DIY Or Call A Pro - Everything You Need To Know

What you understand of the skilled trades is likely heavily dependent on many factors, including your family life growing up, your parent’s career tracks, your own educational background, and your current circle of friends and partnerships. Even if you have a strong knowledge of the skilled trades, we bet you didn’t know that well over 100 trades qualify under-skilled trades certifications? If you have an interest, even an obscure one, there’s probably a trades program for you. Love plants and gardening? You could be a Horticulture Technician or an Arborist. If you’re a master in the kitchen, Cooks and Bakers are skilled trades, as well. Get into building and construction in a more niche area by becoming an Architectural Glass and Metal Technician. The options are nearly endless. Trades are critical to the growth of any society because, at their core, they provide expertise in areas that require specialized knowledge over and above what even the most dedicated DIY master can provide. They are the people getting things done and keeping things running worldwide, and we will always need them. You can be mechanically inclined, but when your fridge breaks down, you might not have the experience under your belt to feel confident tinkering with such an essential appliance - but a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic does! 

There’s a lot to be said for honing your own skills so that you’re not in a position of having to call a pro every time there’s a small issue in your home. That being said, some essential skills are important to master before you move out on your own for the first time. (Or, for some of us, to catch up on after moving out—that’s okay!) When you have the basics down, you’ll be more confident in what you can handle on your own and when it’s time to call in a pro in a skilled trade to fix something more specialized.  

Life Skills v. Skilled Trades

How do basic life skills connect to skilled trades? Many tradespeople will tell you—overwhelmingly often, household breakdowns come from lack of knowledge and maintenance. Learning some key skills beforehand can help you prevent problems with critical elements in your home like plumbing, refrigeration, heating, or damage to your drywall and flooring. Let’s talk about some life skills and how they’ll save you money in the future.

Grocery shopping and cooking - Learning what you like to eat, how often you eat at home, and how much food you need to get weekly at the grocery store are essential. Not only will you be wasting money if you overbuy every week, but you’ll also be adding to systemic food waste, increasing your environmental impact, and even potentially creating future issues with your kitchen appliances. Refrigerators and freezers have optimal operating conditions, and when they get stuffed full, they have to work overtime to compensate. If this is a temporary issue because you have friends staying with you and there’s more food in the fridge for a couple of weeks, no problem. If it’s something that consistently happens over time, your fridge and freezer will wear out more quickly. Chances are you’ll start to notice things like your fridge not getting as cold as it used to and your food spoiling more quickly. Or, even worse, your freezer failing and finding a melted puddle of liquid in the middle of your floor. This is the point that you’ll have to call in a pro to do some maintenance that could have been prevented. Planning ahead and knowing your needs can save tons of future headaches.

Cleaning and organization - Cleanliness and tidiness might seem like no-brainers until you’ve experienced the hectic pace and responsibility that comes with living on your own. Once you have, you’ll know that sometimes these can be the things that fall to the wayside. In the best-case scenario, you’ll learn that you don’t like living in a dirty and cluttered space and adjust accordingly with no dire repercussions. On the flip side, you might also become the victim of a dreaded pest infestation. Critters of all kinds (silverfish, roaches, mice, rats) thrive in environments where dirty dishes are left in the sink and drains are not cleaned properly. When these infestations get too far along, you’ll need to bring in a pest control worker and potentially a skilled tradesperson like a Carpenter or Plumber if the issue involves more critical elements in your home.

Laundry - You might not realize how much you take your washing machine and dryer for granted until they break down! These appliances are the workhorses of your home, and with some knowledge and maybe a Post-It or two as a reminder, you can go a long way to lengthening the life of these machines. 

Your washing machine doesn’t need a lot of TLC. Mostly, it just wants to remind you that it doesn’t like getting small objects from pockets stuck under the drum. This can cause issues that affect its functionality and mean you’ll have to call a repair person, but all you need to do is remember to empty your pockets! 

Your dryer does a hero's job in removing all sorts of hair and fibers from your clothes so that they come out looking refreshed and clean. It does that by pulling all of that into your lint trap, and it needs to be cleaned out! Once it gets blocked, your dryer has to work a lot harder to do its job. Your clothes will take longer to dry, have more lint on them, and you’ll be shortening the life of your dryer. Not to mention that dryers get super hot inside, and having a blocked lint trap is a potential fire hazard. 

Managing time and finances - Many of the small preventative actions we’ve talked about so far come back to managing your time well. Creating routines that include things like cleaning out your fridge to prevent it from becoming overloaded and cleaning out your dryer trap are quick and easy things that can save you time and money in the long run. The same goes for managing your finances and knowing how much money you have coming in, what goes towards your rent and essential expenses, and what is getting saved. When it comes time to call in a pro to fix something in your home or apartment, you’ll need to be prepared for the expense. Regular maintenance will be covered by your landlord if you’re renting, but if there’s an accident that’s on you to fix—you’ll need to have money set aside for that.

Want a pet? Get Ready! Having a pet is a wonderful and enriching experience. Pets are great for your mental health and provide a whole different level of energy in your life. They can come with some potential challenges, though. Lower-maintenance pets like a snake, hedgehog, or hamster are easier to manage and less likely to cause damage in your home. Dogs and cats, however, can be a different story. 

Be prepared for the run-of-the-mill things like ruined furniture and shoes, but also for harder to fix things like stains on carpet or chewed-up baseboards. Having a pet means you’ll have to be ready to learn some DIY skills or have the budget to call a pro when the inevitable happens.

