How To Design A Home That Suits Your Lifestyle

Trends can greatly influence the design of your home, even though they shouldn't. So, before settling on a design and layout, ensure that it's what's best for you and your lifestyle. By considering your lifestyle, you'll end up with a functional, aesthetically pleasing space. 

It's important to note that the designing process of a home tends to be very demanding. As a result, you must choose a great design that's guaranteed to turn your vision into reality. 

A great home design can save you a lot of time and money as you won't need to change the layout after a short time. In addition, a home designed to suit your lifestyle and needs can improve the general quality of life. For instance, if anyone in the family has a disability, you might settle for a design that makes access easier. So, with all that in mind, this article looks at the best ways of designing a space that feels right and suits your lifestyle. 

Examine Your Needs

Take a look at all the needs you have and want from your home. Considering your needs is instrumental in narrowing down your options and finding what works for your lifestyle. For instance, plan for growing a family by settling on a well-sized home design. 

Take time and thoroughly think about the way you live your life. Examining your needs might also mean considering the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you might need. The kitchen and living room type should also match your lifestyle and reflect the design. 

Make A Wish List

After examining your needs and meeting your expectations, consider making a wish list for every feature and replacement you need. The wish list you end up with helps you remember everything you need to be included in the design.

You can consider every feature necessary to make your home unique on the wish list. This process of listing down every feature that boosts your lifestyle might lead you to list your wants and needs. 

List every room in your home and come up with the needs and wants of every room before compiling everything. For instance, if you want heated floors for your bathroom, you can list it under want and consider it if your budget is flexible. 

Choose An Appropriate Floor Plan

When building a home, one of the most important steps is choosing a floor plan that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Luckily, numerous plans are available to choose from, and all you need to do is consider the function of every space. 

Next, understand the needs within each space and sketch out a basic plan that helps you decide where every element needs to go. For instance, choose a child-friendly and safe plan if you have young children. 

When choosing a floor plan, settle for one that allows your home to change with time. A layout that will allow for change when your lifestyle and requirements change will save time and money.

Consider Any Additional Replacement

After settling on an appropriate floor plan, consider all the additional features that can boost your lifestyle. Some of these features can also boost the general aesthetics of your home. For instance, if you love having natural lighting, consider having a large window added to the design. For your impressive shoe collection, consider including additional storage that can be creatively incorporated into your home. 

Get The Right Builder

Finding the right builder has a lot of benefits when it comes to designing and building your home. For starters, you'll get expert knowledge as experienced builders tend to know everything about the local home-building market and follow the local regulations. 

The right builder also offers you the flexibility of customizing your design based on your specifications. If you don’t like a design element, you get a chance to tweak the design. 

Your builder will also find quality materials that suit your budget without undermining the design you opt for. Your resources will also be well managed without the safety of your house getting compromised. 

Bottom Line

A house that suits your lifestyle can make life so much better. So, with all the different designs you can access, settling for the one that suits your lifestyle is vital. As seen above, you'll need to establish your lifestyle by writing down every aspect of your life that needs to be considered in the design.

Finally, take time when designing a home as it's a significant investment. By taking your time, you'll be considering all your design needs which helps you end up with a completed home with a functional look and feel.

How to Create a Safe Outdoor Space for Your Cat

It is no surprise that people enjoy going outside on nice days. But did you know that your feline friends also prefer the outdoors?

Even though your cat is domesticated, it has a natural desire to hunt. Watching and stalking potential prey allows your feline to get the mental stimulation and physical exercise it needs to thrive. As a pet parent, you can fulfill your cat’s wild side by creating a secure outdoor environment. Here are some ways to let your furry feline explore the outdoors safely.

Install a Fence

If you don’t mind giving your cat access to a large portion of your yard, consider putting up a cat fence around the perimeter. Cats and other small creatures can squeeze through traditional wood fences, so it’s better to go with mesh netting strung between metal pools. You can even install durable mesh over an existing fence. As long as the border is at least six feet tall, you can prevent your cat from jumping over it.

However, if you have an overly athletic feline, you may want to install a mesh barrier facing inward at the top of the fence to ensure your cat can’t climb over. It’s essential to keep your cat in your yard, as there are many dangers it can face if it ventures outside the fence, ranging from predators to toxins to car accidents.

Add an Enclosure

Perhaps your yard is too small to fence in, or you simply don’t want a full-time barrier. A cat enclosure works well for either scenario. Most of these structures have metal mesh-style roofs and are usually open at the bottom, allowing your cat to play in the grass. They are generally large enough for you to add cat trees and other toys, all of which will help keep your furry feline occupied for hours.

Remember that cats get hot in the sun and need coverage from wind or rain. Consider putting a tarp on at least half of the pen to supply shade and shelter.

