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2 mins read
Septic Tanks – Ensuring Water Quality
Understanding septic systems capabilities and limits is needed to ensure water quality. A septic system is a type of On-Site Sewage Facility and is a self-contained, underground waste-water treatment system. By using natural processes to treat the waste-water on-site, septic systems do not require the installation of miles of sewer lines, making them less disruptive to the environment. A septic system consists of a septic tank, a distribution system and a soil absorption system, also called a drain field. The septic tank is a watertight box, sometimes made out of concrete or fiberglass, with an inlet and outlet pipe. The septic tank treats the waste-water naturally by holding it in the tank long enough for solids and liquids to separate. The waste-water forms three layers inside the tank. Solids lighter than water float to the top forming a layer of scum.
Solids heavier than water settle at the bottom of the tank forming a layer of sludge. This leaves a middle layer of partially clarified waste-water. The layers of sludge and scum remain in the septic tank where bacteria found naturally in the waste-water work to break the solids down. The sludge and scum that cannot be broken down are retained in the tank until the tank is pumped. The layer of liquid flows from the septic tank to the drain field. A drain a series of trenches lined with gravel or sand and below the ground. The drain field treats the waste-water by allowing it to slowly trickle from the pipes out into the gravel and down through the soil. The remaining impurities are trapped and disposed of in the soil. The excess water is eliminated through percolation into the soil, and eventually returning to the ground water, through evaporation, and by uptake through plants and transpiration.
The Center for Watershed Protection notes that septic systems can be effective methods of water treatment, however failures are common in many areas. Even properly functioning septic systems can leak and are not designed to effectively deal with most of the phosphorus and nitrogen load found in the water it treats. Pathogenic fecal bacteria are also a concern. The primary concern for a municipality is proper maintenance of septic systems, and in some cases the total load of partially treated pollutants that can impact local drinking water and wildlife. A solid understanding of septic systems capabilities and limits, and a good government plan is needed to ensure water quality.…
2 mins read
Find Out What Your Clients Really Think About You
Right now, you’re thinking this might be a case of “be careful what you wish for.” Absolutely not-there’s nothing to fear. You need to know definitively what your clients think, and creating an annual survey is an important marketing step, especially prior to any strategic planning.
Today, with the high utilization of all forms of electronic media-much of it never even opened-it can be more difficult to know in what areas you are doing well and what areas need improvement. A survey offers you a snapshot in time that, given a good response rate, presents you with a portrait of your entire database. It’s also a great communication tool, offering one more thoughtful contact with your clients.
Doing a short survey of your current clients is quick and easy. There are free survey tools, such as Survey Monkey, Poll Daddy, and others, that help you develop your survey and then provide you with a link to include in your cover e-mail. Using a tool like this keeps clients’ responses anonymous, which is very important in order to achieve objective, useful information.
Survey etiquette dictates that you make the survey and the cover e-mail short. If you do this, you will have a higher response rate and better data returned to you.
But, before you begin writing the actual questions, determine the theme of the survey or what you would like to learn from your clients. It can be as simple as questions pertaining to obtaining repeat business from them in the future or recommending you to their family and friends. You may think you know the answer to these questions, but, more than likely, you will find some surprises and insightful responses.
You can also use your survey results to improve your brand and client interactions. Incorporating the great testimonials that come out of it and any satisfaction numbers in your marketing efforts will make your brand messaging even more powerful. For example, if close to 100% of your clients responded they would use you again and recommend you to others, you can use that to enhance your advertising message.
For some final survey etiquette, create a quick, easy-to-understand survey that takes no more than a couple of minutes to fill out. Leave space for testimonials and suggestions. Communicate a clear deadline date of when the survey will close and, if you can, offer some small incentive to complete it.…
2 mins read
Tarion New Home Warranty – Do I Need an Inspection?
Every new home in Ontario is protected by a mandatory Warranty that is provided by the Builder and guaranteed by the Tarion Home Warranty Programme. The Warranty covers deposit insurance, protection against defects in work and materials, unauthorized substitutions, delayed closings or delayed occupancy. The most common claims relate to defects in work and materials, which require homeowners to submit a list of deficiencies at 30 day and one-year deadlines.
