust and fumes and must be cleaned regularly. Uncleansed or blocked vents can accumulate gas inside which can cause an accident. To avoid any accumulation of gas in vents, you must inspect all your appliances regularly to make sure they are operating normally. You should check chimneys, flues, and vents of all appliances.

3. Check the Ventilation of the Rooms

Ventilation of the house is extremely important especially for the rooms where there are gas appliances. If you are using gas heaters in a room for heating purposes make sure the room is well ventilated. 

 Ventilation should be carried out for at least 30 minutes daily so that there is no threat of gas accumulation in the room.

4. Hire a Professional Team to Check for Leaks in Your Gas Pipes

Using natural gas is safe if the fittings are done correctly by professionals. However, to avoid any unfortunate incident you must get professionals to check the gas pipes at your house. If it has been a long since you got the pipes installed, you must get them thoroughly checked by a team of professionals so they can suggest to you what to do next. 

In case of broken or damaged pipes, you may be asked to completely repair them. Make sure you get an inspection and a Gas Safety Certificate. Whatever is your case, getting the pipes checked regularly for leaks is essential to avoid any unfortunate incident. Avoid calling your local plumber in case of gas leaks and only go for licensed gas professionals. 

5. Educate yourself With the Symptoms of a Gas Piping Leak

You must also be aware enough of the gas situation at home to avoid any trouble. Learn about the symptoms and what to do in an emergency situation to help protect yourself and your loved ones. Having a basic knowledge of gas maintenance is important to avoid any dangerous situation. 

The problem with natural gas is that it is odorless and colorless hence you cannot detect it with the naked eye initially. However, there are a few symptoms that you can observe to detect a gas leakage. Some of the early symptoms of gas leakage at home are: 

• Nausea

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Exhaustion

• Rapid breathing

Other symptoms include discoloration of plants due to carbon monoxide leakage and rotten egg smell. If there is a gas leakage or a threat of leakage:

• Turn off the gas supply at the source, usually a gas meter

• Do not light a match and avoid turning on any light, as electrical circuits can cause a spark

• Open all of the doors and windows to ventilate the space

• Immediately evacuate the building and inform others as well.

• Call the emergency to resolve the matter and do not enter the building until the matter is resolved.

Beware of Gas Pipe Leaks During Home Remodeling 

You must be careful before thinking of renovating your house or breaking any wall. You may block the gas pipelines or even damage them unknowingly which can cause a huge problem at your house. Before making any changes, first, consult a professional engineer who can guide you about the pipelines and how to save yourself from any unfortunate incident. 

Moreover, always consult licensed professionals before construction so that your pipelines are fixed correctly. Also, avoid planting any trees or shrubs near the gas source.

Guest Contributor: Arslan Hassan

Adding another bathroom to your new home

Adding another bathroom to your new home

Unless you live on your own, you've most likely considered adding another bathroom to your new home. The luxury of not waiting for other people to finish is always alluring. Add to that the increase in home value that an extra bathroom brings, and the idea of adding one sounds better and better. But, what does adding an additional bathroom to your home involve, and should you undertake such a large project? Well, that is what we are here to find out.

Before adding another bathroom to your new home

The average cost of installing an extra bathroom is $15,000. Therefore, unless you are a well-off millionaire, adding one should be a well-thought-out decision. Not all homes can benefit from an extra bathroom. And, just like any other home remodeling project, the final cost might be far greater than you first anticipated. So, let's first see whether you actually need to add another bathroom to your new home.

Do you really need another bathroom?

The mere fact that you are considering this leads us to believe that you don't live alone. If you do, the only possible reason for adding an extra bathroom is if you plan on having a guest room. In this case, an extra bathroom is more of a luxury and less of a life improvement.

Some people just want the guaranteed privacy of having their own bathroom.

The value of an extra bathroom

If, on the other hand, you have multiple people living with you, an extra bathroom can be of great help. Ideally, you should have a bathroom for every 1,5 people living in your home (or two for every three people). So, if there are three of you, have two bathrooms. If there are 5, have three. While you definitely can make do with less, having more bathrooms ensures that people can enjoy their privacy and don't have to hurry with morning preparations for work or school.

Furthermore, even if this is your new home, you might end up selling it at some point. And before that happens, know that adding an extra bathroom can dramatically increase the value of your home. Most buyers look for the 2:3 ratio of bathrooms to bedrooms. But, if your house can accommodate it nicely, it certainly doesn't hurt to have more.

Adding the extra bathroom

So, let's assume that you need an extra bathroom. How are you supposed to go about adding it? Well, there are a couple of things you need to take care of.

Plan in advance

The first thing to do is to carefully consider where your bathroom will be. Know that the term "bathroom" can cover anything from a sink and toilet to a full-fledged spa with a hot tub. Even when renovating their bathrooms, people can be pretty creative. So, figure out what your bathroom will have and where you will place everything. Remember to factor in the necessary sockets for appliances and consider whether your bathroom will have the required ventilation.

Carefully consider windows and ventilation before adding another bathroom to your new home.

Furthermore, when it comes to plumbing and electricity, you should also plan and measure carefully. A skilled plumber can pretty much install the necessary pipes for a bathroom wherever you see fit. And electricity, by its nature, is relatively easy to spread out wherever need be.

But that doesn't mean that you should push your luck. If you put your bathroom in a difficult spot, you can be in for major plumbing renovation. This will mean that you'll need to pack your things and move out of your home for a while, as there will be no running water. And even if you pack in the most efficient way, this usually means that you will have to put your items into storage until the project is done. 

