2019
Potential Sewer Problems You Could Face at Home
There are several signs that you may have sewer problems at your home. The most obvious is a strong sewage odor near a drain or outside. You may also notice that water is draining more slowly than it should in several areas of your home. There are several potential causes of sewer issues.
Old Pipes
If your house was built any time between the late 1970s and the mid-1990s, you may still have polybutylene pipes. These pipes are light and inexpensive to install, but the chemicals in treated water tend to cause them to deteriorate. This can result in pinhole leaks in your plumbing system. While spot repairs may be possible, it is worth it to get an estimate of how much it would cost to replace them altogether.
Root Invasion
If you have older trees in your hard, the roots may have grown into your sewer lines. This can cause the pipes to break and leak, resulting in the aforementioned malodorous effect. A smoke pump tester can be used to identify the precise location of the leak. In addition to repairing the affected pipes, you may consider using a root kill treatment on your plumbing to discourage future growth.
Clogged Lines
Sometimes, sewer lines just get clogged. Hair and other items get trapped in the line, keeping anything else from getting through. If you just have one sink that is draining slowly, the clog is likely close to that drain and can be loosened with a drain snake. If you notice signs of a backup in several places at the same time, it is likely that one of the main sewer lines is clogged. You can try an enzyme treatment, and if that doesn’t work, call a plumber to assess and resolve the issue.
A sewer problem can have unpleasant side effects and if neglected can grow into a bigger problem. Protect your home by addressing sewer issues as soon as you notice them.…
Home Renovations On a Dime
When you buy a home, you want it to be your dream home. Even if you find the perfect house for you and your family, you want to make it your home. Buying a house is a big investment, so you will want to make these home improvements at a low cost.
Re-do Walls & Floors
Your walls will be the first thing guests notice when they enter your home. If you have more understated tastes, you’ll want to paint over any bright-colored walls. However, it’s most common for walls to already be more muted colors like beige, grey and pastels. If you have bolder tastes and want all the walls in your house to be fun colors, you can save on the costs of paint by using washi tape as wallpaper. Your floors are just as important. In order to save money to fix your floors, use provenza heirloom flooring, vinyl flooring and carpeting.
Save On Furniture
Your furniture is the most important aspect of your house. You want it to match your personality in order for it to feel like home. One way to save money is to bring furniture from your previous house or apartment. Additionally, see if any of your relatives or friends have furniture that they no longer need. Another affordable option is to buy furniture off apps like Craigslist. Shop at discount furniture stores and second-hand stores to save.
Spruce Up Your Backyard
Your yard is where you’ll spend a good portion of your summer. Your family’s favorite part of your backyard will be your pool. If your house doesn’t already have one, consider buying a more affordable above-ground pool opposed to an inground pool. Save on the costs of yard maintenance by buying your own lawn mower and take up gardening as a hobby to plant your own flowers and vegetables.
Using these tips will allow you to enjoy your life in your new home and stay within your budget.…
3 Reasons to Add a Cargo Lift to Your Home
Carrying everything up a flight of stairs each time becomes tiresome regardless of your age and health. For some homes, stairs cannot be avoided, but fortunately, there are solutions to this problem.
By installing a cargo lift outside of your home, you can add instant relief and convenience to your life. If you are still unsure if this is the right direction for you, consider these three reasons why adding a lift to your home is a great idea.
1. Stay In the Home You Love
As we age, the home we love may not be as comfortable as it once was. Dealing with stairs, both inside and out, can be hard on the knees and become dangerous if our stability is compromised. Though it may seem that selling your residence is the only option, you do not have to. Adding a cargo lift to your home can allow you to stay right where you are, with the ability to enjoy your home for years to come.
2. Geographical Location Matters
If you live in a coastal area, you may be familiar with hurricane season, eroding shorelines and rising tides. These situations have caused many people to raise or build their homes higher, to minimize the risk of damage. As homes become taller, however, so do the flights of stairs. With the aid of a cargo lift, you can eliminate the daily struggle of bringing items in and out of your home, and enjoy the benefits of your vantage point instead.
3. Less Expensive Than You Think
The thought of installing a cargo lift may have crossed your mind in the past, but perhaps it seemed too expensive and complicated. When you consult a professional lift installer, you will find out just how straightforward and affordable the process can be, especially when you compare it to buying a different home. Pair all of that with a solid warranty, and you will wish you had put a lift in years ago.…
Advice For Planning A Home Improvement Project
It can be fun to do home improvements with your loved ones. Spend an entire weekend getting something great done. Consider all the savings you’ll make by doing it by yourself. This article will show you how to get started.