Home maintenance and improvement - Your maintenance priorities will depend on whether you own or are renting and if you’re in standalone or high-density housing. For a more specific list, look for resources that provide you with a good reminder of what to look for on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. Consider setting reminders on your phone so you remember!

When it comes to making improvements to your home or apartment, there is a lot you can learn to do on your own. A great place to get your DIY start is painting a room. If you’re renting, clear this with your landlord before putting one bristle on the wall! Painting is an easy DIY project that can completely change the feel of a room, and it doesn’t require a ton of skill. Get prepared by watching tutorial videos from qualified sources like this one from Home Depot, making sure you have all of the necessary materials, and voila! You’ll be amazed by your own DIY prowess. 

For things like flooring, tiling, and drywall, consider calling a pro for your first projects. Unless you have someone that has done projects like this before that can teach you, trying to learn on your own can be costly and more time-consuming than paying for the right skilled tradesperson to come in.

Build Your Own Basic Tool Kit

Having a basic toolkit that lives in your house or apartment is key, even if you have a separate garage or workspace. A small but well-planned toolkit will let you make quick repairs without searching high and low for each item that you need.  

There are many starter toolkits on the market that will get you going with basics, but to be well-prepared, there are some extras that you’ll want to add. You never know, maybe getting into some basic home DIY will lead you to a career as a tradesperson!

Skilled Trades - Why Are They So Important?

Skilled trades are what allow us as a society to keep building and growing—literally. University and college degree programs are important in a very distinct way from the skilled trades, and they help us to keep growing as well, but differently. Trades are the foundation of our construction, industrial, power, and services. They are the people making things happen in very tangible ways, but over recent years and for several reasons, we have seen a decline in the number of skilled tradespeople. You might have noticed this, particularly if you live in a rural area that has a shortage of plumbers, electricians, and mechanics and have had to wait three weeks for an appointment that could have been made within a couple of days only a few years ago.

The skilled trades labor shortage is rooted in the Baby Boomer generation’s retirement, who focused more on trades careers than university or college degree careers, combined with the emphasis on four-year programs for students coming out of high school, exacerbated by the 2008 recession. That’s a lot of factors combining to cause a huge shortage of skilled tradespeople in the labor force, right when peak demand for those skill sets is expected to happen. 

There’s another consideration to factor in. If the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made you reconsider the potential security of your job or career, a skilled trade is an option to think about that could provide you with a more stable career in the future. Service trades, in particular, are consistently in demand since no matter what’s happening in the world, we’ll always need skilled people to fix our plumbing, electrical, appliances, etc. Below are some of the skilled trades that are highly in demand at the moment. 

●      Repair and maintenance technicians

●      Construction trades

●      Farm equipment technicians

●      Heavy-duty mechanics

●      Diesel mechanics

●      Truck drivers

Skilled trades are an integral part of our daily lives, whether we know it or not. From planning your grocery schedule and doing your dishes to teaching yourself how to make improvements to your home, learning new skills will keep you independent and savvy with your money. And you never know, maybe it’ll even become a career!

Originally Posted on Porch.com

The Importance of Plumbers

One of the most overlooked trades is plumbing. Most people think that plumbers only deal with clogged sinks or clogged toilets, but that’s far from the truth. If we didn’t have plumbers around, the lifestyle we live, the privilege we have of having hot and cold water - wouldn’t be possible without plumbers.

What do plumbers do?

• Plumbers have numerous jobs they do on a daily basis, and that includes more than unclogging toilets.

• Install pipes, fittings, valves

• Install appliances such as dishwashers, water heaters, sinks, toilets, bidets, etc.

• Locate water and gas leaks in pipes

• Replace broken pipes

• Opening clogged drains

• Install clean outs

• Water softeners

  And so much more.

Plumbing is Important

Did you know that the WHO (World Health Organization) declared plumbers as the most important frontline workers? Plumbers help to ensure the world has clean and sanitary water to drink and bathe in, it’s proven that without sanitary water, sustainable health is not possible. Clean and sanitary conditions allow many people to live healthy and it extends life expectancy.

Plumbers also make sure waste ends up in the correct spot. Plumbers make sure that the waste is disposed in a safe manner by separating your clean water from harmful contaminants. If your plumbing is done bad, or not up to plumbing code, it is possible that those waste contaminants could leak into areas it shouldn’t be, and can create a danger to those nearby.

Conservation

One of plumbers main priorities is the conservation of water. Water is a finite resource, which means we don’t have an endless supply, which means we need to be cautious with the way we use it, and find ways to get the most out of it. With appliances in today’s technology, they focus on appliances that are water saving. If you’d like to reuse water and conserve your water a step further, a plumber can help you harvest rainwater.

By using appliances that are water saving, it will actually help you save money in the long run. When you waste water, you still need to pay for it. This is why we suggest ideas to help save water, because water isn’t free and it adds up when it’s being wasted.

There are numerous ways you can conserve your water. The most common appliances that are normally changed to water conservation models are:

• Toilets

• Shower heads

• Bathroom faucet

• Kitchen faucet

If you’re interested in becoming a plumber, send us your resumes to kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com. Plumbers save the world, don’t you want to be a part of that?

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

Constructing Plumbing Systems in Modular Homes and Buildings

Modular buildings are becoming increasingly popular due to the speed of their construction. The reduced time in construction has a significant impact on the cost of the overall project, which makes it enticing. Contractors can build structures rapidly with a design that takes less space than traditional ones.