Build a Catio

Catios are one of the most versatile outdoor spaces for cats. You can mix and match accessories to meet your cat’s needs. Add stairs, tunnels, or ledges throughout the enclosure to appease even the most active felines.

This enclosure type can go through the yard or attach to a window and run along your house’s siding. You can make it any size or shape, ensuring it fits perfectly in limited spaces.

Put Up a Tent

If you don’t want to add a permanent structure, a mesh cat tent might be the right choice for your furry feline. This structure lets your cat get a 360-degree view of nature and can be set up on the lawn or deck, which means you can always keep your cat near you, even if you’re entertaining guests.

Cat tents are easy to assemble and generally have available attachments, allowing you to create a larger enclosure. You can connect two structures with a collapsible tunnel, giving your cat the proper room to work out a case of “the zoomies.” Don’t forget to add a comfortable bed so your feline can take a nap after a hard day of playing.

Make Your Cat’s Wellbeing a Priority

Your cat’s safety should come first when you design its outdoor oasis. First and foremost, you should ensure there aren’t any toxins your feline can get into in the designated location. For example, some plants are poisonous to cats, such as daffodils, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Do your research to ensure the greenery in your yard is pet-friendly.

Also, since your cat will be outside, it’s more likely to face hazardous situations. Make sure you take appropriate steps to counteract potential dangers. Consider implementing the following before letting your furry feline go outdoors: 

●      Use a collar with an identifying tag.

●      Make sure your pet has updated vaccines.

●      Utilize flea and tick prevention products.

Without proper precautions, the outdoors can be a scary place for your furry feline. If you create a safe, stimulating environment, you can protect your cat while giving it the outdoor freedom it deserves.

Guest Contributor: Julia Nikolaus

Most Common Plumbing Problems in Old Houses

Owning an old house can be quite an extraordinary experience. The charms of an old house are numerous, and they certainly have attracted many people over the years. Those charms may be set aside when maintenance and repair bills come in. Many neglected old houses lose their "reputation" quicker than the new ones. Neglecting to do the proper maintenance can lead to many problems. One of them is undoubtedly the plumbing problem. Many old houses are suffering from just that. To make things even worse, there is no guarantee that another issue like this will arise shortly after you have taken care of it. This article will discuss some of the most common plumbing problems in old houses and how to deal with them.

Most common plumbing problems

There are many plumbing problems that "plague" old houses. As the house is older, the chances it is going to be susceptible to plumbing problems arise. Before we head deeper into talking about a single problem, let's take a look at an overview. Here are some of the most common ones:

●      pipe leakage

●      faulty sewer lines

●      pipe corrosion

●      old fixtures

●      improper installation

These are some of the most common plumbing problems in old houses and certainly one of the toughest to handle. Depending on your house's age and state, you can face one or many of these problems. Experts at kevinszabojrplumbing.net suggest you should act fast in reacting to the early signs of any of these problems. To avoid any further damage and to be able to fix the problem quickly, this can prove to be a sound strategy. Also, investing in a solid pipeline is something worth your time and money.

One of the most common plumbing problems in old houses are pipe leakages

Every owner of a house encounters a pipe leakage problem. Even more so if your house is old. Many homes, especially ones from the 70s and 80s, were fitted with now old pipes made out of outdated material. Due to the years of service and rust that is inevitably forming, these pipes are prone to crack and break. Leaving your house completely flooded and wet. To make things worse, it damages other parts of your home, such as walls, electricity cables, and furniture. Galvanized steel and polybutylene pipes came out of fashion in the 90s, as they were very unstable, prone to cracks and rust, and could break more easily. There is a way to identify the cause of leaks in your home through routine inspections. They can be an excellent tool for spotting any possible rusted pipe that can pose a problem in the near future.

Faulty sewer lines in old houses

Faulty sewer lines are one of the most common problems in old houses. Sewer lines suffer if you neglect to maintain them. They are built for draining the water away from your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. This is one of the main reasons they are very susceptible to clogging. The amount of clogging also depends on the age of sewer lines and maintenance.The damage that faulty sewer lines can cause is vast, so it is for the best to take regular line inspections and maintenance so it would not come to over clogging and leakage. Repairs after the leakage and clogging are pricy and tricky, and that's why all of the experts at Helix Transfer & Storage will always tell you to do checks and maintenance often. When it comes to old houses, this becomes even more important.

Pipe corrosion is also a common plumbing problem

Pipe corrosion is one of the most common problems of old houses and is very connected to pipe leakage. As mentioned before, way back in the day, in the early 60s, pipes were made out of lead. Lead was cheap and easy to come by but has proven to be very weak and fragile, making pipes a liability. After that, galvanized and polybutylene pipes went out of fashion in the 90s because they were wrongly reacting with chemicals in municipal water. Corrosion is still a problem in modern pipes even today and is considered one of the top things that can mess up your plumbing system. Early signs of corrosion are most commonly discolored water, discolored pipes, rising monthly bills without usage increase, and many more. It can be in your best interest to spot them early on and react fast so the damage can be mitigated.

