Understanding Water Fountains From a Plumber's Perspective: 9 Main Points

Water fountains can improve your home’s appearance significantly. The best part about them is that they are very affordable, which makes them a great option for people who are looking for ways to improve their home’s design without spending a fortune.

However, before you can invest in a fountain, you need to take some time to learn about them. It is especially important to learn about them considering the rising costs of energy bills, since fountains use water. However, you shouldn’t worry about your fountain wasting water. This post will tell you about water fountains from a plumber’s perspective, so you know everything that’s worth knowing.

Types

Any plumber that’s worth working with will tell you about the different types of fountains before they tell you anything else so that they can find the style of fountain that’s right for you. A very popular style of fountain is the wall-mounted fountain. An outdoor wall fountain for the patio of your home will give you a comfortable place to sit beside and a great place to relax. You can also buy freestanding bird bath fountains, or even indoor fountains if that’s what you’re interested in.

Planning

When you are going to install a fountain, you need to plan meticulously. A fountain isn’t a small undertaking, since it will completely transform your home’s appearance. You need to ensure that you have thought through the type of fountain that you want, as well as the material that you want it made from. A plumber will be able to work with you to plan out the fountain that’s right for you. In addition to helping you to plan, they will also offer advice. Make sure that the plumber you are working with is experienced, so that you can trust their advice.

Materials

Something that you need to give a lot of consideration to is the material that your fountain is going to be made out of. More often than not, experts recommend investing in a fountain that is made out of concrete. The reason for this is that concrete tends to last a lot longer, not to mention that it’s a lot more durable and doesn’t show signs of wear as easily. A concrete fountain can last an entire lifetime and more if it’s properly cared for

Recycling

A lot of people are under the impression that fountains use a lot of water, but this isn’t true at all. Nearly all fountains sold today recycle water that’s held within their tanks. The water that’s held in the tank is typically collected from rain. However, during hot spells or intense summers, you may have to top up your fountain tank yourself. The reason for this is that the heat will cause the water in the fountain to evaporate. It’s also very likely that animals will come and drink from it in high heat, which will cause your fountain’s water reserve to dwindle.

Pump

When you are installing a fountain, you will have to install a pump. It’s nearly always best to let a trained plumber do this for you. If you do not have any experience with plumbing or setting up pumps, then you are probably going to do it wrong. Installing your fountain’s pump incorrectly will mean that water isn’t able to transfer from your fountain’s water tank into its basin. A big problem a lot of people have is a pump that isn’t forceful enough. A plumber will be able to help you to set up your pump so that it works properly.

Drainage

If you are going to be installing a very large fountain, then you also need to make sure that there’s a drainage pipe taking water away from your fountain. A plumber will be able to help you with this. If you have no plumbing experience, then there’s absolutely no way that you will be able to do this yourself. Trying to do this yourself will just result in you making a mistake or damaging your fountain. Drainage pipes can be very complicated to put down but are necessary. Again, they are only necessary for large fountains. Small ones don’t need them.

Overflow

Overflow is something else that you need to think about. Overflow occurs when too much water is in your fountain’s tank and basin, and water begins seeping over the surface. Overflow can be a real problem, especially if your fountain is placed on your patio, because it could lead to lots of water flooding out your patio. Overflow is a very big problem if one’s fountain is connected to the main water pipe since it can’t regulate itself. It can also happen when it is raining very intensely.

Moss

Moss is a big problem for a lot of outdoor fountains. Moss is an unavoidable part of fountain ownership. If you own one, then you need to regularly clear away and clean off any moss. If you allow moss to get out of control, then it can damage your fountain. Moss is very easily cleared away, however. If you do not clear it away when you first notice it, then it could get into the tank and then the pump, leading to blockages. Clearing it off as soon as you notice it will help you to prevent it from becoming much of a problem. You can hire a professional to come in and clean your fountain for you if it’s very large.

Maintenance

Lastly, you need to consider maintenance. There isn’t a single plumber in the world that won’t recommend regularly cleaning your fountain. If you do not clean and maintain your fountain, then it won’t last you a long time. Ideally, a fountain, especially if it’s concrete, should last you a lifetime. There’s no way that it can however if you don’t take care of it. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t take care of their fountains, and this is why so many break down or deteriorate prematurely.

Fountains are a wonderful investment because they can improve your home’s appearance and also make your home a more relaxing place. However, you need to know the logistics of fountain ownership first, which this post has told you about. If you have any further concerns, reach out to a professional fountain distributor and a plumber.