People typically think that modular buildings have challenges when it comes to fitting all of their plumbings, but this instance is far from reality. The pipes and other plumbing fixtures are easier to install in a modular setting than in traditional buildings. With proper planning and execution, the plumbings in modular buildings will be functional with a substantial reduction in cost and installation time. 

How Do You Install Plumbing in a Modular Building?

A complete plumbing system, including vent stacks, water supply, and waste lines, are requirements for modular buildings. The connection, installation, and pressure test are necessary for these lines. The modular facility's supply and waste pipes go through the first floor. The waste and water supply lines on the second level, on the other hand, connect to the water lines that were already existent at the construction phase.

Whether you plan to use city sewage and water or a private septic tank and well, your building will require the appropriate plumbing. Depending on the plan you choose, it will have waste lines, water supply lines, and venting stacks. It is necessary to have all connections tied in and pressure checked to the requisite 35 PSI for waste lines and 95 and 100 PSI for water lines to prevent leakage.

The pipes for waste and water supply are in the kitchen and bathroom parts of the manufacturing facility while they are under construction. Plumbing gets stubbed through on the first level, and if the structure has a second story, it may run up chase walls. After the delivery and setting of the building, your builder will need to hook up the second-story waste and water lines on-site. 

The builder is responsible for linking your well or public water to your building, determining what type of plumbing connections you need. It would be best to install general-purpose access doors with access cover to protect the entry points of the utility areas that you will use to access your plumbing.

Misconceptions About Plumbing in Modular Buildings

Plumbers and professionals typically avoid working on the modular buildings' plumbing systems. Certain beliefs about it, on the other hand, are untrue. One assumption is that the drain lines have no venting mechanism, which is ludicrous because all drain lines require vents to function correctly; otherwise, pressure will build up, and nothing will move. 

Another common misconception regarding modular buildings is that they come with low-quality pipes that deteriorate over time, which is not the case.

Installing Public Water Pipes

Your modular building's water source will determine the plumbing connections. Furthermore, installing the pipes' entrance should be during the foundation, regardless of where the water supply originates. You'll need to hook up your building to the city's water supply.

Water Supply

You'll need to connect the water supply lines to the first-floor plumbing lines stubbed into the modular building's floor. The water feeds for the second floor must be from the connection between the first and second floors in access panels, typically located near the waste lines for the modular building. It is always preferable to have the access panels on the floor rather than the second-story ceiling.

Sewer System Installation

In terms of technique and setup, connecting sewer pipes is comparable to linking water sources in modular buildings. However, keep in mind that the septic system's installation should only be after the construction of the entire building.

Waste Lines and Vent Stacks

The water lines on the first floor must connect to the waste pipes in the foundation space of the modular building. However, if you have a two-story building, the waste lines need a connection to the first-floor box, which will be present between the two stories. Placing the box on the second-floor floor is usually tricky since it necessitates the use of additional materials. 

The vent stacks in the attic space, perforated in the roof, can connect to offer an easy exhaust system.

Hot Water Heater Installation

This job will require an electrician to operate the water heater system, either an on-demand system or a storage tank. For the water heating system, there are two possibilities. One option is installing the water heater in the building's foundation base, while the other is installing it in the conditioned space. Furthermore, it can use both electric and natural gas for water heating.

Plumbing Leaks

Because the plumbing supply lines in these buildings are rarely inside the walls, you won't have to worry about any wall damages. Additionally, you can find pipe leaks frequently in the insulation, floors, subfloors, or HVAC ducts. If your flooring is composite wood material, it will absorb liquid like a sponge and deteriorate. 

When it happens, it's usually better and less stressful to bring in new supply lines while shutting down the existing ones rather than repairing them. The last deciding factor in which material to employ will be local plumbing codes.

Takeaway

Prefab buildings will have more variations in the foreseeable future due to the advancement in various construction technologies and methodologies. Driven by the need for a more sustainable approach, more experimental structures will become the foundation for other projects. Make sure to consult with a professional when making decisions about your project and only purchase high-quality products from reputable companies.

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

How To Choose the Right Kind of Plumbing Fittings and Fixtures

When it comes to plumbing systems, many people tend to prioritize inward pipe installation and disregard pipe fittings and pipelines, which are fundamental to ensure that your plumbing is fully-operational and working as it should. Understanding the significance of having a solid pipe framework is critical because if these fittings are not working correctly, it gives room for leakage. 

Plumbing fittings integrate several pieces of plumbing equipment, including lines, fixtures, and the joints that interface these installations. Installing quality pipe fittings and fixtures are essential for a continuous water flow and reliable plumbing framework.

However, before choosing the right materials to make fittings and fixtures, there are several things to consider. For starters, you'll need to keep in mind the plumbing use. This means the amount of water pressure should match the pipe. For instance, if you’re looking for high water pressure, you'll need a pipe that's wide, strong, and made to withstand great force. 

Additionally, you'll should consider the water type before settling for plumbing fittings and fixtures. This is because some places have corrosive water that tends to dissolve plumbing fittings and fixtures. As a result, by choosing the right materials, your pipes won't degrade after short use. 

Besides, when copper and metal pipes corrode, they might dissolve into the water. As a result, you might need experts from Action Services Plumbers London, UK, to conduct a water test to determine the acidity levels.

Note that the soil composition also poses a problem to the materials of your plumbing fittings and fixtures. So, if your soil comprises excess rocks, abrasive materials, and moisture, it might lead to your pipes' degradation. 

When considering the materials used in your plumbing, ensure that you get the right fit. This will help you end up with quality products. 