Old fixtures 

Part of the charm of the old houses is their stylized faucets and fixtures. Although they bring a certain appeal and vintage look, they are also very susceptible to corrosion and rust. Even though you take good care and do all of the necessary maintenance, these fixtures will not last forever. In actuality, they are one of the most fragile points in old plumbing. The fact is that the older the fixtures, the harder it will be to repair them in the future. Even a tiny leakage in the beginning, if left unchecked, will grow into a big problem over time. Spotting old fixtures can be through broken knobs, sinks and showers, various leaks, and restricted water flow. According to experts, acting as soon as possible lowers the chance this minor fix can grow to be a headache.

Moving because of the plumbing problems in the old house

Moving away from the house is a challenging and stressful process. Even more so when it comes to the flooded house due to the water leakage. Last-minute moving is extremely difficult; there is no doubt about it. Packing in these situations may seem like a desperate act. Experts in the field state that the best thing to do in these situations is not to panic. Another good tip would be to pack bare essentials. For example, if you have to stay somewhere else, it can be very useful to check with nearby motels and hotels if none of your friends or families are available to help you.

The most common plumbing problems in old houses are many. Most of them are really easy to spot, even in the early stages. To avoid further complications and damage, every expert plumber will always tell you to tackle those issues as soon as possible. Regular checks and maintenance programs will keep you aware and up to date with potential problems for those that are harder to spot.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

10 Telltale Signs Your Home Heating System Needs Repair

As autumn turns to winter, you will rely on your heating system to ensure you stay warm and cozy indoors. Your heat pump or furnace is the heart of your home's heating system. Regular upkeep is required for your heating system to stay in peak shape and work effectively.

While modern heating systems have a longer life expectancy and are more reliable, they can break down unexpectedly without routine maintenance. The last thing you want is to get emergency HVAC system repairs in the middle of winter.

To avoid any inconvenience, you must also be aware of the warning signs that your heating system needs repair before a complete breakdown occurs. If you notice any of the following red flags, make sure to call in a professional before your heating system goes out on you completely:

1. High Power Bills

When your utility bills are outrageously high, a malfunctioning heater can be the likely culprit. If you also notice a drastic gas bill spike, it can indicate a heater problem. When your power bills skyrocket drastically, have your heating system checked and assessed by an experienced professional.

2. Burner Flame Turns Yellow

When the burner flame turns yellow instead of blue, something is likely wrong with your heater. Often, yellow flames can indicate the presence of carbon monoxide in the home. In excess, carbon monoxide can become a metabolic poison. If you notice the furnace flame turning yellow, get heater repair services immediately.

3. Strange Noises

Old heating systems are prone to periodic creaking, banging, and rattling. However, if your heating system makes strange noises constantly, you need to schedule an appointment with a heating professional. Often, strange noises are caused by problems with the system's motor bearings. Left unattended, this can lead to other costly heating issues..

4. Constant Thermostat Adjustment

If you need to adjust your thermostat frequently, something might be wrong with your heating system. If you can't get the temperature right after multiple attempts, the problem likely stems from your heating system and not your thermostat. Ensure you address this type of problem asap as it can worsen quickly.

5. Too Many Replacements

If you have been replacing several components too soon, you likely have an undetected heating issue. Unfortunately, replacing parts all too often is not good for your wallet. Have a trusted heating professional check your system and ask if you can benefit from a heating system upgrade.

6. Short Cycles

Short cycling refers to your heater going on and off intermittently. Your thermostat works by regulating your home's temperature. If the heating system goes on and off repeatedly, you likely have a serious heating system problem. Have this checked immediately to ensure you won't endure a winter that's chillier than usual.

7. Poor Indoor Air Quality

When your air at home gets too hazy or stuffy without good reason, something might be wrong with your heating system. Problematic furnaces circulate mildew, spores, dust, and other allergens. If there's a significant spike in respiratory issues within the family, your heater is one of the likely culprits.

If you suspect your air quality indoors is poor, you can check if the furnace filter needs to be changed. If it needs to be changed, this is something you can take on without needing to call a professional.

As a general rule of thumb, checking your filter every month is recommended. When you don't see any problem with the filter, it would be best to leave the matter to the able hands of professionals.

8. Pilot Light Turns Yellow

A heater that's working accordingly will have a blue pilot light flame. A yellow, purple, orange, green, or red pilot light should be a cause for concern. Those colors indicate that your heater has too much rust and tar. These condensates can compromise your heater's efficiency. More importantly, they can pose health risks as well.