How to Make Your Home Look New without Breaking the Bank

No need to spend a fortune on making your home look new again. There are plenty of simple and inexpensive ways to give your home a fresh new look without spending a lot of money.

1. Give Your Walls A New Coat Of Paint

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most effective ways to give your home a new look. It can brighten a room, make it feel more spacious, and add a touch of personality.

When choosing a paint color, you must consider the overall tone you want to create. For example, light colors can make a room feel airy and open, while dark colors can add drama and depth. Once you've narrowed your choices, it's time to start painting!  

Just remember to prep the surfaces first by removing any old paint or wallpaper and sanding down any rough spots. With a little elbow grease and a few cans of paint, you'll be amazed at what a difference a new coat can make.

2. Switch up Your Furniture Arrangement

Sometimes, you need a fresh perspective to give your home a new look. If your furniture feels like a rut, try rearranging it! You might be surprised at how different a room can look when you switch up the layout.

Remember to take measurements before moving things around to know what will fit. And if you're feeling ambitious, you can always paint or refinish your existing furniture for an even bigger transformation.

3. Add Some Plants or Flowers

Adding a few plants or flowers can greatly impact your environment. Not only do they add color and life to any room, but they can also help to purify the air. If you're not much of a green thumb, opt for low-maintenance succulents or flowers that don't require a lot of watering.

4. Clean Everything

A thorough cleaning can make your home look and feel brand new. Start by decluttering each room and getting rid of any unwanted items. Then, give all surfaces a good wipe-down, including windows, floors, and countertops.

Once everything is clean, take some time to organize your belongings, so they're easy to find when you need them. This will help keep your space tidy and make it feel more like a haven than a dumping ground. Finally, add personal touches like family photos or artwork to make it feel your own.

Cleaning isn't just about making things look nicer; it's also an important way to protect your investment. By regularly cleaning your home, you'll be able to spot any potential problems early on and nip them in the bud. This will save you money in the long run and help your home maintain its value.

5. Invest in Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Making your home more energy-efficient is not only good for the environment—it's also good for your wallet. There are many easy and affordable ways to make your home more energy-efficient, from replacing light bulbs with LED bulbs to sealing up drafty windows and doors.

Investing in energy-efficient appliances can save money on your utility bills. These upgrades may cost a little bit upfront, but they'll quickly pay for themselves in the form of lower energy bills and a modern look for your home.

6. Exterior Remodeling

First impressions matter, so don't forget about your home's exterior when trying to give it a fresh new look. Siding helps to protect your home from the elements and can also give it a fresh new look. If your siding is starting to show its age, consider power washing it or replacing it altogether with reputable experts like James Hardie siding in Colorado.

Trim back any overgrown bushes and add colorful flowers to brighten your yard. And if you have a deck or patio, ensure it's in good repair and free of debris. These simple exterior upgrades will make your home look more inviting and increase its value.

Bottom Line

A good-looking home doesn't have to cost a fortune. It looks and feels great when it's clean and organized, and adding a few personal touches can make it feel like your own. Consider making budget-friendly upgrades to improve your home's curb appeal and increase its value.

Guest Contributor: Samantha Higgins

The Plumber’s Secret: 4 Plumbing Tips From the Experts

Being a homeowner can be challenging. Owning a property means that you need to take care of it and address house-related problems once they manifest. Plumbing issues are one of them. General plumbing problems may include:

• Dripping faucets that waste not only your water but also your money;

• Leaky pipes that can damage your home’s structure;

• Running toilets that can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day;

• Clogged drains that result in waste build-up over time;

• Low water pressure that can drastically impact water consumption; and the like. 

These nuances have to be addressed as soon as possible before they turn into something much worse. And for that, you may check out Fergusons Plumbing on Twitter or consult with any professional plumbing services in your area. These professional plumbers are equipped not only with the right skills and knowledge but also with highly advanced tools and gadgets to address every issue effectively.

But if you lack the budget to call and work with plumbing companies, you may consider learning a few tips and tricks from the experts to prevent or mitigate the issues yourself. Here are some of them:

1. Don’t Flush Items That Are Marked As ‘Flushable’

One of the most important rules in maintaining a healthy plumbing system is to avoid flushing items in your toilet. These include tissues, small toys (if you have kids at home), paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and other pieces of garbage. 

