THESE CLEVER TIPS WILL MAKE YOUR GARAGE EVEN MORE USEABLE

Most people think of a garage as nothing more than a storage area. But garages can be so much more! In fact, it doesn’t take much to make your garage an efficient workspace and pleasant place to spend time. It starts with clearing out the clutter, which you should do every year or two, and applying a coat of paint or giving the ceiling a fresh look. After that, all you need are some shelving units for tools and other supplies to keep them tidy but accessible. Pretty soon your garage will feel like an extension of your home – comfortable and convenient!

1 - PLACING STORAGE ON THE CEILING

Garages are rarely finished to the same standard as homes and it is sometimes difficult to find a surface where you can place shelves or storage units. This is not the case for those with high ceilings, however. If there’s extra space up there, consider placing storage on the ceiling of your garage. You can use a hook, and bracket system. These don't have to be anything fancy just a few planks of wood or strips of metal will work. Hang them so they are about 6" below the ceiling, but not touching it. This way you can store things on them without worrying about them getting wet or too dirty. You can attach the shelves yourself with screws, nails, or even magnets if you don’t want to put holes in the ceiling. Or, you can go for something a little more complicated. The choice is yours.

2 - CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER

The next step to making your garage more functional – and habitable – is clearing out the clutter. Every time you open your garage door, your first instinct should be to clear it all away. So go through everything stored in here and get rid of what you don’t need or use anymore. If that isn't motivation enough, remember that having a tidy space will make it much easier for you to find tools if you need them in a hurry. Every few months, sort all the supplies and equipment you have down there, checking for broken or dated tools. Toss things that are useless or in poor condition and take the rest to a local thrift shop or donate them to charity. You’ll be surprised by how much extra room you have!

3 - INVEST IN SOME GOOD SHELVING UNITS

In most homes, the garage is where everyone throws whatever they don’t want to deal with, from old toys and tools to boxes of who knows what. The trick to making this space work for you is taking a few minutes every so often to sort through the mess and store things in a place where you can easily find them. Shelving units are a great way to do this, as they’ll not only hold everything neatly, they’ll also allow you to see what you have. When choosing a set for your garage, look for one with rolling tracks that can hold a variety of different items. There are many affordable options available at your local home improvement store that you can build yourself or have assembled professionally, or you can hire a carpenter to do the job for you. The sky is really the limit when it comes to what you can use these for, and how you can customize your garage for comfort and functionality.

4 - PLUS IF YOU HAVE EXTRA LAWN EQUIPMENT…

Lawn equipment takes up a lot of space and it’s usually not stored in garages for long periods because it might get ruined by water, ice, snow, etc. If this problem sounds familiar (or if you want to utilize your garage while still enjoying some outdoor leisure), invest in an outdoor shed. These weather-tight structures are the best way to protect your lawn equipment from the elements.

5 - PAINTING CAN BRIGHTEN UP ANY SPACE

Why not think about giving your garage a fresh coat of paint or adding some stenciling on the ceiling. This is especially important if you don’t plan on having the space finished with drywall or wood paneling. Painting is an inexpensive way to spruce your garage and make it look like a brand new room!

6 - DON’T FORGET THE FLOOR!

Garages are typically made of concrete or asphalt, which can become very dirty and slippery over time. If you want your garage to be safe for all its users (including pets), consider investing in rubber floor mats that absorb moisture and help to keep the space clean.

7 - ADD SOME FINISHING TOUCHES

If you're going to go through the trouble of making your garage more habitable, why not make it more pleasant? Many people choose to install ceiling fans in the ceilings. Not only do they keep the air circulating, but they also help to keep your appliances from overheating during the summer.

8 - CREATE A WORKBENCH FOR CONVENIENCE

If you do a lot of home improvement, installing a workbench will be useful. This doesn't have to be complicated – just a couple of simple shelves will do. Not only will you have somewhere to place all your tools, but putting them within sight will make it much easier to find what you need.

9 - INSTALL WALL-MOUNTED CABINETS

Installing your storage off the ground and onto the walls is a great way to free up garage space. You can find specially designed cabinets and units that attach directly to your walls. If you have a lot of stuff to put away, installing these sorts of cabinets might be the best option. In addition to being space savers, they can look very stylish and modern.

Garages are often neglected in favor of the living space. But garages can be so much more! Your garage is a great place to store all your tools, supplies, and equipment that you may need for an outside project or just running errands. And it doesn't have to look like clutter either--clearing out the clutter every year or two will make sure everything stays organized while being easy to find when needed.

10 Surprising Historical Facts You Didn't Know About Toilets

This post is about toilets. Not just any old toilets, though — the kinds that get flushed down and sent off to wherever they go when we're done with them.