When purchasing a home, hire a professional home inspector. This way, you do not have to figure out on your own or rely on a seller let you know about things that must be repaired or replaced if you purchase the home. Having a professional that is neutral will also be beneficial to both parties.
Think about using stain instead of paint on your baseboards for your next home improvement. This gives your baseboards that look of real wood that blends very well with a modern or classic home. Also, unlike painted wood, the stain is able to hide a lot more in terms of scuffs and other imperfections. There is a wide selection of colors in wood stain that can match most looks.
Before any home improvement, consider the overall character of your neighborhood. A Victorian house is going to stand out blaringly on a block that only has saltbox cottages. Your resale value may be affected if the renovation is not in line with the surrounding homes.
It’s time to pop those flooring bubbles! Simply slice it to let out the trapped air. Doing this will only flatten the bubble for a short period of time. It can come back if you do nothing. You’ll need to inject some fresh glue, however, to hold the repaired section to the floor. Buying a form of glue that comes inside a syringe is an ideal solution.
It is possible to update the appearance of your refrigerator and other appliances without spending a bundle. Stainless steel is popular right now, but that doesn’t mean you should replace all of your appliances. You can purchase affordable appliance paint and spray them any color your heart desires. You can change your kitchen in a few hours!
Even one with little do it yourself knowledge can repair a leaking faucet. If you can figure out how to fix these issues quickly, you will minimize the water that gets wasted every day. The savings you get from this will add up since your water bill will go down.
When you start a new home improvement project, be careful that you don’t demolish things too quickly. Check for structural integrity in the wall cavity before you remove something. If there is electrical wiring there, it can be a costly mistake to fix.
Have your list ready before you go shopping for home improvement items. This will make ensure you don’t have to go back in case you missed something.
Houses with good curb appeal often sell for considerably higher prices than other similar homes. What constitutes a good view can vary from one person to the next, however. How much a view is worth is up to each individual person. Future buyers may not find the …
Tick Control Tips
With the advent of warmer weather come certain drawbacks. One of those would be ticks.
Tick exposure can occur throughout the year, but they are most active during the warmer months of April through September. No matter what region of the country you live in, it is always helpful to be familiar with the types of ticks most prevalent in your neck of the woods.
Many homeowners are interested in an organic tick control product that does not utilize dangerous chemicals and poses no threat to children, pets, and the surrounding natural habitat. Regardless of what tick control agent you choose, there are certain preventive measures that you can take as a homeowner to help reduce the tick population in your yard.
Remove Tall Vegetation and Natural Debris
It is always a good idea to remove especially tall weeds and brush growing in close proximity to the house or at the perimeter of the yard, thereby depriving ticks of the opportunity to hide there. Also, remove any leaves that remain in the yard from the previous fall and winter.
Keep the Lawn Mowed
The lawn should be mowed on a regular basis to keep the grass at a reasonable height to prevent ticks from roosting there. If you plan on being away for an extended trip in the summer, perhaps make arrangements with someone to mow the lawn once or twice.
Move Playground Equipment
If you have children and maintain playground equipment in your backyard, it should be moved away from the property lines where brush and trees tend to grow.
Stack Wood
If you keep firewood on your property, keep it neatly stacked and preferably not up against a tree line or brush growth. This discourages mice and other rodents who can carry ticks from moving in and living in the woodpile.
Implementing these remedial measures should help reduce the tick population in your yard, thereby making summer safer for your family and pets.…
Good Fences Make Good Investments
Fences can serve any number of purposes, such as creating an eye-catching border, keeping pets safe or making good neighbors. Keep a good fence from becoming a bad investment by ensuring you have the right fence for your needs and that it is installed correctly.
Choose the Right Material for the Job
Fencing choices vary greatly. Some of the most popular are wood, PVC, chain-link and aluminum. Aluminum is classy, though it can be costly. Chain-link is a utilitarian champ and is a little easier on the wallet. PVC represents the lowest upfront cost and is low maintenance but less sturdy. Wood is classic, sturdy, and beautiful, though it can be susceptible to insects and rot. Choosing the wrong fencing materials can end up costing you money in upkeep or replacement, and it can also be a hassle if your fence doesn’t function well for your needs. Knowing what you need a fence to do and how much upkeep you want to invest in are great talking points when discussing fencing options with professional fence companies Columbus Ohio.