While Builders provide a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) for buyers just before closing, these are more related to cosmetic issues such as whether the chosen flooring, cabinets, countertops, etc. are installed. Although the PDI serves a purpose it really does not cover all the systems of the house.
While a typical PDI is basically a walk through inspection and generally takes about one hour, an independent thorough inspection should take about three hours and should include such items as foundation, roofing, grading, structure, insulation, plumbing, heating and ventilation.
While most people think that buying a new house will mean everything will be perfect, it’s not uncommon to find missing insulation in the attic, poor ventilation systems or even structural issues. An example of this may be something as simple as a bathroom fan venting into the attic. This can cause serious damage when moist air meets the cold attic. If caught quickly little damage will result but a year down the road, mould, mildew and even rot may be visible on the attic sheathing and rafters.
Although buyers may believe that the Builder and the City Inspectors will have thoroughly inspected everything, this is rarely the case. The problem generally stems from the fact that there are many tradesmen following each other during construction, each with a very tight schedule. On a large site with multiple trades and many house designs in different stages of construction it’s not unusual for some things to get moved or damaged or just plain forgotten.
The average home owner can not be expected to be familiar with the complex systems of a home.
A professional Home Inspection by a Registered Home Inspector (RHI) is your best defence when it comes to protecting your investment and receiving the full benefit of the New Home Warranty program.
When choosing an inspector, those with RHI designation have extensive training and are required to conform to a strict Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice as set out by the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors.…
2 mins read
Proper Septic Tank Emptying
Regular maintenance is a fundamental necessity for any septic tank. Even the best constructed tanks need to be inspected and repaired regularly to keep them functioning efficiently, or to keep them functioning at all. Part of the maintenance that they require is regular emptying of all the contents that they have collected since the last pumping. Primarily that consists of the sludge that settles to the bottom of the tank and the any non-biodegradable items that have found their way in there.
Solid Sludge in the Septic Tank
Too much sludge in a tank means not only that there will be less space for the incoming waste, effectively reducing the capacity of the tank, but also that the incoming waste will not have enough time to be decomposed, before more incoming water pushes the solids into the pipes. And here the solids may even clog the pipes, which will completely grind the septic system to a halt – definitely not a scenario any homeowner would want to see.
The more the sludge a septic system contains, more of these solids will escape from the tank into the Soil Absorption System (SAS). In case the SAS is clogged by this excessive sludge, the unsanitary liquids will bubble to the surface and damage the surrounding soil and environment. This will inevitably lead to septic tank failure – also not a good scenario.
Emptying the Septic Tank
Removing the sludge then becomes important to stop the solids from escaping from the septic tank into the drain field. Depending on the size of the tank, the type of construction, and the use to which it is put, different tanks require different frequency of pumping. For houses that do not have their own garbage disposal system, experts advise that pumping should be done every 1 to 3 years. For the houses that have their own garbage disposal systems, the pumping should be done every year.
By judging the past instances when pumping was carried out, focusing on whether there was enough sludge when the pumping was scheduled, or whether the pumping was done prematurely, you will have a better idea of when your tank will need to be pumped again.
Hiring the Pumper
Professional pumpers have a license from the local Health Board and these are the ones you should be hiring. After pumping they will write up a receipt describing the pumping done, including the number of gallons of sludge removed, the time taken, etc. You should keep this receipt in your records for future reference.…
2 mins read
Home Warranty Programs – Home Appliance Insurance That Meets Your Needs
When looking for a good home warranty program, which benefits and details are important to you? One of the first things that many people think about is how much the premium will be. Although this is very important, you should be careful to make sure that you are considering all of your options. I have held home appliance insurance for many years now and hopefully I will be able to give you a few pointers on choosing the best one for you.
The first thing that you should consider is how much coverage you need. The basic question that you need to ask yourself is how much risk you are willing to take. If you have a brand new home, you are probably willing to take a lot more risk than someone living in a 25 year old house with an aging heat pump or furnace. The level risk that you feel comfortable with is the basis for deciding on any insurance policy.