In addition, even those materials labeled ‘flushable’ shouldn’t be flushed in the john. What you can do best is to dispose of them properly in your garbage bags instead. Over time, these things will cause massive buildup and clog your toilet. So, always remind yourself not to make your toilet a second trash bin.

2. Avoid Using Extremely Harmful Chemicals 

Cleaning solutions are most effective when removing hard stains and killing microorganisms that linger on your surfaces. At some point, you want them to be as strong as possible to ensure the cleanliness of your home. But are they safe enough to use?

Strong cleaning solutions often contain harmful chemicals that may cause serious adverse reactions not only to your health but also to your plumbing system. Yes, you read that right. These harmful chemicals can damage your pipes, causing them to corrode over time. When that happens, your pipes will weaken, making them vulnerable to leaks you can’t easily notice. 

That said, here are some harmful cleaners you’d want to avoid:

• Corrosive drain cleaners, such as toilet bowl and oven cleaners;

• Cleaners containing a significant amount of bleach and ammonia; and the like. 

Instead of using these substances, you may try using natural cleaning agents. These are materials that don’t contain harmful and extremely toxic substances.

3. Follow The Sounds Carefully

Get your ears always on guard and carefully listen to the sound of running water. You have to check it out right away, as it can mean a couple of things such as:

• Dripping faucets;

• Leaky pipes;

• Running toilets; and others. 

Dripping faucets are fixed by replacing the entire faucet or the damaged part. Leaky pipes may indicate a clog within (which can lead to bursting of pipes) or corrosion. Damaged pipes have to be replaced with new ones immediately. And when it comes to running toilets, you have to replace the valve that provides the seal inside the tank. 

If you need help addressing the issues mentioned, consider hiring a plumber right away. Doing all the work yourself may result in more serious issues. 

4. Get Rid Of Mineral Deposits

Unfiltered tap water often contains a few minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. These minerals may form buildup over time and clog your drains, faucets, and showerheads. Ignoring these issues can cause detrimental problems, such as bursting pipes and leakages.

To prevent such cases, be sure to clean your faucets and showerheads every six months. Remove the parts and soak them in vinegar with baking soda. The sodium in the baking soda and the acid in the vinegar will help get rid of the mineral deposits stuck in your plumbing. 

It’s recommended that you steer clear of using harsher and stronger cleaning agents for they may contribute to faster pipe and plumbing deterioration over time. 

Final Words

Plumbing issues are a nuisance and ignoring them has detrimental effects on you and your family. Luckily, the expert tips enumerated above will be able to help. Yet don’t forget to ask professional plumbers for help whenever necessary, especially when the issue is too hard for you to handle all on your own.

Should You Buy or Build Your Home?

When you are ready to settle down and make a big purchase on a home, there are two main options – buying or building. There are positive and negative aspects to both options, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Buying a home may come with issues or details you cannot change, and on the other hand, building a home can take longer and be more expensive.

 There is no simple right or wrong answer when it comes to which way you’d like to purchase a home. When making this decision you need to consider what works best for you and your family now and in the future. Here we’ll go over the advantages and disadvantages of each option so you can have a better understanding of which option you want to choose.

Advantages of Buying a Home

There are many benefits to buying a home that has already been built.

Quicker to Move In

If time is of the essence for you, buying a home that already exists may be a better choice. Construction projects can take a lot of time, and there can always be unexpected delays that prolong the process. When you choose a home that is already built, you are able to move in much more quickly.

Urban Location

When you are looking for a home that is closer to a downtown area or in a city, building may not be an option. Many of these areas do not have plots of land available to be built on top of, so your only option, in this case, is to purchase something that is already built. If location is a huge dealbreaker for you, choosing an existing home in an urban area may be better.

Existing Landscaping

It can sometimes take years to grow full and beautiful landscaping after building a home. The construction of a home will take away any grass and shrubbery surrounding the house itself. If landscaping is something you do not want to wait for, buying a home could be a better option. With a built home comes existing landscaping that you won’t have to wait for, or worry about designing and paying for. Landscaping can make a huge difference in the appearance of your home so it is definitely worth considering.

Less Costly

For the most part, when you compare the price of building a home with the cost of purchasing one of a similar design and quality, buying is the cheaper option. You may have to do some renovations or put up with older details, but overall your budget can be much lower.  

If the home does require renovations, this can be a great way to personalize the home without having to build the whole thing from scratch.