Know the Rule for Pools
To keep summer fun for everyone, state, county, and city agencies have a variety of rules governing barriers around swimming pools with regard to height, gate type and a slew of other standards. State laws and city or county ordinances can intersect with pool fencing laws. Being caught unaware of regulations that apply to a specific location won’t stop homeowners from having to remove and replace a fence that doesn’t meet all current fencing criteria before they can use their swimming pool. Working with an experienced fence installation professional can head off costly delays on the way to summer fun.
Regardless of the material you choose or the look you’re aiming to achieve, modern fencing can blend seamlessly into your property or make your home or business stand out. With the help of a fence installation professional, your fence can get the job done for years to come.…
Keep Your Roof Safe from Winter Accumulations
Snow, sleet, and ice cause well-known winter travel hazards. Slick road conditions require serious driving skills and cause far too many accidents, some with very serious consequences. Severe storms bring school closures that disrupt daily schedules and leave parents scrambling for child care. Everyone who lives in a winter climate learns to handle these situations. However, how many of these individuals think about their roofs?
Get the Right Equipment
Most pictures of snow-covered roofs evoke romantic thoughts of winter holidays or scenes of neighborhood children building snowmen. Seldom do thoughts focus on the potential danger of roof collapses from the excessive weight of snow accumulation. Luckily, there are ways to determine how much snow load on roof you can tolerate. Consider using a snow load calculator that provides a realistic weight estimate to guide your decision about possible snow removal from your roof. There are even devices that measure roof surface deflection to warn of impending damage or collapse. They may even include communications features that send text or email messages.
Know How Much Snow Is Too Much for Your Roof
You’ve become aware of the importance of monitoring winter roof accumulation. Now you need to know when your roof is nearing its limit. Luckily, high school science can help you out. A couple of snow weight calculations should yield a decent estimate of what your roof might be bearing. Then you need to know if you have too much roof snow. Unfortunately, some variables can make it difficult to calculate an accurate snow weight. For example, the water content of snow varies widely, compromising the weight calculation. Your roof design and construction determine the maximum roof load, but rarely is that figure known. However, these calculations should produce sufficient estimates that can give you guidance to make a responsible decision on whether you should have the snow removed from your roof.
If you live in a winter locale, you likely already know how to install snow tires, shovel the driveway and sidewalks, and adjust automobile antifreeze. Learning how to monitor the snow accumulation on your roof can help you manage another critical concern.…
Pest Control Made Simple With These Easy Tips
Have you found evidence that there is something living in your pantry? Do you tend to hear scurrying from within your ceiling? If you’ve said yes to either of these, then chances are, you have a problem with pests. This article contains some helpful hints for taking care of pests.
Use steel wool to plug in openings where rodents can enter. The steel wool makes it nearly impossible for rodents to chew through. Any opening larger than a half inch should be stuffed. It is possible for these animals to make their way through very tiny openings.
Learn the local ordinances and building codes to see what special treatments you have access to so that you can control your pests. Using banned chemicals can affect a home sale later on. Instead, find out what methods of pest control have been used successfully in your area.
Bedbugs have a habit of hiding in tiny places, which makes them hard to eliminate. All holes should be sealed before beginning any type of extermination. By doing so, you can stop bedbugs from emerging from such places after the exterminator has left.
Bushes should be at least about a foot from the house. A lot of insects might live there, no matter what. Having vegetation right up against your home is just asking to have a pest problem, no matter what else you do to keep them out.
Check your plumbing to control your indoor pests. Make sure that all sinks and drains are unclogged, both in and around your home. This organic buildup attracts many insects. Check cleared drains on a monthly basis.
Check out your entire home periodically, even if you have not noticed any pests in your living area. Your home can be affected by underground termites if part of it lies under the ground. Check on the crawl spaces and basement.
Do not leave fallen trees in your yard. Cut up all the branches and the trunk as well to use for firewood. You can also give it to someone else, or sell it if you want to. But, make sure to address the stump regardless. Stumps can easily attract termites to your home.
Do a little research on the rodents or insects that have made your house their home. Discover what appeals to these types of rodents and what they are repelled by. Using an approach geared to the annoying pest you are combating is a good way to ensure your efforts are not wasted.
If you see mice holes in the floor or walls, cut steel wool to size and insert into the holes. Rodents will eat steel wool and eventually die. Fill in the whole with spackle containing steel wool to prevent new holes from being created.