9. Heat Too High

You likely have a heater problem if you need to crank up your heat just to stay warm. The need to constantly turn the heat up too high indicates your furnace is not working as efficiently as it should. Arrange for furnace repair immediately before the system becomes inefficient and your utility bills get too high.

10. Cold Spots and Uneven Temperatures

Uneven temperatures and cold spots are definite red flags. This can be attributed to several reasons ranging from ductwork issues to improper insulation. Whatever the cause may be, you need to have it checked by a professional as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

The importance of knowing the warning signs cannot be overstated. When not addressed promptly, some of the problems above may cause your heater to stop working abruptly. Also, don't wait until winter to get your system inspected. Routine inspections are imperative to a fully functioning heating system.

How to Create a ‘Smart’ Bathroom: What You Need to Consider

Smart technology has a lot to offer a bathroom design, whether it's for ease of use or to improve your home's eco-friendliness.

There are lots of ways to improve your bathroom with the newest tech ideas. The Internet of Things has facilitated the creation of apps with built-in smart capabilities. Customizing and personalizing your experience in every part of the house, even the bathroom has never been easier. This is made possible because of gadgets such as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomePod, and more!

What Is A Smart Bathroom?

A smart bathroom links to your smart home devices (such as smartphones and voice control devices). It provides you with total control and customization over your bathroom experience. You'll be able to make use of features such as customizable temperature control and bath fill control, to name a few.

It's a more modern way to interact with your bathroom, using technologies like voice command or a smart home system to entirely tailor your experience.

Bathroom Accessories to Consider for Creating a Smart Bathroom

Smart showers, toilets, mirrors, and even toothbrushes are available to create your smart bathrooms. The following accessories should be present in a smart bathroom

1. Smart Showers

Smart showering systems are a simple way to incorporate current technology into your bathroom. It allows users to establish unique shower settings for each member of the household. You may use voice commands to control water pressure, steam, and lighting. You can also use it to start the shower so it's lovely and warm even before you enter the bathroom.

There are several features of smart shower controls:

• Smart showers can set a temperature before you get into the water, as well as keep bathroom temperatures safe for small children.

• Smart shower displays temperature, steam, music, and chromotherapy controls.

• Smart shower heads should have temperature indicators that vary from blue to purple to red. This helps to indicate when the water temperature is exactly perfect.

Examples of smart shower gadgets are listed below:

• Elmer Smart Shower: This shower has an app that allows you to play your music in surround sound. You can also use Alexa, Amazon's virtual assistant, to operate your shower.

• U by Moen Smart Shower allows you to manage the shower via an app. It helps establish temperature preferences for various users and even set a time restriction that will appear on the screen.

2. Smart Toilets

A smart toilet is equipped with smart technology or technology that can interact and communicate with the user. Kohler's Numi smart toilet is a well-known smart toilet brand.

A variety of unique varieties are revolutionizing the all-important bathroom seat. Here are a few smart toilet features you could encounter:

• Toilets that do not require the use of paper or hands. Temperature-controlled water, spritzing wands, and automated dryers are all included in these.

• LED lighting and toilet seat warmers.

• Toilet lids are raised and lowered using motion sensors.

• Self-cleaning toilets and antimicrobial seats.

3. Smart Bathtub Speakers

You may either place a single speaker in your standalone tubs or a pair for real stereo sound. The speakers should be water, moisture, and humidity-resistant. And have an IP44 rating.

For example, The ViSound system is a Villeroy & Boch system that can be installed in a freestanding bathtub to transform it into a Bluetooth speaker. It can then be remotely controlled on your phone.

4. Smart Taps

Another smart bathroom accessory is smart taps or faucets. It allows you to completely customize every part of your bathroom experience, from the length of your shower to the depth of your bath.

You can utilize voice activation or remote control with a broad selection of smart home systems, including Amazon Alexa. This can be a great combination with a freestanding tub.

Smart taps have regulated water flow and digital temperature-control settings. This makes it a terrific way to save water and energy. For example, Delta Faucet Company is a well-known company that produces smart taps.

Infrared tap technology is integrated into many of them, and it "reads" the user and switches off when it detects that hands are not beneath the outlet. There are also programmed options, such as a teeth-brushing mode that runs for a certain amount of time.

5. Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Mirrors

A LED mirror is a mirror with LED lights that illuminate the surface. The LED lights may be integrated into the mirror in a variety of ways.

For example, Philips Hue's Adore series is the company's IP-rated product for smart mirror lighting. The Hue line includes spotlights, bathroom lights, and even an LED mirror. It can be changed via the Hue app to provide powerful task lighting or a calming ambient glow depending on the occasion.

Another example is Verdara Voice Illuminated Mirror. It can also be used with Alexa speakers to give voice commands without the need for a second smart speaker or phone. It can also connect to any other smart Kohler goods you have in your bathroom.