We typically don't discuss toilets too much (or even think about them), so I figured it was time for an article on this important topic. Below are 10 surprising things you may not have known about your toilet or the history of flushing. Please share if you found them interesting!

#1: There's no historical record of who invented the flush toilet (and when)

While there aren't records revealing who invented the flush toilet, historians know that ancient peoples around the world used some form of a "flush" technology. For example, flush toilets were found in Minoan Crete (from roughly 2000-1450 B.C.), and there's evidence that the ancient Romans had a version of flushing toilets as early as 100 A.D.

The Minoan civilization from 1700–1450 B.C., having a flush toilet with a water channel leading to a soakaway below it

#2: Toilets got their name because people originally sat on them facing the street...

Although we have no records of who invented the first toilets, we do know where they first started being used — namely, places of business and trade such as taverns and inns. Why? You might ask: Well, they first appeared in the streets of ancient Greece in about 500 B.C., so people could do their business out in public without having to go home.

These "water closets" were originally only used by men (they didn't want ladies seeing them during their "private time") and were often referred to as "vessels." When these toilets got their name is unclear, but one theory suggests that it was because people sat on them facing the street instead of facing each other, which resembled an old Roman vessel with two handles.

#3: For almost 200 years prior to 1857, there wasn't much variety when it came to toilets...

Toilets weren't all that varied from 500 B.C. to 1857, when the modern toilet started getting popularized in England and America. In fact, for almost 200 years prior to this point in time, most people had a choice between a "cesspool" or a "privy," both of which were not pleasant at all. The cesspool was basically a hole in the ground covered by a stone slab that often leaked raw sewage into nearby rivers and groundwater (this created an obvious health hazard).

The other option — the outhouse — wasn't much better: It was essentially just a small hut (with no roof) that typically only had three walls; it would be partially enclosed with planks and straw on all sides except one (the fourth side), which would be open for access to the "seat" via a vertical hole.

#4: China is where flushing toilets got their start...

Although ancient Greeks and Romans had primitive forms of flushing toilets, it was in ancient China that these types of toilets started becoming more widely used — starting around 100 A.D. Even then, though, they weren't exactly like what we know today: These early Chinese-style toilets were big and pot-like (most likely made out of stoneware or porcelain), and water was actually carried into the room inside jars or pots that connected to pipes inside the toilet itself.

The first modern flush toilet (also known as a "water closet") was invented in 1775 by an Englishman named Alexander Cummings:

#5: The modern flush toilet was invented by an Englishman named Alexander Cummings

In 1775, a man from England known as Alexander Cummings invented the first modern flushing water closet (flushing WC) – also called "the Earth Closet." It was similar to the types of toilets used in ancient China, except that it didn't have a pot-like design but rather a cylindrical shape made out of wood. Water spouted upward inside the chamber after each flush, which pushed waste out and down into a pan underneath where it would be flushed away with water. This was not only more sanitary than what came before it, but it also proved to be much more effective at moving waste away from the toilet itself.

#6: Elaborate Victorian-era toilets were often gilded with gold

While flushing toilets first started becoming popular during the mid 19th century, it wasn't until the Victorian era (1837-1901) that they started getting more ornate and detailed. After all, at this time in history, having an elaborate toilet was one of the ways you could show off how wealthy you were. For example, Victorian-era washbasins often came with beautiful marble countertops and matching sinks made out of porcelain or copper.

As for more intricate fixtures like these "dumb waiters" here (also known as closets), they typically had walls or sides made out of wood, with elaborate carvings decorating the upper portions. On top of that, they were often finished in gold or other precious metals.

#7: There's a reason why toilets are typically porcelain

The main reason so many toilet bowls are made out of porcelain is because it's extremely durable and you can easily clean it without worrying about corrosion or rust coming through (it also has an aesthetically pleasing look). But up until around 1900, many Victorian-era toilets were actually made out of wood...which sounds pretty gross to us these days. Even then, though, people weren't just using wooden planks; instead, they would typically use "cane reed," which was much more absorbent than today's wooden planks and was often covered with hemp or wool.

#8: ...and because of that, early Victorian-era toilets were made out of cheaper materials like wood and then covered inexpensive fabrics

Even though porcelain and other ceramics started becoming more popular as toilet materials around the mid 19th century, you can thank the Victorians for spreading this trend. Namely, they started using much more expensive materials (like marble) to make their washbasins and urinals – but would cover them up with beautiful carpets or rugs to hide the fact that they weren't actually made out of porcelain. This way, it appeared as if everyone who had a fancy bathroom was using a porcelain toilet, even if that wasn't the case.