For example, if you feel comfortable with fixing small things around the house like leaky faucets or even a broken garbage disposal, then you would probably feel okay with having a policy that does not include small appliances and the like. But many homeowners want the peace of mind knowing that they don’t have to worry about how and when their appliances will get repaired if they have a breakdown.
Another thing to consider is the cost of a repair of a particular appliance. Many of the insurance policies will cover small things like microwaves. If you have a small stand alone microwave, then the replacement cost will be very minimal these days. But on the other hand if you have a built in microwave that functions as a ventilation hood and lighting for your cook top, then the replacement costs could be substantial.
Believe it or not, there are so many appliances and systems in your home that you can repair or replace yourself with very little know how. If I have a problem with something, I always Google it to see if I can fix it myself. Many of the mega home improvement warehouses are also a wealth of knowledge for the do it yourself repair person.
Here is the main reason why people feel that they need to buy a home warranty; the fear of having to replace or repair their HVAC system. Replacement of your heat pump or air conditioner could cost several thousand dollars. The risk of having this type of failure is more than people want to deal with. That is where these types of home warranty programs offer peace of mind and will serve you well.…
2 mins read
How To Clean a Jobsite for Safer Work
The construction industry is a dirty one. However, taking the time to clean the job site can keep the area safer for your workers. Plus, taking the time to clean as you go makes it easier when the job is completed, allowing you to move onto the next project more quickly and efficiently. There are several steps you should take to clean up that job site.
Sanitize
Use bulk chemicals Dallas-Fort Worth to sanitize the bathrooms whether portable or stationary. Restrooms tend to get dirty quickly, and keeping them clean keeps workers healthier. Once a month, you should also consider sanitizing any equipment that is being used, especially during cold and flu season, to prevent the spread of germs.
Trash
Nothing dirties up a job site as quickly as trash laying around. Trash accumulates as the byproduct of the materials used for the work as well as workers dropping wrappers wherever they are. Set trash cans and recycling bins at strategic places on the job site, and then implement a system of keeping the site clean. Having multiple cans available helps remind workers to toss their trash in a bin rather than on the ground.
Walkways
Keep both walkways and stairways clear of debris. Not only does this help prevent trips and falls, but it allows workers to move about the site efficiently. A blocked walkway forces workers to walk around the obstruction rather than taking the fastest route. Crowded stairways are tricky to navigate, increasing the likelihood of someone falling and hurting themselves.
Clutter
Make sure items are put away rather than left out, and keep tools and other equipment stored away when not in use. This can help cut down on both clutter and theft. Many tools have sharp edges, so storing them properly reduces the chance of an accident. Clutter can also prevent workers from moving around the job site safely.
Safety
Incorporate a housekeeping plan into your daily, weekly and monthly construction tasks. Keeping a clean job site goes a long way in creating a happy, healthy and safe work environment for everyone.…
3 mins read
Bamboo Flooring: The Amazing Growth, Manufacture and History of Bamboo
Bamboo flooring, widely in use from ancient times, is now making a dramatic comeback around the world and particularly in Melbourne. For the Chinese, bamboo has been an important part of their culture for many thousands of years. It was, and still is, used for a wide range of applications including: Houses, floors, kitchen utensils, furniture, paper, construction, weapons and even the shoots are eaten as a delicacy.
Modern bamboo flooring is made differently from its ancient cousin. It is refined, treated, pressed and polished for long life as well as great looks. This is essential for modern-day practicality and appearance which means that modern pre-finished bamboo flooring is extremely fast to install, long-lasting and beautiful!
Bamboo is actually a grass and there are many varieties of bamboo around the world. It is one of the fastest growing plants in the world and can grow up to 100 cm in a day. It is literally possible to see a bamboo shoot grow! Bamboo essentially consists of a stem with a hollow tube-like structure, interspersed at intervals with vascular bundles in the cross section.
There are about 1450 species of bamboo in the world. They occur in Northern Australia, the Asian continent, sub-Saharan Africa and in the Americas. Europe is more or less the only place which does not have a native bamboo species.