So, to guide you in making the right choice, below are some tips to consider.

Tips on Choosing the Right Plumbing Fittings And Fixtures

Whether building your property or renovating, you will eventually need to purchase plumbing fittings and fixtures based on your needs. Although these parts are small and appear optional, they help maintain the main plumbing framework. When looking for the ideal pipe fittings and fixtures, you can consider some factors here.

• Cost - Finding the right fittings and fixtures also means staying within budget without sacrificing quality. Choosing to purchase branded plumbing accessories is expensive, to say the least, since you may end up spending more than you have intended. Asking for recommendations and checking for cheaper options is better before settling on your purchase to avoid exhausting your budget before the project is complete.

• Quality - When looking for plumbing fittings and fixtures, you must always consider the quality of your purchase item. Installing inexpensive yet low-quality accessories will ultimately lead to a budget disaster since they can easily break and cause leakages. The leakage can also occur through an ingrained pipe that is hard to locate and isolate, making repairs especially expensive. Consider purchasing an item that can benefit you in the long run, just like fire-rated access doors and panels.

• Material - Identifying your needs will lead you to choose the suitable material for your plumbing fittings and fixtures. Your contractor can give you recommendations if you are clueless about purchasing. Some of the materials used in fittings and fixtures are stainless steel, plastic, aluminum, concrete, copper, and glass, to name a few. 

• Size - To ensure the stability of your plumbing system, you need to install the fittings and fixtures of the right size to hold the structure in place properly. When shopping for these accessories, do not forget to take the measurements along with you. Purchasing the accessories in the wrong size may delay the construction project and keep you off track when it comes to your budget range.

• Aesthetic - Fitting and fixtures are considered as plumbing accessories. Therefore, it would be best to purchase items that can blend in perfectly with the overall aesthetic of your home or business. Thankfully, you can choose from several colors and designs.

When choosing the right plumbing fittings and fixtures, you must be extremely careful in deliberating what you need. Taking these buying factors into consideration will assure you that your plumbing system will work properly and last longer.

Types of Plumbing Pipe Fittings

There are various types of plumbing fittings available that have different functions. Plumbers use fittings to connect multiple pipes to regulate or measure the water flow regardless of size. Here are the various fittings used in residential or commercial plumbing systems.

• Elbow - Elbow fittings usually have 90 degrees and 45 degrees turn and are installed to change the pipe flow direction. The sweep of the elbow fitting shows how fast it can make a transition or change in leadership.

• Reducer - Reducers are installed to connect pipes with different diameters as it gradually changes in diameter to reduce flow.

• Tee Type - This fitting is shaped like the letter T and has two inlets arranged at 90 degrees in the main pipeline. 

• Street Elbows - Street elbows are composed of male and female threads. They are commonly used with galvanized steel and copper pipe, ideally in tight spaces.

• Cross-Type - This fitting accessory is designed with four openings in four different directions and is commonly used for fire sprinkler systems.

• Couplings - Couplings are used to connect pipes of the same diameter. It has two types available: compression and regular coupling.

• Unions - Union fittings have similar functions to couplings. However, union fittings are not fixed and can be removed when needed. 

• Adaptors - Commonly used in copper or PVC plumbing applications, adaptors are installed to change the end of a non-threaded pipe to male or female ends. 

• Olet - Plumbers use olet fittings when the inlet pipe size is larger than the outlet pipes in a T-section. Several types of olets are available, such as butt-weldolet, socket weld, threaded, elbow, nipple, lateral, and flange olet.

• Bushings - Bushing fittings may have a similar function as reducers, but they are different in making an abrupt change in diameter.

• Plug - Plug is a plumbing accessory used in closing pipe openings during repairs and inspections. 

• Caps - Caps have similar functions as plug fittings but consist of male and female threads. It is available in rubber, copper, steel, plastic, etc.

• Valves - Valve fittings regulate water or gas flow through a pipe. There are different types of valves such as gate valves, globe valves, check valves, butterfly valves, and diaphragm valves. 

Types of Plumbing Fixtures

Since fixtures are for extended usage, they are often made with durable materials that resist corrosion, erosion, and water stains. Plumbing fixtures are manufactured with different materials, including PVC, fiberglass, tile, marble, glass, and stainless steel or copper. Here are the different types of plumbing fixtures.

• Toilets - Toilets may look simple, but they have ingenious systems and designs. It mainly consists of a water tank mounted above the bowl with a large curved drain in the bottom. The toilet is then mounted to the floor with its drain pipe connected and positioned over the sewer pipe. Toilets also vary in some parts of the world and have different types: flush toilets, dry toilets, urinals, and high-tech toilets. 

• Bathtubs - Commonly found in bathrooms, bathtubs usually have a shower attachment that provides the user versatility. Modern tubs have overflows, drains, and faucets that help in regulating water flow and water drain. Some of the most common bathtubs are Western-style bathtubs, Eastern-style bathtubs, Claw-foot tubs, Whirlpool tubs, and Hot tubs.

• Sinks - Plumbing sinks are bowls or basins used to hold water in kitchens, bathrooms, and other utility rooms. Many sinks have cold and hot water options depending on users' needs. The different types of sinks include self-rimming sinks, bottom-mount sinks, solid surface sinks, butler sinks, and stand-alone sinks.

• Showers - Showers are plumbing fixtures that use a nozzle to stream hot or cold water over a tub or a shower space. There are several variations in the nozzle, but they all have the same function. Standard showers include water showers, electric showers, air showers, steam showers, bucket showers, beach showers.