#9: One of the primary reasons why some toilets are black is because it's more sanitary

Though many people associate black toilets with being dirty, this isn't actually true. Back in the early 20th century, porcelain was still considered somewhat new technology, and since it had only been recently introduced most people weren't exactly sure how to make something out of it (or whether or not they were any good). Because of this, there were numerous problems with products made out of pale-colored porcelain-like stains or discoloration appearing on them after a while (you can thank chemicals for both these issues). As such, one common solution was to coat toilets in black enamel paint, which was both inexpensive and prevented these stains from ever appearing.

#10: The bowl design most commonly used in homes today is actually a newer invention

Two of the most common styles of toilet bowls you can find are called "squat" toilets and "bowl" toilets. Bowl toilets have an upside-down funnel shape that allows waste to easily slide away after each flush, while squat toilets look more like a large porcelain plate with a deep hole in the middle. However, neither of these bowl designs are new or particularly great for your health, so it's hard to say who came up with them first. Instead, most modern homes around the world today use what's known as "siphonic flush," which pushes water down from the rim to force waste away below.

There you have it! Even though none of these might seem like they have much to do with one another, all ten are part of the interesting history behind modern-day toilets.

Guest Contributor: Mark Webster

How To Become A Licensed Plumber? 5 Steps For You

Plumbing is a career that is high in demand and sorely lacking in numbers. Almost every modern home and even whole corporate buildings need plumbing issues fixed regularly. An up-and-coming plumber won’t be lacking in jobs to do. Plumbers get a lot of interesting and consistent work. Today, let’s discuss what steps you need to take to become a plumber, and what you should expect in your career.

What do Plumbers do?

Plumbing is a trade where you are expected to fix all manner of plumbing problems such as unclogging pipes, setting up new pipe systems, and inspecting existing piping systems to see if they are up to code. The work requires a lot of know-how with piping systems, blueprints as well as basic carpentry skills.

What Kind of Plumbers are Out There?

There are three levels of experience that plumbers are classified into.

Apprentice

These are aspiring plumbers without experience. As an apprentice, you study under journeymen or master plumbers that have significant knowledge and experience in the field. 

Apprenticeships usually take a total of 2 to 5 years to complete. To get an apprenticeship, ask your local plumbing unions or organizations if they are willing to take you under their wing. Alternatively, just find a licensed plumber willing to teach you.

You will be expected to assist them in on-hand assignments such as home repairs. Additionally, you will also have to read up on coursework for your trade school.

Trade schools will often cost you $3000 to $10000 annually, depending on your trade school and course program. Only those who meet the minimum age of 18 are eligible for apprenticeship.

Journeyman

Journeymen are plumbers who have completed their apprenticeship and once they are licensed, will be allowed to work as a professional plumbers. Journeyman plumbers need to maintain their education and pass regular licensing exams to see if they are still fit for a plumber job. 

Most states require this annually, but some only need a renewal every three to five years. There is no national plumbing license, so you have to take licensing exams in other states in case you move.

Master Plumber

Master plumbers stand at the top of their trade and are often the end goal of all plumbers. To become a master plumber, they must have two years of total experience as a Journeyman. They need to pass a master plumber’s exam, both in written and practical tests. 

Once you become a master plumber, you are now able to work supervisory roles and train younger plumbers. Only master plumbers can start a plumbing business. They are also the only plumbers qualified to design blueprints for plumbing systems of major projects.

How to Become a Licensed Plumber 

There are a lot of things you need to do to upskill and become a licensed plumber.

1. Meet the bare minimum requirements

All plumbers should have at least finished high school or achieved a GED. In addition, they must be able to have basic knowledge of computers, math, and pass a drug test. Lastly, you need to be the age of 18 to start an apprenticeship.

2. Enroll in a Trade School

Enrolling in a trade school will often cost you $3000 to $1000 depending on the school and provide you with coursework and a certificate at the end of your 1 or 2 years. 

Look for a local trade school to enroll in for convenience, as you will likely be doing your apprenticeship at the same time.

3. Start your Apprenticeship

Usually, a trade school assigns you to a professional plumber for your apprenticeship. However, if you know a professional plumber, you could ask your school to consent to an apprenticeship with them. 
Apprenticeships will take 2 to 5 years, and you can start as soon as you start trade school.

4. Pick a Specialization

Once you are training, you have the choice of specializing even further past the handyman approach of regularly licensed plumbers. While it’s possible to dabble in different specializations, you should focus on only one of these during yourapprenticeship.