The closer your bathroom is to the original pluming, the safer, cheaper, and more resilient it will be. So, take a close look at your home, and create a detailed and careful plan before you start. Don't shy away from consulting with a professional home designer.

Preparing for the project

Once you've figured out where you will put your extra bathroom, you need to start preparing for the ordeal. As we have said, depending on the complexity of the project, you might need to move out. Given the stress you will inevitably be under, it’s important to stay healthy when moving. And seeing that health comes first during relocation, even if it is temporary, you really should prepare adequately for it. Our advice is to either move in with family members or find a hotel (if the bathroom installation will last longer than a week).

The second thing to consider is finding the right professionals to take care of your bathroom for you. An all-in-one contractor is a good start as they can go over your plans and see whether they are feasible. To find them, you can look online and see whether there are any reputable contractors in your area. While price is a significant factor, don't let it be the only one. Poor contractors can put you in a difficult situation where you need to redo your bathroom in a month or two. And, while bathroom renovations might not be as terrible as they seem, you really ought to avoid them whenever possible.

If, by chance, you are considering DIY plumbing, know that it is usually ill-advised.

All in all, the safest and the cheapest option is to do things right from the start. This means ensuring that you find the best possible contractor (ideally one with bathroom installment experience). Check for reviews online, and don't shy away from asking for referrals. The more you know about your contractor before hiring them, the better the odds that you will avoid bad ones.

Final thoughts

All things considered, adding another bathroom to your new home need not be a challenging endeavor. The main thing to do is to do your research, prepare properly, and hire the right person for the job. Do that, and you will soon enjoy the peace and quiet of having a bathroom all to yourself.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

Closet Cleaning Tips

One room that always seems to need more space is the closet. As seasons change, wardrobes expand, and more items gain sentimental value, the closet can get pretty full. It can be difficult to maintain an organized system that keeps everything neat and tidy. On the days when a clean-out can’t be avoided, try some of these steps to achieve a pristine closet.

Tackling the Tower of Stuff

Cleaning a closet is sometimes a huge task because it involves going through piles of belongings, as well as dusting the surfaces and cleaning the floor. Plus, there’s the emotional struggle: You’re more likely to keep a certain item if there’s sentimental value attached to it. Though that “just in case” event may seem plausible, holding on to unnecessary pieces will only make the clutter worse. Here are a few things that you should consider donating during a clean-out:

• Duplicate items

• Clothing that doesn’t fit

• Tattered undergarments

• Promotional t-shirts, hats and bags

• Items that will probably never get repaired

Storing ripped, shrunken, outdated, and logo-covered items doesn’t do a closet much good. Once you know what not to keep, it should be easier to start building a wardrobe that gets the most use.

Getting Started

What sets many people back in the clean-out process are the feelings of nostalgia, distraction, or discouragement along the way. When it’s to start, work as quickly as possible with minimal breaks so as not to have too much time to talk yourself out of filling the donation box. Although it’s okay to appreciate items and how they have served you in the past, remember the mission and keep working.

1. Take everything out. Don’t underestimate the power of a clean slate. Set aside a weekend to tackle the project piece by piece. If you complete a full inspection of the available space, you should be better equipped to find a place for everything. Wipe down surfaces, sweep away the cobwebs, and you’ll be surprised to find a new perspective once everything is clean.

2. Get rid of unused items. There is probably a collection of articles in the closet that get rotated regularly throughout the year. If you wear or use it regularly, keep it. For everything else, a good rule of thumb is to use the six months treatment: If it hasn’t been worn or used in the past six months, get rid of it. If it is in good condition, donate it.

3. Add storage solutions. There are hundreds of products and storage systems designed to prevent clutter in the closet. Whether it’s a rolling rack, flocked hangers, clear containers, shelves, or drawers, implementing some additional structure can help keep your space tidy after the job is done. Just make sure to maintain it long-term.

4. Color coordinate. Organizing by color allows for better visibility of shade varieties. It can also prevent you from buying duplicates, encourage you to expand into other hues, and add an aesthetically pleasing perspective. You’re also more likely to control the organization easily if clothes get put away with their appropriate color.

5. Group accessories together. Small jewelry, scarves, ties, shoes, and hats often get lost in a tightly packed closet. To avoid losing these smaller items, group them together and buy a jewelry box, drawer separators, or over-the-door organizers to keep valuables and accessories in one place.

6. Flip hangers. Whether it’s a blouse that fits just right or a trusty pair of jeans, that go-to clothing item could leave the rest of the wardrobe abandoned in the back. To combat this issue, try this trick: Turn each hanger the opposite way in the closet. After wearing an item of clothing, flip the hanger back to its regular position. Whatever is left backward after a predetermined time gets donated.

It can be a struggle to downsize a closet and sustain its cleanliness and efficiency. Once a few systems are set in place, however, it could help prevent unnecessary shopping, broken or lost items, and another major clean-out. After eliminating some of the dead weight that was tucked away, chances are you’ll feel better about filling the closet with garments that make you happy.

AUTHOR BIO: Tom Happ is President of Closet Works, the parent company of CLOSETS.COM. Happ and his team of more than 100 employees use their vast experience in the closet and organization industry to design, manufacture and deliver custom storage solutions to homeowners throughout North America.

Outdoor Showers Are a Must This Summer

There are plenty of good reasons to get an outdoor shower, and very few, if any, reasons why you should not get an outdoor shower. They can be whatever you want it to be, luxurious, simple, rustic, the sky is the limit when you have an outdoor shower. They’re practical and can be used to wash off sand from the beach, rinse of chlorine from a pool, or just to shower at night to gaze at the stars. Here are some of the best outdoor showers we’ve seen lately that range from simple to complex.