Each plumbing fixture comes in various styles, colors, and designs. Depending on the fixture, they offer practicality and are often aesthetically pleasing.

Your plumbing system is considered an integral component since it deals with water flow and easter disposal. With this in mind, an effective maintenance program and regular upkeep are crucial to ensure its stability. In addition, it is imperative to equip your water system with necessary parts such as plumbing fittings and fixtures.

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

How to Properly Take Care of Electricity Supply While You’re Renovating Your Home?

Renovating your home can be a daunting task, but with careful planning, it doesn't have to be. One of the most important things to consider when renovating your home in Australia is how to take care of your electricity supply. Here are a few tips on how to do that.

BEST POWER SOLUTION

One thing to consider when renovating your home in Australia is how you will keep everything powered up while the renovation process takes place. Some things will likely need more power than others, such as having all lights on inside or outside during the day while renovations are being done. If you're going to need more power supply or a new distributor, it's best to do an electric comparison first. This should be done before the renovation process begins to avoid any sudden changes in electricity costs.

Renovating your home can also change the cost of electricity for you. This is because there is more power being used at one time than there was before, so it might start to increase your monthly bills. Depending on how long you plan on staying in your home and what renovations will be done, again, it's important to do an electric comparison beforehand so that you're aware of any changes that may happen. If your electric bill does increase once everything has been completed, don't forget about energy-saving tips. These tips can help reduce the amount of energy you use around the house which can save you money in both the short term and long term.

You can also consider taking any items that need extra power off of the main distributor or get an alternative power source and one of the best ways to do this is by using a generator or inverter. These can be used indoors or outdoors depending on how your home is set up and which would work best for you. If possible, make sure that you use an inverter rather than a generator as it will produce less noise, making it ideal for an outdoor environment.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Though this may seem like an obvious one, it is still very important to ensure that everyone who is involved in the renovation process knows how to take care of the electricity supply. The last thing you'd want is for someone to accidentally turn off your main power supply while you're having work done on your home. Having someone around who knows how to safely take care of the electricity supply can help keep everyone safe and prevent accidents.

Also, it is important that everyone knows what can and cannot be done while taking care of the electrical supply. Most of the time, it's best to consult a qualified electrician before beginning work on your home's power supply. You certainly don't want to accidentally cause more damage or make things worse.

CHECK POWER CABLES REGULARLY

One of the most common causes of fires in homes is faulty wiring or electrical cords. To avoid any possible accidents, you should always check these things before using them. Basically, if something looks suspicious, don't use it until a professional has checked out first. This way, you can be sure that everything is safe and will continue to remain so.

Also, it's important to look at where the electrical cables are placed before you begin working on your home. This way, you can figure out if anything needs moved or changed for renovations to be completed properly. 

BE CAREFUL WITH POWER TOOLS

Using power tools while renovating your home can help speed up the process considerably, but they're not always completely foolproof. If you plan on using any power tools during renovations, make sure that everyone knows what they're doing and how to use them properly and safely.

For example, a multifunction tool may not only cut through wood but can also make holes in walls or create sparks as well. If anyone messes up, it's best to repair things before working on any electrical fixtures inside. Using power tools may save you some time, but they should only be used if absolutely necessary after taking safety precautions first.

One of the most important things to consider when renovating is how to take care of your electricity supply. Whether you're doing a DIY project or hiring someone, it's best to consult an electrician before beginning work on your home's power supply and make sure that any renovations won't cause more damage. It can also be helpful to do an electric comparison beforehand so that you know what changes might happen with your monthly bills and look at where electrical cables are placed for safety reasons. If using power tools during renovation, make sure everyone knows how they should be used safely and correctly in order not to injure themselves or anyone else around them.

ARE YOU REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN? HERE'S HOW TO DEAL WITH THE WASTE

You might be wondering what to do with the waste during your kitchen remodeling. You'll find that there are many different ways of dealing with waste during this process, but you should try to use organic materials as much as possible. It's important to recycle and compost, but it's also very important not to put any excess burden on the environment by adding too much waste back into it. Let's see some solutions for dealing with waste in your kitchen!

LARGE TRASH BINS

One of the simplest solutions for dealing with kitchen remodeling waste is to simply place one or more large trash bins in the area where you're working. Be sure to keep them far away from food preparation surfaces, and clean them out regularly so that there isn't anything rotting inside. If you feel that you'll be making a lot of mess and waste, you can go for Gordon Park skip bin hire to put all that waste in large containers and have them shipped. This is one of the best options because it removes the burden from your shoulders.

REDIRECT YOUR KITCHEN SINK DRAINS

Your sink drains could be another source of organic materials for composting or recycling during your kitchen remodeling project. You can redirect them to large containers so that you can keep organic kitchen waste contained while it's working its way through the composting process. Be aware that some of these materials might need to be treated before they can go into general compost piles, so don't just toss everything into one container!

KEEP A DUSTPAN NEARBY

You'll probably create a lot of dust during your kitchen remodeling project. Even if you're wearing masks and gloves, there will be small particles in the air (and coating every surface) of your home. You can make it easier on yourself by keeping a small dustpan or shovel nearby at all times. This way, when you knock down insulation or other debris around your home, it can easily get swept up.