Pipelayers are the most common type of specialization. They install the pipes for major plumbing systems such as storm drains or water mains. It involves a lot of hard labor due to the digging and demolishing needed to set the pipes in place. They are most common in residential areas.

Pipefitters are in charge of indoor industrial projects such as the heating and cooling systems of massive factories. They are responsible for all piping systems in an industrial setting. A variant of these pipefitters, called steamfitters, do much the same tasks as pipefitters only they work with steam in high-pressure pipe systems.

5. Get Licensed

The requirements vary by state, but it’s important to get a license in your state so you can start working as a professional immediately. Regular compliance checks are expected. For Ilinois,  you are required to renew your apprentice or plumber license every year.  You can check the requirements on their official website. Remember, residential and commercial owners will only hire licensed plumbers.

Conclusion

Plumbing is a great career prospect. It’s a trade that will always be in demand for as long as people live in homes with running water. That said, while it is significantly shorter to get through than most courses, it’s a job that values caution and creativity. You need to prove yourself constantly to become a successful plumber, and it all starts with learning.

Guest Contributor: Kat Sarmiento

Here Are Top Reasons To Hire Experienced Emergency Plumbers

The plumbing issue is, no doubt common for every homeowner, and you can face different types of plumbing problems in your home. For example, you can face some common issues like clogged drains, leakages in your pipelines, overflowing sink or toilet, foul smells coming out from your bathroom, and less water pressure from your kitchen or bathroom taps. How would you solve such problems? 

You do not have much time to research when you have such emergency issues. You need to call experienced emergency plumbers in this regard. They are available 24x7, and you can call them anytime according to your needs.

Benefits of Hiring Experienced Emergency Plumbers

You can find some local plumbers who can offer a wide range of services at affordable prices. But, they are not insured, licensed, and experienced. So, if you hire them to save your repairing cost, you will need to spend double in the future. They can damage your plumbing lines. Apart from that, if they get injured during their repairing work, you have to take their liability and pay for their medical expenses. To avoid such hassles, you must hire experienced emergency plumbers. 

 Below mentioned are the top reasons to call in the experienced plumbers. Read on to know further.

·      The experienced emergency plumbers have enough experience in this field, and they can easily find the exact cause of the problem when it comes to plumbing-related issues. When you call inan experienced plumber to clean your blocked toilet, he can easily find out the clogged areas of your sewage system. Even he can use CCTVs to identify these clogs, and he will remove such clogs from your drains. You cannot expect such fast and reliable services from an inexperienced plumber. 

·      Experienced emergency plumbers deal with small to large-scale properties, and they have some advanced tools to solve your plumbing issue. They have some expensive tools, and non-professionals plumbers cannot afford to buy such tools. Most of the plumbers work an hourly rate, and if they stay for a long in your property, you need to pay them a hefty amount. If you hire an experienced plumber, you can reduce your repairing cost because he can only fix your plumbing problems within a few hours. 

·      Experienced emergency plumbers can provide a wide range of services. They can provide blocked drain cleaning services, and they can also repair the leakages of your pipelines. Even they can also repair your hot water system. So, you do not need to hire different plumbers for different services, and you can hire a plumber who can deal with any plumbing problems. 

·      It is for sure that the local plumbers in your area can fix your plumbing issue, however, they cannot offer any warranty on their services. But, an experienced plumber can provide a limited warranty on his services because he can fix your plumbing issue permanently. 

·      There are many plumbers available in the market who claim to provide services from 9 am to 5 pm, but how would you deal with your plumbing problems if you find such issues atmidnight? In this case, you must rely on an experienced plumber only. It is because the rmergency plumbers can provide 24x7 services, and you can call them anytime in need. 

·      Dealing with plumbing problems can be risky because hazards like flooding and cracks on the walls or ceiling can put your family in a dangerous situation. To prevent such hazardous situations, you need to hire experienced emergency plumbers. The best part about professionals is they have certifications, and are fully licensed. Moreover, the experts in this field can maintain all safety measurements while they perform their repairing work. 

Final Words  

Whenever you feel like you need to get rid of plumbing issuesat your place, consider hiiring the experienced emergency plumbers to get a permanent solution. 

Guest Contributor: Nivi Watson

Got Electrical Questions? Here's How To Find The Right Info

Electricity is something that we use every day without really thinking about it. Some people know a lot about electrical wiring and how to fix any issues related to their electronics, while other individuals know almost nothing at all. Regardless of your level of knowledge on this topic, getting the right information about it is key to finding a solution to any problems that you may have. This article will provide you with some tips for finding the right information when you've got electrical questions.