6. Smart Bathroom Scales

We all use the bathroom daily, therefore it's the best location for scales, which is why they're normally kept in every home.

A smart bathroom scale monitor can track a variety of parameters to provide you with a complete picture of your health. Body mass index, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and other parameters like resting heart rate may all be calculated.

What makes these scales so useful is that they save all of your data in one location, allowing you to track changes in real-time. It also connects with your phone. A smart scale like the QardioBase2 Wireless Smart Scale is one example.

7. Smart toothbrushes

Smart toothbrushes use a sonic motor and sensors attached to the brush's head to vibrate to properly clean your teeth. For example, Kolibree Magik's smart toothbrush uses augmented reality game software. It keeps you or your children motivated to wash your teeth and can kill monsters while doing so. These smart toothbrushes can also connect to phones.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a variety of smart technology options available for use in the bathroom. A modern and smart bathroom is made possible by installing the right bathroom accessories. This article discussed some bathroom accessories to consider for creating a smart bathroom.

Smart bathroom accessories such as smart showers, toilets, and taps can be installed. Other accessories such as smart bathroom scales, mirror lightings, and smart toothbrushes can also be installed.

Guest Contributor: Sam D.

How to Masterfully Present Art in Your Home

If you want to decorate your home and show off some of your personal taste, then going with art is the best option you have. The right art can make any room look more luxurious and feel more comfortable. So how can you make your home stand out with art in all the right ways? Here are a few tips on presenting art in your space in the best way possible:

Consider the colors

The mood is very important for every room, and each room is supposed to vibe with a different vibration. For instance, colors like white and gray are calming, thus being perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms. On the other hand, yellow and orange are warm and welcoming and perfect for hallways and living rooms. If you want to spark lively conversation over dinner, red is a great accent color to throw in your dining room. Depending on the mood you’re trying to see, look for art with corresponding colors. If you want to aim for minimalism, remember that your white pieces can’t properly show off their effect on a white wall. White or neutral pieces look best on colored surfaces.

Display it correctly

No matter how good your art is, if you hang it improperly, it will not achieve the desired effect. An incorrectly hung peace can look like a bad disguise on a movie character. It’s hard to ignore the wrongly displayed piece but not in a good way—it’s distracting and doesn’t do anything positive for the experience. To hang or display it correctly, place art around the eye level with adequate spacing between pieces. If you don’t know where to start, imagine an art gallery and try to recreate the effect. However, similar pieces can be placed closely together in order to create a more cohesive look.

Think outside the box

Creating a gallery feel is just one of the correct ways to hang art, but not the only one. Instead of going to the walls, you can think outside the box and lean your art on the wall. This is a great way to add mystery to the space and create an illusion of depth. Try different placements in the room and see how they feel, and don’t be scared to experiment with formations and scale.

Start a collection

If you want to add multiple pieces of art to your space (as you should, but more on that later), find an artist whose art you can relate to and start investing. You can incorporate different art and prints from one artist and start a collection. It’s easy to find good art online at affordable prices and create a bold statement in your home. If you think the artist has an opportunity to become big in the future, this collection can even pay off many times.

Don’t leave it at one

One piece of art can often look out of place and lost, so try not to limit yourself. Consider being bold and provide your home with a unique gallery of your preferences and tastes. A variety of art can be an amazing ice breaker, especially if you know quite a lot about the pieces. Just to be sure, try to go with matching frames to create a cohesive effect.

Set up lighting

There’s no point in having art in your space if you can’t see it. Good lighting is crucial for setting the ambience of the space and showing art, so if you want to do both, opt for proper display lighting. Track lights are the best solution because they are cheap and easy to install. You can position them however you want and achieve the right size of lighting—they are truly versatile. Another option is to opt for mood lighting with smart bulbs. These allow you to change the color of the lighting, allowing for some dramatic creations, especially beautiful when displaying sculptural art. Just imagine the effect of deep purple light on a white marble statue!

Art should be bought with both head and heart, but if you’re purchasing decoration for your own place, don’t think too much about what the critics say. If you like something, bring it home. And remember that finding original art by online or local artists is easy and affordable, and always better than buying something from big-box stores. Express yourself through properly displayed art and get ready to reap compliments.

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

Basic Plumbing Terminologies That You Need to Know

Every construction project includes plumbing. Whether commercial or residential, plumbing systems run through buildings, becoming one of the most critical components. If you work in the plumbing industry or are just someone who wants to learn more about plumbing to fix that simple leaky pipe at home, there are plumbing terminologies that you should know. While knowing these would not instantly make you a plumbing expert, it would help make things easier for you to understand.    

Plumbing Terms
You can learn much about plumbing by learning the terms that plumbers use. It will also help you understand your plumbing system better.  