Bamboo grows to its full height and girth in the space of 3 to 4 months. Initially there are no branches but as the bamboo grows older, the culm or “stem” hardens and begins to sprout branches. It is considered fully matured in its third year and ready for harvest within 3 to 7 years.
Bamboo, as a flooring material, has caught the imagination of many people as when laid, looks unique and has a beautiful, long grain signature. Most bamboo floors are made from the bamboo commonly known as Moso which is largely manufactured in China. It has characteristics similar to hardwood timber flooring which means it is strong and durable. It also has powerful resistance to insects and if manufactured correctly, is very resistant to moisture. Over and above all this it is considered very eco-friendly due in large part to the huge amount of carbon it absorbs during its rapid growth.
There are different techniques used in manufacturing bamboo flooring and this largely depends on local preferences, availability of bamboo and viability. In lower-end markets it is mainly cut, treated and then nailed to beams or larger bamboo pieces. With bamboo flooring Melbourne, the flooring is far-more sophisticated as it is highly processed and refined to appeal to modern customers.
The bamboo manufacturing process that is normally used is as follows: Firstly, the culms have their outer skin and nodes removed. They are then cut into equal sized lengths which are then sliced into strips of the desired width. The strips are then boiled in a solution of boric acid to remove the starch and sugars present in the bamboo which if not removed …
3 mins read
Three Ways to Keep HVAC Unit Lasting Longer and More Efficiently
Purchasing an HVAC system can be costly. For many people, it’s considered to be a huge investment. Which is why receiving educated advice about how to take care of the equipment is crucial. In many cases when the technician is installing the system that is the perfect opportunity to ask questions.
How to clean the system and how to keep it running properly is vital for the longevity of the machine. Not only can the technician answer needful questions, but a booklet typically comes with the system. The homeowner or business owner should keep the handbook for future reference.
Ways to Lengthen the Life of the HVAC System
There are different ways to go about taking care of an HVAC system. Some of these ways can lengthen life and increase the performance of the machine. Here are a few ways below:
- change the filter
- clearing and rinsing drainage system
- keeping vents closed
Taking a look at the filters in the HVAC system and changing them when they get dirty allows the system not to have to work as hard. Dirty clogged filters reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system. Filters should be checked monthly. In some cases they can be checked more often. Depending on the amount of pollution that is in that particular area. If the location of the home or business is in an area where there is lots of traffic or where there may be multiple factories the filters could be changed every 3 weeks. Fort Worth HVAC services understand that clean filters are important for a properly functioning machine.
When it comes to the condenser drain in the HVAC system. The owner needs to be aware that when the tubing gets clogged it puts a lot of pressure on the HVAC machine. Some HVAC systems are equipped with technology that will alert the owner that the drainage system is clogged. Not every system has this new technology, however, the owner can tell that the drainage system is clogged because the drain will be full of water.
First empty the water, then proceed to find out what is clogging the system. Many homeowners may not be comfortable with cleaning out the drainage system on their own. In this case a technician will need to be called. The procedure will be to pour bleach down the tubing of the drainage system.
Bleach will help to dissolve any sluggish material that has caked itself into the tubing. Then all the bleach to drain out. Checking the condenser drain at least once a month can help keep the drain tubes clear. This will reduce the occasional buildup inside of the system. Fort Worth HVAC services makes it a priority to get to the bottom of any condenser drain problems.
Keeping vents closed can put pressure on the HVAC motor and cause it to run down quicker. Allowing the vents to stay open in each room reduces the amount of motor activity. When the vents are closed shut, the air is …
3 mins read
Retired Lineman Insight On Best Tools For The Job
Linemen are required in today’s society. Society depends on many things, and linemen are definitely one of those things. A lot of people overlook the jobs that linemen take, but that should not happen, because they are very beneficial to everyday life. Linemen take care of electrical needs all over the world. Electricity is vital to providing many different things.
Since electricity is relied on heavily, the upkeep of its processes is mandatory. There are many different things that go into the process of providing electricity. A lot of people have electricity in their homes, but they do not understand the complexity of their nature. It is very easy to overlook the complicated measures it takes to provide electricity because most people just flick a light switch and it turns on.