Meet With an Electrician

One of the best things that you can do when you have some electrical questions is to sit down with a professional. There are electricians you can ask here who will know exactly what he or she needs to do in order to find a solution for your problems, and they will be able to help you as quickly as possible. Sending an email to your local utility company about your electrical issue and expecting to hear back in mere hours with a helpful answer may not always be realistic. But, meeting with a professional will ensure that you get the answers that you need as soon as possible.

Book an Appointment With the Local Regulatory Body

Another great option for getting the right information when you have some electrical questions is to book an appointment with your local regulatory body. This shouldn't be a difficult task if you live in a small town, but it will also enable you to speak directly to someone who has the ability to give you the necessary advice on how to get your problem fixed. As long as you are able to provide some information about your issue, this person will be able to provide you with the best course of action.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask Around For Advice

If you have some electrical questions or concerns, you shouldn't be afraid to ask around for advice from those who may know more than you do. This could include asking a friend or family member who you think may have some experience in the area of electrical work, or you could even post your question on a public forum such as Reddit. There will usually be somebody out there who is more than happy to help others with their electrical questions, and this will save you from having to pay for professional advice that you might not need.

Watch Youtube Videos

If you are looking for some additional information about your electrical issue, you may want to turn to youtube in order to find some helpful videos. There are plenty of individuals who post videos on this platform when they have found a solution or discovered something interesting when it comes to electrical work, so these videos can be extremely helpful. By instantly searching the internet for this advice, you should be able to find a solution that helps you with your electrical problem pretty quickly.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions When You're At the Hardware Store

It never hurts to ask questions when you're at the hardware store, and this will allow you to get some answers about your electrical concerns before having to pay for a product that you don't actually need. Asking somebody who works at the store will also allow them to give you some advice, which can often be extremely helpful. This is a great way to find out what kind of wires or other materials you may need in order to fix your problem.

Carry Detailed Research Online

The internet is an excellent place to carry out a detailed research about your electrical problem, and finding the right information online will be key to solving it. The best way to do this is by carrying out some extensive research on Google or another search engine, which will allow you to find some helpful advice that can help you fix your issue. Additionally, you may also want to use a social media platform to ask friends and followers for their take on it.

It would be also extremely beneficial to verify the information that you find online before making a decision, especially if this information does not come from a professional. This will allow you some additional time in order to check the credibility of this advice and ensure that it is actually helpful before deciding on a possible solution.

When it comes to electrical work, safety and information are always the top priority because what you think is right may not always be and might end up causing you harm. Before you start any project, be sure to gather all of the information you need to do the job safely and correctly.

House Appliances That Offer Good Water Spending Autonomy For Large Families

The average American household consumes about 100 gallons of water per person every day. This is a lot of water! Water spending autonomy is essential for large families because it reduces the amount they need to spend on their utility bills. Luckily, many appliances offer good water spending autonomy for large families. This article will discuss the appliances that are best for large families.

1. Washing Machine

Washing of clothes is one of the most critical tasks in every household. There are different ways to wash clothes, and each family has its preferences. Some people like to use machines, while others prefer to hand-wash their clothes. It is up to every individual to decide what is best for them.

Washing machines have come a long way over the years. They are now more water-efficient than ever before, which is great news for large families who tend to use more water as opposed to smaller households. If you're looking for the best washing machine for a large family, It will be best to go through reviews of the different machines and find one that offers good water spending autonomy. There are many different machines on the market that offer this type of autonomy, so you shouldn't feel overwhelmed finding one that fits your needs. Ensure that you research before purchasing any machine, as not all of them are created equal!

2. Dishwasher

Every homeowner looks forward to having a clean home, and if you have a large family, the chances are that it is harder to keep your home clean. While many appliances and tools can help you achieve this dream, there's nothing like dishwashers to save time while washing dishes.

When it comes to cutting your water bills, dishwashers are the way to go. If you have a large family, ensure that you get a dishwasher that offers good water spending autonomy. Not only will doing so save you precious time and money in the long run, but it will also help preserve precious resources.

3. Vacuum Cleaner

Cleaning your floor is a very tiresome job. You cannot avoid it, though; otherwise, your house will be dirty and smelly after some time. To do this work as easily and quickly as possible, you need to buy or rent a vacuum cleaner for home use. This household appliance is designed for sucking up dirt from all floors (carpeted or not). Even if you have small children who sometimes throw sand on the floor, even then, you can count on the vacuum cleaner's help!

When using a vacuum cleaner, your water bills will not increase noticeably. Moreover, some vacuum cleaner models consume little power and do not raise your electricity bills. Choose the most suitable model for you and your family; it is worth it!