Water Closet    

A historical term for bathrooms. In the past, bathrooms were not as intricate as they are now. The centralization of sewer systems was common and usually done in a spare closet. That is where they took the term water closet. Plumbers didn't find the need to change this, and you might still even notice the letters "WC" on your toilets.    

Valves   

There are many types of valves in plumbing, such as:    

Cheater Valve   

Plumbers sometimes like to take the easy way out. It is where a cheater valve comes in. Using a cheater valve is a technique that plumbers use to vent a fixture drain. The actual name for these valves would be an air admittance valve. Some regulations prohibit using these valves, so do your research before testing them out.    
 

T & P Valve   

The "T" and "P" stand for temperature and pressure. You can usually find these valves in water heater tanks. It helps control the heat by opening and relieving pressure inside to prevent an explosion because of extreme heat.    

Sanitary Tee   

While you are right in thinking it has something to do with sanitation, this does not mean that an unsanitary tee exists. It merely points out the importance of sanitation, especially in waste lines. They are T in shape, and you can usually locate them in the middle of a new pipe and an old one.    

Waste lines are among the parts of your plumbing system without air pressure. The sanitary tee ensures that the water flow goes one way and is out of the system.    

Backflow   

Backflow is when the flow of water goes the wrong way or back the way it came from, contaminating the clean water in your systems. Regulations require that a plumbing contractor install a backflow preventer in places most likely to experience backflow due to pressure, like handheld showers.    

Water Hammer  

Before you conjure up an image of a hammer, this is not a thing but more like a condition. Have you ever heard a solid banging sound when you turn on a faucet? The sound itself is the water hammer. It happens when the air pressure inside the pipes is too high, making the water rush out without control and banging at the corners and twists of pipes.   

Sweat Connection   

While sweat is commonly known as fluids that come from your body after a workout or extreme heat, this terminology is not the case. When plumbers join two copper pipes, they call it sweating. It involves heating the joints of these pipes so they can be watertight. With the extreme heat, the flux usually bubbles up, and moisture beads up, making it look like the pipe is sweating.    

Blow Bag  

The name isn't too far from its purpose. This term discusses a bag that blows water pressure into your drains. It is usually a plumbing bladder, and plumbers use it to unclog drains. You should always note that only professionals should do this unclogging as too much pressure will lead to pipe damage.    

Plumbing Snake   

Generally known as Augers, a plumbing snake got its name from its shape and form. It coils and bends, making it look like a snake. Plumbers usually install these types of pipes in toilets and clogs.   

Black Water  

From the term itself, you know that it has something to do with dirty water. There is also the term "Gray water," which comes from shower drains, washing machines, sinks, and tubs. This type of water is usually a mix of soap and grease, which can be safe for your lawn and plants, making it recyclable.    

Blackwater, on the other hand, is from toilets. This type of water directly flows through your septic system and is not something that is appealing to look at, smell, or even handle.    

Vent Stack   

Have you ever seen a two- or three-inch pipe jutting up from the roof? If you have, then that is what plumbers like to call a vent stack. It is the main vent pipe that connects the sewer to the roof, and its function is not only to release harmful gases but also to ensure that the pressure is in control. Without this, it would affect the tension in your pipes.   

Knowing the meaning of these terms will help you the next time a plumber comes to your building for some repairs or maintenance. It also gives you an idea about which parts of your plumbing systems are functioning and which ones need attention.  

While you're at it, you should also ask professionals about airtight and watertight exterior access doors. They provide security, protection, and easy access to the plumbing components of your home.    

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

All You Need to Know About Indoor Plumbing

Commercial buildings use their plumbing system daily because it's an integral part of any structure. It's also essential that a plumbing system runs perfectly every day because people use it every day. Keep in mind that building owners have to learn about their building's plumbing system to ensure they resolve plumbing issues as quickly as possible. They even install specific features like adjustable and magnetic access doors to make the plumber's job faster and easier.  

You should expect many issues to arise, especially when your building has an extensive system. Even learning the basics about the system can make a huge difference in how it will function.   

Plumbing System Components and Their Functions    

Unaware people think a plumbing system only consists of pipes beneath floors and walls. Usually, a standard plumbing system doesn't have mechanical parts and mainly works through water pressure, gravity, and the water's principle of requiring equal levels. A complete plumbing system has several functions that utilize concepts that include:  

• Water intake source  

• Drainage systems  

• Plumbing fixtures    

1. Water Intake from a Specific Source   

The water intake source is one of the two critical subsystems in an extensive plumbing setup. Most pressurized water goes into a standard-sized building through a meter, which measures the intake amount from the main water line. In other locations like rural areas, water gets pumped from a private water source and goes through a pressure tank.   