Advantages of Building

Building a home is more time-consuming and expensive in general, but the pros may outweigh this for you.

Customization

One huge advantage to building your own home is the ability to customize it to your needs and desires. Older homes mean older floor plans and designs that may not be to your taste, but when you build a home you can make all of the decisions. Additionally, some aspects that may not be standard in most homes could be really important to you, and when you build you can ensure that your home has them.

If you’re not sure exactly how to go about certain customizations that you want, here are lots of custom home builderbusinesses that you can employ to help you make your dreams a reality.

Less Competition

When you fall in love with an existing home, you may not be the only one, which could mean trying to outbid another potential buyer. With a custom-built home, you won’t have to compete for a house you really love. Instead, you just have to worry about buying land to build on, and once you have that taken care of you will be sure to have the exact home you want without someone else wanting it to.

Less Maintenance and Problems

A brand new house is going to have a lot fewer problems from the start, and it will not require the same amount of maintenance that an older home does. Older homes also present the risk of asbestos, lead paint, and mold which can all be damaging to your health.  

An existing home has probably been lived in, and depending on how old it is could need renovations and more frequent maintenance. However, a new home will not need updates or renovations. For example, a new home can be built to be energy efficient, so you can save money in the long run without having to make any updates.

Disadvantages of Buying a Home

While buying an existing home has many advantages, it also has some disadvantages.

More Stressful

Buying a home can be incredibly stressful, and even with the help of a good real estate agent, you may have a difficult time finding a home with a style that is right for you. Many home buyers will have to compromise certain features and design preferences when buying a home because what is popular or in their taste today, was likely not when the home was built.

You can also find yourself in a bidding war over a home, and having your offers rejected can become discouraging.

Maintenance Issues

Depending on the age of your home you may have to deal with problems that require a lot of maintenance. Nothing lasts forever, and older homes tend to need renovations or replacements. This can be more than just hating the tile in a bathroom, often outdated appliances or structural aspects will need to be replaced for safety and efficiency reasons.

An older home is also at risk of having hazardous materials built into it because the standards were different when it was built.

Disadvantages of Building

While building a home gives you more freedom of choice, it also has its disadvantages.

More Expensive

Building a home can be an expensive project, and will likely cost more overall than purchasing one that is a bit older. Additionally, land loans can be more difficult to obtain because there is less collateral, and they will often have a higher down payment and higher interest rate than a  loan for a house. In addition to a land loan, you will also have to obtain a construction loan for the actual building process.

Building a house could come with unexpected costs as well if there are any unforeseen issues during the construction process.

More Time

Building a home will require you to wait out the entire construction process, which can take a long time and delay your move-in date. If you are looking to move in as soon as possible, building could be a less appealing option for you because of how long construction projects can take. There will also probably be delays, so a tight timeline would not be as feasible.

If you are going to build a home you will need to be prepared to make changes to your timeline and have somewhere to live until everything is complete.

More Effort

Even with the help of a builder, building a home requires a lot more of your participation. You will have an enormous amount of decisions to make and a majority of the time builders and project managers will need your approval before moving forward. Building a home is a much more hands-on undertaking than buying a home, and could end up being a stressful process on top of your other responsibilities.

Guest Contributor: Jenn Walker

Air purifiers or Air ionisers? Choosing the perfect Air security device for you.

One of the most talked-about things after the pandemic has been Air security and Air safety and how we can minimize the harmful effects of outdoor as-well-as indoor air pollutants on our health.

According to the WHO guidelines, we should wear a mask to protect ourselves from outdoor pollution. But what about indoors? You cannot sit wearing a mask in your room.

The air inside is five times more harmful and hazardous than the air outside. Studies from the United States and Europe show that persons in industrialized nations spend more than 90 per cent of their time indoors. Infants, their mothers, the elderly and people suffering from chronic diseases make up the majority of this 90 per cent. And are exposed to harmful pollutants like VOCs, PM10 and PM 2.5.

To save our family and friends from the diseases caused by indoor air pollution such as lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD), strokes and Chronic Respiratory disease, we need some kind of air security system in our homes to breathe cleaner air.

We have various kinds of air purifiers with different technologies available in the market. Among all the others, Ionisers and HEPA filters are the most booming air purifiers known today.

Let’s go through and compare both kinds of purifiers, one by one.