4. Low-faucet Toilet

If not watched, your toilet can consume a great deal of water with each flush. Low-flow toilets were created to solve this issue, and they have been in use for many years now. There are different low-flush toilets on the market, so it is essential to research before purchasing one. Some models offer good spending autonomy for large families, while others may not be as efficient.

Water spending autonomy is one of the most important things you should look at when buying a house appliance. You can find more info about it in this article, so consider reading through it and understanding what options are available to choose from based on your family size and water needs.

What Water and Plumbing Services Are Important For Maintaining a Good Health?

Water and plumbing services are essential for maintaining good health. The water you drink, bathe in, wash with, and cook with must be free of harmful bacteria or other contaminants. If it is not, then your immune system can become impaired, which will make you prone to illnesses. The pipes need to be clean so that they do not harbor bacteria either. This article will list the vital water and plumbing services crucial for maintaining good health.

Installing a Water Filter and Softener

The first step to keeping your health at best is drinking clean water. Everyone should drink as much pure and safe water as possible, but other than that, it can be challenging for some people to maintain this habit because of many factors like taste or availability.

Consequently, installing a water filter and softener is an excellent idea for these people. While you can have these two appliances at different places in your home, a going for whole-house Water Filter Softener Combo is the best choice if you have a big house. Not only will it help enhance your health, but it will also improve the quality of drinking water around your home and office premises.

1. Cleaning your Plumbing System Regularly

Over time, plumbing systems can get clogged up with minerals and other materials, making it hard for the water to flow through smoothly. This results in a slow-flowing toilet that takes ages to flush down; an inconsistent shower or bathtub faucet which constantly drips when turned on; and even worse - toilets that start overflowing unexpectedly because of blockages.

The first important thing you should consider is finding the best local plumber, who can examine the problem firsthand and provide professional advice on dealing with the situation.

2. Regular Drain Cleaning

Another essential plumbing service for keeping your home healthy is regular drain cleaning. Over time, hair, grease, food particles, and other debris can accumulate in your drains and cause them to become clogged. This can often lead to water backing up in your sinks, tubs, and showers, as well as unpleasant smells coming from your drains. A professional drain cleaning service will remove all the build-up from your drains and help keep them clear and flowing properly.

3. Leak Detection and Repair

Another important plumbing service is leak detection and repair. Leaks can happen anywhere in your home, from your faucets and showerheads to your pipes and valves. A small water leak may feel like something not worth your attention, but if it goes undetected for long enough, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure and wiring. A plumber can use special tools to detect leaks in your plumbing system and fix them before they cause any extensive damage.

5. Water Quality Testing

Another essential service that plumbers offer is water quality testing. Your home’s water may look and taste fine, but that doesn’t mean that it’s safe to drink. A plumber can test your water for contaminants like lead, arsenic, and chlorine and recommend improving its quality.

Water and plumbing services are vital because they help prevent different and harmful diseases. As mentioned above in this article, water and plumbing services play a crucial role in ensuring good health. So, if you are not currently utilizing these services, you should consider doing so as soon as possible. Not only will it help improve your health, but it can also save you money in the long run.

6 Signs That Your Water Is Not Drinkable

Did you know that most drinking water contains various minerals, chemicals, and other pollutants that are not safe for human consumption? While there are Federal regulations regarding what deems a water source safe, many of these standards are outdated and allow for a large margin of error. In addition to human waste, livestock will often be housed near bodies of water that serve as their drinking supply. This is not only unsanitary but can also contaminate your drinking supply with bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and parasites.

Before you order a water analysis, there are several signs you can look for that show that your water may indeed be contaminated. If you spot any of the following signs, you should not use your water source as a drinking supply.

1. The Water Has a Different Taste Than Usual

If the water tastes or smells differently than it usually does, there might be high chemicals in the water. These can include pesticides, herbicides, nitrates, and chlorine. You should attach an under-sink carbon filter to your kitchen faucet if this is the case. Sometimes the water can taste sweet, salty, or metallic; this might be due to high sodium levels in areas where water is obtained from wells. High concentrations of manganese sulfate result in sweet water, while the water results in a salty taste due to magnesium sulfate. If you notice that your water tastes metallic, it could be because of iron or other minerals. Excessive sodium can also cause bloating, cramping, and hypertension. Again, attach an under-sink carbon filter to your kitchen faucet.

2. The Water Appears Cloudy or Contains Sediment

If the water appears cloudy, contains sediment, or is discolored, there could be heavy metals in your drinking supply. Lead and mercury are hazardous to ingest in large doses. Many homes still have copper plumbing containing lead solder within the pipe joints; when this type of plumbing breaks down over time, it can cause lead poisoning. When water sits inside a container for too long, it will often accumulate metal particles that destroy much-needed nutrients in the human body. This is why it's essential to drink water regularly throughout the day instead of in one large dose.