Both use pressure to drive water upwards, and you can control them by valves installed in different building areas until someone allows it to escape by using a faucet. All water intake systems contain a single or specific shut-off valve for each plumbing fixture.   

2. Drainage Systems  

The second component is the drainage system, which works differently from a water intake system because it doesn't rely on pressure. Instead, it depends on gravity and how contractors angle the pipes precisely to bring wastewater to a septic or sewer system. You can find that the pipes underneath bathtubs or sinks have a curvature to permit water to flow down.   

Those pipes also contain enough water at the bottom of a curved tube to contain waste gasses that prevent them from going up to plumbing fixtures. You can, most of the time, access the traps to eliminate accumulated debris, such as grease, hair, and hygienic products.   

3. Plumbing Fixtures    

Examples of plumbing fixtures include tubs, showers, faucets, sinks, toilets, bidets, and even appliances like a dishwasher. Most will have water inflow and outflow to bring clean water and quickly remove wastewater.   

The Different Plumbing Pipes 

Besides learning about the plumbing system components, you also have to know what pipes your building uses and needs for many reasons, like adhering to strict building codes. Each type of plumbing pipe also has specific uses since some building areas can damage pipes faster like constant moisture exposure.   

- Brass Pipes 

The first type is brass piping, one of the most favored choices for structures requiring a plumbing system with an extensive lifespan. However, the brass pipe's alloy needs at least 85% copper to achieve maximum strength and avoid rusting or friction loss. You can also thread and install brass pipes easier than steel pipes, making it an excellent choice for commercial buildings and spaces.   

- Stainless Steel Pipes 

Another well-known type you can use is stainless steel pipes, and commercial structures also choose this because it doesn't rust as fast. You can install these in buildings near seawater, and they won't rust or break. Stainless steel pipes' only downfall is that they don't come cheap.   

- Copper Pipes 

Copper pipes are similar to stainless steel with durability and corrosion resistance. Additionally, copper can handle high-pressure hot and cold water. You can find this installed underground and used to handle refrigerants.   

- PVC Pipes  

PVC pipes are made of plastic and don't handle heat exposure very well. That's why you'll only see this type indoors, primarily used for drains. They also don't flex very well, so it requires fittings to make them turn in another direction. PVC pipes work best if you are on a budget and only want to use them for indoor purposes.   

You can always talk to an expert plumbing contractor to get more details about your plumbing system. It is an extensive system that requires months or years of studying and application. Hopefully, the points above can give you an idea of how to better care for your plumbing system.  

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

4 Tips for Preparing Your AC Unit for the Summer Months

You might have been using your air conditioner sparingly for the better part of the year, but when the summer months come, you know your AC unit is in for a lot of work.

With summers seemingly getting hotter every year (and apparently, longer by the end of the century), it’s only wise to prepare your AC unit for the daily grind ahead.

Fail to perform any preventative AC maintenance before summer arrives, and the likelihood of your AC breaking down in the middle of the hottest months of the year increases.

Here are four tips that will help you prepare your AC for summer and prevent such breakdowns.

1. Clean Your Air Filter

Of all the parts that make up your AC system, the air filter is often seen as the simplest, as it’s just a cardboard-framed box with pleated material.

However, for all its simplicity, the air filter is actually one of the most important parts of your air conditioning system. It traps and holds dust, dirt, pollen, and other particulates and contaminants to keep indoor air quality as great as possible.

Since the air filter accumulates dust and dirt over time, replacing or cleaning it before the onset of summer will ensure excellent airflow and clean indoor air when the climate heats up.

2. Clean The Outside Unit

The outside unit of your AC system is exposed to the elements, especially if you do not cover it over the months that it’s not in use. It won’t be a surprise if your outside unit is covered in dirt, dust, and debris such as leaves and twigs.

As with a dirty filter, a grimy outside unit is likely to cause poor airflow, making it work harder. That would lead not only to an inefficient operation but also overheating since the outside unit will have a difficult time pushing warm air out of your home. When your AC overheats during the summer, it would only be a matter of time before it breaks down.

Considering how hot summers can get, it’s imperative that your outside unit be as clean as you can make it.

Before turning your AC on for the summer, make sure that the outside unit—which includes the condenser coils and cooling fins—is clear of dirt, dust, and any sort of debris that might obstruct airflow.

3. Check the Insulation On Refrigerant Lines

Your AC system typically has two copper lines that run from your air handler’s evaporator to the outdoor unit. These are refrigerant or coolant lines, and they’re usually insulated with foam to prevent energy loss.

Check these lines and see if the insulation is still intact. If you find frayed or missing sections of insulation, buy AC pipe insulation at a home improvement store near you and replace them right away. Whether you go with foam rubber, fiberglass, or polyethylene foam insulation would be entirely up to you.