A lineman works on transmission lines. Transmission lines come from a power plant. The power plant’s transmission lines, eventually, lead to you having power in your home. The measures to build a transmission line are very drastic and complicated. Once they are in place, it takes lineman tools to operate on these transmission lines. The process can be very dangerous and time-consuming, but the knowledge that they obtain throughout training helps them complete their tasks.
Linemen tools also work on distribution lines. Distribution lines are also part of a larger process. Distribution lines also originate from a power plant and help people with acquiring electrical power in buildings. Distribution lines are equally important.
For example, water is a human necessity, and heated water is definitely beneficial to human life. Some people get heated water from an electrical system. This shows the importance of electricity and the role that linemen play.
Linemen are paid well and offered many benefits, but most importantly, they understand that they play a vital role in society. Although powering electrical activities is of high importance to them, getting home to their families can be even more important.
Being a lineman is very dangerous. Sometimes, they are at extremely high heights. These heights can be very discouraging. Linemen have to mentally prepare for the physical heights that they face.
Aside from being really high in the air, they also have to carry and work with heavy tools. This job is very hard, and a lot of people avoid it. For the individuals that believe in themselves enough to do it, safety is of high importance.
To become a lineman, it takes a lot of training. Before they can become a master at the craft, it will also take a lot of experience. Some linemen do not feel comfortable with their jobs until they have had years of experience.
A lineman works with many tools to complete his job, because he is working with high voltage equipment. This equipment is very complex and dangerous, so it is also important to be very careful while working on them. These are all things that a lineman will come to understand throughout his career.
Some of the most important lineman …
3 mins read
Is Your Alarm System Really Keeping You Safe?
Considering how technology is advancing daily, how much do you trust your home alarm system to keep you safe? Most burglars admit that no matter what kind of home security is out there, it will not stop them from breaking a window or kick in a door. Once inside they go after jewelry, electronics, cash or credit cards. Collectibles and guns are also targeted. Most burglaries occur between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Burglars do not care whether there is a car in the driveway, or even some are not bothered with bis dogs inside the homes. There is a huge risk when you are unprotected so here are some of the best companies that offer monitoring services. Keep in mind, some burglars will do surveillance of your home sometimes weeks before they decide its time to burglarize it.
Acadian provides alarm monitoring services with many different types of monitoring services to provide protection for your home or business. The quality of alarm monitoring services today is improving daily as more technology is discovered. Their security dealers and software engineers provide the highest protection level through alarm monitoring and online management. We use video technology and automation software to provide a quicker response to alarm signals.
Alarm Central offers apps, video monitoring, PERS and cell phone monitoring for all dealers and consumers. Web access, private label web access, and AES Intellinet services are offered. While offering outstanding services, Alarm Central LLC has amazing customer service.
All American Monitoring is UL-certified, advancing technology, and is built to last. It is family owned since 1973 and offers the best wholesale monitoring services for $2.50 an account per month. As an added advantage, there are no fees, minimums or contracts.
Allied Universal Monitoring and Response Center provides clients with the right amount of real-time data statistics, event categorized technology, and the newest situational awareness from their GSOC. Their security intervention specialists provide 24-hour monitoring to customers.
American Two Way has monitored for more than 40 years. They provide dealers with the best products and monitoring of security, fire, and GPS solutions. The company has advanced technology that can monitor devices that are not of the typical standard through its 24/7 monitoring center.
A.P.I. has been providing monitoring services to independent dealers since 1983. Monitoring more than 450,000 customers from coast to coast. Their receivers include Radionics, DMP, SurGard III, SurGard System 5, and more. PERS, video, GPS monitoring, and hosted and managed access services are available.
Arco Security Corporation provides local services that are custom built for you. Their main station is UL-certified with backup systems, generators, and an additional power source. Services include intrusions, firs, GPS, access controls, environmental, medical and emergency assistance, video monitoring, and video data statistic reports. They provide remote access for dealers, auto-notifications, and reports on a schedule. They also provide communication interactive services.
AvantGuard is a leading provider in monitoring services for a more connected world. Offering the latest and most desired technology this company provides a …