Air purifiers v/s Ionisers

Technology

Air purifiers and Ionisers both perform the same function. They cleanse the air, remove allergens and pollutants and are capable of eliminating pollutants as small as 0.3 to 0.1 microns. Then how are they different? Because of the technology they use.

Air purifiers

It consists of a fan and a filter or a series of filters. The fan sucks in the air and passes it through a combination of filters. These filters trap particles, letting clean air be pushed back into the room to circulate.

Usually, the air purifiers use the following two types of filters: -

●     Aluminium filters- These trap larger particles like dust, pet dander and hair.

●     HEPA filters- High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are capable of capturing the smallest of the dust particles, moulds and spores.

The best working filters use a combination of both Aluminium and HEPA filters.

Ionisers

It uses the chemical properties of ions to remove the particles and microbes from the air. It creates negative ions using electricity and discharges them into the room then the negatively charged ions bind into the airborne particles like dust and smoke. As these particles become heavier, they eventually land on surfaces like floors and furniture and may even stick to the walls.

Pros

Air Purifiers

●     Air purifiers work for a wider range of particles. Aluminium filters trap large particles like dust and pollen. On the other hand, HEPA filters trap small particles like pet dander, bacteria and viruses.

●     HEPA filters are capable of removing small particles down to 0.3 microns.

●     Air purifiers do not have any harmful emissions.

●     Unlike Ionisers, all the contaminants and pollutants are sucked in through the fan. So, there is no need to clean the room again and again.

●     Some special kinds of filters are even capable of removing microbes.

●     It is best for people suffering from allergies and asthma.

Ionisers

●     Ionisers are perfectly capable of purifying small as well as large spaces. It works better than any air purifier in large areas.

●     It’s low maintenance and cost-effective.

●     No parts like filters need to be replaced.

●     It removes smaller particles such as tobacco smoke and smog, which measures between 0.01 to 0.1 microns.

●     Some studies show that negative ions can slow the growth of viruses and can kill bacteria, fungi and molds.

Cons

Air Purifiers

●     It requires regular maintenance. Pre-filters require cleaning every 30 days.

●     It is not pocket friendly as HEPA filters last up to a year after that it's recommended to change the filters.

●     It is noisy and may hinder your sleep.

●     Most air purifiers are incapable of removing smoke and odour.

Ionisers

●     It is not suitable for removing large particles like dust and pollen.

●     You may find your furniture a lot dirtier as the pollutants settle on surfaces.

●     Some of them emit Ozone which is extremely harmful to health.

●     Low effectiveness due to low airflow rates.

So having discussed both the Air purifiers and Air Ionisers, we have some points in our hand.

·       Both have their merits and demerits.

·       Both are not suitable for everyone.

·       Every house is different and so are its needs.

Let's be honest, People don’t care whether it's an Air purifier or an Ioniser, people need complete Air security and air safety.

So, after doing a lot of research and putting in a lot of hard work, we have brought you the best of both worlds.Tenshield

What is Tenshield?

Tenshield is an air security device (not to confuse it with an air purifier or Ioniser) brought to you by Freshcraft

What makes Tenshield different from an Air purifier or Air Ioniser?

How does it work?

It has a lot of similarities to that of an air ioniser. But it does not emit ozone which most ionizers do! Apart from releasing a large number of negative ions, which sticks to the tiniest of airborne particles, it ionises the incoming gasses and chF  G emically alters them making the air free from harmful gasses. It can kill or deactivate airborne microorganisms too.

Pros

●     It is good at removing pet dander, mold spores, bacteria and viruses from the air.

●     Unlike Air purifiers, it eliminates odour.

●     Unlike Ionisers, it is capable of removing bigger particles like dust and pollen.

●     Forget the noise, they offer ultra-silence.

●     It’s energy-efficient and low maintenance i.e. it is pocket friendly.

●     And my favourite one. Even after using the ionisation technology, it does not release Ozone.

Cons

●     It works while plugged in, No battery support.

●     No metallic objects can be placed near the device because of the electrostatic discharge.

But the merits clearly outweigh the demerits, and I haven’t mentioned all the advantages Tenshield has over any Air purifier or Ioniser.

 It is called an Absolute Air Security Device for a reason. It offers ultra Air safety to your home and family without releasing any harmful byproduct. It delivers what it promises.

If you are looking forward to investing in an Air security device, you should definitely go for Tenshield.

Guest Contributor: Arslan Hassan