3. The Water Smells Bad

If the water smells bad, it could be due to hydrogen sulfide gas. You can tell if your water contains this by the smell of rotten eggs or sewage. While small amounts of hydrogen sulfide are acceptable, anything more than a few parts per million is not safe for human consumption. If you plan on drinking the waters from an open source such as a lake, pond, spring, river, creek, or stream, you must regularly test its chemical and bacterial levels to ensure that it is drinkable at all times. Also, you can attach an under-sink carbon filter to your kitchen faucet to remove any contaminants that could be causing the smell.

4. The Water Contains Aluminum or Yellow/Brown Stains

If your water contains a high aluminum concentration or has yellow or brown stains, there could be iron bacteria in the supply. When these toxins are ingested over time, they can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and even Alzheimer's disease. You should also test if the water contains manganese; while this mineral isn't dangerous to your health, it can turn your shower black due to using too much soap while bathing in it.

5. Your Water Has High Chlorine Levels

Too much chlorine in water can cause dryness, irritation of the eyes and skin, coughing, headaches, sinus problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and asthma. You should also test your water for chloramines. If you are ever boiling the water to purify it before drinking it, make sure that you let it cool down first, as hot water can cause more damage than good when consumed. To rid yourself of this problem, have an expert inspect where your home's plumbing lines are being released into the ground. Once they have identified the source of the issue, they can take the necessary steps to correct it before you become sick due to high chlorine levels.

6. The Water Comes Out Of Your Faucet At A High Temperature

If the water comes out of your faucet at a high temperature, then there is likely an electrical short in your water heater causing this reaction. This may be dangerous since the electrical current could cause harm to both humans and other organisms that drink or come into contact with this contaminated water. If you notice that the water coming out of your faucets has become extremely hot, shut off your water system immediately and contact an electrician to fix this issue before it becomes even more problematic.

You should be able to determine whether or not your water is safe for drinking if you are in an area where clean water is scarce by the taste of it, its smell, color, high temperature, and levels of chlorine. If any of these signs are present, make sure to have your water inspected immediately to avoid illness and consider investing in a water filter for your home.

What Is The Difference Between A Trust And A Will? Find Out Here

There are many different terms that the average person may not be familiar with. One of the most confusing to the general public is the difference between a trust and a will. What are the main differences between these two legal entities? This article will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about which type of entity is right for your needs.

What Is A Trust?

A trust is used to give another person a title to a certain property or asset. When you are putting your house in a trust, it means that the trust will own the property, but you will still be able to live there. The trust can also sell the property or pass it along to someone else if something happens to you. You can also put stocks and investments into a trust. This way, you know that they will be taken care of after you die.

Trusts are very common in estate planning because they offer a lot of flexibility for the person who sets them up. They can also help protect your assets from being divided among your heirs too much. If you have a trust, make sure that you name a trustee. This is the person who will manage the trust on behalf of the people who are named in it.

The Main Features Of Trusts 

There are certain features that are common to all trusts. The main features of trusts are: 

• Control: the settlor (the person who creates the trust) retains control over the trust property, although this may be delegated to one or more trustees.

• Beneficiaries: the beneficiaries are those people who will benefit from the trust property. 

• Trust Property: the trust property is the assets that have been transferred into the trust. These assets can be anything from cash and shares to land and buildings.

• Duration: a trust will continue until it is wound up by either the trustees or the beneficiaries.

• Taxation: trusts can be taxed in the same way as sole traders and companies. 

• Trustees: these are people that have been appointed to manage the trust on behalf of its beneficiaries. 

Why Do People Create Trusts?

People create trusts because they want to ensure their assets are distributed in the way they want after they die. A trust allows you to name a trustee who will manage your assets for the benefit of your beneficiaries. You can also specify how and when your beneficiaries will receive the assets. This can be helpful if you have children from different marriages, or if you want to provide for a loved one who is not able to care for himself or herself.

Another reason people create trusts is to avoid probate. When someone dies intestate (without a will), his or her estate goes through probate court where it is divided among the deceased's heirs according to state law. 

What Is A Will?

A will is a legal document that states a person's wishes regarding the disposal of their property after they die. The will can also name a guardian for any minor children. Typically, a will is prepared with the help of an attorney and must be signed in front of two witnesses in order to be valid. 

If a person dies without a will, their property is distributed according to state law. This can often lead to a lengthy and complicated legal process, so it's important to have a will in place if you want to ensure your wishes are carried out after you die. 