USE AS MUCH RECYCLED AND RECYCLABLE MATERIAL AS POSSIBLE

This is true for any project, but it's very important for kitchen remodeling projects in particular. If you use as much recycled material as possible, then it will be easier to recycle or compost the rest of your waste materials after your project is complete. Even if you have to pay more upfront, you'll save money later on because there won't be so much waste to deal with. During your kitchen renovation project always remember your local recycling plant so that you have a place to deposit all of those recycling materials when it's time for them to go! Not every plant accepts every material, so check beforehand to see what's accepted and what isn't. You don't want to create more waste than necessary during your kitchen renovation project! One way that you can reduce your overall waste despite using many different products is by using reusable materials whenever possible. Instead of buying disposable pans and trays, see if you can find reusable pans and trays that you can bring back with you when your project is over. You'll also probably be needing lots of cardboard boxes during your kitchen remodeling project so that all of your unwanted materials and belongings can be easily and safely transported to a storage unit or new home.

CLEAN UP PROPERLY

One way to reduce waste during kitchen remodeling projects, or any other type of renovation project for that matter, is to clean up properly after yourself once the job has been completed. Make sure that everything has been completely cleaned before you leave the scene so that you don't have too much cleaning up to do later on! If something goes wrong, don't feel pressured into doing more than necessary to fix it. If there are materials that you don't want around your property anymore, make sure they're gone before the actual kitchen remodeling project begins. This will save you time later on as well as reduce the overall amount of waste that has to be dealt with after all is said and done! If you have asbestos insulation, take care of it properly by hiring a contractor who specializes in this material before the renovation begins. If there is a problem that can't be dealt with, then just remember that other types of materials often look very similar so always double-check to make sure you're not accidentally exposing yourself to something dangerous!

The process of remodeling your kitchen is fun but it can be difficult to deal with the waste materials that are created. These tips will hopefully help you to create as little waste as possible so that you have a safer, cleaner remodeling experience!

An Effective Guide On How To Maintain A Good Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can have a serious impact on your health and well-being. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor pollutants may be up to 10 times greater than outdoor pollutants. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to improve our home's air quality such as using a humidifier or installing better insulation. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best ways to maintain the good indoor air quality in your home.

1 - Have an Air Purifier Installed

An air purifier can have a huge impact on your home's indoor air quality. If you're looking to remove pollutants from the air, such as dust and pet dander, a Rainmate air purifier could be just what you need. There are all sorts of different types, such as HEPA filters or ionic filters, that vary in price and effectiveness. Make sure to research different types so you can be confident that you're selecting the right one for your home. With the right air purifier installed, you can easily remove bacteria and impurities from your home's air. Getting an air purifier can be an excellent first step to take for better indoor air quality.

2 - Keep Your Home Well Insulated

In addition to an air purifier, keeping your home well insulated is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. If the atmosphere lacks insulation, it leaves more room for cold air to escape during the winter, which means warm air escapes as well. This can result in higher electric bills, not to mention a chilly home. There are a few different types of insulation that you can use, such as cellulose insulation or spray foam. If you're looking to save money on your energy bills, consider having an insulation contractor come to your home to help you find the best insulation for your space.

3 - Maintain Your Home's Humidity

Maintaining good humidity levels throughout your house is another way to maintain healthy indoor air quality. A humidifier might be necessary if you live in an area with low humidity during the winter. On the other hand, maintaining high humidity levels might be necessary if you live in an area with high humidity. Either way, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers can help maintain a healthy level of indoor air quality. Your humidity levels should be at around 40-50%. If you're using a humidifier, make sure it's cleaned regularly so that bacteria doesn't build up.

4 - Ventilate Your Home

Ventilation is incredibly important when it comes to maintaining good indoor air quality. Ventilation is a key component in circulating the air throughout your home so that everything stays fresh and clean. During the winter, your windows may be closed up to keep out cold weather and warm air inside. However, this means that pollutants won't be able to escape. Consider opening your windows for at least 30 minutes every day so that fresh air can come in and pollutants can be exchanged. Proper ventilation can seriously help improve your home's indoor air quality. Why not consider installing ceiling fans throughout your whole house as this can help promote air movement in your home when necessary. Make sure your home is properly ventilated, especially during the summer months. You don't want to allow the atmosphere to get stuffy and stagnant that can also lead to poor indoor air quality.

5 - Use the Right Cleaning Products

It's important to use appropriate cleaning products when you clean your home. Many common household cleaners can be extremely toxic, which is bad for your health and can also impact the indoor air quality of your home. On the other hand, using natural cleaning products - such as a vinegar/water mixture - will improve the atmosphere of your home and help maintain healthy indoor air quality.

6 - Use Natural Deodorizers

On the same note, you should try to avoid using harsh chemicals and artificial materials for deodorizing your home. Burning incense, using natural deodorizer atmosphere, baking soda, or other such products can add a pleasant aroma to your home without compromising the. It's a safe and healthy way to maintain good indoor air quality.

Maintaining good indoor air quality is important for our health and well-being. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to achieve this goal, such as using an air purifier, keeping our home well insulated, maintaining humidity levels, ventilating our home properly, and using the right cleaning products. By following these tips, you can keep your home healthy and free from harmful pollutants.

Water & Flood Damage Restoration: 4 Things You Should Know About It

Water damage can come about in many ways, but it is always inconvenient and costly. Floods are the worst culprits of water damage for many reasons, including the fact that they may affect an entire building or area. Because of this, floodwaters must be pushed out quickly before mold begins to grow. Whether you are suffering from flooding at home or the office, it may be in your best interest to learn more about water damage restoration. These four facts about flood and water damage restoration may help you understand what to do if you suffer from this type of damage.

What are the Common Causes of Water Damage?