Now, the pest problem is one step closer to ending. Use what you have learned above and take back your home. It is going to take a bit of time, but one day soon you won’t hear scurrying in your …
Don’t Take Residential Pest Control Services Lightly
Pest control is usually left to someone that’s an expert, but it doesn’t have to mean you aren’t able to try something first. The following tips will give you some strategies to try before you call the exterminator. Keep reading so you can find out more info.
Vacuuming the carpets inside your home can reduce pests. Vacuuming will allow you to suck up the bugs as well as the crumbs that are attracting them. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag in an outside receptacle as soon as possible.
Make certain to check local ordinances and codes to find out which types of pest control are allowed in your area. If you are trying to sell your house, you might not want to spray pesticides that are illegal. Though this does not happen often, it does indicate a need to do your research.
Does your home have brown recluse spiders? If so, trap them with sticky traps. Such poisonous specimens hide easily and can be tough to kill with chemicals. However, during the night, they come out to find food. Good places to put these traps are behind furniture and along baseboards.
Consider using a perimeter spray outside your home to keep bugs at bay. Spray the foundation and all other outside areas near the home. Look for cracks and small holes through which pests could enter your home. Use a filler such as caulk to seal the area.
Be cautious when trying to eliminate bed bugs. Bedbugs can remain dormant for up to a year. You need to plug all holes in the home. It can prevent them from hiding there.
You should fix screens around the house if you have flying insects. Screens are effective at keeping out both flying and crawling pests. Fix or replace any holes or tears in your screens to seal off pests.
Is your home overrun with ants? Borax and sugar can help you eliminate them. While they are attracted to the sugar, they will be killed by the borax. To create the mixture, get a jar the size of a quart and mix one cup borax and one of sugar. Poke holes through the lid to allow you to sprinkle it around the foundation and baseboards.
Look around your house for standing water. This can attract many pests, including mosquitoes. Check thoroughly regarding any leaky pipes, and make sure you clean house plant trays. Without water sources, pests will not thrive in your house.
If you have any plumbing leaks, immediately fix them. All pests need a water source to survive. They can end up finding water in the most obscure places. You do not want to be invaded by pests in your home. Inspect your plumbing regularly and contact a professional if you notice a leak or need help with inspecting the plumbing that is not easily accessible.
Having reviewed these tips, you should have a few good ideas about handling your pest problem. There are many methods for dealing with pest …
Landscaping For Families With Kids: What Is Best?
Is your yard so ugly that even the birds won’t land there? There’s many people like you who, thanks to new landscaping technology, are beginning to beautify their yards too. This article contains lots of tips that will make your yard the envy of friends, family and even local animals.
If you want to transform your yard, try re-edging your flower and rock beds using a soft, curved design. That is more modern than having sharp corners and/or straight lines. The fresh edges are a cost effective way to improve the look of your yard and flower beds.
Make your yard look beautiful all year by creating a garden that incorporates all seasons. Select different plants that flower in different seasons, paying attention to what will grow well in your area. You might also consider planting unusual trees or evergreens as a way to make your yard stand out.
People often forget about the many online options when shopping for landscaping materials or equipment. However, online shopping is more convenient and cheaper; you can also be lucky to find various rare landscaping plants that cannot be found the local nursery or any large retail store.
When planning your landscaping, experiment by planting a variety of plants. This is key to protecting the yard from disease or bacteria. If you use identical plants, all of them will die if this happens. The health of plants is dependent on diversity.
You don’t have to pay a designer or landscaper for your projects, regardless of what many people believe. You will spend a lot of money in the long run that you do not need to. Consulting with a landscaper or designer is not a bad idea, though, if you would like some tips and guidance before undertaking a project.
Before you develop your landscape plan, be sure to make note of any existing structures in your yard. Make sure you’re aware of where components of your home such as gutters, cables, and air conditioners are positioned so that your landscaping modifications don’t infringe upon them. To protect yourself, call your city to find out if there are any cables located where you will be placing your landscape designs.
If you are looking for more color in your garden, try wildflowers if you’re on a budget. Purchase wildflower seeds at your local garden center, and simply scatter them over problems areas in your yard. The end result will be gorgeous flowers of many varieties in a rainbow of colors. Wildflowers make gorgeous bouquets.
Your yard will look great continuously with different evergreens and foliage plants. Many plants blossom for brief periods, so you may get a dull yard at times. Interspersing evergreen plants into your flower beds will ensure that your yard is never without greenery.
Regardless of who you are trying to attract, this article will give you all that you need to start. Use the tools provided here to assure your success at creating a plan and starting your project soon.…