The Main Features Of A Will 

The most common main features of a will are the main components that make up this type of legal document. 

The main feature is what they call "the residuary clause", which basically states who gets whatever remains in your estate after you have covered all debts and expenses, including taxes. Another main component would be whether or not to appoint an executor for your will. It makes sense if you want somebody else to handle matters when you die so as to avoid any possible confusion about how things should proceed with your affairs. However, naming someone as an executor can create conflict and sometimes even anger among family members so many people don't include this feature into their wills at all anymore.

Why Do People Create Wills?

People create wills because they want to ensure their loved ones are taken care of after they die. A will is a document that outlines how someone wants their belongings and property divided up after they pass away. Without a will, the court will decide how to divide up the person's assets, which may not be what the deceased would have wanted.

Another reason people create wills is to designate who will take care of their children if both parents die. The will can also name a guardian for any minor children. This is especially important if the parents do not have any close family members who can take on this responsibility.

Trusts are usually something you should get even when getting a will because of protection and tax benefits. Both of these legal documents are important, but you have to know why people create them. After getting informed you'll see what fits your situation better. Just make sure to be precise!

6 Practical Items That Must Be In Your Bathroom

The bathroom is the most important room in every home. It is where you get your best beauty sleep, relieve stress by taking a hot shower, and brush your teeth regularly. The list of reasons why the bathroom is very important can be elaborated upon endlessly. However, there are some items that you need to have at least in your bathroom to make sure that every single moment spent there has been utilized correctly. If you look under the sink in your bathroom right now, you will probably find at least some of these things. Here are six practical items that must be in any proper bathroom:

Bidet

A bidet is a small bathroom fixture that may be attached to your toilet. It consists of a faucet and an exposed reservoir for water and some form of waste pipe and controls. The idea behind this item is that you can wash your lower body with it after using the toilet, so you reduce the amount of toilet paper used – which helps protect the environment – and you get clean. As seen at https://www.trvst.world/sustainable-living/eco-friendly/best-bidet-converter-kits/,  there are a lot of different options for bidet attachments that you can buy, if you don't want to spend money on an entirely new toilet that comes with the feature built-in. One of the most convenient options is probably the bum gun type that you use with your existing toilet.

Vanity Mirror

Every bathroom needs a mirror. The only problem is that mirrors can be very bulky and take up unnecessary space in the room, especially if you have a smaller bathroom. For this reason, it is smart to buy a vanity mirror instead of a regular mirror. A vanity mirror is one large mirror with small mirrors attached to its frame, one for each side of your face, so that you can check out your makeup while standing in front of the sink. There are lots of different models and styles, so do some research before committing to a specific one. Just make sure it is compatible with your bathroom design.

Over-The-Sink Shelf

One of the worst things about a bathroom is that there may not be enough shelf space to put all your bathroom items. If you have ever had to put something in the sink just so that it doesn't get wet or fall on the floor, then you know exactly what this means. That's why an over-the-sink shelf is such a brilliant idea. These shelves can be placed above your existing sink and provide useful storage space for your shampoo bottles, hair products, and other small items that need to go somewhere dry before they will be used. You may even use them to keep towels and other toiletries if you don't want them displayed in plain sight. This item can help organize your entire bathroom and make it look neater as well.

Dryer Shelf

Perhaps you have a very large bathroom and the only place where you can put your towels is next to the shower. In this case, a better solution than putting them on the floor would be an over-the-shower curtain rod that doubles as a towel rack. This is actually what it says on the box – basically, two rods come together at the top, just like most regular shower curtains do, but they are perfectly horizontal instead of vertical. Do you know how some people never hang up their towels in their bathrooms because they don't want them to drip all over their floors? Well, this type of item will prevent that by raising them above your shower spray range. There are also more advanced models with shelves, just like the one described above. So, get creative and find out which option is best for your bathroom.

Closet Tower

If you have a tiny bathroom or just a messy person in your household that leaves clothes and towels on the floor after showering, then a simple closet tower may be the solution. This type of item usually consists of three shelves that can be attached to virtually any wall, even if there is no stud or other suitable area for screwing it into. In addition, these shelves are often adjustable, so they can hold whatever size bottles and containers you need them to. The best part about this item is how convenient it is – all you have to do is slide your items from the floor onto one shelf, which will keep everything up off the ground and out of sight. So not only does help you save space in your bathroom, but it can also make your place look neater.

If you own a home, especially if you have a family or at least one other person that uses your bathroom with you regularly, then it is in your best interest to invest in some of these items. They can not only make your life easier, but they can also make your place look neater and more organized overall.  So, make sure you include these practical items in your bathroom design.