Your refrigerant lines need to be fully insulated, especially during the hot days of summer. Coolant lines that don’t have full insulation will likely cause condensation up on their surface, which, in turn, could leak into your home.

4. Get Professional HVAC Maintenance Done

The three previous tips are all good, but all of that and more can be done in one fell swoop if you get the services of a professional HVAC contractor before summer comes around.

On top of cleaning the air filter, the outside unit, and checking your coolant lines’ insulation, HVAC pros will ensure that your air conditioner will be in tiptop shape for the duration of the summer by:

●      Checking your duct system

●      Checking refrigerant levels

●      Inspecting system controls

●      Cleaning the blower and make necessary adjustments

●      Lubricating motors and all moving parts

●      Inspecting all electrical components

●      Checking the area near the air intake

●      Tightening fan, bearings, and belts

●      Testing the thermostat

Your air conditioner is a machine, and it will likely break down at some point because of other factors such as a bad capacitor, a refrigerant leak, or the age of the equipment. However, you can delay the onset of such malfunctions if you only provide your AC unit the maintenance work it deserves.

By having professional HVAC technicians pore over and test every vital part during a maintenance session, your AC stands a much better chance of powering through the summer heat without any hitches.

About the author

Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of Precision Air & Plumbing, a full-service HVAC, plumbing and home performance contractor operating in Chandler, Arizona. Rachel enjoys yoga and writing articles about how to make home living more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Housewarming Gift Ideas For New Homeowners

Purchasing a first home is an exciting part of life’s adventure. When it’s time to celebrate this milestone with friends or family members, it can be challenging to come up with the right gift. To make the task less of an ordeal, below are a few points to consider, as well as a few examples to keep in mind when shopping around for housewarming gift ideas.

Housewarming Gift Etiquette

There isn’t a set list of dos and don’ts when it comes to housewarming gift ideas. That being said, it is customary to go with a thoughtful, house-related item. Said item could be something which helps the home to feel warmer and more welcoming, like a scented candle or decorative photo frame. Another go-to option is a practical gift that will serve a function or fill an essential role throughout the house. This could be in the form of a collection of cookware, new towels or even a power tool for all those upcoming home repair projects.

There’s also no set of rules on pricing. The budget depends on the giver, and while it may be tempting to be extravagant, it typically isn’t an expectation. As such, it’s recommended to determine a price range at the outset of shopping. The key is to remember that no matter what ends up in the gift bag, the recipient is sure to appreciate the gesture.

Examples of Practical, Yet Thoughtful Housewarming Gift Ideas

Serving Tray

If the new homeowners love to host, consider presenting them with a serving tray. Available in a variety of styles, these dining accessories can feature an elegant design, modern aesthetic or even be made one-of-a-kind through customization. Companies around the Internet offer personalization options to add names, anniversaries and even the location of the new house. This idea is also great as a means to complement a dining room or coffee table for those who don’t have company often.

Barware 

Do the new homeowners like to partake in a drink now and again? If so, that opens up a world of gift ideas. One they may really appreciate is a handy bar tool set complete with all the essentials to make cocktails. Such sets may include a double-sided jigger, strainer, bottle opener and possibly a stand to store everything neatly on the new bar. Consider opting for one that is dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up.  

Charcuterie Board

Another great gift idea for those who love to entertain is a charcuterie board or tray. Designed to hold assorted cheeses, meats, spreads and fruits, these party staples make a wonderful offering as they can also be customized with a heartfelt message. Depending on the source, they may also be sold as a set with all the accessories needed for throwing the perfect soirée, like cheese knives and labels.

Fancy Cutlery

How about enhancing the dining experience with gorgeous tableware? Having a nice set of serving utensils and cutlery that homeowners can bring out for company and special occasions could make the new home feel more distinguished. There’s a lot of diversity out there when it comes to design, but there are ways to play it safe, such as the always stylish stainless steel Italian flatware. 

Salad Bowl with Serving Utensils

Sticking with the food-related theme, up next is an extra-large salad bowl. Typically made of wood, these serving vessels can bring a classic quality to the table with natural elements, or they can give off a more modern look with stainless steel. When shopping for the right bowl, go for one with coordinating serving utensils and an easy clean-up.

Helping Friends Make a New Home Their Own

While a gift card to a home improvement store is a quick and easy route, there are more thoughtful gift ideas waiting to be found. A final word of advice would be to take a step back and imagine what is needed from the homeowner’s point of view. Doing so may help identify a necessity yet to be checked off the list or help add a personal touch to the new home.

Author bio: David Wachter is a small online retail business owner with a luxury boutique store named All The Rage Beverly Hills. Based in Beverly Hills, California, he is passionate about providing uniquely inspired luxury goods from top U.S. and European suppliers. Wachter creates fun and insightful content focused on “All The Rage” products from around the world.