One of the most common causes of water damage is leaks. These can happen from several sources, including plumbing, roofs, and even windows. Water seeping through cracks is one of the most difficult types to detect because it goes quietly until it has soaked everything into a soggy mess. Other less noticeable sources include broken appliances that spray water or sewage that backs up into a building due to blockage. Whatever caused your water damage, you need a restoration plan as quickly as possible.

Regardless of how it occurs, water damage often results in additional damage to the building's structure. Water that remains for too long will weaken the integrity of walls and floors, which means you can expect more problems if they are not repaired immediately. However, avoid trying to repair anything by yourself, and instead call for professional help, by reaching out to reputable water restoration companies. Even a single mistake could make the problem worse and end up costing more money in repairs, time lost from work, and so on.

What are the Proper Procedures for Water Damage Restoration?

As mentioned earlier, water damage restoration is a multi-stage process. The first step in this process should be to turn off the power by shutting off circuit breakers and removing fuses from the fuse box to prevent short-circuiting. You also need to remove personal items that have been soaked. This will prevent them from being damaged further when your building's structure begins to dry out.

While you are repairing the secondary damage caused by flooding, professionals need to begin drying out your walls and floors. This ensures that mold does not start growing before the building has had a chance to fully dry out. Once everything is ready, humidity can be brought down within 24 hours using dehumidifiers or other equipment designed specifically for this purpose.

The Difference Between Water Damage Restoration And Flood Cleanup

Water damage restoration is not the same as flood cleanup. Some companies specialize in one but not the other, even though both types of water damage require similar skills and equipment. However, restoring water damage after floods is more difficult because floodwaters are only the beginning of the problem. They leave after-effects, including mud and other debris that can be hazardous to your health. Flood damage restoration also involves cleaning up floodwaters that may have contaminated anything they touched, including your personal belongings. 

On the other hand, water damage caused by leaks or broken appliances is easier to repair because they are less likely to leave extensive after-effects. This makes them easier to clean up, however they also require professionals with the equipment and skills necessary to restore things such as air conditioning, water heaters, and other plumbing.

What to Do If You Have Water Damage Restoration Problems

If your building has already suffered water damage during floods or leaks, then you should take steps immediately to prevent further damage. This could include removing sections of walls that have been soaked. However, if you do not want this kind of demolition work done in your building, then you should turn off all power and start drying out your structure. While waiting for professional help, go through the damaged areas and remove items that are valuable enough to risk being damaged by mold or other contaminants left behind by floodwaters.

When working with water damage, it is best to act quickly. A little bit of neglect can lead to big problems down the road that require you to invest more time and money into fixing them. This means that waiting too long before hiring help or starting work yourself could end up costing you even more money in repairs later on. To avoid these kinds of problems hire professionals that you can trust, and work with them to clean up the mess left behind by water damage.

Water damage restoration is not a one-person job. It requires specific skills and experience to get the best results. Even if you try to handle it yourself, there are potential accidents that can't be dealt with without professional help. However, what you can do is to do your best to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.  Things like using your dishwasher correctly, not flushing away non-organic substances down toilets, and following guidelines on how to use appliances can reduce the risk of water damage in your home. So, keep these things in mind next time you notice a sign of water damage in your home, act quickly and save yourself from more serious issues, at least.

What Should I Do If My Water Heater Isn't Working?

Unlike household appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, your water heater will be used daily. This device is used to provide hot water for everyday purposes such as washing dishes, bathing, washing clothes, and making toilets. Your family uses water heaters every day, so it is not uncommon for problems to arise. Fortunately, tank water heaters are designed with minimal parts. You don't have to hire a professional to fix your water heater. We've compiled a list of common problems and solutions if your water heater isn't working.

Problems and solutions of water heaters

Loose or damaged drain valve

Unlike leaks near the bottom of the tank, leaks at the top of the system can be easily repaired. The most common cause of tank leaks is a loose tube valve. It's the top handle of a tank designed to turn the water flow on or off. To solve this problem, you need to hold the nut on the ball or globe valve. If the leak worsens after you tighten it, go to your local hardware store and get a new water heater valve.

Overpressure valve defective

Most types of water heaters are equipped with a pressure relief valve that reduces tank pressure when the tank pressure is too high. If there is a valve leaking on the top of your water heater, we recommend purchasing the new one online or from a local store. Removing and replacing the regulator is not difficult.

There is no hot water

If you have an electric water heater in your home, the number one cause of water shortage is a broken heater. The water heater has two heaters that heat the water entering the tank. When the heating element begins to fail, there is little or no hot water for showering, washing, and rinsing.

On the other hand, various problems can prevent hot water from being generated in a gas heater. This could be because the lights are off or the gas valve is defective. If the thermocouple is damaged, your home will run out of hot water. Any of these components can be easily replaced by purchasing a new component. If your water heater is not working properly, you will need to purchase new parts or contact a licensed plumber to repair the water heater.

Lack of hot water

Do you often run out of hot water? This problem can be a by-product of a bad hose. These pipes are designed to push and heat cold water at the bottom of the tank. If the dip tube begins to crack or leak, the cold water supply line may be at the top or center of the tank. This will send cold water to your home faucet and shower at the top of the tank. This water heater problem can be solved by replacing the immersion tube in the system. Since installing new piping is complex, we recommend that you seek the help of a qualified technician.

A lack of hot water can also be a sign of excess sediment in the tank. When the water heater reaches mid-life, water minerals such as magnesium and calcium begin to build up at the bottom of the tank. If the pain continues to increase, there will be less space to store hot water in the tank. To solve this problem, clean the water heater to remove excess minerals.

