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.…

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.…

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.…

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.…

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.…

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.…

Are you considering an addition to your house? Or maybe you want to put up a fence? The is something that you should take into consideration before you move beyond the idea of changes like these, your property line. Unless you have a clear idea of where the edge of your property is, you should consider getting your land surveyed.

Why Should I Have A Land Survey Done?

It may not be something that you have considered before but having a survey on hand is often required before you can even get a building permit. And if you have an HOA they might require a survey to put up a fence. However, there are many reasons you should consider getting a survey done before you move forward with big changes. In some places, there are laws in place that govern how close to a property line you are allowed to have a building as well as other laws. Having a survey done will often help you learn about the regulations and avoid the need to remove changes after the fact.

How Do I Get A Land Survey?

Hiring a professional land surveyor Hernando County FL is a good idea as they will have the knowledge and experience to help you be prepared to move forward with your renovation plans. With their help, you will know what the boundaries to your property are and prevent any delays in getting building permits or gaining approval for changes by your HOA. They can also help you be aware of things that you may not have known beforehand such as buried lines, pipes or anything else that could derail your plans. Often delays that are caught later create highly costly delays or repairs.

With a land survey in hand, you are one step closer to building that long wished for addition or getting a fence in place to contain your new puppy.…

Going green is a noble ambition that can sometimes seem daunting. You’ve replaced the windows in your home, bought energy efficient appliances and even had insulation blown into your attic. Maybe you’ve even invested in solar panels, but still wonder if there’s more. The good news is, there are always more ways to conserve.

Tankless Water Heater

Tankless units are not new to the rest of the world, but are becoming more common in the United States. At first, these units were prohibitively expensive, but have slowly come down in price as new advancements are released. Both gas and electric units come with a slew of benefits such as conserving water and energy, which in turn leads to money savings. A quick internet search can lead to information on tankless water heaters Pleasanton CA options, as well as the pros and cons of installing one.

Smart Sprinkler Control Box

Some of the more common sprinkler control box manufacturers now make smart control boxes. These units are quick and easy to install and can even be controlled remotely from your smartphone. Some of the smart features include rain sensors and flow rate monitoring, which both help prevent water waste. Many of the local water companies and sprinkler manufacturers offer rebates to sweeten the deal. Save money, save water, win-win.

LED Light Bulbs

This is perhaps the most inexpensive option, but could be pricey upfront depending on how many light fixtures you have and whether you need specialty bulbs. LED light bulbs come in both warm and cool spectrums just like standard incandescent light bulbs, however, these bulbs last a considerably longer amount of time. Over the lifetime of these light bulbs, you could save up to half the energy usage of a standard incandescent.

While the cost may prohibitive at first, in the lifetime of the product you will save money overall. Money isn’t the only thing you’ll save, though, you’ll also conserve energy.…

septic tank orlando fl

When you dream about your first home, a septic tank probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But it’s a necessary part of home ownership, especially in non-urban areas. That doesn’t mean learning about and investing in a septic tank has to be daunting. Here are three interesting facts to get you started on your journey to septic system ownership.

1. They’re Environmentally Friendly

A septic tank sits within a drain field. When waste and water from your plumbing goes into the tank, the waste separates from the water. As the water flows out from the tank and into the drain field, any remaining waste is filtered out and the water returns to the soil. There, the soil continues to remove bacteria, returning potable water to the natural reservoirs beneath your home. It’s an efficient water recycling system that benefits the ecosystem of your property.

2. They’re Easy to Install

Some places are trickier than others when installing a septic tank. Septic tank Orlando, FL, for example, is closer to sea level and depending on where you are, you can only dig down so deep until you hit water. But that doesn’t mean setting up a septic system is impossible. No matter where you are, there are professionals who know how to tailor a system to your home.

3. They’re Cost Efficient

Once your tank is installed, the only major cost to consider is intermittent pumping. As waste builds up in your tank, it’s important to have it pumped regularly to reduce the risk of damage or clogging. However, unlike the ongoing fees connected with urban sewer lines, septic systems require no fees beyond annual maintenance.

Septic tanks don’t have to detract from your experience as a homeowner. With a little bit of knowledge, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to get your system up and running.…

If you’re renovating, you know how expensive a remodel can cost. It’s nice to save money, but be safe. There are some things best left to professionals.

Big Appliances

When it comes to things like ovens, furnaces and hot water heaters, you should proceed with caution. These sorts of appliances are finicky, with very specific wiring and heating elements. Unless you work in an industry that professionally installs these items, leave them alone.

• Anything that involves tapping into the gas line should not be attempted at home. This includes ovens and stoves. Call a professional or if you live in the area, check out oven installation Gaithersburg MD.
• Your HVAC system is a complex operation of wires, pipes and electricity. There’s a reason that a license is required to work on these; they’re intricate! If you have an HVAC problem, call a specialist.
• Electrical issues like installing light fixtures can be easy enough to DIY, but for more serious problems, do not try fixing them on your own. You are running the risk of serious injury, death and a potential fire.

Drywall and Sheetrock

You want that new wall put in the living room to add a guest room, so why not take it on yourself? You’ve watched the YouTube videos! Well, the truth is that it is more difficult than it looks, and can quickly become a hot mess.

• A steady, experienced hand makes all the difference in the world. Unless you are confident in your ability to make straight lines, hire someone to do them for you.
• Drywall slabs can be heavy, unwieldy and dangerous. Moving them from point A to B can be cumbersome and frustrating if you don’t have enough hands or the right tools.
• Labor for this kind of work averages between $40 and $60 an hour. Decide if it’s worth your time to DIY or your money to have it done right.

Exercise caution and common sense when remodeling. You don’t want to sink a bunch of time into a product you’re unhappy with, so know when to hire out a service.…