The temperature of the water is either too hot or too chilly.

If the shower water is too hot or too cold, you can adjust the water temperature by changing the thermostat setting. Setting the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit will save you energy costs. This temperature is suitable if you are concerned about burns or rashes. Is this temperature too cold? You can set the thermostat to 140 degrees Fahrenheit to make the bathroom more comfortable. If the Want Water heater repair San Diego does not move after the temperature change, the thermostat may be defective. Find a qualified plumbing or heating company near you to repair or replace your thermostat.

Low water pressure

The breakdown of a water heater is not always the cause of low water pressure. If you live in an older home with little plumbing, the water flow will be restricted before it reaches kitchen or bathroom surfaces. The only way to fix this water heater problem is to connect a new 3/4 inch water line to the system. Another problem that can negatively affect water pressure is limescale deposits in the water pipes. If the pain continues to increase, there will be less space to store hot water in the tank. To solve this problem, clean the water heater to remove excess minerals.

As magnesium and calcium build up in the pipe, the diameter of the water pipe decreases. As a result, hot water from the water heater will not flow efficiently to the sink or electronics. The process of replacing plumbing involves removing drywall so the average unlicensed owner cannot fix this water heating problem.

Colored water

The water that comes out of your sink needs to be clean. Have you ever noticed that the water in your house is colored? This is a sign of aging at the anode start of the tank or water heater. Fortunately, if the problem is identified early, it can be fixed. If your home's water heater is not working properly, contact your local plumber for repairs and adjustments. A licensed HVAC plumber or Want Water heater repair san Diego can easily remove and replace the anode rod system.

If the rust spreads in the tank, small cracks can form. This can cause water to spill on the floor or furniture. Unfortunately, most tank leaks are irreparable. Instead, to fix this water heater issue, you'll need to buy a new system. To save money, it is a good idea to report the first signs of corrosion to a professional to make sure they have been fixed.

It took a long time to make hot water.

Once the tank is empty, it only takes a few minutes to recycle the hot water. If the water heater is taking an hour to get hot water, this indicates a dirty burner opening. On the other hand, increasing the pressure of the gas water heater can solve the problem of insufficient hot water supply. To clean the burner openings and adjust the gas pressure, contact your local licensed technician for immediate help with this water heater issue.

Call our team at  or make an appointment on our website in the event of malfunctions with the gas valve, the heating element, or the immersion tube. Our experienced team of technicians offers you repair and installation service for water heaters in your area. Want Water heater repair san Diego also provides repair and installation services for water softeners, drains, central air conditioning, ovens, and plumbing. Find Water heater repair San Diego offers upfront pricing for all types of HVAC and plumbing projects. Our team is billed for work, not hourly. In addition, every project we work on guarantees your satisfaction.

What to Know before Installing Metal Building

Metal buildings are very practical, economical, and incredibly solid structures. They can keep warm and cold to extremes, so they are practical for all kinds of purposes. Metal structures can be used for different things like a garage, warehouse, or even a place to live.

Depending on the purpose, you also need to choose the best insulation for your metal building. There is no person in the world who doesn't want to save money, and choosing good insulation is the main thing in this case.

Good insulation will reduce the electricity costs you need for heating or cooling and do that for you. However, there are many things to know before installing a metal building that will help to make a choice.

Knowing your needs

Before engaging in the installation of a metal building, you must ask yourself what your needs and expectations are. First of all, do you need just a temporary object or a building you want to use in years ahead? If it's just a temporary object, you can easily do it yourself. But if you need it for something more lasting, it is better to contact some experienced contractors. It is good to know that experienced contractors will save you from poor insulation quality and structural damage. 

Installation on your own

Installation of your own metal building can be very interesting and simple if you have even a little construction knowledge. But if that's not the case, it's better to find someone with experience to help you. Before you embark on the installation process, take a good look at the instructions manual. In order to do this job properly, you must follow every step of the instructions manual and do it to the end. In order to do that keep your instruction manual near you every step of the way.

Insulating 

Maybe you're one of those people who choose to build a building without any insulation to save money. In that case, depending on what you need for a metal building, insulation can be crucial. If it's located in an area with extreme climate or temperature change, then you need to think of properly insulating a metal building if you want it to last. With good insulation, you can prevent corrosion and rust, most of them absorb moisture. In any case, think of it as something that will protect your investment, and keep you cozy during the coldest or warmest days.

The Foundation

One of the most important steps involves preparing the ground surface for pouring the foundation slab. The surface where your slab of cement will go must be completely flat. This is important so that the anchor bolts will be easily found. Make sure to see instructions to find out where your anchor bolts go.

Don't forget that during this phase, you need to install the I-beams, support columns, and secondary framing. It is good to install purlins at two-foot centers to give your building additional strength. Make the frame for openings, such as doors and windows, during this step as well.

Roof 

When we talk about the roof, what's very important is knowing that there's a formula for determining the steepness of the roof compared to its horizontal length. Here's how to calculate it, if the roof gradient value of 1:12 means the roof rises 1 inch for every 12 inches of roof’s length. Roof pitches of 3:12, 4:12, 5:12, or 6:12 work best for metal buildings if you live in a snowy climate country. Anything over a 6:12 pitch tends to make huge amounts of snow slide off the roof. Standing seam metal roofs, which permit snow to slide more easily, might do better with a 2:12 or 3:12 pitch. The other benefit of this formula is that insulation can be firmly pressed against the structures, without creating cracks. 

Guest Contributor: Mike